XAT essay writing is a part of the Writing Ability Test conducted by the IIMs. Candidates who qualify in the first round of the XAT 2026 exam will be shortlisted for the Written Ability Test (WAT) round. General knowledge is also included in this section. Candidates are allotted a total of 25 minutes for both components.
The XAT essay writing component is unique because it occurs in the first stage of the admission process, unlike the WAT, which is part of the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) stages. However, the essay score is important in the final merit calculation and can vary by college. Therefore, every candidate preparing for the XAT should prioritize essay writing preparation. This section evaluates candidates' time management skills and reflects their ability to think critically and communicate effectively.
It is important to note that the XAT authority removed the essay component from the examination in 2021. However, they have reinstated it based on a new layout.
The essay topics are based on abstract or general ideas, so no specialized study is necessary. A focus on current affairs magazines and a habit of reading newspapers will provide sufficient knowledge for this section of the exam. You can gather a wealth of information from these sources, which will support your arguments. While the essay score does not contribute to the overall percentile score, it can influence the final evaluation of the exam and varies from college to college.
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The step-by-step process for writing an essay for the XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) is outlined below
First, read the topic carefully, then create a strategy to assemble your points before starting to write. Understand the key themes and ideas of the topic from various perspectives. Begin by drafting the essay.
Create a well-structured essay that is both critical and clarifying. An essay is typically divided into three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. Write your essay clearly and concisely. Begin with an introductory paragraph that briefly outlines the topic of the essay. Present your arguments in a logical sequence throughout the essay.
The conclusion of an essay summarizes key arguments and leaves a strong final impression.
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Candidates should focus on essay practice for 2025. Here are essential essay topics that are relevant, thought-provoking, and reflect emerging trends, global issues, abstract ideas, or current events based on last year's trends.
Analysis of previous years, essay writings that have appeared in the XAT exam is given below:
Check the essay writing topics asked in XAT 2024 exam:
Check the essay writing topics asked in XAT 2023 exam:
Check the essay writing topics asked in XAT 2022 exam:
XLRI remoted the essay section for XAT 2021. Hence, there is not essay writing data for XAT 2021.
XLRI remoted the essay section for XAT 2020. Hence, there is not essay writing data for XAT 2020.
As per the official XAT 2019 notification released by XRLI Jamshedpur, there was no essay in XAT 2020.
Check the data for 2014 to 2018 essay writing topics in the table below:
| Year | XAT Essay Writing Topics |
| XAT 2018 | Ethical practice and Sustainability: Do they co-exist? |
| XAT 2017 | Globalization and Jingoism always co-exist. |
| XAT 2016 | Technology and Nature are natural enemies. |
| XAT 2015 | Listening is a dying art. We hardly listen to understand, we only listen to refute a reply. |
| XAT 2014 | The most beautiful things in life cannot be seen or touched with hands; they can only be felt with the heart. |
Click here for XAT Previous Years' Question Papers
Here are some mistakes to keep in mind for improving your writing skills.
The most important aspects to consider when managing time while writing.
You must carefully reduce grammatical errors when writing an essay. It creates a bad impression on the reader. Don't make the essay hard by using complex words. Using simple language to write an essay.
Using slang or informal language, and overloaded data makes an essay unprofessional. Additionally, avoiding repetition on the same topic and idea improves the structure of your essay.
Writing an essay When writing an essay, aim for a balanced length that is neither too short nor too long. Avoid using excessive data; instead, focus on the main topic. Not too short or too long. Not need to use any overloaded data on the essay. The focus should be on the main topic.
Ans: To enhance your essay writing speed for the XAT, practice writing on sample essay topics within a 20-minute time limit. Focus on organizing your thoughts before you start writing, as this can greatly improve the clarity and coherence of your essay. Be mindful not to spend too much time overthinking one section of the essay, as this can hinder your overall progress.
Ans: While the writing section is not the most critical part of the exam, and the marks do not contribute significantly to the overall score, it is still an important component. This section is evaluated to assess your communication skills and thought process. A well-written essay can effectively convey your ideas to the evaluators.
Ans: The format of XAT esaay is mentioned below:
Ans:
Ans: A well-structured essay consists of an introduction, a main body, and a conclusion.
Introduction
Briefly introduce the topic and outline the main arguments.
Main Body
Expand upon your facts and ideas to provide detailed explanations.
Conclusion
Summarize the thoughts presented in the essay and offer a final thought.
Ans: One common mistake is poor time management. Additionally, many candidates struggle with maintaining a clear structure, make grammatical errors, or overcomplicate their ideas. Keep these points in mind to avoid these pitfalls.
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