XAT Exam Pattern 2026, Section-Wise Marking Scheme

XAT Exam Pattern 2026

XAT 2026 is scheduled to be held on 4th January 2026, just six weeks after the CAT exam. Understanding the XAT syllabus and exam pattern is the first step toward effective preparation. Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of XAMI, XAT serves as an entry gateway to over 250 B-schools across India. The XAT exam pattern is quite different from other popular management entrance tests like CAT, NMAT, and SNAP.

This makes it essential to familiarise yourself with its unique structure. Unlike CAT, XAT has more sections, a longer duration, a greater emphasis on verbal and logical reasoning, and a distinctive subjective section on decision-making, which sets it apart from other exams.

XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Key Highlights

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by XLRI for admission to its MBA and related programs. It is a computer-based test that evaluates candidates on various skills, including verbal ability, logical reasoning, decision making, quantitative ability, data interpretation, and general knowledge.

Read More: XAT Preparation Strategy 2026, Study Material, Preparation Tips

XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise

Check out the table below for a detailed section-wise breakdown of the XAT 2026 exam pattern:

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XAT Marking Scheme 2026

Familiarity with these rules helps candidates plan their attempts carefully, balance speed with accuracy, and maximize their overall score.

XAT 2026 Exam Duration: Total and Sectional Time Limits

The XAT 2026 will be conducted in a computer-based mode and is divided into two parts. Part 1 covers Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, while Part 2 is dedicated to the General Knowledge section. The exam has a total duration of 180 minutes, with flexible timing for Part 1 and a fixed 10-minute window for Part 2. Candidates can manage their time strategically across the sections in Part 1.

XAT 2026 Exam Total Duration

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XAT Exam Pattern Over the years

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XAT Preparation Tips 2026

The following tips provide a comprehensive guide to help aspirants strengthen their fundamentals, improve speed and accuracy, and develop the exam temperament needed to excel in XAT.

Understand the XAT Exam Structure Thoroughly

Familiarize yourself with the exam division: Part 1 includes Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), while Part 2 covers General Knowledge (GK).

Note that Part 1 has no sectional time limits, so effective time management across sections is critical.

• Understand the marking scheme:
  • +1 for correct answers
  • –0.25 for incorrect answers in Part 1
  • –0.10 for leaving more than 8 questions unattempted in Part 1
  • The GK section has no negative marking
• Knowing the structure helps you plan your attempts strategically and maximise accuracy.

2. Build a Strong Foundation in All Sections

Revise basic concepts in Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, and English before tackling advanced problems. Use NCERT textbooks (Class 6–10) to strengthen core mathematical concepts. Brush up on grammar fundamentals to handle RCs and reasoning-based verbal questions more effectively.

3. Section-wise Preparation Strategy

A. Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR)

• Read complex articles from sources like The Hindu, Indian Express, Aeon, Harvard Business Review, and The Guardian.
  
  
  • Critical Reasoning
  • Reading Comprehension with abstract themes
  • Para-jumbles
  • Grammar application
  • Vocabulary in context
    
    
• Solve 8–10 years of previous XAT VA questions to recognise recurring patterns.
• Practice timed RC sets to enhance speed and comprehension.
• Accuracy is key, as XAT verbal is often trickier than CAT.

B. Decision Making (DM)

DM is XAT’s unique differentiator, so consistent practice is essential. Solving all past 15–20 years of XAT DM questions is the most effective way to prepare.

• Key principles to keep in mind:
  
  
  • Ethical responsibility
  • Practical feasibility
  • Long-term impact
  • Stakeholder fairness

Develop a habit of evaluating all options objectively rather than choosing instinctively.

4. Time Management Strategy

Effective time management is crucial for XAT success. During Part 1, you can allocate your time approximately as follows: VA & LR – 45 to 50 minutes, DM – 35 to 45 minutes, and QA & DI – 70 to 80 minutes.

Avoid spending too much time on a single difficult question; XAT favours selective solving and accuracy over attempting every question. Keep track of unattempted questions to ensure you do not leave more than eight unanswered in Part 1, as doing so incurs a penalty.

5. Practice with Actual XAT Papers

XAT is distinct from CAT in style and difficulty, so solving previous years’ XAT papers is essential. This helps familiarise you with the question patterns, trap options, and complexity. After each paper, analyse it thoroughly: identify which options were tempting, which reasoning you missed, and which sections consumed the most time. This practice improves strategy, accuracy, and time allocation for the real exam.

Read More: XAT Preparation Strategy 2026, Study Material, Preparation Tips

XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Conclusion

The XAT 2026 exam is not just about understanding the concepts. It's important to practice with previous XAT papers to get used to the exam's style and difficulty. Manage your time well, avoid spending too much time on tough questions, and make sure you don't leave more than 8 questions unanswered. Also, spend some time improving your General Knowledge for Part 2, as there is no negative marking in that section.