XAT Exam 2025: Cutoffs, Weightage & Previous Year Trends

XAT Exam Analysis 2025

The XAT exam was held on January 5, 2025, in a single session from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. As per the review of XAT 2025 question paper, the exam was of moderate difficulty level. Quants section was dominated by Arithmetic and Mensuration. Decision Making questions were lengthy but doable, VALR questions were easy to moderate.

The XAT exam analysis 2025 includes an in-depth discussion of sectional difficulty level, topic-wise weightage, types of questions, number of good attempts, and expected XAT cut-offs for XLRI admission.

‍

About XAT Exam 2025

The XAT exam is a well-known management entrance exam for students aspiring to get into Xavier's group of colleges. To excel in this competitive exam, a well-rounded and strategic approach to preparation is essential. From managing time effectively to staying updated on current affairs, every aspect of the XAT demands focused attention.

While we will be discussing the XAT Exam Analysis 2025 after the exam, let's discuss the major areas of exam and previous year analysis.

‍

By the end of this blog, you will know

What is the weightage in XAT for each section and XAT topic-wise weightage per section in each section based on XAT exam analysis for past years?
What are the past year section-wise and overall cutoffs for reputed colleges in XAT?
How can you prepare for XAT effectively?

‍

XAT Cut offs 2025

XLRI is expected to set the XAT 2025 cut offs at a percentile between 90 and 95. The XAT cut off will be announced by XLRI in February 2025. XAT 2025 cut off will be available for MBA Business Management (BM) and MBA Human Resource Management (HRM) for Engineering and Non Engineering on their website.

‍

XAT Exam Analysis: Key Highlights

Particulars	Details
Mode of Examination	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Total Duration	180 minutes
Sections	2 (with sectional time limits)
Subjects	- Verbal and Logical Reasoning: 26 questions - Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation: 28 questions - Decision Making: 21 questions - General Knowledge: 20 questions
Question Format	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Difficulty Level	Moderate to High (Expected)

‍

XAT Exam Analysis- Sections

Here are the various sections on which students are tested in XAT Exam:

Section	XAT Exam Analysis of Section
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA-LR)	Assesses the candidate’s skills in English comprehension, grammar, and logical reasoning.
Decision Making (DM)	Evaluates the candidate’s ability to make informed decisions in complex ethical and business situations.
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA-DI)	Tests the candidate’s mathematical abilities and competence in interpreting and analysing data.
General Knowledge (GK)	Covers various topics such as current events, business, politics, and history to assess the candidate’s general awareness of the world.

We will be covering the XAT quant topic-wise weightage and other details based on past year trends in the following sections. However, if you are interested in exploring the detailed XAT Syllabus, check out this blog that talks about the XAT Syllabus Section Wise, Important Dates, Topics, and Weightage.

‍

Fast-Tracked Education Loans with Propelld – Funding your Future in Just 7 Days!

‍

XAT Exam Analysis of Cutoffs: Last 5 Years

To ensure that you get a seat in your preferred college and course, you need to clear the cutoff based on the previous year's XAT Exam Analysis of cutoffs. Take a look at the previous year's cutoffs:

Category	PGDM-HRM VA	PGDM-HRM DM	PGDM-HRM QA	PGDM-HRM Total	PGDM – BM VA	PGDM – BM DM	PGDM – BM QA	PGDM – BM Total
XAT 2024
General Engineers Males	90	85	80	95	83	85	86	96
General Engineers Females	85	78	73	90	80	80	81	92
General Non-Engineers Males	90	85	75	93	83	86	85	95
General Non-Engineers Females	85	78	68	88	80	81	80	90
XAT 2023
General Engineers Males	90	75	85	93	75	75	85	95
General Engineers Females	90	75	63	91	75	75	80	92
General Non-Engineers Males	90	75	60	90	75	75	85	95
General Non-Engineers Females	75	75	70	88	75	75	80	92
XAT 2022
General Engineers Males	80	70	75	92	75	72	80	93
General Engineers Females	80	70	64	90	72	72	75	90
General Non-Engineers Males	80	70	70	90	75	72	80	93
General Non-Engineers Females	80	70	60	87	72	72	75	90
XAT 2021
General Engineers Males	80	75	80	93	76	74	83	94
General Engineers Females	75	68	74	90	70	70	75	92
General Non-Engineers Males	80	75	73	90	76	74	83	94
General Non-Engineers Females	75	68	64	87	70	70	75	92
XAT 2020
General Engineers Males	79	73	75	93	74	78	85	95
General Engineers Females	74	68	70	91	72	74	75	93
General Non-Engineers Males	78	73	70	90	74	78	85	95
General Non-Engineers Females	73	68	65	88	72	74	75	93

Explore the XAT accepting colleges and search for your preferred specialisation so that you can prepare for XAT accordingly! If you want more information on XAT cutoffs, check out the XAT Cutoffs based on previous year trends here.

