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XAT 2026 Scoring System, Section-Wise Weightage & Attempt Strategy
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026, conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur on 4 January 2026, has once again drawn huge attention from MBA aspirants nationwide. Shortly after the exam, XLRI released the official XAT 2026 response sheet and answer key at the candidate login portal — a crucial step that helps test-takers evaluate their performance and predict their expected scores before results are announced. Many XAT aspirants lose marks not because of lack of knowledge, but due to poor attempt strategy. The XAT 2026 scoring system rewards accuracy, balanced attempts, and logical decision-making.
This blog explains how marks are calculated, how each section contributes, and how you should plan your attempts during the exam.
Total Marks & Section-Wise Weightage
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning | 26 | 26 |
| Decision Making | 21 | 21 |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 | 28 |
| General Knowledge | ~20 | 20 |
Total Marks: 95
GK marks are not added to the percentile score
How XAT 2026 Scoring Works
Positive Marking
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Every correct answer fetches +1 mark
Negative Marking
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Every incorrect answer in Part 1 leads to –0.25 deduction
Penalty for Skipping
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Leaving more than 8 questions unattempted leads to penalties
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Each extra skipped question costs –0.10 marks
This makes XAT very different from CAT, where skipped questions are penalty-free.
Importance of Accuracy Over Attempts
XAT is not an attempt-heavy exam.
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Random guessing can drastically reduce score
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High accuracy (70–80%) often leads to better percentile
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Decision Making rewards logical consistency, not speed
Section-Wise Attempt Strategy
Verbal Ability & LR
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Attempt RCs you understand fully
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Avoid lengthy reasoning sets initially
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Accuracy is more important than coverage
Decision Making
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Read caselets calmly
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Choose options that are:
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Ethical
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Practical
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Balanced
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Avoid extreme options
Quant & DI
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Start with easy arithmetic
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Skip lengthy DI sets initially
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Avoid blind guessing
General Knowledge
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Attempt maximum questions
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No negative marking, so educated guesses are allowed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Attempting too many risky questions
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Ignoring unattempted question penalty
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Spending too much time on one section
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Underestimating Decision Making
Ideal Attempt Range (Based on Experts)
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Part 1: 55–65 questions with high accuracy
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GK: Attempt all questions
This range balances risk and reward effectively.
Final Words
The XAT 2026 exam rewarded candidates who stayed calm, accurate, and strategic. Understanding the scoring system helps you plan attempts intelligently rather than emotionally. With the right approach, even moderate attempts can lead to excellent percentiles.
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Frequently asked questions
1. What is the marking scheme for XAT 2026?
Each correct answer carries +1 mark, while each wrong answer has a −0.25 penalty.
2. Is there negative marking in all sections of XAT?
Negative marking applies to most sections, except specific parts like General Knowledge, which are not counted in the final percentile.
3. How many sections are considered for XAT percentile calculation?
The first three sections are used for percentile calculation; General Knowledge is evaluated separately.
4. Is there any penalty for unattempted questions in XAT?
Yes. After a certain number of unattempted questions, a small penalty is applied.
5. How important is smart attempt strategy in XAT?
Very important. Due to negative marking and penalties, selective and accurate attempts lead to better scores.
6. Does General Knowledge affect XAT cutoff?
GK does not affect percentile but is considered during XLRI and other B-school selection processes.
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