XAT 2024 Question Paper PDF Download [Official]

Overview: Hey aspirants, if you are targeting the XAT 2026 Exam scheduled on 4th January 2026, then practising the XAT 2024 Question Paper is a must!

It gives you the closest real-time understanding of the XAT exam pattern, question difficulty, and the type of analytical thinking XAT expects. Solving the XAT 2024 Question Paper will not only boost your confidence but also help you build strategic clarity before stepping into the exam hall.

Download FREE Study Material for XAT 2026 by Supergrads

Preparing for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) becomes significantly easier when you decode what the exam truly demands.
The XAT 2024 Question Paper remains one of the most important resources for aspirants aiming for XLRI Jamshedpur and other top B-Schools across India.

• Understand the exact difficulty level,
• Get familiar with XAT-style tricky reasoning questions,
• Build time management skills, and
• Develop smart decision-making strategies.

Whether you’re targeting HRM, BM, GMP, or any flagship management program, practising the XAT 2024 exam question papers helps you:

In this XAT 2024 question paper detailed guide, you will find:

✔ Complete overview of the XAT 2024 question paper pattern
✔ Section-wise difficulty & question types
✔ Official XAT paper format & marking scheme
✔ Difficulty level analysis
✔ How to use the XAT 2024 exam paper effectively for preparation

Let’s kickstart your XAT preparation journey with clarity, confidence, and the right strategy!

Key Highlights of XAT 2024 Question Paper

• Total MCQs: Around 101 questions + 1 descriptive essay.
• Sectional timings:
  • Part 1: 175 minutes (flexible navigation across VALR, DM, and QA & DI)
  • Part 2: 30 minutes (GK + Essay)

• Testing focus:

  • Language skills and logical reasoning through VALR
  • Ethical and analytical judgment through decision-making
  • Mathematical aptitude and data interpretation skills through QA & DI
  • Awareness of national/international events and static facts via GK
  • Written communication, structure, and clarity of thought via Essay Writing

XAT 2024 Question Paper PDF Download 

Click on your set to download the XAT 2024 Question Paper PDFs.

XAT Previous Year Papers	Download Links
XAT 2024 Question Paper	Download Now

XAT Previous Year Papers PDF Download Links [2024 - 2015]

Want to boost your XAT score? Download the XAT previous year question papers PDF below and start practising now!

XAT Previous Year Papers	Download Links
XAT 2025 Question Paper	Download Now

XAT 2023 Question Paper	Download Now
XAT 2022 Question Paper	Download Now
XAT 2020 Question Paper	Download Now
XAT 2019 Question Paper	Download Now
XAT 2018 Question Paper	Download Now
XAT 2017 Question Paper	Download Now
XAT 2016 Question Paper	Download Now
XAT 2015 Question Paper	Download Now

XAT 2024 Question Paper Exam Pattern and Sectional Breakdown

The XAT 2024 question paper was divided into two main parts: Part 1 (core aptitude sections and keyboard test) and Part 2 (General Knowledge and Essay Writing). The exam was conducted in computer-based mode with a total duration of 210 minutes.

Part 1: Verbal, DM, Quant & Keyboard Test (175 minutes)

Sections	No. of Questions	Question Types / Areas
Verbal & Logical Ability (VALR)	26	Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Grammar, Critical Reasoning
Decision Making (DM)	22	Scenario-based analytical and ethical decision-making questions
Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)	28	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Maths, Data Interpretation sets

Keyboard Test

• Duration: 5 minutes (separate from answering time).
• Purpose: System / mock keyboard check before the essay section.

Marking Scheme for Part 1

• +1 mark for every correct answer.
• -0.25 mark for every incorrect answer.
• No negative marking for the first 8 unattempted questions.
• After 8 skipped questions, a penalty of -0.10 marks per additional unattempted question is applied (across sections).

Part 2: General Knowledge & Essay (30 minutes)

Part 2 of XAT 2024 had a 30-minute section for General Knowledge and Essay Writing. The GK section had 25 MCQs on static and current affairs, with no negative marking. 

