Total Questions: 200, 4 sections with 50 question each. Duration: 2 hours

Marking: +4 for Correct answer and -1 for incorrect answer. Sectional Cut-offs: 50 %ile in each section

Section 1: Reading comprehension

This section was the most tiring of all. Though there were only 4 passages, length of the passages did not allow any student get away quickly. Surprisingly one dreaded passage had 24 questions and hence became the necessary evil of the section. Length of passages tested the concentration level of candidates across country. Even the brightest of the lot faced difficulties in completing this section satisfactorily. Overall the passages were simpler in understanding as compared to last year. Passage based on FDI infusion was interesting and could have consumed good time. Ideally a candidate should have invested close to 33 minutes and tried to attempt 27 questions with 75 % accuracy.   Good score in this section can be 70 marks.

Section 2: Analytical Reasoning and Data Interpretation

This paper marked ideal mix of arrangement, puzzles, decision making, coding and misc logic based questions etc. The sets based on Alphabetical series were really tricky. The set based on arranging seven candidates has logical conflict in the information given and hence the answers could not be derived. Lot of candidates would have wasted 5 to 7 minutes in that set. There was only one set based on Data comparison. Most of the questions on coding were really easy and could have supported a candidate to reach good score. Overall the section was moderate and one could have attempted 33 – 34 questions in 30 minutes. Good score in this section will be 90 marks. Ideal time allocation for this section would have been 30 minutes.

Section 3: Verbal Ability

The sections contained questions based on Vocabulary, Idiomatic usage, Sentence corrections, grammatical errors etc. Questions on Parajumbles and critical reasoning were missing and hence the sections demanded less time. Vocabulary based questions were comparatively easy while questions on other areas were moderate. Overall a candidate can secure 95 marks in 31 to 33 attempts if it is done with good accuracy.

Section 4: Quantitative Ability

Surprisingly this section contained a good number of questions on higher math concepts like coordinate, limits etc. And with no DI based questions, scoring in this section would be relatively tough. There were lot of question based on basic math and common sense. Ideally, candidate can attempt smartly and try to skip non-familiar questions as quickly as possible. This approach would have helped one attempt close 30 questions in 32 minutes. With good accuracy, a good score of 90 marks was possible to achieve.

FMS 2010 answerkey

** Good score is approximately 98 %ile for each section and overall good score is 99.4 %ile.

Total Question – 101

Sections -  3

Negative: 0.2 for 1^st 5 question of each section and 0.25 for more than 5 incorrect answers more than 5 per section. This will motivate students to have free hand while attempting questions, though beyond a point it doesn't help.

Section A: Data Interpretation and Quantitative Ability

Total Question – 40

Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Tough

The section could not have been much better in terms of question quality and variety. Very good collection of questions and fresh variety after a long time. Questions based on probability were tricky, while 2 questions on concepts of Geometry were easy. DI based questions were lengthy in calculation specially the question set on price of Rose and Carnation. Overall a time consuming section. Someone who has done a rigorous practice on quantitative concepts would be in position to optimise score. Ideal time in this section will be 45 minutes while ideal attempts can be 17 to 18. Overall a 14+ can be a good score in this section.

Section B: Analytical Reasoning and Decision Making

Total question: 30

Level of difficulty: Moderate to Tough

For the first time the institute has clearly specified what skill sets they are looking in a candidate. The section included sets on analytical logic largely based on decision making and role assumption. One set required arranging four variables in organised form. This set was time consuming. Case analysis on Guruji's guidance was easy but tricky. Though one question was bit subjective. Simple critical reasoning, LR sets which XLRI used to be asked 5 years back could be observed in this paper. The section also reminded of Business analysis section of IMT entrance exam (when IMT used to conduct its own entrance test). While case of financial scam in NWC corporation was easy. Case of BPO  employees was easy to moderate. One could have looked through the options to eliminate incorrect answers. Overall ideal time to be alloted can be 40 minutes. Ideal attempts can be 16 to 18 while good score in this section can be 13+, keeping in mind student is giving only 40 minutes and there will be sets which will add to unproductive time.

