XAT Exam Pattern 2027 (Tentative)
XAT is a computer-based test. The current duration of the exam is 180 minutes. It consists of two parts that are formulated to evaluate the management aptitude of the candidates. An MBA aspirant is expected to be good at making decisions, resolving conflicts, communicating ideas, and interpreting data in a timely manner. XAT is the primary criterion for seeking admission to several top-ranked B-schools. But it is not easy to achieve a high score unless you have a well-planned strategy beforehand. So, you must be fully familiar with the XAT pattern and format (official details will be confirmed in the notification expected later in 2026).
Recent Changes in XAT Exam Pattern
| Update |
Details |
| Reduction in the overall number of questions |
Earlier XAT used to have 101 questions which have been reduced to 95 questions that will be in the MCQ format. |
| Reduction in GK questions |
Gk section now has 20 questions instead of 25. This section includes 12 questions on current affairs and 8 questions from static GK ensuring a balanced assessment of candidates' current awareness and foundational knowledge. |
| Changes in Exam time |
The total exam time is 180 minutes instead of earlier 210 minutes. |
| XAT exam in 2 parts |
The exam is divided into two parts. Part 1 is allocated 170 minutes and Part 2 is solely on the GK section which is conducted in 10 minutes. |
| Removal of Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) Test |
Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) has been removed from the exam. This component has been integrated with the Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD/PI) stages of the XLRI selection process. |
| General Knowledge (GK) Score |
The GK section score will be used solely by XLRI Jamshedpur in its final selection process. |
| Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) |
AEW is administered during the Group Discussion & Personal Interview (GD/PI) processes. |
XAT paper is divided into two Parts. The following table gives a clear picture of the expected XAT exam pattern (based on recent years; subject to official confirmation):
| Number of Sections |
2 |
| Sections |
Part 1: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making
Part 2: General Knowledge
|
| Mode of Exam |
Online |
| Duration of the Test |
180 minutes
|
| No. of Questions(95) |
Verbal & Logical Ability: 26 Questions
Decision Making: 21 Questions
Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation: 28 Questions
General Knowledge: 20 Questions
|
| Marking Scheme |
1 mark is awarded for each correct answer.
0.10 marks are deducted after every 8 unattempted questions.
Negative marking for every incorrect response is 0.25 marks.
|
XAT Important Dates 2027 (Tentative)
| Events |
Tentative Dates |
| Registration Opens |
Likely July/August 2026 |
| Registration Ends |
Likely November/December 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date |
Late December 2026 (Tentative) |
| XAT Exam Date |
Early January 2027 (Tentative, likely first Sunday, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM) |
| XAT Answer Key |
Last Week of January 2027 (Tentative) |
| XAT Result |
Late January / Early February 2027 (Tentative) |
Note: The total number of questions will not exceed 95, including those focused on General Knowledge. There are no sectional time limits for Part 1 of XAT. The total time available for XAT Part 1 is 170 minutes, and Part 2 is 10 minutes. Please note that the General Knowledge section will not influence the cutoff score. Its evaluation will come into play only during the interview stage.
So, while the General Knowledge section is essential for the overall process, it will not affect your initial test results.
XAT Exam Pattern: Key Takeaways for Preparation
Here are our expert suggestions for devising a smart strategy for XAT exam:
- All the sections should be given equal importance as it will fetch you high sectional as well as overall score. This is because you are required to clear both the overall and sectional cut-offs to get admission in best B-schools.
- As the exam's level of difficulty is high, you must decide the time limit for each section (of Part 1) well.
- A distinguishing feature of XAT is that it has a Decision-making section that tests a student’s aptitude for MBA through different management-related problems. This section needs to be dealt very carefully since their answer choices are usually tricky.
- Regular practice of Mock Tests is essential for superior performance in all Sections.
- Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension are the main dominating areas in Verbal & Logical ability section. It is recommended that students work on building their vocabulary and grammar concepts to master these topics.
- Strong conceptual base in Geometry, Number System, Probability and DI with a good application orientation is the key to crack Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation section.
- It is crucial to stay updated with both current and static GK. Preparing current events for the past six months is essential, and a focus on awards, books and authors and geography will keep your hold on static GK. Besides, acquiring such knowledge will also help you during the interview stage.
- Striking a right balance between speed and accuracy is all that matters to score high in XAT.
Lastly, you must solve the
previous year papers to get an accurate understanding of the XAT exam pattern and difficulty level.
About XAT
XLRI Jamshedpur conducts the XAT on behalf of Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI). XAT is one of the most difficult management entrance exams and taken by 90,000+ aspirants annually. It is tentatively scheduled for early January 2027 (likely the first Sunday) from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. XAT scores are accepted for admission in MBA/PGDM courses offered by 11 XAMI member institutes, 83 associate institutes, and 600+ other B-schools.
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