XAT Sample Papers | XAT Model Papers

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): This year, AEW will be administered during the Group Discussion & Personal Interview (GD / PI) processes.

XAT 2026

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 2026 is expected to be held in January 2026. Solving XAT sample papers will provide you with a deeper understanding of its exam pattern and difficulty level.

Recent Changes in XAT 2026 Exam

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 will now have 20 questions instead of 25. This section will include 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 XAT 2026 exam time is reduced to 180 minutes instead of earlier 210 minutes.

XAT exam in 2 parts: The XAT 2026 exam has been divided into two parts. Part 1 is allocated 170 minutes and Part 2 is solely on the GK section which will be conducted in 10 minutes.

Removal of Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) Test: Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) has been removed from XAT 2026. This component section 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.

XAT Sample Paper 2026

Here, you can log in and access the latest practice paper for XAT 2026:

Paper	Link
XAT Sample Paper

XAT Exam Pattern 2026

The following table gives an overview of the exam structure and marking scheme of XAT:

Number of Sections	5
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 (101)	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 to 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:

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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.

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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.