XAT Marking Scheme 2026: Section-wise Weightage and Questions Distribution

Overview: XAT 2026 will be held on 4th January. If you are preparing for it, now is the best time to understand the XAT marking scheme and exam pattern. So, continue reading to get the complete information about it!

• XAT, or Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), is a national-level MBA entrance exam for admission to the prestigious Xavier School of Management (XLRI) and various other associated management institutes. 
• The Xavier Aptitude Test exam will be conducted on Sunday, January 4th, 2026. XAT registration commenced on 10th July 2025.
• The last date to apply for the XAT entrance exam is 11th December 2025.

Download FREE Study Material for XAT Exam 2026 by Supergrads

What's New for XAT 2026?

• There is no sectional time limit in the XAT 2026 exam. You can now move freely between sections during the exam.
• The number of XAT test cities has increased to 109 this year.
• You can choose two preferred test cities when you fill out your application.
• The application fee for XAT remains the same.

Let's go over the XAT marking scheme below.

Also Read | What is the XAT exam?

XAT Marking Scheme 2026 - Overview

To ace the XAT exam 2026 on the first attempt, it is very important to understand the XAT exam marking scheme deeply. Although the exam pattern is somewhat similar to other MBA entrance tests, the XAT 2026 marking scheme shows some differences.

Here are the key facts about the XAT marking scheme 2026: 

• There is 1 mark for every correct answer.
• There is a negative marking of 0.25 for every incorrect answer.
• If you answer more than 8 consecutive questions incorrectly, then 0.10 marks will be deducted.
• The general Knowledge section does not have negative markings.
• General Knowledge scores are not included in the calculation of the XAT percentile.
• Essays are not marked during the exam but will be evaluated during PI shortlisting.

Also Read | Is CAT preparation enough for XAT?

Download Free XAT Previous Year Papers (2025-2015)

Also Read | XAT Admission Details

XAT Marking Scheme 2026: Understanding the Exam Pattern 

Before understanding the XAT marking scheme, let us first review its XAT exam pattern. The XAT exam 2026 has three parts: A, B, and C. Part A consists of Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability, and Data Interpretation (175 minutes).

Part B will be a 5-minute mock keyboard test, and Part C will include a GK section and a short essay topic (30 minutes). PwD candidates will get 20 minutes of extra time in each part. 

The XAT exam 2026 pattern includes the following: 

XAT Syllabus  and Exam Pattern	No. of Questions	Total marks	Good Attempts
PART – A (170 minutes) No Sectional Timing within Part – A
Verbal and Logical Ability	26	26	14-15
Decision Making	21	21	12-13
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation	28	28	19-20
Total	75	75
PART – B (10 Minutes)
General Awareness	20	20

Also Read | XAT Syllabus

XAT Marking Scheme 2026: Sectional Break-Up of Questions

The XAT marking scheme is similar to that of the 2025 XAT exam. Now, let's focus on the sectional breakdown of questions.

In addition to multiple-choice questions on Decision-making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability, & Data Interpretation, there is also an essay writing section.

Below is the sectional breakdown of the XAT 2026 question paper:

XAT 2026 Marking Scheme & Section-Wise Distribution

XAT Exam Section	Number of Questions	Total Marks	Marks for Correct Answer	Negative Marking (Wrong Answer)	Penalty for Unattempted (>8)
Decision Making (DM)	21	21	+1	-0.25	-0.10 per question
Verbal and Logical Ability (VLA)	26	26	+1	-0.25	-0.10 per question
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)	28	28	+1	-0.25	-0.10 per question
General Knowledge (GK)	20	20	+1	No Negative Marking	No Penalty
Essay Writing	1 (evaluated later)	Not scored	Evaluated during the PI process	Not applicable	Not applicable

Note: Only the first three sections (DM, VLA, QA & DI) are used for percentile calculation. Institutes like XLRI consider the GK and Essay sections during the interview stage.

Check: XAT Essay Topics and Their Weightage 

Also Read | XAT Previous Year Papers

XAT Marking Scheme: Exam Syllabus 2026

The XAT exam date for 2026 will be conducted on 5th January and comprises three sections: 

• Part 1: Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability, and Data Interpretation (170 minutes)
• Part 2: General Knowledge Test (10 Minutes)

Here is a glimpse of the XAT exam syllabus that will help you prioritise the key sections and get good scores in XAT 2026:

XAT Exam Syllabus	Essential Topics in the XAT Exam Syllabus
Verbal and Logical Ability	Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Analogy, Parajumble, Grammar, Critical Reasoning, Fill in the Blanks, etc.
Decision Making	Data Arrangement, Conditioning, Grouping, Complex Arrangement, Caselets, Assumptions, Premises, Conclusions, etc.
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation	Arithmetic, Geometry, Mensuration, Percentage, Surds and Indices, Algebra, Mensuration, Bar Diagrams, Pie Charts, Tables, Data Interpretation, etc.
General Knowledge	Science, Economy, Business, Politics, Static GK, Sports, Prize and Award, World, Government, Constitution of India, etc.

Conclusion

So, as we wrap up, it's clear that grasping the XAT marking scheme and exam pattern is essential for acing the XAT exam 2026. With all the details provided about the exam pattern, important dates, XAT 2026 marking scheme, and syllabus, you can prepare effectively and focus on the right areas. 

Remember, thorough preparation and time management are crucial for scoring well in the XAT exam. Best of luck to all the aspiring candidates preparing for the XAT 2026!

Read more: XAT Selection Process 2026