XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme, Format & Duration

Overview: The XAT 2026 exam is tentatively scheduled for January 4, 2026. It is best to understand the XAT exam pattern 2026 and syllabus to prepare well before the main examination. Read on to know more! 

• The XAT or Xavier Aptitude Test 2026 will be conducted on January 4th, 2026, across various cities in the country.
• The XAT 2026 registration starts on July 10, 2025, and the last date to apply is December 11, 2025.

Download Free Study Material for XAT Exam 2026 by Supergrads

• Xavier Aptitude Test is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the XLRI on behalf of XLRI Associate Member Institutes (XAMI).
• The XAT exam lets you take admission to the prestigious Xavier School of Management (XLRI) and various other associated management institutes.

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.

Knowing the XAT exam pattern 2026 and XAT marking scheme prepares you in advance. Scroll down to get the complete details! 

Also Read: XAT 2026 Registration: Apply with the Direct Link

XAT Exam Pattern 2026 – Overview

The XAT exam pattern 2026 follows a computer-based test (CBT) format with a total duration of 180 minutes. The paper is divided into two parts – Part 1 (core aptitude sections) and Part 2 (General Knowledge). There is no sectional time limit in Part 1; you can switch between sections freely during the allotted time.

In total, you will face around 95 questions in XAT 2026, and the exam tests you on Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. The table below gives a quick snapshot of how the XAT exam is structured.

Part	Sections Included	Total Questions (Approx.)	Duration	Key Points
Part 1	Verbal & Logical Ability (VALR), Decision Making (DM), Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)	~75 questions	170 minutes	No sectional time limit; negative marking for wrong answers and for excessive unattempted questions.
Part 2	General Knowledge (GK)	~20 questions	10 minutes	No negative marking; GK score is used mainly in later selection stages by XLRI and other institutes.

This structure of the XAT exam pattern 2026 helps you plan how many questions to target from each section and how to distribute your 180 minutes on test day.

Try Now | Attempt a Free XAT Mock Test Here!

XAT Exam Pattern 2026 – Section-Wise Breakup

The XAT exam pattern 2026 consists of three core aptitude sections in Part 1 and one General Knowledge section in Part 2. All questions are asked in MCQ format, and there is negative marking in Part 1 but no negative marking in the GK section.

Section	Part	Number of Questions (Approx.)	Duration (Shared)	Negative Marking
Verbal & Logical Ability (VALR)	Part 1	~26–28	170 minutes (no sectional time limit)	+1 for every correct answer −0.25 for every incorrect answer −0.10 for each unattempted question beyond 8 unattempted (across Part 1)
Decision Making (DM)	Part 1	~21–23		+1 for every correct answer −0.25 for every incorrect answer −0.10 for each unattempted question beyond 8 unattempted (across Part 1)
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)	Part 1	~26–28		+1 for every correct answer −0.25 for every incorrect answer −0.10 for each unattempted question beyond 8 unattempted (across Part 1)
General Knowledge (GK)	Part 2	~20	10 minutes	No negative marking for incorrect or unattempted questions; GK score is generally used in the later selection stages.

In summary, the XAT exam pattern 2026 includes around 75 questions in Part 1 and 20 questions in Part 2, making it a total of about 95 questions to be attempted in 180 minutes.

What's New In XAT Exam Pattern 2026? 

The XAT 2026 entrance exam has come up with some updates, like:

• Integration of Analytical Essay Writing with GD and PI: The analytical essay writing component will now be administered with Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) in later stages.
• Revision in General Knowledge Section: The XAT 2026 GK section will comprise 20 Questions (12 current affairs and 8 static GK) that must be completed within 10 minutes.
• XAT Exam 2026 Timings: Now the XAT exam timings are 180 minutes (Part A: 170 minutes + Part B: 10 Minutes)

Note: The XAT exam pattern has been revised for 2026; please refer to the official notification for any clarification

XAT Marking Scheme 2026

XAT exam 2026 has a unique marking scheme compared to other MBA entrance exams. By understanding the marking scheme, you can effectively strategise your exam attempt. Here's a breakdown:

• Correct Answer: +1 mark
• Incorrect Answer: -0.25 marks
• Unanswered Questions:
• No negative marking for the first 8 consecutive unanswered questions.
• -0.10 marks for each unanswered question after the first 8 consecutive ones.

Important points to remember:

• General Knowledge (GK) section: There is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the GK section. XLRI Jamshedpur will utilise the GK scores to finalise the candidates.

Read More | How to Calculate XAT score in XAT Exam? 

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Section

This section of the XAT exam pattern 2026 assesses a candidate's proficiency in English language comprehension, grammar, and logical reasoning. A comprehensive understanding of grammar rules and logical reasoning principles is imperative to excel in the XAT VARC syllabus.

