XAT is one of the few MBA entrance exams in India that not only checks aptitude but also time management skills. For XAT 2026, candidates must keep in mind that the total duration of the test will be 180 minutes, including the Essay Writing section. However, managing time in XAT is not just about watching the clock; it is more about choosing the right questions, right sections, and the right order of attempts.
Over the years, student data and expert analysis have shown a common trend: attempting 65-75% of the paper with high accuracy is a good strategy. Since XAT has sectional time limits only for the Essay and General Knowledge section (last 30 minutes), candidates must carefully allocate their time to the first three sections, Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation.
Also Read: How to Strategise Sectional Time Limit in XAT 2026 Exam
XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Highlights
The XAT Exam Pattern 2026 consists of 95 multiple-choice questions spread across four key areas: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. The total duration of the XAT exam is 180 minutes, and candidates are required to complete all questions within this time.
The exam is conducted in online mode and follows a negative marking system. Each correct answer carries 1 mark, while each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 0.25 marks. Also, if a candidate leaves more than 8 questions unattempted, a penalty of 0.10 marks per additional unattempted question will apply.
Also Read: XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
What Should be the XAT 2026 Ideal Time for Each Section?
In most XAT exams, students spend too much time on Decision Making, especially if they get stuck on ethical dilemma questions. But the ideal time split should be around:
- Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning: 50-55 minutes
- Decision Making: 45-50 minutes
- Quantitative Ability & DI: 55-60 minutes
- GK + Essay: 30 minutes
It is also observed that those who start with their strongest section tend to perform better, as it builds confidence early. However, this varies from student to student. What works for one may not work for another, so XAT mock test analysis is the key. Candidates must take at least 10-15 full-length XAT mock tests and practice time-bound sectional tests.
Also Read:
- How to Build an Effective Study Timetable for XAT 2026
- 7-Day Revision Plan for XAT 2026: What to Focus On
Section-wise XAT 2026 Time Management
Time management in XAT is just as important as your preparation. Many students perform well in mocks but fail to manage time properly in the actual exam, which is why a section-wise XAT 2026 time management strategy is a must. Let’s look at how you can divide your 180 minutes efficiently.
XAT Decision Making
This is the trickiest yet most scoring section. On average, this section contains 21 questions. You must not spend more than 40-45 minutes here. The goal should be to read the situation once, understand the options, and eliminate the extremes. Don’t overthink. Keep answers ethical and practical. If you get stuck on a question, leave it and come back later. Try to finish this section in one go, preferably after warming up with VA or QA. Check XAT 2026 Preparation Plan for Decision Making.
XAT Verbal & Logical Ability
This section usually has 26 questions and demands focused reading. Allocate 45-50 minutes. Most candidates spend too much time on RCs and run out of time in other sections. Read the questions first before diving into the passage. For poems, read them twice quickly and go straight to the options. The goal is not to over-read. Skim and scan smartly. If one RC looks tough, move on to the next. Learn more about XAT 2026 Preparation Tips for Verbal & Logical Ability.
XAT Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
QA + DI is usually time-consuming and has about 28 questions. Allocate around 50-55 minutes for this section. Don’t waste time on one difficult question—move ahead and come back later. Solve easier questions first to build confidence and save time. For DI sets, scan all sets quickly and pick the one that looks most doable. Avoid DI sets with too much calculation unless you're confident.
Also Read: XAT Preparation Plan for Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
XAT General Knowledge
GK appears in Part 2 and has 20 questions to be solved in 10 minutes. Since there’s no negative marking, you don’t have to overthink. Quickly mark known answers and make educated guesses for the rest. Don’t spend more than 30 seconds per question. You can complete this section in 7-8 minutes and use the remaining 2-3 minutes to revise or go over the marked ones. Learn a few Common General Knowledge Topics for XAT 2026.
Keep a 5-10-minute buffer time in Part 1. Use it to revisit difficult questions or double-check answers. Don’t rely on solving in order; go with your strength first.
FAQs
How many questions should I aim to attempt in XAT 2026 for a good percentile?
Based on past trends, attempting around 65–75% of the paper with high accuracy is considered a good strategy. This usually translates to attempting 60–70 questions out of 95, depending on your accuracy level.
Is there a sectional time limit in the XAT 2026 exam?
No, there are no sectional time limits in Part 1 of the XAT (Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quant & DI). However, Part 2 (GK + Essay) has a fixed time of 30 minutes.
What is the ideal order of attempting sections in XAT 2026?
The best order depends on individual strengths. However, many toppers recommend starting with your strongest section first to build confidence. For some, that could be Verbal; for others, Quant or Decision Making.
How much time should I spend on Decision Making in XAT 2026?
Ideally, 40 - 45 minutes should be allocated to Decision Making. Avoid overthinking and keep your answers ethical and practical. Don’t get stuck; if a case seems confusing, move on and come back later.
Does the XAT penalize for unattempted questions?
Yes. In XAT 2026, there is no penalty for the first 8 unattempted questions, but from the 9th unattempted question onwards, 0.10 marks are deducted for each.
