XAT Exam Pattern 2027: XAT exam pattern is designed to test your problem-solving, logical thinking, and decision-making skills and is divided into two parts. XAT Part 1 pattern consists of 75 questions to be solved in 170 minutes. This part consists of three sections: Decision Making (21 questions), Verbal and Logical Ability (26 questions), Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (28 questions). XAT Part 2 pattern consists of 20 questions on General Knowledge (GK) to be solved in 10 minutes. Note that XAT GK section marks are not considered when calculating the XAT percentile, and used only for XLRI Jamshedpur admission process. XAT exam duration is 180 minutes (3 hours). XAT 2027 Exam will be held on January 3, 2027. XAT registration will start in July, 2026. Read completed details including XAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus, sectional composition, marking scheme and other XAT pattern details. Link for XAT exam pattern PDF download is also available below.
Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is the mandatory exam for MBA admission in XLRI Jamshedpur. XAT exam scores are also accepted by 250+ MBA colleges accepting XAT scores. XAT 2027 Exam will be held on January 3, 2027. Check more details about XAT exam in the table below.
| XAT EXAM PARTICULARS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| XAT Full Form | Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) |
| Who conducts XAT Exam? | Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur |
| XAT Official Website | xatonline.in |
| XAT Exam Date | Sunday, January 3, 2027 |
| XAT Registration Last Date | November 30, 2026 |
| XAT Exam Fees | Rs. 2200 |
| Top MBA colleges accepting XAT scores | XLRI, XIMB, IMI, IMT, FORE, Great Lakes, GIM Goa |
| Total Questions | 95 MCQs |
| XAT Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Number of Sections | Four; Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge |
| Number of Answer Options | 5 |
| XAT Marking Scheme | +1 Mark for Correct Answer; -0.25 for Wrong Answer; 0 for Un-attempted Question |
Overall, XAT Paper Pattern is quite different from CAT exam. XAT exam is divided into two parts and total exam duration is 180 minutes (3 hours). Based on previous year exam pattern, XAT 2027 Part 1 will be divided into following three sections: Decision Making (21 questions), Verbal and Logical Ability (26 questions), Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (28 questions). XAT Part 2 consists of 20 questions on General Knowledge (GK) to be solved in 10 minutes. Note GK section marks are not considered when calculating the XAT percentile, and used only for XLRI Jamshedpur admission process. Note that XAT Essay Writing section was remove from XAT 2025 exam pattern. Check table below for a clear understanding.
Part | XAT Sections | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
I | Decision Making | 21 |
I | Verbal and Logical Ability | 26 |
I | Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 |
II | General Knowledge | 20 |
| Total | 95 |
XAT marking Scheme is quite different from CAT Exam. XAT exam follows a ‘structured marking scheme’ that is designed to reward correct answers, and penalises incorrect responses and excessive skipping of questions. By understanding XAT 2025 marking scheme you can prepare your own strategy to maximise your score. Based on previous years exam pattern, the expected XAT 2027 marking scheme is as follows:
XAT 2027 Exam Marking Scheme:
XAT marking scheme rewards accuracy and smart decision-making. By carefully planning your attempts and skips, you can reduce penalties and increase chances of high score.
XAT 2027 VALR Pattern: Let us now understand XAT Exam Pattern for each of the section starting with the verbal section. XAT Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning section is divided into Reading Comprehension based questions, Poem based questions and Verbal Ability/Reasoning based questions. The Verbal Ability/Verbal Reasoning questions are based on grammar, vocabulary, and reasoning-based questions. For better understanding, check type of questions that appeared in XAT 2026 and XAT 2025 in this section.
XAT 2026 Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning Question Types
In XAT 2026 VA LR section, there were 15 Reading Comprehension questions, 2 poem-based questions and 9 Verbal Ability/Reasoning questions. The Verbal Ability/Verbal Reasoning questions were based on grammar, vocabulary, and reasoning-based questions. The five passages were of 300 – 550 words each approximately. Many of the questions in XAT VALR 2026 exam were inferential and application-based. To score 95% marks in this section, candidate should attempt 13-14 questions in about 55-60 minutes, with about 75-80% accuracy. Check XAT 2026 VALR pattern in the table below.
XAT 2025 Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning Question Types
In XAT 2025 exam, there were 17 Reading Comprehension questions and 9 Verbal Ability/Reasoning questions. The RC questions were distributed in five passages (300 – 450 words each) and one poem. The Verbal ability and Verbal Reasoning questions were from grammar, vocabulary, and reasoning-based questions. Many of the questions were inference and application. To score 95% marks in this section, candidate should attempt 13-14 questions in about 55-60 minutes, with about 75-80% accuracy. Check XAT 2025 VALR pattern in the table below.
