So, once you are thorough with the important topics of XAT exam, you should start practising its model tests/ sample papers. Here, you can access XAT sample paper based on the latest exam pattern and expected question types.
Important Updates:
- 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 2027
XAT, one of the most competitive MBA entrance exams, conducted by Xavier School of Management formerly known as Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI). This all-India test is conducted to select students for top management programmes. Said to be the second-largest MBA entrance test,
XAT scores are accepted for MBA/PGDM courses offered by 11 member institutes and 150+ associate institutes.
XAT 2027 is tentatively expected to be held in early January 2027 (likely the first Sunday) from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Solving XAT sample papers will provide you with a deeper understanding of its exam pattern and difficulty level.
XAT Important Dates 2027 (Tentative)
| Events |
Tentative Dates |
| Registration Opens |
Likely July/August 2026 |
| Registration Closes |
Likely November/December 2026 |
| Admit Card Download |
Late December 2026 (Tentative) |
| XAT Exam Date |
Early January 2027 (Tentative, likely first Sunday, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM) |
Recent Changes in XAT Exam Pattern
|
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 reduced to 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.
GK Score: The score from the General Knowledge section will be exclusively utilized by XLRI Jamshedpur for its final selection process.
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XAT Sample Paper
Here, you can log in and access the latest practice paper for XAT (based on current pattern):
| Paper |
Link |
| XAT Sample Paper |
|
XAT Exam Pattern
The following table gives an overview of the exam structure and marking scheme of XAT:
| Number of Sections |
4 |
| 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.
- There is no negative marking in Part 2.
|
Why solve XAT Sample Papers?
In order to get a good score in XAT, you need to devise a good study plan as well as an effective exam strategy. Attempting
XAT mock tests and sample papers lends a variety of benefits, the main ones being listed below:
- You can gauge your test performance under the given time restraints. Mock/Sample tests are devised to simulate the actual XAT exam pattern and time limit and hence, reflect your preparation level accurately.
- You can see where you stand with respect to other candidates. This serves as a motivating factor to work harder in the exam. By getting a comparative analysis, you will also understand which strategy works best for you in actual exam-like conditions. Accordingly, you can rework your preparation plan and exam strategy.
- It is extremely crucial to thoroughly study the test analysis after taking the test. Even if you are getting a good score in mock tests, your preparation is incomplete until you analyze your performance well. Test analysis helps in identifying your weak and strong areas as well as the flaws in your preparation strategy.
- XAT Sample papers help you develop an overall strategy for the actual exam. You can decide which questions you should solve first, the ones you should solve later and the ones to avoid. Besides, you learn to manage time well and set section-wise limits for yourself. All these minor things greatly impact on your overall as well as sectional percentile.
- Practicing sample papers constantly propels you to improve performance, resulting in a rising score graph.
After clearing XAT exam, the candidates are called for GD, WAT, and interview held by XAT-accepting B-schools like XLRI, XIMB, IMT, etc.
FAQs Regarding XAT Preparation & Practice
1. How many months are needed to prepare for XAT?
Aspirants devote 3-6 months to preparing for XAT exam. It ideally depends upon your daily schedule (college/work), focus, and calibre.
2. When should I start attempting full-length XAT sample papers?
You can begin solving XAT practice papers after a month of going through the fundamental concepts.
3. How many full-length XAT practice tests should I do before the actual exam?
You should solve atleast 15 mock tests or sample papers in order to attain good proficiency in XAT exam.
4. How many XAT sample tests/mocks should I solve per week?
Try solving atleast 1-2 mock tests per week.
5. What is a good percentile score in XAT?
Since the XAT cut off for XLRI admission lies between 92-95 percentile, you should aim to achieve above this. Further, you also need to clear a sectional percentile of 75+ percentile.
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