Section C: Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning

Total Questions: 31

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Again the focus was on identifying decision making skills of a candidate. Mostly question based on Critical reasoning, Para Jumbles, Syllogism, etc were asked. There were few questions on Word usage in the form of Fill in the blanks. Reading comprehension question were time consuming as it required to evaluate all the five options before selecting the right one. As the negative marking was only 0.2 for 1^st five questions, attempts in this section would have attracted lot of logical guess work. This will result in higher overall attempt in this section and hence ideal attempt will reach close to 24 to 25. Ideal time can be 35 minutes while good score in this section will be 18+.

XAT 2010 Answer key

Total Questions: 150

Total Duration: 120 minutes

Sections: 4 sections. Quantitative and Data Interpretation & Sufficiency, Verbal Ability and General Awareness consisted of 40 Questions of 1 mark each while Analytical and Logical Reasoning Section consisted of 30 Question of 2 marks each.

Negative: 1/4^th of allotted mark

Section 1: Analytical and Logical Reasoning

The section was easier as compared to last year. Most of the questions were based on standard reasoning and logic. This year, surprisingly, Critical reasoning & Data Interpretation question were also included in this section. Questions on Critical reasoning were easy wherein a good student could easily eliminate options. Questions on Data interpretation were not calculative except for few questions like question on Mobile bill.  Question on pie chart were very silly and would not even require 30 seconds. There were 3 questions in coding and 2 in visual reasoning which were also simple in level of difficulty. Surprisingly there were 4 questions on Analogy based on vocabulary. Hence this time we observed all reasoning variety questions in this section. One should attempt all 30 questions and can expect 45+ net score as good score in 45 minutes.

Section 2: Quantitative and Data Interpretation & Sufficiency

Again an easier section as compared to last year’s paper. Overall there was more weighted on Arithmetic based questions.  Most of the questions were easy. Questions based on P & C and Probability were good while there were no questions on pure geometry. DI (one table and one pie chart) questions were based on simple calculations. There were two questions were data given was inconsistent with options given. There were two questions on statistics ie mean deviation. Ideal time for this section can be 30 minutes. Good score 29+.

Section 3: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

The questions are a fine mix of different levels of difficulty. Majority of questions are easy and are trying to test the fundamental understanding of the language. A few questions are vague which should have been better left untouched.   Questions are leaning heavily towards vocabulary, idioms and grammar and the traditional management entrance questions like comprehension and para – jumbles are given less importance. The total time allocated to the section should have been

30 minutes. The good attempts for the section would be 32 questions with accuracy of 85 percent. Good score 25+

Section 4: General Awareness

This section was a really tempting with lot of simple yet confusing questions. The number of attempts would be higher but the accuracy would suffer hence the good score would be around 14+

SNAP 2009 Answer key

Paper – I  (General)

In all 50 questions, having equal weight age of 1 mark each.  Allotted time : 45 minutes.

QA – 8/7 questions –

Quantitative Ability and Analytical Reasoning – 15 - 16 questions

One very simple set of DI having 5 questions, 2 questions were of logical reasoning, and the remaining were from time and work, mensuration, simple equation and profit and loss. All the questions in these sets were pretty easy. One question was based on observation in which a specific pattern in a cube had to be obtained from a two dimensional sheet. The questions were very simple and required the basic knowledge of quantitative aptitude. Majority of them were based on Number system, percentages and other arithmetic concepts. No Questions on  geometry were asked.

Good score: 12 – 13

English – 20 questions

6-8 questions on grammar tested ones basic in grammar and usage of English and vocabulary. 7- 8 questions on the Fill in the blanks were extremely simple and so were the Qs on incorrect sentences and odd man out. There was only one RC having 5 Qs which were very straight forward and didn’t require any regression.

Good score: 16 – 17

GK – 15 questions

Basic questions of GK : Questions on Nobel prize winners, Magsaysay awards, and simple social issues. Cursory glance of business magazines /GA yearbooks and daily reading of newspapers would have really helped a lot. 

Qs: Which social org. was started by Mother Teresa?

Qs: Which river is known as sorrow of Bihar?