Key Topics Include

• Reading comprehension
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Critical Reasoning
• Inference-based questions.

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern for the Decision-Making Section 

The Decision-Making (DM) section of the XAT exam pattern 2026 and XAT syllabus evaluates a candidate's ability to analyse complex situations and make sound judgments.

Aspirants must hone their decision-making skills by practising case studies and developing a strategic approach to tackle diverse scenarios effectively.

Scenarios presented in this section often revolve around:

• Ethical dilemmas
• Business decisions
• Situational analyses

Also Read | XAT Exam Eligibility 2026: Registration & Many more

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern for Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation

Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation form the bedrock of analytical prowess in the XAT exam pattern 2026 & syllabus. Proficiency in mathematical concepts and the ability to interpret data effectively are indispensable for excelling in this section. Topics encompass:

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Set Theory
• Probability
• Charts & Data Analysis
• Data interpretation & Data sufficiency

Also Read | Best Tips to Prepare XAT Exam 

Use SuperGrads Free Resources 2026 Strategically

XAT Mock Test 2026	Attempt a Free Mock test
XAT Prep Videos 2026	Watch Now
XAT Syllabus 2026	Download Now
XAT PYQs	Download Now

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern for General Knowledge Section

The General Knowledge section of the XAT exam pattern 2026 & syllabus evaluates a candidate's awareness of current affairs, business, economics, politics, and other pertinent topics. Regularly reading newspapers, magazines, and online resources is essential for staying informed about recent developments.

Additionally, referring to XAT GK syllabus resources and practising mock tests can significantly augment one's GK proficiency. Some of the topics that can be highlighted are as follows:

• Business, Finance, and Economics
• The Indian Constitution and Laws
• Famous Personalities
• Current Affairs of National and International Importance
• Books and Authors
• Awards and Winners
• History and Geography

The XAT exam includes a Decision Making section. While it previously had an Essay Writing section, some sources indicate it has been removed from the main exam paper and is now part of the Group Discussion/Personal Interview round.

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern for Decision Making (DM)

This section is unique to the XAT exam and tests a candidate's ability to analyse and solve problems in various scenarios. It assesses your capacity for critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and quick decision-making.

• Number of Questions: 21 (all multiple-choice questions)
• Question Types:
• • Caselets: Short scenarios or case studies followed by multiple questions. The questions require you to make decisions based on the information provided, often with ethical or business dilemmas.
  • Data-Based Problems: Questions that present data in tables, charts, or other formats, requiring you to interpret the information and make a decision.

• Evaluation: The section is designed to test your ability to take a holistic view of a problem, consider multiple stakeholders, and arrive at a solution that is both logical and ethical. Avoid options that promote unethical practices or shortcuts.

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern for Essay Writing

Recent changes to the XAT exam pattern 2026 have shifted the Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) section out of the main computer-based test. The essay is now conducted and evaluated during the GD/PI process by XLRI and other participating institutes, rather than being part of the scored CBT paper.

• Format: If an essay is required, it typically involves writing a short essay of around 200-300 words on a given topic. The topics are often general or abstract and may relate to social issues, business ethics, or current events.

• Evaluation: The essay is evaluated on several parameters, including:
  • Clarity of Thought: How well you present your ideas and arguments.
  • Logical Structure: A clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Relevance: Staying focused on the topic without straying.
  • Grammar and Language: Correct use of grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary

XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section Number of Questions Duration Negative Marking

Section	Number of Questions	Duration	Negative Marking
Part 1 (170 minutes)
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning	26	170 min	+1 mark for the correct answer -0.25 marks for incorrect answer -0.10 (per extra unattempted >8)
Decision Making	21		+1 mark for the correct answer -0.25 marks for incorrect answer -0.10 (per extra unattempted >8)
Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation	28		+1 mark for the correct answer -0.25 marks for incorrect answer -0.10 (per extra unattempted >8)
Part 2 (10 minutes)
General Knowledge	20	10 minutes	No negative marking.
Total	95	180 minutes

Time Management Strategy as per XAT Exam Pattern 2026

For the XAT exam, effective time management is crucial because there are no specific sectional time limits for the three main sections:

Verbal and Logical Ability (VALR), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA & DI). 

Instead, you have a total of 170 minutes across these three sections. The General Knowledge (GK) section is separate and has its own 10-minute time limit. 

Key Strategies for Time Management

1. Prioritise based on strengths: Unlike exams with strict sectional timings, XAT allows you to allocate time as you see fit. You should begin with your strongest section to build momentum and secure easy marks.

2. Allocate time wisely: A common strategy is to distribute the 170 minutes among the three main sections. You can roughly aim for:

• QA & DI: ~60 minutes
• VALR: ~55 minutes
• DM: ~45 minutes

This is a general guideline; you can adjust it based on your personal strengths and the difficulty of the paper.

