I hope you are prepping well for the next big exam – XAT, to be held on 5th January, 2020. Here are a few tips and tricks that will make your journey towards the test a bit more sorted.
1. Take the test: There's a big misconception around XAT being a very difficult test which stops most people from attempting it. But it's a widely accepted test among B-schools and opens up a lot of options. Irrespective of how CAT went, do attempt XAT. Moreover, it's like any other exam, the more the practice, the better your chances of performing well.
2. Option to switch between sections: Unlike CAT, XAT gives you the flexibility of switching between sections. Understand which sequence of sections works for you through continuous assessment and choose the one that suits you best.
3. Decision making section: Decision making is a unique section in XAT that is not found in any other entrance exam. All you need is a logical mind to get through this section. It is a total game-changer and honest and ethical answers help you go a long way.
4. Negative marking: XAT has 0.10 negative marking per question after 8 unattempted questions, so be very strategic and smart about the questions you plan to leave because unnecessarily answered questions can do more harm than unattempted ones.
5. Verbal Ability section: Verbal ability has questions related to verbal logic and is a mixed bag of essays and poetry. XAT has reading comprehensions from topics usually found to be difficult by students such as psychology, science, technology etc. and the section is high on vocabulary. So, reading books and getting into comprehension reading can facilitate earning marks in this section. (Suggested reading: Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis)
#Bonus tip: Head over to the official XAT website to check out links to videos uploaded by previous year XAT toppers.
Take it or leave it!
So with one month to go for XAT, just take a deep breath and start preparing with a set plan, leaving behind all pre-conceived notions. A clear head and a positive attitude will go a long way to help you ace the exam.
All the best!