Good score:  7 – 8.

Paper – II (HR Course)

There were 75 questions and marks allotted were not mentioned. Total time for this paper : 60 min.

Here we mention the good score considering 1 mark per question.

Also this section carried 75% of the total weightage of the paper as mentioned.

DI – 15 questions

Simple data interpretive questions in the form of bar charts and tables, involving simple mental calculations of easy to moderate level. 3-4 questions involved tedious calculations also.

Good Score:  8-9.

DS – 15 questions

Most of the questions were easy, but some of them were a bit verbose and required almost a minute or two to solve after reading.

Good score: 10

Reading Comprehension – 16 questions

Two passages, one of which was a very lengthy one but had 6 -7 straight forward questions out of the total 9 and the other passage was of relatively short but had slightly more tricky questions.

Good score: 8 – 9.

Finally, the last two sections were of Business GK and about Foundations of Management. This section had 29 questions in all and could easily become the differentiator as the questions required sound knowledge about crucial business and social aspects. Scoring more than 13 in this section would be considered really well.

Paper – I  (General)

Paper – II (HR Course)

Considering that TISS gives calls to around 3500+ students for just 60 seats, a student scoring more than 37+ in the first paper and around 34+ in the second paper (assuming that there is one mark per question in the second paper as well), can expect a call.

Total Questions: 120, 4 sections with 30 question each. Duration: 3 hours

Marking: +1 for Correct answer and -1/4 for incorrect answer. Sectional Cut-offs: Yes


Section 1: Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension.

The section was relatively easy. It did not bring about any surprise and it was a mixed bag of very predictable questions. The section tested the three pillars of language – Vocabulary, Grammar and Reading. The section comprised 4 passages (containing 14 questions in all) 5 questions on grammar and 8 questions on Vocabulary and 3 questions on verbal logic. The passages were short and precise. Some of questions were implied idea questions, which required a good understanding of the passage. The section would have proved very lucrative with a reasonably good command over vocabulary as the vocabulary based questions demanded more of absolute understanding of the word meanings. Grammar questions were again simple. Overall the section should have proved a cake walk for one who is well read and sensible. An attempt of 26+ questions can be considered a good one and a net score of 21+ a good score.


Section 2: Logical Reasoning

The Logical reasoning section was most interesting of all. The set of arranging names of a family was easy. Though there is a probable error in one name (Rita vs. Geeta). Another set on arranging name and city of 6 friends was also easy. There were 8 questions on Statement, assumptions and conclusions. Some questions on logical deductions were tricky too.  Questions based on Verbal Reasoning and Parajumbles were also seen in this section. Overall a lucrative section to score if one can spend 50 minutes patiently. An attempt of 26+ questions can be considered a good one and a net score of 22+ a good score.


Section 3: Quantitative Ability

Quantitative ability section had familiar questions with less weight on higher mathematics.  Almost all the questions were very much possible to attempt within 45 minutes. Questions were mostly independent of each other except for few questions which were in the sets of 2 or 3. Sets like “Circular track”, “Squares on grid line” were really interesting and easy ones. Questions on concepts of Higher mathematics were very few and easier in nature. An attempt of 25+ questions can be considered a good one and a net score of 16+ a good score.


Section 4: Data Interpretation

This section was easier than last year. Only one set demanded time so ideally one could spend around 40 to 45 minutes in this section. Mostly sets involved questions based on Data given in different formats. There were 7 sets of which two sets were very easy. Questions on Pie charts and tables were based on simple application of Percentages and ratios. While questions based on line graphs demanded good understanding of language as well. Set based on information about different banks looked tough but was actually very easy and one could attempt all 5 questions. Overall an attempt of 26+ questions can be considered a good one and a net score of 21+ a good score.

In case any institute go for sectional cut-off it will be at least 60% of Good Score

122 questions in all

Reading Comprehension

-        4 RCs in number. 2 lengthy and 2 short.  

-        RCs were easy to comprehend, questions were direct / data driven. Length of the RC was the criterion for selection.

Verbal Ability

-        5 Sentence Correction, Error Detection. Not time consuming at all.

