XAT Score VS Percentile 2024: Percentile Calculation, Scores & Top Colleges
XLRI will conduct the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2025 tentatively on Sunday, January 5, 2025 (first Sunday). The examination will be 3 hrs and 30 mins long. Similar to CAT and OMETs, XAT is also a computer-based test. 160+ colleges accept XAT scores for admission purposes apart from both XLRI campuses- Jamshedpur and Delhi. XAT has no specific sectional time limit and order giving you the authority and flexibility to attempt the 3 (VALR, DM & QADI) sections in any order and switch between them at any time.
In 2024, XAT was conducted in a single shift from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., across 79 cities.
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XAT Score Vs Percentile 2024: What is the XAT Score?
XAT 2024 had 101 questions in total. For calculating the XAT percentile only 75 questions are considered. These questions are divided into Verbal and logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability, and Data Interpretation. 25 GK questions and An Essay Type Question are exempted from the calculation of the XAT percentile.
The XAT Score is a student's total marks in the XAT exam, based on the specific marking scheme. The XAT Scorecard shows the XAT Percentage and XAT Percentile, instead of the XAT Score itself.
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Here is the question and time distribution of XAT 2024:
| Section | No. of Questions | Time |
| Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning | 26 |
175
(flexible to browse through any questions) |
| Decision Making | 21 | |
| Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation | 28 | |
| General Knowledge | 25 |
5-minute keyboard testing.
30 minutes for GK and Essay. |
| Essay Writing | 1 |
*PwD students get 20 minutes extra for every hour.
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XAT Score Vs Percentile 2024: How to calculate the XAT Score?
XAT score is calculated in the following manner:
- In the XAT exam, for every correct answer in the multiple-choice questions (MCQs), one mark is awarded to the candidate. This scoring system applies to all three sections of the exam:- Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation.
- An incorrect question results in a negative marking of -0.25 marks. Moreover, a candidate must not have more than 8 questions left unanswered. If there are over 8 unattempted questions, each one will result in a deduction of -0.10 marks.
So the equation for calculation becomes-
(1* No. of correct attempts)-(.25* No. of wrong attempts)-(.10* unattempted questions <if above 8>)
- The general Knowledge Section does not have any negative markings. Also, as stated previously it does not account for the determination of XAT percentile. However, you do get a separate percentage and percentile for it which is evaluated in the GDPI round (if called) along with the essay.
- Do check out the following:
Section Wise Questions Distribution and Marks
Section |
Number of Questions |
Marks Allotted |
Maximum Marks |
| Verbal and Logical Ability | 26 | (+1 for every correct answer and -0.25 for every incorrect answer) | 26 |
| Decision Making | 22 | (+1 for every correct answer and -0.25 for every incorrect answer) | 22 |
| Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation | 28 | (+1 for every correct answer and -0.25 for every incorrect answer) | 28 |
| General Knowledge | 25 | (+1 for every correct answer and -0.25 for every incorrect answer) | 25 |
| Essay Writing | 1 | not used for evaluation of scores |
XAT Score Vs Percentile 2024: XAT PERCENTILE
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What is the XAT Percentile?
A percentile is a way to measure how many students are ahead of or behind a particular person in a ranking list. For example, If your XAT percentile is 90, 90% of the test takers got lower scores than you. Inversely, you were among the top 10% of the tXAT exam takers.
- How is the XAT percentile calculated?
XAT percentiles function similarly to percentiles in other exams. They indicate the number of individuals in XAT who have achieved lower scores than you in the test. Here is the formula for calculating XAT percentiles in 2024:
XAT Percentile = 1 - (All India Rank / Total Candidates in the Exam) * 100%.