3. Don't get stuck: If you encounter a complicated question, don't spend too much time on it. The XAT penalises you for more than eight unanswered questions, so it's essential to make strategic skips.

4. Practice with mock tests: Taking full-length mock tests under timed conditions is the best way to develop a personal pacing strategy. Analyse your performance to see where you're spending too much time and adjust your approach accordingly.

5. GK section: The GK section is separate and lasts for only 10 minutes. It does not have negative marking, so it's advisable to attempt all the questions you know within the time limit.

Evolution of XAT Exam Pattern Over the Years

Before XAT 2021, the exam had four sections: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR), Decision Making (DM), Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), and General Knowledge (GK). XAT 2022 introduced a new section, Analytical Essay Writing (AEW), and the exam pattern has been largely consistent since then.

Exam Year	VARC	DM	QA & DI	GK	Essay	Total Questions
XAT 2024	26	22	28	25	1	102
XAT 2023	26	22	28	25	1	102
XAT 2022	26	21	28	25	1	101
XAT 2021	26	22	28	25	1	102
XAT 2020	26	22	28	25	-	101

How to Prepare as per the XAT Exam Pattern 2026?

XAT Exam Strategies: Verbal and Logical Ability (VLA)

Strategy Category	Specific Actions
Reading & Comprehension	Read diverse, high-quality sources (e.g., The Hindu, The Indian Express, The Economist). Focus on understanding the author's main idea, tone, and supporting arguments. Practice identifying the core theme of a passage quickly.
Critical Reasoning	Solve questions that require you to identify assumptions, conclusions, and flaws in an argument. Practice with challenging sources, such as the GRE or LSAT question banks.
Question Strategy	Don't get stuck on a single Reading Comprehension passage. Attempt questions that align with your strengths and comfort level. Use elimination to narrow down options when unsure.
Vocabulary & Grammar	Learn new words in context rather than by rote memorisation. Brush up on grammar rules to improve sentence correction and comprehension.

XAT Exam Strategies: Decision Making (DM)

Strategy Category	Specific Actions
Practice & Familiarity	Solve all previous years' XAT DM sets to understand the unique question pattern. Familiarise yourself with the types of scenarios: ethical dilemmas, managerial issues, etc.
Problem-Solving Approach	Identify all stakeholders (people, groups, departments) involved in the caselet. Evaluate each option based on its impact on all stakeholders. Choose the option that is ethically sound, legally compliant, and pragmatic.
Decision-Making Principles	Avoid emotional or extreme decisions. Look for options that create a win-win situation or lead to the best long-term outcome. Pay close attention to the specific language used in the options.
Time Management	Don't spend too much time on a single DM question. If you are stuck between two options, make an educated guess and move on.

XAT Exam Strategies 2026: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)

The QA & DI section in the XAT exam pattern 2026 is usually moderate to difficult and can be time-consuming if your basics are weak. A smart strategy focuses on concept mastery in Arithmetic and Algebra, selective question attempts, and regular practice of DI sets.

Focus Area	Strategy for QA & DI in XAT 2026
Concept Building	Revise all fundamental formulas and theorems from Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Number Systems. Maintain a formula sheet and revisit it daily so that you do not waste time recalling basics in the exam.
Topic Priority	Give higher priority to high-weightage areas such as percentages, ratio & proportion, TSD, time & work, progressions, equations and basic geometry. These topics frequently appear in XAT question papers.
Data Interpretation Practice	Practise DI sets from past XAT papers and mock tests – especially tables, bar graphs, mixed graphs and caselet-based DI. Focus on interpreting data quickly and identifying shortcuts for calculations.
Question Selection	In the XAT exam pattern 2026, you do not need to attempt all QA & DI questions. Start with questions that look familiar and are calculation-light. Skip lengthy or unfamiliar sets early and come back to them only if time permits.
Time Management	Allocate a rough time block for QA & DI within the 170 minutes of Part 1 and stick to it. Avoid getting stuck on a single question for more than 2–3 minutes and keep moving to maximise attempts.
Mock Analysis	After every mock, analyse which QA & DI topics took more time or led to incorrect answers. Reinforce those areas in practice sessions and adjust your attempt strategy accordingly.

If you combine strong basics with smart question selection, QA & DI can become a scoring section in the XAT exam pattern 2026 instead of a bottleneck.

XAT Exam Strategies 2026 for General Knowledge

Strategy Category	Specific Actions
Current Affairs	Read a quality newspaper daily (e.g., The Hindu). Follow business, political, and economic news. Make short notes on important events, appointments, and awards.
Static GK	Study fundamental topics like Indian history, geography, and polity. Review important awards, books, and famous personalities.
Practice & Revision	Take regular GK quizzes and mock tests. Review your notes and the previous year's questions to reinforce what you've learned.
Exam-Day Strategy	Attempt all questions in this section, as there is no negative marking.

