One of the most popular management entrance tests, XAT is the gateway to a number of reputed colleges in India, like XLRI, SP Jain, XIMB, etc. It is unique in the sense that it has a separate section on General Knowledge/Awareness. Since only a few MBA entrance tests feature this section, you will need to do a little more preparation for XAT.
In this article, we make an in-depth analysis of GK section of the past year XAT papers. Further, you will learn a methodical strategy to prepare for the area in an effective and efficient manner for XAT 2027.
Although the GK score is not considered in the final percentile, it does impact your admission to B-schools (especially XLRI). In recent years, the GK section has 20 questions with no negative marking. You are required to complete Part 2 (GK only) within 10 minutes. So, you must prepare well and plan wisely in order to score high in the section.
Table 1 gives you an analysis of the XAT GK sections from the past few years on the basis of weightage given to questions from static and current GK. As you can see, there is no discernible pattern that emerges from this analysis. Hence, we recommend that you prepare in a balanced way, spending adequate time and energy on both current and static GK.
As shown above, XAT is quite unpredictable in terms of weightage given to static and current GK. Current affairs have gained more prominence in recent years. So, it is necessary to focus equally on both parts of GK. Besides, in the recent years, the section has become more and more challenging.
Table 2 gives an area-wise analysis of the GK sections of XAT from year 2016 onwards.
*Miscellaneous includes questions from Books, History, Art & Culture, Climate Change, and Current Events related to the same. Also, note that in recent years (2023-2026), the focus has shifted more towards current affairs and national events. So, you must pay special attention to national and international news, awards, economy, and science updates.
XAT GK: Detailed Analysis
Get a thorough understanding of GK section of previous year XAT exams :-
XAT 2026 Analysis
The GK section in XAT 2026 had 20 questions with a moderate difficulty level. Around 60% were current affairs-based (national/international events, economy, science). Static GK covered geography, history, and awards. A good attempt would be 12-15 questions, with a score of 8-10 considered strong (no negative marking).
XAT 2025 Analysis
GK in 2025 was slightly tougher, with emphasis on recent events (65% current). Questions on economy, international relations, and science dominated. Static part included geography and history. Good attempt: 13-16 questions.
XAT 2024 Analysis
Balanced mix, but current affairs took precedence (55%). Questions from business, polity, and sports were prominent. Difficulty: moderate. Good score: 9-11.
XAT 2023 Analysis
Shift towards current affairs (60%). Science & Tech had higher weightage. Static GK from geography and awards. Moderate difficulty.
XAT 2022 Analysis
Of the 25 GK questions in XAT, nearly equal weightage was given to Static GK and Current Affairs. The difficulty level of the section remained same as that of previous year. Questions were asked from a wide range of areas, including history, geography, polity, awards, science, etc. However, there were fewer questions on international events and more on national ones. Candidates can easily attempt 15 questions in this section to get a good score.
XAT GK: Previous year Questions
Let us attempt a few actual questions taken from previous years.
1. What is Article 356 of Indian Constitution?
A) Provision of special status to the state of Arunachal
B) Provision of special status to the state of J & K.
C) Suspension of Financial autonomy to a state
D) Provision of special status to the state of Manipur
E) Imposition of President's Rule after the suspension of a state government
2. Which of the following countries is not a member of Union of European Football Association (UEFA)?
A) Azerbaijan
B) Kazakhstan
C) Uzbekistan
D) Turkey
E) Georgia
3. The prestigious Horlicks brand of GlaxoSmithKline has been recently brought over by another mega FMCG brand. Name the buyer company.
A) Hindustan Unilever
B) Dabur
C) Nestle
D) Patanjali
E) Cavinkare
4. Which of the following liquids demonstrates a convex meniscus when confined within a glass tube?
A) Water in an anomalous expansion state between 0-4° C
B) Petroleum
C) Water at room temperature
D) Olive oil
E) Mercury
5. Name the Indian saint who wrote ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’.
A) Paramhansa Yogananda
B) Sri Aurobindo
C) Satya Sai Baba
D) Swami Abhedananda
E) Hanuman Das Baba
6. According to the World Bank, which country is the highest recipient of remittances?
A) Egypt
B) India
C) China
D) Philippines
E) Mexico
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Question No.
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Answer Key
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1
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E
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2
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C
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3
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A
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4
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E
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5
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A
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6
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B
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