Is XAT Tougher Than CAT?
Many people who want to study MBA often wonder if the CAT or XAT is harder. CAT and XAT are both popular entrance exams for MBA courses, but they are different in their own ways. It's hard to say which one is harder because they have their unique features.
What is XAT?
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a highly respected national-level entrance exam for MBA programs, administered by the renowned Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) in Jamshedpur, India. With a rich legacy spanning over 70 years, XLRI uses XAT to identify top candidates for its prestigious management programs. Considered one of the toughest entrance exams, XAT scores are highly valued and accepted by 11 XAMI member institutes, 83 associate institutes, and over 600 other esteemed business schools across India.
XLRI, or Xavier School of Management, has established itself as a revered institution for aspiring management professionals. As one of India's leading business schools, XLRI remains at the forefront of management education, continually evolving to address the dynamic needs of the business world. In addition to its flagship full-time residential programs, PGDM HRM and PGDM BM, XLRI offers a wide range of executive and certificate programs. These programs cater to working professionals, enabling them to stay updated in their fields while balancing their careers. Notable programs include Exec-FPM and BM, which allow executives to pursue academic aspirations while working.
What is CAT Entrance Exam?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most widely recognized and sought-after entrance examination for MBA programs, conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The allure of pursuing a coveted Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from a prestigious institution has become a cherished dream for countless aspirants. As a result, the CAT Exam has emerged as a crucial gateway for candidates seeking admission to esteemed MBA programs across the country.
In order to secure a coveted spot in a reputable business school, aspirants must mandatorily appear for the CAT Exam, which serves as a benchmark for assessing their aptitude, skills, and knowledge. The exam's rigorous evaluation process ensures that only the most deserving candidates are selected for the prestigious MBA programs, thereby maintaining the high standards of excellence in management education.
Difference between XAT and CAT
Both CAT and XAT are speed-based tests requiring candidates to solve calculation-intensive and inference-based questions within a limited time frame. Key subjects to focus on are Reasoning, Mathematics, and English. While CAT and XAT share similarities, they also exhibit differences in various aspects, including syllabus, exam pattern, difficulty level, and question types.
Although the syllabus is identical, barring Decision Making and GK, the difference lies in question types and difficulty levels. Both XAT and CAT are notoriously more challenging than other MBA entrance exams. When pitted against each other, they are equally tough, but it's often noted that CAT's DILR section is typically more demanding than its counterparts, and XAT's Quantitative Aptitude section is often deemed tougher than the rest.
Refer to the table below for a comprehensive comparison of the CAT and XAT exams, highlighting their distinct features and key differences.
| Details |
XAT |
CAT |
| Registration process |
Online |
Online |
| Exam fee |
INR 2400 (INR 1200 for reserved category students) |
INR 2100 |
| Exam mode |
Online |
Online |
| Difficulty level |
Moderate to difficult |
Moderate to difficult |
| Eligibility criteria |
Hold a graduate degree with at least 50% marks (45% for Reserved category) from a recognized university. |
Hold a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university. |
CAT vs XAT : Exam pattern
A Comprehensive Comparison of CAT and XAT Exam Patterns:
The Common Admission Test (CAT) and the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) are two prominent entrance exams for management programs in India. While both exams share some similarities, there are significant differences in their exam patterns.
Here's a detailed comparison of the two:
| Criteria |
XAT |
CAT |
| Eligibility criteria |
Aspirants must have a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university, with a minimum duration of three years, to meet the eligibility criteria. |
Minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD) in Bachelor's Degree necessary. |
| Sections |
- Decision Making
- Verbal & Logical Ability
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
- General Knowledge
|
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
|
| Mode of registration |
Online |
Online |
| Exam duration |
3 hours and 30 minutes (per the latest reports) |
2 hours |
| Level of difficulty |
Moderate to difficult |
Moderate to difficult |
| Exam fee |
INR 2,000 |
INR 1,150 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
INR 2,300 for all other candidates.
