CAT/XAT EXAM
CAT/XAT Exam: Simple Guide
What is the CAT Exam?
The Common Admission Test, in short, CAT, is an entrance exam for top management colleges like IIMs. It tests math, logic, English, and data interpretation skills.
What is the XAT Exam?
The complete form of XAT is the Xavier Aptitude Test, an entrance exam by XLRI for admission to XLRI and other business schools in India. It checks skills in English, decision-making, math, general knowledge, and essay writing.
Official Websites for CAT/XAT Exam
- CAT: https://iimcat.ac.in
- XAT: https://xatonline.in
CAT/XAT Exam Dates
- CAT: Held in November or December every year.
- XAT: Held in January every year.
How Many Times Is CAT/XAT Held?
- CAT: Once a year.
- XAT: Once a year.
CAT/XAT Exam Syllabus
- CAT Syllabus: English (Reading & Comprehension)
- Math (Quantitative Aptitude)
- Logic & Data Interpretation
- XAT Syllabus: English & Logic
- Decision Making
- Math & Data Interpretation
- General Knowledge
- Essay Writing (for XLRI only)
CAT/XAT Exam Fees
- CAT Fee: INR 2400 (General), INR 1200 (SC/ST/PwD)
- XAT Fee: INR 2100, plus INR 200 for XLRI courses
CAT/XAT Exam Mode
Both exams are conducted online (computer-based test).
Steps for CAT/XAT Exam
- Register on the official website.
- Fill out the form and pay the fee.
- Download the admit card.
- Take the exam.
- Check the results online.
- Apply for colleges based on scores.
CAT/XAT Exam Pattern
- CAT: 3 sections (English, Logic & Data, Math)
- 66 questions
- 2-hour duration
- MCQs and non-MCQs
- Negative marking for MCQs
- XAT:2 parts (Objective + Essay Writing)
- 100 questions + Essay
- 3.5-hour duration
- MCQs
- Negative marking for wrong answers
CAT/XAT Exam Structure
CAT Exam
Sections: 3
Duration: 2 hours
Questions: 66
Mode: Online
XAT Exam:
Sections: 5
Duration: 3.5 hours
Questions: 100 + Essay
Mode: Online
XAT vs CAT: Which is Harder?
- CAT: Tougher in math, but no general knowledge or essay.
- XAT: Harder in decision-making and general knowledge.
Conclusion: CAT is tough for math-focused students. XAT needs strong logical thinking.
Benefits of the CAT/XAT Exam
- Entry to Top B-Schools: IIMs, XLRI, and top colleges accept these scores.
- Better Jobs: Opens doors to high-paying management careers.
- Global Recognition: Some foreign universities accept CAT/XAT scores.
- Diverse Specializations: Choose from finance, marketing, HR, and more.
CAT/XAT Exam Eligibility:
- To appear in both exams, students must have completed 3 years of bachelor’s degree or equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
- Final-year graduation students can also sit for the exam.
- Some renowned colleges that accept CAT/XAT scores sometimes require a 50% graduation score for general candidates. And 45% for reserved candidates.
CAT/XAT Exam Results 2025
- CAT Results: Announced in January 2025.
- XAT Results: Announced in February 2025.
Using login details, students can effortlessly check the results on the official CAT/ XAT websites.
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