‍

Your Partner in Education. Enjoy Quick, Hassle-Free Student Loans with a Fully Digital Process.

‍

Previous Year Topic-Wise XAT Exam Analysis

In this section, we will be exploring the topic-wise weightage and difficulty level of each section to understand the XAT topic-wise weightage, difficulty level-wise question split, and other details better.

XAT Exam Analysis: 2024

Here is the XAT 2024 exam analysis:

XAT Section	Topics	Difficulty Level
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR)	Reading Comprehension, Poetry, Sentence Correction, Critical Thinking, Grammar (Identifying errors), Paragraph Jumbles	Moderate
	The VA-LR section included moderately challenging reading comprehension tasks and tricky logical reasoning questions. Candidates with strong skills in understanding texts and logical analysis had an edge.
Decision Making (DM)	Scenarios: Raman & Flying Grocery Store, Shalini & Nalini Loyalty Incentives, Prabhu Tax Service, Go Valve & Safe Valve, Vinita Lama & SUV Decision, Vimal & Sharda Stolen Ring, ABC Business School	Moderate
	The DM section tested candidates on ethical challenges and real-world scenarios, demanding careful thought and critical evaluation. While the questions weren’t overly difficult, a deep understanding of business and management concepts was needed.
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)	Linear & Quadratic Equations, Logarithms, Speed, Time & Distance, Profit & Loss, Arithmetic Progressions, Geometry, Number System, Data Sufficiency, Permutation & Combination, Polynomials, Data Interpretation	Moderate to Difficult
	QA-DI included a combination of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry questions, with data interpretation sets requiring more calculations. Managing time effectively was crucial, as candidates needed to focus on questions that could be solved within the allotted time.
General Knowledge (GK)	Topics: History, Geography, Business & Economics, Personalities & Awards, Science & Technology, Sports, Literature & Authors, Current Affairs, Nobel Prizes, Entertainment	Difficult
	GK questions spanned a wide range of subjects, including current events and historical topics. Candidates who kept up with recent news and global developments found this section more manageable.
Essay Topics	Predictions on Technology, Regulation of Social Media & Fake News, Abstract Themes	Moderate

Now that you have the XAT 2024 review, let’s also get an idea of the previous year papers.

XAT Exam Analysis: 2023

Here is the XAT Exam Analysis for the year 2023:

XAT Section	Topic Breakdown	Total No. of Questions
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA-LR)	Dominated by Reading Comprehension (RC) with only one easy poem. Other question types included Fill in the Blanks, Critical Reasoning, Grammar, and Para Completion.	26
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA-LR)	- RC: 4 sets with 3 questions each - Poem: 1 set with 2 questions - Fill in the Blanks: 1 question - Critical Reasoning: 7 questions - Grammar/Punctuation: 3 questions - Para Completion: 1 question	26
Decision Making (DM)	The section featured a mix of easy questions, with one set modelled on older DI-type decision-making.	22
Decision Making (DM)	- 2 Question Sets: 4 questions - 3 Question Sets: 15 questions - 3 Question DI Type Set: 3 questions	22
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA-DI)	Dominated by Arithmetic, it is slightly tougher than last year. Other topics included Numbers, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation, Trigonometry, and Probability.	28
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA-DI)	- Arithmetic: 8 questions - Numbers: 4 questions - Algebra: 4 questions - Geometry: 3 questions - DI (Economic Activity & Subjective Well-Being): 3 questions - Trigonometry: 1 question - Data Sufficiency: 2 questions - Investment: 2 questions - Probability: 1 question	28
General Knowledge (GK)	Covered a mix of current affairs and static GK. A good score was considered 10+ correct answers.	25
Essay Topics	- Decarbonisation by India is hampering the Indian industries - People with less IQ are more successful - Taking risks in life	1

