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XAT Exam Pattern 2027: Latest Changes
XAT 2027 announced a few key changes to the exam marking scheme this Diwali. These are especially in favour of XAT aspirants. XLRI has increased the unanswered-question limit from 8 to 12, giving candidates more flexibility while attempting questions. The following sections provide a breakdown of the XAT exam pattern 2027 and marking scheme. Additionally, PGDM-HRM intake at XLRI Jamshedpur has also increased to 240 seats.
Additionally, 17 new B-schools have joined the XAT network. This cool news has given a breath of fresh air to the XAT 2027 applicants. If you have not yet applied, December 6 is the last day- you better hurry up and apply.
What is the New XAT Exam Pattern 2027?
The XAT 2027 exam pattern includes four sections divided into two parts. Part 1 carries 75 questions from three sections and determines the percentile score. Part 2 contains 20 General Knowledge questions, which are not considered for the overall percentile.
The most important change in the XAT 2027 exam is the increase in the unanswered-question limit. You can now leave up to 12 questions unanswered in Part 1 without facing any penalty. Previously, this limit was 8 questions.
Here are the major highlights of the XAT 2027 exam pattern:
- More Flexibility: The unanswered-question limit has increased from 8 to 12.
- More Seats at XLRI: The PGDM-HRM intake at XLRI Jamshedpur has increased to 240 seats.
- More B-school Choices: 17 additional B-schools have joined the XAT network.
- More Preparation Support: Applicants completing their XAT application by November 11 will receive XAT 2025 and 2026 question papers with answer keys.
These changes give candidates more flexibility during the exam and additional resources for preparation.
Read More: XAT 60-Day Preparation Plan 2027, Section-wise Strategy
XAT 2027 Section-Wise Exam Pattern
The XAT 2027 exam consists of 95 multiple-choice questions across four sections. These sections are divided into Part 1 and Part 2, with different scoring rules.
Part 1 includes Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, and Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation. Candidates can switch freely between these three sections during the allotted time.
Part 2 contains General Knowledge questions and has a separate time limit.
Exam Component | Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
Part 1 (Percentile Score) | Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR) | 26 | 170 minutes (combined) |
Decision Making (DM) | 21 | ||
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA & DI) | 28 | ||
Part 2 (Non-Percentile) | General Knowledge (GK) | 20 (12+8) | 10 minutes |
Total | 4 Sections | 95 | 180 minutes |
In the above XAT exam pattern, the 20 General Knowledge questions include 12 Current Affairs questions and 8 Static GK questions.
There is no fixed time limit for individual Part 1 sections. Candidates can move between VALR, DM, and QA & DI within the combined 170 minutes. However, they must complete the GK section within its separate 10-minute window.
Read More: XAT 2027 Admit Card Updates, Release Date, Download Link
XAT 2027 New Pattern vs Old Pattern
The XAT 2027 exam announced changes mainly in the unanswered-question limit and admission-related benefits. The increase from 8 to 12 unanswered questions gives candidates more room to skip difficult questions without immediately losing marks.
Particulars | XAT 2026 Previous Pattern | XAT 2027 |
Unanswered questions without penalty | 8 | 12 |
Penalty for unanswered questions beyond the limit | -0.10 marks | -0.10 marks |
Incorrect answer penalty in Part 1 | -0.25 marks | -0.25 marks |
Correct answer | +1 mark | +1 mark |
PGDM-HRM intake at XLRI Jamshedpur | 180 seats | 240 seats |
Additional B-schools | Existing network | 17 new B-schools |
The increase in the unanswered-question limit is particularly useful for candidates who prefer to attempt questions selectively. However, leaving more than 12 questions unanswered will still attract a penalty.
The additional B-schools and increased XLRI intake also provide more admission opportunities through the XAT network.
Read More: XAT Exam Centres 2027, Check State-Wise List of Test Cities
XAT 2027 Marking Scheme
The XAT 2027 marking scheme awards one mark for every correct answer. However, incorrect and unanswered questions in Part 1 carry different penalties.
Candidates should understand these rules before attempting the paper because accuracy is important for achieving a good score.
Response Type | Part 1 (VALR, DM, QA & DI) | Part 2 (GK) |
Correct answer | +1 mark | +1 mark |
Incorrect answer | -0.25 marks | No negative marking |
Unanswered questions (first 12) | 0 marks | 0 marks |
Unanswered questions beyond 12 | -0.10 marks each | No penalty |
Important points about XAT negative marking:
- Candidates can leave up to 12 questions unanswered in Part 1 without any penalty.
- Every unanswered question beyond 12 attracts a deduction of 0.10 marks.
- Every incorrect answer in Part 1 attracts a deduction of 0.25 marks.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect or unanswered GK questions.
- Candidates receive one mark for every correct answer in both parts.
Suppose you attempt 60 out of 75 questions in Part 1. You answer 40 questions correctly and get 20 questions wrong. The remaining 15 questions are unanswered.
Particulars | Calculation | Marks |
Correct answers | 40 × 1 | +40 |
Incorrect answers | 20 × (-0.25) | -5 |
Unanswered questions | 15 - 12 = 3 | -0.30 |
Final Part 1 score | 40 - 5 - 0.30 | 34.70 |
Therefore, your Part 1 score will be 34.70 marks out of 75.
Note: The first 12 unanswered questions do not attract any penalty. Only the remaining three questions result in a deduction of 0.30 marks.
XAT 2027 Number of Questions
The XAT 2027 question paper contains 95 questions across four sections. Part 1 has 75 questions, while Part 2 has 20 General Knowledge questions.
Section | Number of Questions | Percentage of Total Questions |
Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning | 26 | 27.37% |
Decision Making | 21 | 22.11% |
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation | 28 | 29.47% |
General Knowledge | 20 | 21.05% |
Total | 95 | 100% |
QA & DI has the highest number of questions, with 28 questions. VALR follows with 26 questions, while Decision Making has 21 questions.
Candidates should also prepare for General Knowledge because it contains 20 questions. Although GK does not contribute to the overall percentile, it remains important for the selection process at participating institutes.
XAT 2027 Exam Duration
The total duration of the XAT 2027 exam is 180 minutes, or three hours. The examination is divided into two parts, with separate time limits for each.
Exam Particulars | Duration |
Part 1: VALR, DM and QA & DI | 170 minutes |
Part 2: General Knowledge | 10 minutes |
Total Exam Duration | 180 minutes |
XAT Exam Pattern 2027 Latest Changes: Conclusion
The increased unanswered-question limit is an important change in XAT 2027. However, candidates should not leave questions unanswered unnecessarily. Focus on accuracy, practise section-wise questions, and take regular mock tests to improve your performance. Make this Diwali the beginning of your MBA/PGDM admission journey with XAT 2027!