An Example: If a total of 100000 students took the XAT exam and you achieved a rank of 4000, your XAT percentile can be calculated using the following formula:
Your XAT percentile = [1 - { 4000/100000}] * 100 = 96 Percentile
Marks VS Percentile Overall
| Percentile | Marks |
| 99.66 | 49 |
| 98 | 43 |
| 97 | 38 |
| 95 | 36 |
| 90 | 30 |
| 87 | 28 |
| 84 | 26 |
Sectional Verbal and Logical Ability
| Percentile | Marks |
| 99+ | 17 |
| 98 | 15 |
| 97 | 13 |
| 95 | 12 |
| 93 | 11 |
| 88 | 9 |
| 82 | 8 |
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
| Percentile | Marks |
| 99 | 17 |
| 97 | 14.25 |
| 95 | 12.75 |
| 90 | 10.5 |
| 85 | 9 |
| 80 | 7.75 |
| 75 | 7 |
Decision Making
| Percentile | Marks |
| 99 | 12.5 |
| 97 | 11.5 |
| 95 | 10.5 |
| 90 | 9.5 |
| 85 | 8.75 |
| 80 | 8.25 |
| 75 | 8 |
TOP MBA Colleges to Target Based on XAT Percentile
Here are the MBA colleges to target based on the percentile range:
Top Colleges Accepting XAT |
XAT Percentile |
| XLRI- Jamshedpur & Delhi | 95/96(HRM/BM) * |
| XIMB | 88 |
| IMI, New Delhi | 90 |
| IMT, Ghaziabad | 90 |
| IRMA, Anand | 85 |
| Great Lakes, Chennai | 85+ |
| FORE, New Delhi | 75-80 |
| KJ Somaiya | 80 |
| GIM, Goa | 80 |
Tips to Excel XAT Exam
It is important to understand that the difficulty level of the XAT exam is the same or a little higher than the CAT exam. So what most aspirants do is consider the CAT preparation enough for XAT also.
To excel in XAT Exam here are some of the tips:
- Developing Study Plan: After CAT you have around 1 month to prepare for XAT. During this duration create a study plan and focus on the decision-making section, as it is new for the aspirants. Set realistic goals and allocate sufficient time to each section.
- Give Mocks: XAT is a lengthy paper with around 3.5 hours of paper duration. So mocks will prepare you with proper time management and the creation of habits.
- Analysing the Mocks: After giving mocks, give a good amount of time to the analysis of the mocks. Check where you did wrong and how you can improve the overall performance.
- Improve general knowledge: Get a command over general knowledge. One way to do this is to make a habit of reading the newspaper daily.
- Hone Essay Writing Skills: One way to become good in essay writing is to write on diverse topics. Structure your essay and get it checked with your mentor.
- Be Prepared for Exam Day: Ensure all your documents are properly arranged and avoid last-minute cramming. Be Calm on the exam day and reach the centre on time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How is the XAT exam different from other management entrance exams?
Ans: XAT, CAT, SNAP and NMAT are some management entrance exams. Out of these XAT and CAT difficulty levels are higher. The XAT is different because it introduced 3 different sections in it. Decision Making, General Knowledge and Essay Writing. So test-takers have to dedicate time to each of these sections.
Q2: What is a good percentile in the XAT exam?
Ans: Generally above 90 percentile is considered a good percentile. But if your target is XLRI then 95+ percentile is needed. Additionally, you need to clear the sectional cutoff to get the interview call from XLRI.
Q3: How should I prepare for the Decision Making section?
Ans: The best way to prepare for the decision-making section is to give mocks and analyse the past year's papers. Focus on analyzing scenarios, considering various stakeholders, and choosing the most logical and ethical options.
Q4: Is there any negative marking in the XAT Exam?
Ans: Yes, XAT has a negative marking. XAT Part 1 of the exam which includes the three sections discussed above has negative markings. The marking of -0.25 is considered for every wrong answer. Additionally, if you leave more than 8 questions then from the 9th question -0.10 is considered. So only 8 questions as blank is allowed.
Q5: How to register for the XAT Exam?
Ans: The XAT exam is conducted once in a year and around January. Next year it is expected to be on 5th January 2025. Registration for the XAT exam is expected to start from the second week of July and you can check their website for registration.
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