XAT 2026 Latest Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme & Key Changes

The XAT 2026 exam, conducted on 4th January 2026 by XLRI Jamshedpur, once again proved why it is considered one of the most conceptual and strategy-driven MBA entrance exams in India. Unlike CAT, XAT tests not just aptitude but also decision-making ability, ethical judgment, and business reasoning.

With several aspirants getting confused due to frequent updates, this blog gives you a clear, updated, and simplified explanation of the XAT 2026 exam pattern, marking scheme, and changes, exactly as it appeared in the January exam.

For the latest MBA admission dates, results, shortlists and interview calls from top B-schools, check all college updates here- https://courses.catking.in/courses/gdpi-course


                         

XAT 2026 Exam Overview

Here is a quick snapshot of the exam:

• Exam Name: Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026

• Conducting Body: XLRI Jamshedpur

• Exam Date: January 2026

• Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)

• Duration: 180 minutes

• Total Questions: ~95

• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Detailed XAT 2026 Exam Pattern

XAT 2026 was divided into two parts, each serving a different purpose in the selection process.

Part 1: Core Aptitude Sections (170 Minutes)

This part plays the most important role in percentile calculation.

Sections in Part 1

1. Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR)

2. Decision Making (DM)

3. Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)

There was no sectional time limit, giving candidates flexibility to manage time based on strengths.

Approximate Question Distribution

• Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning: 26 questions

• Decision Making: 21 questions

• Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation: 28 questions

Total questions in Part 1: 75

Part 2: General Knowledge (10 Minutes)

• Total Questions: ~20

• This section was timed separately

• Candidates could not return to Part 1 after starting GK
  
  

                       

Important:
The GK score does NOT affect the XAT percentile, but it is used by XLRI during the interview and final selection stage.

XAT 2026 Marking Scheme 

Understanding the marking scheme is crucial to avoid unnecessary loss of marks.

For Part 1 (VA-LR, DM, QA-DI)

•  Correct Answer: +1 mark

•  Wrong Answer: –0.25 mark

•  Unattempted Questions:

  • First 8 unattempted questions → No penalty

  • After that → –0.10 mark per unattempted question

 This rule strongly discourages leaving too many questions unanswered.

For General Knowledge (Part 2)

•  Correct Answer: +1 mark

•  Wrong Answer: No negative marking

•  Unattempted: No penalty

Key Changes Observed in XAT 2026

XAT 2026 continued with the changes introduced in recent years:

• Essay Writing Test removed from the main exam

• GK conducted as a separate timed section

• Reduced overall exam duration compared to earlier years

• No descriptive questions in the main paper

• Focus shifted more towards Decision Making & Accuracy

These changes made the exam less lengthy but more strategic.

Section-Wise Preparation Strategy

Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning

• Focus on Reading Comprehension

• Logical reasoning questions were moderate but time-consuming

• Grammar-based questions were limited

Decision Making

• Caselet-based questions

• No negative marking for ethical choices

• Answers required logic, fairness, and business sense

Quantitative Ability & DI

• Arithmetic dominated (Percentages, Ratios, Time-Speed-Distance)

• DI sets were calculation-heavy

• Accuracy mattered more than attempts

                         

General Knowledge

• Mix of static GK and current affairs

• Business, economy, awards, and global events were important

Conclusion

XAT 2026 tested candidates on clarity of thought, ethical decision-making, and time management. Understanding the exam pattern and marking scheme is the first step toward scoring high. With smart attempts and controlled risk-taking, aspirants can significantly improve their percentile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What was the exam pattern for XAT 2026?

XAT 2026 was conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode with ~95 multiple-choice questions spread over 3 hours (180 minutes). It comprised Part 1 (Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & DI) and Part 2 (General Knowledge).

2. How many questions were asked in each section of XAT 2026?

The approximate question distribution in XAT 2026 was:

• Verbal & Logical Ability: 26

• Decision Making: 21

• Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation: 28

• General Knowledge: 20 the last part.

3. What is the marking scheme of XAT 2026?

For Part 1 (VA-LR, DM, QA-DI):
✔ +1 for each correct answer
✔ –0.25 for each incorrect answer
✔ –0.10 penalty for every unattempted question beyond 8 free skips.

In Part 2 (General Knowledge):
✔ +1 for each correct answer
✔ No negative marking for incorrect or unattempted questions.

4. Does the General Knowledge (GK) section affect XAT percentile?

No. The GK section does not contribute to the overall percentile score used for shortlisting in most institutes, but it is considered by XLRI and some other colleges during interview/selection.

5. Is essay writing included in XAT 2026?

No. The analytical essay writing section has been removed from the main XAT paper and is now assessed separately during GD-PI rounds for shortlisting and final selection.

6. Are there sectional time limits in XAT 2026?

No. XAT 2026 did not have sectional time limits for Part 1 (core sections). Candidates could manage time across these sections within the allotted 170 minutes before moving to the GK part.

7. Which skills does XAT test more than CAT?

XAT places a strong emphasis on Decision Making and ethical/business judgment, in addition to verbal and quantitative aptitude. This focus makes strategy and logical reasoning critical for high scores.

8. Has the overall duration or total questions changed in recent years?

Yes. The total exam time for XAT 2026 was 180 minutes, reduced from about 210 minutes in older editions. The total number of questions also reduced to ~95 from 100+.

9. Can XAT scores be used for other B-schools?

Yes. XAT scores are accepted by 250+ management institutes across India for MBA/PGDM admissions, including XLRI, SPJIMR, IMT, XIMB, and others.

10. How should I prepare for the XAT exam pattern changes?

Focus on:
✔ Case-based Decision Making
✔ Accuracy first (avoid negative marking)
✔ Mock tests under timed conditions
✔ GK for interview advantage (even if not part of percentile)