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The Xavier Aptitude Test, also popularly known as XAT, is conducted by XLR, Jamshedpur annually. This exam is taken by all those students who wish to study MBA and PGDM courses. While appearing in the examination, students have to go through several questions in the form of MCQs. Additionally, XAT essay writing is a part of the exam wherein the students must write one of 250-300 words. This section is included along with the General Knowledge section.
If you are here to know more about XAT essay writing, then you have come to the right place. In this blog, you will learn about the XAT essay writing section, what topics can be asked and much more. But, before we move ahead with this blog, here is a quick overview of the XAT exam which will be quite useful for you.
| XAT Exam Structure | XAT Exam Details |
| Conducting Body | XLRI, Jamshedpur |
| Full Name | Xavier School of Management (Formerly known as Xavier Labour Relations Institute) |
| Number of Sections | 5 Sections Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge and Essay Writing, and Verbal & Logical Ability |
| Number of Question | 105 |
| XAT Time Limit | 3 hours and 30 minutes (210 minutes) |
| Total Marks | 105 |
| Number of answer choices | five |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test |
| Official Website | https://xatonline.in/ |
Table of Contents
What is the XAT Essay Writing Test?
XAT essay writing section is very similar to the Written Ability Test (WAT) which is conducted by IIMs. However, the only difference is that all XAT takers have to do the essay section in the exam, while only the shortlisted candidates appear for the WAT round.
One must remember that the percentile score does not include essay performance. But worry not, as the essay score does carry some weightage in the calculation of the final merit and it varies from college to college.
Also Read: XAT Score vs Percentile 2024
XAT Essay Writing Evaluation Parameters 📄
The main objective behind giving the XAT essay writing section is to evaluate the candidates based on their ability to think logically. The examiner tests the candidates’ ability to express themselves effectively. Speaking of which, we have listed the evaluation parameters for your essay as follows:
Structure of Essay 🏗️
In the essay, the first thing that the examiner checks is whether the essay flows logically or not from one paragraph to another. If the candidate has not logically stated their arguments in chronological order then there are chances of marks deduction. Keep in mind that proper structuring of sentences will fetch you marks.
Knowledge 🧠
Part 1 of the essay tests your subject knowledge while Part 2 of the essay tests if you are aware of the ongoing debates in the public media as well as important events, personalities, laws etc.
All the facts incorporated in your essay need to have some weightage to earn marks.
Creativity 💡
As future managers, the candidates need to produce new ideas as part of their job. Hence, the evaluators will expect your essay to be full of innovative ideas.
Grammar 🔠
Lastly, you must keep in mind that you don’t make any grammatical mistakes like spelling errors, or punctuation errors as there will be a penalty.
Check this out: Is 40 a Good Score in XAT?
How to Write Essay in XAT: Topper’s Tips
Anna J Joseph, a top scorer with a 99.98 percentile in XAT 2023 and a student at XLRI Jamshedpur, recommends these essay writing tips for XAT 2024:
- Practice Regularly: Write at least two essays each week.
- Experiment with Styles: Try different essay styles and word limits.
- Use Online Resources: Find essay topics for XAT online, choose one, and write an essay on it.
- Learn from Others: After writing your essay, compare it with sample essays available online to see how you can improve your structure and ideas.
XAT Essay Writing Test: Key Changes
The below mentioned changes are designed to test your ability to write clearly and effectively under time constraints.
- Online Test: The XAT essay writing test is conducted online.
- Placement in Exam: It appears in the second part of the XAT exam.
- Scoring: Up to 3 marks are awarded for a clear, coherent, and well-written essay.
- Time Limit: You must complete the essay and the GK section within 25 minutes. No extra time is given for the essay.
- Word Limit: Aim to write between 250-300 words for your essay.
- No Penalty: There is no negative marking for the essay writing test.
- Final Question: The essay writing task is the last question in the XAT exam.
Important don’ts for XAT Essay Writing: Key Tips
When preparing for the XAT essay writing section, it’s essential to know what to avoid and what not to avoid. Below are important don’ts that will help you craft a strong, effective essay for the XAT exam.
- Avoid Jargon or Slang: Use clear and simple language.
- Skip Clichés: Use fresh and original expressions.
- No Abbreviations: Write out words fully.
- Acknowledge Quotations: Always credit the source of any quotes you use.
- Use Tentative Statements: Avoid making absolute statements to allow for further discussion.
Past Year XAT Essay Topics 💬
When preparing your essay, you need to have some basic idea of some of the topics that can come as XAT essay topics for the 2024 exam. Following is the list of topics that might be asked as part of the essay. Read on.
- COVID-19 derailed economic growth
- Will bad banks improve the economy?
- Building Central Vista will improve India’s Global image
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a good step
- GST is no magic band to push faster economic growth
Also Read: XAT Exam Answer Key
Final Writing Tips 📌
The XAT essay writing section is the one section which tests the candidates’ knowledge and argument level. Therefore, one needs to be well prepared for the same. Here are some tips which will help you in your preparation.
👉 Always write the essay in paragraphs and not in points. Give proper spacing to each paragraph.
👉 Be updated with current affairs so that you can deal with any topic.
👉 Avoid using slang, jargon and abbreviations.
👉 Avoid repeating the same point again and again.
👉 Express your thoughts and arguments clearly.
👉 Make draft points before actually beginning the essay
Related Posts
| How to Prepare for XAT 2024 | XAT Exam 2024 Selection Process |
| XAT Result 2024 | 📑XAT 2024 Exam Dates |
| 📑XAT Admit Card | XAT Cut-Off 2023 |
FAQs
The marks allotted for the essay are not calculated while calculating the overall percentile. However, it is evaluated only after the candidate gets shortlisted for the Group Discussion (GD) or Personal Interview (PI) round.
Looking at last year’s paper, the safe score in the XAT exam is 40 and above which leads to 90 and 95 percentile.
XLRI cut-off for 2024 is expected to be at 95 percentile for males while 92 for female students.
In the XAT exam, only the essay writing section requires you to type an answer of around 250 words. The essay is evaluated during the PI shortlisting process, but its score is not included in the XAT 2025 results. Read on for more details about the XAT 2025 pattern.
This was all about the “XAT essay writing”. For more informative blogs, check out our Management Exams Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page.