|
| Exam mode |
Computer based exam |
Computer based exam |
| Total no. Of questions |
100 |
66 |
| Total Marks |
100 |
198 |
| Negative Marking |
Negative marking is there for all sections except the General Knowledge section |
Negative marking is there
+3 marks for a correct answer
-1 mark for an incorrect answer
|
| Sectional time limit |
175 minutes for Part 1 (VA, QA, DM)
5 minutes for Part 2 (Mock Keyboard Testing)
30 minutes for Part 3 (GK, Essay Writing)
|
40 minutes for each section |
| Types of questions |
MCQ and Essay |
MCQ & TITA (Type In The Answer) |
| Number of B-schools that accept the exam score |
More than 160 institutes |
20 IIMs + over 1000 other B-schools in India |
CAT vs XAT : marking scheme
CAT exam
The Common Admission Test (CAT) follows a specific marking scheme to evaluate candidate performance. The scheme is as follows:
For Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Candidates will receive 3 marks for each correct answer.
- For each incorrect answer, a penalty of 1 mark will be deducted.
- Unattempted questions will not incur any marks or penalties.
For Non-Multiple Choice Questions (Non-MCQs):
- Candidates will receive 3 marks for each correct answer.
- There is no penalty for incorrect answers, and candidates will receive 0 marks for incorrect attempts.
- Unattempted questions will not incur any marks or penalties.
Important notes:
- The penalty for incorrect answers only applies to MCQs and not to Non-MCQs.
- The CAT exam consists of a total of 66 questions, and candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam.
XAT Exam
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) follows a specific marking scheme to evaluate candidate performance. The scheme is as follows:
For Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Candidates will receive 1 mark for each correct answer.
- For each incorrect answer, a penalty of 0.25 marks will be deducted.
- Unattempted questions will not incur any marks or penalties.
For Non-Multiple Choice Questions (Non-MCQs):
- Candidates will receive 1 mark for each correct answer.
- There is no penalty for incorrect answers, and candidates will receive 0 marks for incorrect attempts.
- Unattempted questions will not incur any marks or penalties.
In addition to the MCQs and Non-MCQs, the XAT exam also includes an Essay Writing Section. This section is evaluated separately, with a maximum score that varies from year to year, typically ranging from 20 to 30 marks.
Important notes:
- The penalty for incorrect answers only applies to MCQs and not to Non-MCQs.
- The XAT exam consists of a total of 100 questions (MCQs and Non-MCQs), and candidates have 3 hours 30 minutes to complete the exam.
- The essay writing section is evaluated separately and does not have a specific marking scheme.
CAT vs XAT : Exam syllabus
CAT exam syllabus
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most sought-after entrance exam in India, providing access to over 5,000 premier business schools across the country. As you embark on your preparation journey, it's essential to start with a comprehensive understanding of the CAT syllabus for 2024. Although the exam does not have a fixed or predefined syllabus, a thorough analysis of previous years' question papers and trends reveals a generalised syllabus that encompasses the following key topics:
The CAT exam is divided into three sections, each assessing distinct skill sets:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Section:
This section evaluates proficiency in English, encompassing areas such as:
- Grammar and sentence structure
- Reading comprehension and understanding
- Inferences and logical deductions
- Verbal reasoning and analytical skills
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Section:
This section tests the ability to interpret and analyse data presented in various formats, including:
- Graphs and charts
- Tables and arrangements
- Logical reasoning and problem-solving skills
3. Quantitative Ability (QA) Section:
This section covers fundamental mathematical concepts, including:
- Algebra
- Arithmetic
- Geometry
- Modern mathematics
- Basic mathematical operations and problem-solving skills, typically taught in middle school.
By understanding the focus areas of each section, candidates can tailor their preparation and improve their performance in the CAT exam.
XAT Exam syllabus
The XAT exam, administered by XLRI Jamshedpur, assesses candidates across four key areas:
1. Decision Making
2. Verbal and Logical Ability
3. Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation
4. General Knowledge
To excel in the exam, it is crucial for serious candidates to thoroughly understand the XAT syllabus well in advance. This allows for:
- Effective planning and strategic preparation
- Adequate time for practice and review
- Sufficient opportunities to take mock tests, simulating the actual exam experience
By familiarising themselves with the syllabus and allowing ample preparation time, candidates can optimise their performance and achieve their desired scores in the XAT exam.
The XAT Exam is composed of 5 sections:
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Decision Making
- Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation
- General Knowledge
- Essay Writing