-        5 synonyms. 5 antonyms. (Both of which comprised familiar words with slightly tricky options.)

-        4 fill in the blanks. Elimination of options was easier than selection of the same. Difficulty level : Easy to Moderate.

-        6 parajumbles. Difficulty level : Easy to Moderate.

Analytical Reasoning

-        2 sets – 1 of Arrangement and 1 of coding decoding (Both were easy and not time consuming).

-        Difficulty Level : Easy.

Quantitative Aptitude

-        Questions were based on applications of Quantitative fundamentals spread across topics like Time, Speed and Distance, Logarithms, Progression,  Linear Equation, Percentage, Geometry, Profit and Loss etc.

-        Selection of questions would be a deciding factor.

-        Difficulty Level : Moderate to Tough.

Data Interpretation and Analytical Reasoning

-        Set on Bar graph was easy, where most of questions were on percentages and approximations.

-        3 sets on data on tabular format were well placed. Two sets were Easy to moderate while the third set (money allocation) was really challenging.

-        One set of AR was really simple while another one (salary) was meant to be left!

-        Questions on data structuring were easy, while questions on miscellaneous logic were moderate.

Total Questions: 200, 4 sections with 40 questions in Verbal Ability, 50 questions Quantitative Aptitude + Data Interpretation, 50 questions on Reasoning Skills, 60 questions on Social Concerns.

Duration: 2 hours

Marking: 1/4^th negative marks.

Sectional Cut-offs: Yes

Section 1: Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension.

PATTERN- all questions of 1 mark.

RC – one RC (15 questions). 10 questions based on RC and 5 questions on Vocabulary (usage of boldface words in the passage). Difficulty Level – Easy. Direct Questions none based on inference.

Fill In the Blanks – 5 questions (2 blanks in one question). Difficulty Level – Easy.

Cloze Test – 10 questions. Difficulty level – Easy.

Parajumbles – 6 questions. Difficulty Level – Easy.

Sentence Continuation – 4 questions. Difficulty level – Easy.

Overall Difficulty level – Easy.

Good attempts – 32.

Section 2: Quantitative Aptitude + Data Interpretation

Table – 2 (5 questions)

Pie – 1 (5 questions)

Line – 1 (5 questions)

Caselet – 1 (5 questions)

All questions were direct data based and percentage based questions. The questions needed basic arithmetic and some smaller applications of mental calculations and approximations. Difficulty level – easy.

BODMAS – 5 questions. Difficulty Level – Easy.

Data Sufficiency – 5 questions. Difficulty Level – Easy.

Arithmetic – 15 questions. Difficulty level – Easy. (Simple Interest (3), T&W (1), Number Systems (6), Probability (3), T, S & D (1), Permutation Combination (1) etc.)

Overall Difficulty Level – Easy.

Good Attempts – 35.

Section 3: Reasoning Skills

Data Sufficiency – 5 questions

Decision Making - 10 questions

Statement – Assumption – 5 questions

Statement – Course of Action – 5 questions

Statement – Conclusion – 5 questions

Analytical Reasoning – 10 questions (arrangement based (2), coding decoding (3), odd – one out (5))

The section overall was Difficulty Level – Easy to Moderate.

Good Attempts – 30.

Section 4: Issues on Social Concern

Public Distribution Based question – 6

Organizations (WTO, national commission etc.) – 6

Award based – 1

Our Material Based – 15

Horticulture & Agriculture produce based – 5

Good Attempts – 30.

Description	Section 1	Section 2	Section 3	Section 4
Section	Verbal Ability & Reading comprehension	Quantitative Aptitude + Data Interpretation	Reasoning Skills	Issues on Social Concern
No. of questions	40	50	50	60
Difficulty Level	Easy	Easy	Easy to Moderate	Easy to Moderate
Ideal Time	25 to 30 mins	35 to 40 mins	30 to 35 mins	15 to 20 mins
Good Score	18+	21+	23+	12+
Cut-offs	Score
IRMA	105 +
XIMB – Rural	89 +
Kalinga Institute of Rural Management	78 +