Importance Of XAT Mocks 2026: Simulating The Actual Exam Structure

Mocks are a critical part of XAT 2026 preparation, as they simulate the actual exam environment and help you develop an effective test-taking strategy.

Given the unique structure of the XAT exam, with its specific sections, no sectional time limits in Part 1, and negative marking rules, it's essential to practice with mocks that accurately replicate these conditions.

Here is a detailed breakdown of why mocks are so crucial for XAT preparation:

1. Building Mental and Physical Stamina

The XAT is a 3-hour exam that requires intense focus and concentration. Without practice, it's easy to get mentally fatigued halfway through. Full-length mocks help you build the endurance to stay sharp and attentive for the entire duration, preventing careless mistakes in the later stages of the exam.

2. Mastering Time Management

XAT has a unique two-part structure with a total of 180 minutes. The first part, with Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, has a duration of 170 minutes with no sectional time limits. The second part, General Knowledge, has a separate 10-minute window. Mocks allow you to:

• Develop a Sectional Strategy: Experiment with different sequences of attempting the sections in Part 1 (e.g., starting with your strongest section or tackling Decision Making first) to find what works best for you.
• Allocate Time Effectively: Learn how to distribute the 170 minutes across the three sections without getting stuck on a single question and running out of time for others.
• Practice the GK Section: Get used to the time-bound nature of the 10-minute General Knowledge section, which requires quick and accurate answers.

3. Understanding the Exam's Nuances and Marking Scheme

The XAT has a distinct negative-marking policy that penalises unattempted questions after the first eight. Mocks are the perfect platform to:

• Get Familiar with Penalties: Practice making strategic decisions about whether to attempt a question, skip it, or risk a guess, keeping negative marking in mind.
• Experience the Interface: Become comfortable with the computer-based format, the on-screen calculator, and the navigation between questions and sections.

4. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

A thorough analysis of your mock test results is arguably more important than the test itself. It provides valuable data to:

• Target Your Preparation: Pinpoint the topics and question types where you consistently perform well (your strengths) and those where you need more practice (your weaknesses).
• Track Your Progress: Monitor your scores and percentiles over time to see if your preparation is on the right track.
• Benchmark Yourself: Many mock series provide an all-India rank and percentile, allowing you to gauge your standing among thousands of other serious aspirants.

5. Overcoming Exam-Day Anxiety

Familiarity reduces fear. By taking multiple mocks that simulate the pressure of the actual exam, you can:

• Reduce Nervousness: The environment, the timer, and the question patterns will no longer be a surprise on the big day.
• Build Confidence: Consistent performance in mocks, even with gradual improvement, boosts your confidence and helps you approach the exam with a calm and focused mindset.

Also Read | State-Wise XAT Exam Centres in India

Recommended XAT Books and Resources Per Section

Here’s a look at our handpicked, topic-wise resources:

S. No.	Book Name	Focus Area
1	RSM Lateral Thinking Book	Puzzle-solving & critical thinking
2	RSM Maths Mantra	Quant basics & fundamentals
3	RSM 01 Quantum Quest	Arithmetic & number system
4	RSM 02 Quantum Quest	Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math
5	RSM 03 Quantum Quest	Mixed-level Quant practice
6	RSM 01 Vocabulary Vortex	Vocabulary building & usage
7	RSM 02 Grammar Mastery	English grammar rules + application
8	RSM 03 Comprehension Starters	Beginner-level reading practice
9	RSM 04 Comprehension Vitals	Intermediate RC drills
10	RSM 05 Comprehension Titans	High-level RC + inference questions
11	RSM 06 Decoding Verbal Ability	All-round verbal ability practice
12	RSM 07 Critical Reasoning Grail	Critical reasoning, assumption, logic
13	RSM 01 Absolute DI 01	Basic Data Interpretation drills
14	RSM 02 Logic Mania 01	Intro to Logical Reasoning
15	RSM 03 Logic Mania 02	Advanced Logical Reasoning sets
16	RSM 04 Logic Mania 03	CAT-level puzzles, sets & patterns
17	RSM 05 Absolute DI 02	Advanced DI sets with visuals & tables
18	RSM GDPI Prep	Group Discussion & Interview Preparation Strategy

Also Check |  XAT Exam Year Wise Question Papers

Conclusion

As we wrap up, updating your knowledge with the XAT 2026 exam pattern and marking scheme is an effective preparation strategy. Practice XAT mock tests and XAT previous year papers to get updated with the XAT exam pattern and difficulty level, and analyse your performance.

Check | How to download XAT admit card