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

Overview: XAT 2026 will be conducted on 5th January, and 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. 

Let's go over the XAT marking scheme below.

Download FREE Study Material for XAT Exam 2026 by SuperGrads

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 unanswered more than 8 consecutive questions, then 0.10 marks will be deducted.
• The general Knowledge section does not have negative markings.
• General Knowledge scores are not considered when calculating 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 XAT QA Section Daily Study Plan

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 session of mock keyboard testing, and part C will have a GK section and a short essay topic (30 minutes). PwD candidates will get 20 minutes extra in every part. 

Download Free QA Sample Questions for XAT 2026 [Free PDF]

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 XAT exam in 2025. 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 PI process	Not applicable	Not applicable

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

Check: XAT Essay Topics and Ther 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 is comprised of 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 section and get good scores in XAT 2026:

XAT Exam Syllabus	Important Topics 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.

Number Theory Practice Questions

XAT Exam 2026: Important Dates 

The Xavier Aptitude Test 2026 is tentatively scheduled for 5th January 2065. The XAT registration process began on 15th July and ended on 30 November 2024. As for all other B-schools, the GD/PI process starts in February and March. 

If you are also preparing for the XAT exam 2026, then here are the important dates you should be aware of:

XAT Particulars	XAT 20256Important Dates (Tentative)
XAT 2026 Registration Date	July 15th to Nov 30, 2025
XAT 2026 Exam Date	January 5th, 2026
XAT 2026 Answer Key Release	Second Week of January 2026
XAT 2026 Result Date	Last Week of January 2026
XAT Cutoff	To be Announced

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 who are getting ready for the XAT 2026!

Read more: XAT Selection Process 2026