XAT Question Paper 2025 PDF Download Here [Last 5 years PYQ, Sample Papers]

Overview: The XAT exam is one of India's most accepted MBA entrance exams. Understanding the XAT Question Paper pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme can help you perform well and achieve good scores and percentiles. Read on to know more!

Download Free Study Material for XAT 2026 by Supergrads

• 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 5th December 2025.

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.

Continue reading to know how solving  XAT question papers can improve your preparation.

Explore: Take a Free XAT Mock Test Now!

XAT Question Paper Pattern 2026

The XAT, or Xavier Aptitude Test, is one of the most popular MBA exams in India, conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur, for admission to MBA/PGDM programs.

The XAT exam is conducted annually in January. There are 10 XAMI member colleges and 250 participating B-schools that accept XAT scores for admission to their postgraduate management courses, such as MBA, PGDM, and Executive MBA. 

The XAT 2026 registration began on July 10, 2025, and will remain active until December 5, 2025. 

Continue reading to get more clarity about the important dates and the XAT 2026 application form filling process.

XAT 2026 Registration Out- Apply with Direct Link

The XAT exam pattern will be similar to that of last year. There will be no sectional time limit; thus, candidates will have 180 minutes to solve the entire paper. The XAT exam 2026 is divided into two parts: PART A (170 Minutes) and PART B (General Knowledge only -10 minutes). 

The XAT exam timing is 180 minutes. Let's understand the detailed XAT exam pattern for 2026 so you can start preparing for the exam.

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
PART – B (10 Minutes)
General Awareness	20	20

Read More | XAT 2026 Admission Details

XAT Question Papers: Changes Over the Years

The XAT Question Paper Model has undergone several changes over the past decade. Some of the most significant changes include:

• The XAT exam shifted from an offline paper-based Test to an online computer-based test in 2018.
• Essay-based questions were scrapped after XAT 2018 and reinstated in XAT 2022.
• The number of Questions has fluctuated over the years.
• The number of un-attempted questions allowed has been reduced from 13 to 8.
• Non-MCQ questions and fill-in-the-blank questions were removed in XAT 2019 but were reintroduced in XAT 2020.
• The time of the exam has changed many times.

Read More | XAT 2026 Exam Registration

XAT Question Paper: Previous Year Patterns

A summary of the XAT Exam Model Question Paper and marking scheme for 2015- 2024 is given in the table below:

XAT Question Paper Pattern	No. of Questions; Hours Allotted	Questions per Section	Marking Scheme
XAT Question Paper Pattern 2024	100; 3 hours 30 minutes	QA-28 VA-26 DM-22 GK-25 Essay Writing-1	+1 mark for every correct answer -0.25 negative marking  A penalty of 0.10 for every unattempted question over 8
XAT Exam 2024 Question Paper Pattern 2023	102; 3 hours 30 minutes	QA-28 VA-26 DM-22 GK-25 Essay Writing-1	+1 mark for every correct answer -0.25 negative marking  A penalty of 0.10 for every unattempted question over 8
XAT Question Paper Pattern 2022	101; 3 hours 10 minutes	QA-28 VA-26 DM-21 GK-25 Essay Writing-1	+1 mark for every correct answer -0.25 negative marking  A penalty of 0.10 for every unattempted question over 8
XAT Exam Previous Year Question Paper Pattern 2021	100; 3 hours	QA-28 VA-26 DM-21 GK-25	+1 mark for every correct answer -0.25 negative marking  A penalty of 0.10 for every unattempted question over 8
XAT Question Paper Pattern 2020	100; 3 hours	QA-28 VA-26 DM-21 GK-25	+1 mark for every correct answer -0.25 negative marking  A penalty of 0.10 for every unattempted question over 8
XAT 2024 Exam Question Paper Pattern 2019	99; 3 hours	QA-27 VA-26 DM-21 GK-25	+1 mark for every correct answer -0.25 negative marking  A penalty of 0.05 for every unattempted question over 8
XAT Exam Previous Paper Question Paper Pattern 2018	98; 3.5 hours	QA-27 VA-24 DM-21 GK-25 Essay Type-1	+1 mark for every correct answer -0.25 negative marking  A penalty of 0.05 for every unattempted question over 12
XAT Question Paper Pattern 2017	98; 3.5 hours	QA-27 VA-24 DM-21 GK-25 Essay Type-1	+1 mark for every correct answer -0.25 negative marking  A penalty of 0.05 for every unattempted question over 12
XAT Question Paper Pattern 2016	104; 3.5 hours	QA-29 VA-26 DM-23 GK-25 Essay Type-1	+1 mark for every correct answer -0.25 negative marking  A penalty of 0.05 for every unattempted question over 13
XAT 2024 Exam Question Paper Pattern 2015	115; 3 hours	QA-33 VA-28 DM-23 GK-30 Essay Type-1	+1 mark for every correct answer -0.25 negative marking

Read More | XAT Previous Year Papers

XAT Question Paper: Section Wise Breakdown

Until XAT 2021, the XAT Exam Model Question Paper and syllabus consisted of four parts: VA & LR, DM, QA & DI, and GK. However, XAT 2022 saw a revision, and hence, the revised XAT Exam Model Question Paper consisted of five parts: VA & LR, DM, QA & DI, GK, and Analytical Essay Writing(AEW). Although the syllabus has not undergone significant changes, it can be derived by analyzing the question papers from previous years.

XAT Question Paper: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

This section of the XAT 2024 Exam Question Paper and syllabus assesses a candidate's English language comprehension, grammar, and logical reasoning proficiency. 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.

Download Free VARC Preparation Tips by Supergrads

XAT Question Paper: Decision Making

The Decision-Making (DM) section of the XAT Exam Model Question Paper and syllabus evaluates a candidate's ability to analyze 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

Read More | How to prepare for Decision Making in XAT?

XAT Question Paper 2025: Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation

Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation form the bedrock of analytical prowess in the XAT Exam Question Paper & syllabus. Proficiency in mathematical concepts and adeptness in data interpretation are indispensable for excelling in this section. Topics encompass:

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

Check: How many Times XAT exam conducted in a Year

XAT Question Paper 2025: General Knowledge

The General Knowledge section of the XAT Exam Model Question Paper & syllabus evaluates a candidate's awareness of current affairs, business, economics, politics, and other pertinent topics. Regularly reading newspapers, magazines, and online resources is crucial for staying abreast of 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

Read More: XAT Exam Pattern 2024 Analysis

Conclusion

The XAT exam, a gateway to prestigious management institutes, undergoes dynamic changes annually. Understanding its pattern is crucial for effectively preparing strategies for these changes for the aspirants' success.

Check: CAT Online Coaching with SuperGrads