How to Start XAT 2024 Preparation

XLRI is a highly esteemed institute for management aspirants. To gain admission, the institute considers XAT scores, which is known to be one of the most challenging entrance exams in India. Succeeding in the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) requires careful planning, effective strategies, and hard work. If you’re wondering how to begin preparing for XAT 2024, this article will provide valuable insights on what to do, what to avoid, the best resources for preparation, and more.

In addition to XLRI, candidates with XAT scores can also apply to other top B-schools such as SPJIMR, IMT, XIMB, TAPMI, XIME, BIMTECH, and more. The first step in preparing for XAT is to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus. This will help you create a well-structured plan and strategy to achieve a good percentile in XAT 2024. Therefore, before diving into the details of how to start XAT 2024 preparation, it is essential to understand the exam pattern and sectional composition of XAT 2024.

How to Start XAT Preparation? - Get familiar with the XAT Exam pattern

XAT 2024 is conducted for aspirants who wish to pursue MBA/PGDM programs offered at XLRI institutions. To understand the exam pattern of XAT, including the medium of the exam, number of questions, marking scheme, topics, and duration.

XAT Exam Pattern 2024

XAT 2024 Sectional Composition

XAT 2024 Preparation: Points to remember

XAT, also known as the Xavier Aptitude Test, is a highly sought-after entrance exam for management aspirants in India. It is conducted annually by the Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI) to evaluate the aptitude of candidates seeking admission into top management institutes in the country. As the XAT 2024 exam date approaches, it is important for aspirants to prepare strategically and keep some key points in mind to increase their chances of success. In this article, we will highlight important points that every XAT 2024 aspirant should remember to excel in the exam.

Based on past XAT toppers, successful XAT preparation requires effective time management. Here are some key features of the exam that you should consider before starting your preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with the latest syllabus of XAT 2024.
• Compile a list of the best books for XAT preparation.
• Create a XAT preparation timetable to stay organized and focused.
• Download and solve previous year XAT sample papers and mock tests.

How to start preparing for XAT Verbal and Logical Ability Section?

The Verbal Ability/Verbal Reasoning and Logical Ability sections of XAT consist of a mix of grammar, vocabulary, and reasoning-based questions (Critical Reasoning and Jumbled Paragraphs). Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension have historically been dominant in this section.

Having a strong foundation in grammar basics is crucial. Here are some effective strategies:

• Maintain a balance between quick reading and comprehension skills.
• Practice at least 4 reading comprehension passages per day, starting with shorter ones to avoid boredom in the initial phase of preparation. Try to read a single line of one passage in one go, which may require practice if you encounter different formats of reading comprehension.
• Familiarize yourself with the different tones of passages, as questions about the author’s tone are commonly asked in the exams. The tones can be acerbic, humorous, sarcastic, incendiary, dogmatic, ironical, nostalgic, etc.
• Enhance your vocabulary and grammar by subscribing to daily alerts for vocabulary words online. Learn their synonyms and antonyms to understand their usage.
• Learn methods for understanding the meanings of prefixes and suffixes, as they can be helpful in answering vocabulary-based questions.

XAT 2024 Preparation Tips for Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation

• Time management is crucial in the exam, so start with the easiest questions.
• Practice a lot to improve your calculation skills as there is no on-time screen calculator in XAT.
• Questions are usually asked from various topics such as arithmetic, algebra, permutation and combinations, number system, probability, functions, time and work, data interpretations, and geometry.
• Practice different types of graphs and learn the concept of successive percentages and fraction values up to 30.
• Mental calculations and shortcut tricks are helpful.
• Solve as many data interpretation sets as possible.

How to start XAT Preparation for Decision Making section?

• Focus on aptitude and management skills as this section can be tricky.
• Questions are based on different scenarios, including financial issues, ethical dilemmas, employee management issues, and general management scenarios.
• Be selective in answering unbiasedly and avoid letting emotions cloud judgment.

How to start XAT 2024 Preparation for General Awareness?

• Read newspapers like The Financial Express and The Statesman for economic and business awareness news.
• Stay updated on national and global current affairs by reading the newspaper daily.
• Focus on awards, books & authors, and geography in the static GK section. Start brushing up on general knowledge early on.

Time Management

Last but not the least, the most important aspect for you to crack XAT 2024 is to master the art of overall time management. Here are some key tips that can help you in managing your time:

• Start practicing mental calculations rather than using pen and paper-based methods.
• Practice mock tests and sample papers as much as you can as these will help you in identifying your weak areas and help you in not wasting much time on them.