Area/Questions | No. of Qs. | Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
Grammatically correct sentence | 2 | Medium |
Fill in the blanks (4 blanks) | 1 | Medium |
Jumbled Paragraphs (5 statements) | 2 | Medium |
Critical Reasoning | 2 | Medium |
Main idea/message of the given image | 1 | Medium |
RC Passages – 5 (300-450 words) | 15 | Medium-Difficult |
Poem-based passage | 2 | Medium |
Contradictory Ideas | 1 | Medium |
Area/Questions | No. of Qs. | Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
Grammatically correct sentence | 2 | Medium |
Fill in the blanks (4 blanks) | 1 | Medium |
Jumbled Paragraphs (5 statements) | 2 | Medium |
Critical Reasoning | 3 | Medium |
Main idea/message of the given image | 1 | Medium |
RC Passages – 5 (300-450 words) | 15 | Difficult |
Poem-based passage | 2 | Difficult |
XAT 2027 DM Pattern: Decision Making (DM) is a unique section in XAT exam. It tests candidate’s ability to holistically understand a complex problem in a given context, and propose a fair solution. XAT DM section also tests your ethical stance and asks you to take a decision in a conflicting situation. Questions are asked on Data Based Problems, Situation Based Problems and a combination of both types. For better understanding, check type of questions that appeared in XAT 2026 and XAT 2025 in this section. Also read how to prepare for XAT Decision Making.
XAT 2026 Decision Making Section: Type of Questions & Difficulty Level
Like in previous year, this section consisted of 21 questions: divided into 7 sets of 3 questions each. Similar to XAT 2025 pattern, there was no Quantitative Decision-Making set. Check detailed break up of question sets in the table below. Some questions were ambiguity with no clear “correct answer”. For 95% marks in this section, candidates should attempt 12-13 questions in 50-55 minutes with 75-80% accuracy.
XAT 2025 Decision Making Section: Type of Questions & Difficulty Level
This section consisted of 21 questions. The section consisted of 7 sets of 3 questions each. Check detailed break up of question sets in the table below. For 95% marks in this section, candidates should attempt 11-12 questions in 50-55 minutes with 75-80% accuracy.
Sub-section/ Topic | Description | No. of Qs |
|---|---|---|
Caselet-1 | Case Study Competition - B-School group dynamics | 3 |
Caselet-2 | Fintech Firm – New Recruit – Cryptocurrency aspirations | 3 |
Caselet-3 | FMCG family business – Gen Z vs. seniors | 3 |
Caselet-4 | B-School committees – B. Com Graduate troubles | 3 |
Caselet-5 | Investment Banker Screwvala turns author | 3 |
Caselet-6 | Selvam Tutorials – HR Issues | 3 |
Caselet-7 | Fine Elements – Candidate Hiring – Head of Talent Acquisition vs line manager | 3 |
Sub-section/ Topic | Type of Questions | Description | No of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Caselet-1 | Problem Based on Human Resources | Experience Credentials of Employees | 3 |
Caselet-2 | Problem Based on ABC Business School | Disciplined School with High Placements but less learning | 3 |
Caselet-3 | Problem Based on Taxis | Competition among Taxi Drivers | 3 |
Caselet-4 | Problem Based on Sales & Marketing | SUV Sales Target Met but recovery of loss a concern due to extended warranty | 3 |
Caselet-5 | Problem Based on Household help | Wrongful Termination of Domestic Help | 3 |
Caselet-6 | Problem Based on Human Resources at IT Firm | Distribution of Performance Bonus to the Best Employees | 3 |
Caselet-7 | Problem Based on Gas Extraction Company Deep Sea | Releasing the Natural Gas Pressure and Safety Arrangements | 3 |
XAT 2027 QADI Pattern: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI) section has high (28%) weight in XAT exam. QADI questions in XAT are designed to assess the quantitative aptitude of candidates. To do well in this section, you should have a foundational understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, modern maths. The questions on DI are about clear interpretation, summarization, and insightful analysis of the data. Check break-up of type of questions is XAT 2026 and XAT 2025 below.
XAT 2026 QADI Section: Type of Questions & Difficulty Level
Out of the 28 questions in the XAT 2026 QADI section, 19 questions were based on Quantitative Ability, while 9 questions were based on Data Interpretation. In Arithmetic, questions were on Profit & Loss, Time Speed and Distance, and Race in a Circular swimming pool. There was only one algebra question that was based on Algebraic equations. In Geometry, questions were on Concentric circles, Circle and Tangent, Triangle and Rectangle, Triangle and Square, and Height and Distance. In Modern Maths, questions were on Probability, Function, and 3D Venn Diagram. There were many questions on Number System. There were three sets of Data Interpretation with 3 questions in each set. One set was based on a combination of Numbers, Geometry, and Logic. Another set was based on a Sunburst chart while the third set was a Logical DI set that involved data tables. To score 95% in this section, you should attempt of about 16-17 questions with about 80 percent accuracy in about 55-60 minutes. Check complete details in the table below.
