The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2025 has set a new milestone, with a record-breaking 1,42,235 registrations, surpassing last year’s count of 1.35 lakh. This marks a significant leap from the pandemic-era low of 79,843 registrations in 2021, demonstrating a remarkable resurgence in students’ interest in management education.
The surge reflects a consistent upward trend since 2023, fueled by strategic initiatives to enhance XAT’s appeal. An official statement attributed the rise to a targeted outreach campaign led by XAT’s organizing team and its associate business schools, designed to dispel myths and position XAT as a test for top-tier aspirants.
“XAT stands for inclusivity and diversity, and this record number underscores our commitment to these principles. It also highlights the aspirants’ trust in the transformative power of management education,” said Prof. Rahul Shukla, XAT 2025 Convenor. “The unprecedented registration figures are a testament to our efforts in demonstrating the unique value of XAT and its role in shaping future leaders,” he further noted.
Key Changes in XAT 2025
This year introduces several changes to enhance the testing and evaluation experience:
- Scientific Calculators Allowed: Candidates can now access a scientific calculator directly through the exam interface during the test, marking a significant shift in the exam’s approach to evaluating quantitative and analytical skills.
- Expanded Test Centre Network: To accommodate the growing number of applicants, 34 new test cities have been added. These include locations like Anantapur, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Kolhapur, Shimla, and Ujjain, among others, providing wider accessibility for candidates nationwide.
- Revised Analytical Essay Writing (AEW): Unlike previous editions, the AEW component will now be assessed during the Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD/PI) stages rather than as part of the main test.
- Updated General Knowledge Section: The General Knowledge section has been revised to include 20 questions, down from 25. The updated format balances 12 questions on current affairs with 8 on static knowledge, offering a more focused evaluation of candidates’ awareness.
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These updates showcase XAT’s commitment to staying ahead in testing innovation while catering to the aspirations of candidates and the expectations of business schools. The record-breaking registrations and thoughtful enhancements highlight XAT’s continued relevance as a key gateway to India’s top management institutions, solidifying its reputation in the competitive MBA entrance landscape.