XAT Exam Analysis: 2022

Here is the XAT Exam Analysis for the year 2022:

AT Section	Topic Breakdown	No. of Questions
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA-LR)	The VA-LR section mirrored past patterns, with logical reasoning being somewhat more straightforward this year. The verbal part mainly tested grammar and vocabulary, making it easier for those with solid preparation to score well.	26
	- RC: 4 sets with 3 questions each - Poem: 2 sets - Fill in the Blanks: 2 questions - Critical Reasoning: 7 questions - Grammar/Punctuation: 3 questions - Para Jumble: 2 questions
Decision Making (DM)	The Decision Making section in 2022 involved more predictable business-related scenarios. While logical reasoning remained important, the section was generally more accessible than in previous years.	21
	7 sets, each set had 3 questions
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA-DI)	QA-DI in 2022 was manageable, with most questions solvable within the allotted time. While data interpretation sets required careful attention, they were not overly difficult.	28
	- Clocks: 1 question (Difficult) - Data Sufficiency: 1 question (Moderate) - Functions: 1 question (Easy) - Geometry & Mensuration: 1 question (Moderate) - Heights & Distances: 1 question (Moderate) - Inequalities: 1 question (Difficult) - Numbers: 4 questions (Easy-Moderate) - Percentages, Profit & Loss: 1 question (Moderate) - Probability: 1 question (Moderate) - Progressions: 2 questions (Moderate-Difficult) - Quadratic Equations: 1 question (Easy) - Simple Equations: 1 question (Moderate)
General Knowledge (GK)	The General Knowledge section in XAT 2022 featured a diverse range of topics such as Science & Technology, history, geography, sports, business, and more. The overall difficulty of the questions was moderate, and students who kept up with regular reading were able to relate to and answer a substantial number of them easily. Notably, the representation of Science & Technology questions increased significantly compared to previous years.	22
	- Arts & Culture: 3 questions - Business: 3 questions - Current Affairs: 3 questions - Geography: 1 question - History: 3 questions - Politics: 2 questions - Science & Technology: 8 questions

‍

Get your Loan Disbursed 10 times Faster than Banks. Click to Know How!

‍

XAT Score vs Percentile

Targeting a safe score based on the college you want to target will help you ensure that you get your desired interview call and increase the chances of converting it. Check the required score for each percentile based on the previous year's XAT Exam analysis:

XAT Score (Out of 100)	XAT Percentile
47 and above	99
42 and above	96
40 and above	94
36 and above	85
32 and above	80
34 and above	75

Note: This estimation is based on previous year cutoffs and is expected to change based on a lot of factors such as difficulty of exam, number of test takers, etc.

‍

XAT Exam Preparation Tips

Now that you have a detailed XAT exam analysis based on past year trends, all you need are some tips to begin your XAT preparation. We have a few tips for you:

1. Comprehensive Preparation is Key: Every section plays an important role in the total score, so a balanced approach to preparation is crucial.

2. Effective Time Management is Crucial: With time constraints in every section, candidates who manage their time well while staying accurate tend to perform the best.

3. Decision Making is a Key Focus: Decision Making continues to be a vital section, presenting a mix of ethical dilemmas and real-world situations.

4. Keep Up with Current Affairs: Staying informed about current events, global affairs, and general knowledge is vital for success in the GK section.

Know more about the XAT Exam Fees 2025, important dates, and how to apply.

Regardless of the attractive and lucrative salary package offered by XAT accepting MBA PGDM colleges, the undeniable fact remains that the fees can dig a deep hole in the pockets of most students. But this does not mean that your dream of pursuing an MBA from a reputed college ends here.

Get an easy and accessible education loan from Propelld and get 100% of the fees financed.

‍

Get a no collateral Education Loan

‍

Why Propelld?

Take out education loans using flexible criteria and pay back only after securing your dream job. Get 100% of the fees financed and focus on completing your education rather than worrying about the hassles of the education loan, such as cumbersome paperwork, low acceptance rates, and low percentage of the fees financed.

Taking out an education Loan with Propelld has various other benefits; check them out:

Particulars	Details
Max Loan Amount	50 Lakhs
Collateral	Not Required
Moratorium	Available
Processing Time	10 Times Faster than Banks
Disbursal Time	7 Days
Approval Rate	Higher than Other Banks
Special USP	Marks Based Approval
% Financed	100% of Fees

Now that you have a detailed XAT Exam analysis start preparing for XAT and achieve your dreams! Get a Propelld Education Loan today!