XAT 2025 QADI Section: Type of Questions & Difficulty Level
In XAT 2025 exam, out of the 28 questions in the section, 16 questions were on Quantitative Ability and 12 questions were on Data Interpretation. In Quantitative Ability section there were questions from Arithmetic, Geometry, Modern maths, Algebra and Numbers. Check break up below. There were four sets of Data Interpretation with 3 questions in each set.
| Type of Questions | No of Questions |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 3 |
| Geometry | 5 |
| Modern Math | 3 |
| Algebra | 1 |
| Numbers | 7 |
| Total | 19 |
| Type of Questions | No of Questions |
|---|---|
| Combination of Numbers, Geometry, and Logic | 3 |
| Set based on Sunburst chart | 3 |
| Average based set | 3 |
| Total | 9 |
Type of Questions | No of Questions |
|---|---|
Arithmetic | 3 |
Geometry | 5 |
Modern Math | 3 |
Algebra | 3 |
Numbers | 2 |
Total | 16 |
Type of Questions | No of Questions |
|---|---|
Scatter Plot / Line Graph (observation) based set | 3 |
Arithmetic based set | 3 |
Average based set | 3 |
Number-matrix based set | 3 |
Total | 12 |
XAT 2027 GK Pattern: The General Knowledge section in XAT exam has 20 questions. Out of this, 12 questions are on current affairs and 8 questions are from static GK. This mix allows for a balanced evaluation of candidates' awareness of both ongoing events and foundational knowledge. It is important to note that scores from the General Knowledge section are not considered while calculating the XAT percentile. However, XLRI Jamshedpur uses GK scores during its final selection process. Type of questions in GK Section in previous exams in given below.
XAT 2026 GK section had a mix of questions from Science & Technology, Sports, Business areas. Check split of the questions in the table below.
Topic | Current affairs | Static GK |
|---|---|---|
Science and Technology | 4 | 1 |
Business Terminology | 2 | 0 |
Sports | 2 | 0 |
Geography | 1 | 0 |
Culture | 1 | 1 |
Awards and Prizes | 1 | 0 |
Persons In News | 2 | 0 |
Indian Economy | 1 | 0 |
Miscellaneous | 2 | 1 |
If you are planning to take XAT exam, then you must download XAT 2027 Exam Pattern PDF document that contains all the information in this article. It also has more details on type of questions and difficulty level for each year’s papers. Download XAT Exam Pattern PDF free from the link below.
Download XAT 2027 EXAM PATTERN PDF
Is XAT exam tougher than CAT? To answer this question, check this comparison between XAT and CAT exam.
XAT Vs CAT Exam Pattern
CAT and XAT have many similarities which give the opportunity to the candidates to synchronize their preparation, and some differences calling for unique preparation as well. Check comparative analysis below:
Component | XLRI XAT | IIM CAT |
|---|---|---|
Total Questions | 95 (Including GK) | 66 |
Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam | 3 hours | 2 hours |
Type of Questions | MCQs | MCQs, and Non-MCQs |
Answer Options for Each MCQ | 5 | 4 |
Marks Awarded for Each Correct Answer | 1 | 3 |
Negative Marking | 75 MCQs with 1/4 negative marking; No negative marking for 20 MCQs on GK | MCQs with 1/3 negative marking; No negative marking for Non-MCQs |
Exam Difficulty Level | High | High |
Number of Sections | 4 Sections (3 main sections + GK section) | 3 Sections (No GK section) |
Facility to Choose Order of Sections | Any question from any section within the overall time limit | No, has to follow predefined sectional order |
Individual Sectional Time Limit | No sectional time limit | Each section with 40-minute time limit |
What are the changes in XAT exam pattern in recent years? There was no major change in XAT 2026 exam paper from XAT 2025 paper. However, there were many changes in XAT 2025 exam pattern from XAT 2024 paper. These changes were part of XLRI’s efforts to “streamline the examination process and enhance the evaluative components that align more closely with the core competencies required for management education and leadership.” Key changes in XAT 2025 exam pattern were:
In summary, XAT exam pattern is designed to test your problem-solving, logical thinking, and decision-making skills and is divided into two parts. XAT Part 1 pattern consists of 75 questions to be solved in 170 minutes. This part consists of three sections: Decision Making (21 questions), Verbal and Logical Ability (26 questions), Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (28 questions). XAT Part 2 pattern consists of 20 questions on General Knowledge (GK) to be solved in 10 minutes. XAT exam duration is 180 minutes (3 hours). XAT 2027 Exam will be held on January 3, 2027. Read completed details in the above article and download XAT exam pattern PDF 2026. Also read: XAT 2027 Exam Syllabus and XAT 2027 Exam Preparation Guide.
