General Knowledge for XAT 2025: What to Read and How to Prepare?

The General Knowledge (GK) section in the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) can really make a difference. Even though it doesn't affect the first percentile calculation, it becomes important during the selection processes for top institutions like XLRI and other related colleges. The GK section in XAT 2025 consists of 20 Questions that assess candidates' knowledge of both current and static topics. Doing well in this section needs a smart plan that includes staying updated and having a good grasp of general awareness.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to prepare effectively.

Understanding the Structure of GK in XAT

The GK section in XAT comprises:

1. Static GK:
   • History, geography, science, and economics
   • Art, culture, awards, and books
   • Important dates and events
2. Current Affairs:
   • Recent events in politics, sports, business, and international relations
   • Major global and national developments

Why the GK Section is Important

Your performance in the GK section may have an impact on your selection at institutions like XLRI, SPJIMR, or TAPMI, which take GK scores into account when making their final selection criteria, even though it isn't taken into account in the overall percentile. Furthermore, having a solid understanding of GK shows your comprehensive awareness and personality, which are important qualities for future managers.

What to Read for XAT 2025 GK?

1. Static GK

Static GK focuses on historical facts, fundamental knowledge, and universally accepted concepts.

a) Topics to Focus On:

• History:
  Key events, movements, and personalities in Indian and world history.
• Geography:
  Major rivers, mountains, capitals, and countries.
• Economics:
  Basics of Indian economics, GDP, budgets, and economic surveys.
• Science & Technology:
  Important inventions, discoveries, and space missions.
• Awards and Honours:
  Nobel Prizes, Oscars, Booker Prize, and national awards.
• Books and Authors:
  Notable literary works, especially recent award-winning books.
• Miscellaneous:
  National symbols, sports events, and environmental initiatives.

b) Resources for Static GK:

• Lucent’s General Knowledge
• Manorama Yearbook
• NCERT books for history, geography, and political science (Class 6-10)

2. Current Affairs

Current affairs focus on recent development across domains such as politics, economics, science, and sports.

a) Topics to Focus On:

• Business and Economy:
  Mergers, acquisitions, new policies, and economic indicators.
• National and International Politics:
  Summits, government schemes, and geopolitical events.
• Science and Technology:
  Space exploration, AI advancements, and medical breakthroughs.
• Sports:
  Major tournaments, records, and achievements.
• Environment and Ecology:
  Climate change updates, wildlife conservation, and global agreements.

b) Resources for Current Affairs:

• Newspapers: The Hindu, The Indian Express, Economic Times
• Magazines: Business Today, Frontline, Outlook
• Websites:
  • PIB (Press Information Bureau)
  • Jagran Josh
  • GKToday
  • AffairsCloud

How to Prepare for GK in XAT 2025

1. Develop a Daily Reading Habit

• Dedicate at least 30-45 minutes daily to reading newspapers and GK portals.
• Focus on editorials and news summaries for deeper insights into current events.

2. Maintain Notes for Revision

• Create concise notes for important events, dates, and facts.
• Organize your notes topic-wise for easier revision, such as politics, economy, and science.

3. Practice with Mock Tests and Quizzes

• Attempt GK-specific mocks and sectional tests.
• Participate in online quizzes on platforms like GradeUp, Oliveboard, or Unacademy.
• Practice previous XAT GK questions to understand the exam’s difficulty level and pattern.

4. Use Monthly GK Compilations

• Refer to monthly GK PDFs from reliable sources like GKToday or AffairsCloud.
• These compilations offer a concise summary of the month’s most important events.

5. Leverage Multimedia Resources

• Watch debates, discussions, and analysis on channels like Rajya Sabha TV and BBC.
• Use apps like Inshorts for quick updates and All India Radio podcasts for detailed coverage.

Effective Strategies for the GK Section

1. Prioritize Topics Based on Frequency

• Current affairs often dominate the GK section, so allocate more time to recent events.
• Among static GK topics, focus on frequently repeated areas like history, awards, and books.

2. Aim for High Accuracy

• The GK section has no negative marking, so attempt all questions.
• Use logical guessing for unfamiliar questions, relying on elimination methods.

3. Focus on Quality Over Quantity

• It’s impossible to know everything. Concentrate on high-yield topics and avoid getting overwhelmed.

4. Revise Regularly

• Regular revision is critical for retaining static GK facts and current affairs.
• Use flashcards or apps like Anki for spaced repetition.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Ignoring Static GK

While current affairs are crucial, static GK holds significant weightage. Ignoring it can be detrimental.

2. Lack of Structured Preparation

GK is vast, and without a structured approach, you may waste valuable preparation time. Plan your schedule and stick to it.

3. Overloading Yourself with Resources

Avoid juggling too many books, apps, and websites. Stick to a few trusted resources.

4. Neglecting Revision

Facts and figures can fade quickly. Regularly revise your notes and highlighted articles.

Last-Minute Preparation Tips

1. Focus on Recent Developments:
   Revise the last 6–12 months of current affairs intensively.
2. Go Through Important Static GK Topics:
   Revise key topics such as capitals, currencies, awards, and books.
3. Solve Previous Year Questions:
   Familiarize yourself with XAT’s GK question types by practicing past papers.
4. Stay Calm and Confident:
   GK preparation can be daunting, but consistent effort pays off. Trust your preparation and stay positive.

Conclusion

Getting ready for the GK part of the XAT in 2025 takes a mix of steady work, smart use of resources, and regular review. You can easily do well on this part if you focus on both current events and general knowledge, practice hard, and stick to a structured plan. Remember that the GK part is your chance to show that you are a well-rounded candidate by showing how much you know and understand.

Stay disciplined, keep revising, and make your GK preparation a daily habit. If you have the right plan, you can do well in the XAT 2025.

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Mujahid Tafseer

Mujahid Tafseer is a dedicated guide for management students, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. He holds an MBA from JSS Academy of Technical Education, Noida, and a B.Com from Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, Rampur. Mujahid is passionate about helping students navigate the complexities of management studies and achieve their academic and career goals.