The GK score isn’t used for percentile but matters in the final selection. 

For the Essay, candidates picked one topic from three prompts, and it is only evaluated for shortlisted candidates in later rounds

Section	No. of Questions	Type	Key Details	Duration
General Knowledge (GK)	25	MCQs based on Static GK + Current Affairs	• No negative marking in GK.• Not counted for XAT percentile.• Considered only during final selection by XLRI & other institutes.	Combined 30 minutes with Essay
Essay Writing (AWT)	1	Descriptive (choose 1 topic out of 3 prompts)	• Evaluated only for shortlisted candidates (GD-PI/WAT).• Checked by XLRI & participating institutes.	Combined 30 minutes with GK

Section-wise Analysis of XAT 2024 Question Paper

The XAT 2024 exam was of moderate to great difficulty, with each section presenting unique challenges for candidates. 

1️⃣ Verbal and Logical Ability (VALR)

The Verbal and Logical Ability (VALR) section featured moderately difficult reading comprehension passages and tricky logical reasoning questions, requiring strong analytical skills. 

2️⃣Decision Making (DM) section

The Decision Making (DM) section was moderately difficult, with questions that tested analytical and critical thinking abilities. 

3️⃣Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA-DI)

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA-DI) emerged as the toughest section, with questions requiring a deep understanding of arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and data interpretation. 

4️⃣General Knowledge (GK) section and Essay Writing Section

The General Knowledge (GK) section was considered manageable for those with regular reading habits, while the Essay Writing section required clarity of thought and good writing skills. Overall, the exam emphasised balanced preparation, with a particular focus on quantitative and analytical abilities for success.

Section	No. of Questions	Difficulty Level	Key Observations
Verbal and Logical Ability (VALR)	26	Moderate to Difficult	RC passages and logical reasoning were moderately challenging.
Decision Making (DM)	21	Moderate to Difficult	Analytical questions required careful thought.
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA-DI)	28	Difficult	Toughest section, with demanding arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and DI questions.
General Knowledge (GK)	25	Moderate	Manageable for regular readers.
Essay Writing	1	Moderate	The topic was moderate, requiring good writing skills.

XAT 2024 Question Paper: Key Trends and Preparation Tips

• Focus on QA & DI: Geometry, Number Systems, and Venn Diagrams are frequently asked topics. Practice advanced problems and logical arithmetic sets.
• RC & Logical Reasoning: Read diverse passages, including poems and abstract themes. Practice parajumbles and critical reasoning regularly.
• Decision Making: Solve caselets from previous years, focusing on business and ethical scenarios.
• GK Preparation: Stay updated with current affairs, especially national and international events, and revise static GK topics.
• Essay Writing: Practice writing structured essays on various topics within the word limit.

How to Use the XAT 2024 Question Paper for Preparation?

Here are expanded pointers on how to use the XAT 2024 question paper for effective preparation:

• Attempt the paper under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam environment and improve time management skills.
• Review each section thoroughly, focusing on mistakes and identifying weak areas for targeted improvement.
• Analyse the XAT marking scheme:
  • +1 for each correct answer,
  • -0.25 for each incorrect answer,
  • -0.10 for each unattempted question after the first 8 in each section—this helps strategise attempts and avoid negative-marking traps.
• Solve XAT previous years' papers alongside the 2024 paper to understand evolving trends and question patterns.
• After solving, compare your answers with the official answer key to assess accuracy and learn from explanations.

• Use the paper to identify high-weightage topics and frequently asked question types for focused revision.
• Practice sectional tests based on the XAT 2024 paper to build stamina and section-wise speed.
• Analyse your performance to set realistic targets for the next XAT mock or actual exam.
• Discuss doubts and solutions with peers or mentors to gain new perspectives and strategies.
• Keep a record of your progress by maintaining a log of scores, attempted questions, and areas needing improvement.
• Refer to expert analysis and video solutions for deeper insights into tricky questions and alternative approaches.