‍

Are you parent of a JEE/NEET aspirant?

Join the group and get latest updates, expert advice on counselling and college selection. Completely FREE!

Join Now!

FAQs on XAT Exam Analysis

What is the difficulty level of the XAT exam, based on a recent XAT Exam Analysis?

According to the latest XAT Exam Analysis, the exam is generally moderate to difficult, with a balanced distribution across its sections.

How many sections are there in the XAT exam, and how are they analysed in the XAT Exam Analysis?

The XAT exam consists of five sections: Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, and Essay Writing. A detailed XAT Exam Analysis helps in understanding the focus areas and weightage of each section.

Which section is considered the most difficult in the XAT exam, according to the XAT Exam Analysis?

The XAT Exam Analysis indicates that the Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section is typically regarded as the most challenging due to the complexity of questions and the time constraints.

What are the key areas to focus on for the Decision Making section based on XAT Exam Analysis?

The Decision-Making section tests ethical and logical reasoning through business-related scenarios. XAT Exam Analysis suggests that practising with case studies and real-world business examples can improve performance in this section.

How can I improve my performance in the General Knowledge section, according to XAT Exam Analysis trends?

To do well in the General Knowledge section, XAT Exam Analysis recommends staying updated with current affairs, global events, and developments in various fields like business, politics, sports, and science & technology.

How important is time management for the XAT exam, as per the XAT Exam Analysis?

Time management is critical, as indicated in the XAT Exam Analysis. Each section has a time limit, and managing time effectively while maintaining accuracy is key to scoring well.

What kind of questions are asked in the Quantitative Ability section, according to XAT Exam Analysis?

The XAT Exam Analysis reveals that the Quantitative Ability section includes questions on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data interpretation, with a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult problems.

How can I prepare for the Verbal and Logical Ability section based on XAT Exam Analysis?

Based on XAT Exam Analysis, it’s recommended to focus on grammar, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning skills. Regular practice of verbal puzzles and logical reasoning questions will help improve performance.

What is the format of the Essay Writing section in XAT, and how is it evaluated in XAT Exam Analysis?

The Essay Writing section tests your ability to express thoughts clearly and logically. XAT Exam Analysis suggests that writing a well-structured essay on a given topic is critical for scoring well.

Are there any changes in the XAT exam pattern every year, according to XAT Exam Analysis?

While the overall pattern of the XAT exam remains stable, XAT Exam Analysis shows slight variations in the number of questions or focus areas in each section each year.

How is the General Knowledge section different from other sections in the XAT exam, according to XAT Exam Analysis?

The General Knowledge section stands out due to its focus on a wide range of topics, including current affairs, business, politics, history, and geography. XAT Exam Analysis highlights the importance of staying updated on various domains for this section.

What is the weightage of the Decision Making section in XAT, based on XAT Exam Analysis?

XAT Exam Analysis indicates that the Decision Making section holds significant weight, as it assesses candidates' ability to make sound decisions in real-life business scenarios.

What are the common challenges faced by students in the XAT exam, according to XAT Exam Analysis?

XAT Exam Analysis suggests that students often struggle with time management, especially in the Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section. Additionally, the decision-making section can be tricky for those who are unprepared for business case studies.

How can I tackle the difficult questions in the Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section, as per XAT Exam Analysis?

Based on the XAT Exam Analysis, it’s advised that you practise solving a variety of problems, prioritising easier questions, and using time-saving techniques to manage the challenging questions in this section effectively.

How can I stay focused and calm during the XAT exam, according to XAT Exam Analysis tips?

XAT Exam Analysis emphasises the importance of regular mock tests and consistent preparation to manage stress. Familiarity with the exam pattern will help you remain calm and focused during the test.

What are the key strategies to perform well in the XAT exam, based on XAT Exam Analysis insights?

The XAT Exam Analysis highlights that success in the XAT exam comes from regular practice across all sections, staying updated on current affairs, managing time efficiently, and refining decision-making and logical reasoning skills.

‍

Detailed XAT Exam Analysis: Past Cutoffs & Topic- Wise Weightage

Get Your Education Funded

Fund Your College Fees with Us

2 Days Disbursal

Collateral Free Loans

10X Faster than Banks

Help us Get You the Best Loan Offer

Table of Contents

Apply Education Loan