Updated on Jul 07, 2025
Ankita Banerjee
XAT Exam Pattern 2026 consists of 95 multiple-choice questions across four major areas: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation and General Knowledge. Candidates need to attempt the questions in 180 minutes. The question paper is divided into two parts, i.e., Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 covers Verbal & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, with a duration of 170 minutes. On the other hand, part 2 focuses on General Knowledge with a duration of 10 minutes. Candidates appearing in XAT 2026 exam will be given +1 for each correct answer. There will be a penalty of -0.10 for every unattempted question after the first eight.
To achieve a 96+ percentile, candidates need to take regular mock tests, read newspapers, and refer to good books to strengthen their vocabulary and general knowledge. Practising previous years’ question papers is also required to improve time management and accuracy. It is important to know about the complete details of the XAT Exam Pattern 2026; therefore, candidates are advised to read the full article.
Table of Contents
XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Highlights
The XAT 2026 Exam is a computer-based test with a maximum score of 95. Candidates must attempt all questions within a 3-hour duration. Candidates can refer to the table below to check key highlights of XAT Exam Pattern 2026:
Also Read: XAT Application Process 2026
XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise Details
XAT Exam Pattern 2026 contains two parts. In part 1, candidates need to answer a total of 75 questions from QA & DI, VALR, and DM sections. The QA & DI section carries the highest weightage, as candidates must answer 28 questions from this section. In part 2, candidates have to attempt 20 questions from the GK section. Check below to know more about the section-wise number of questions along with total marks:
XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
According to XAT Exam Pattern 2026, candidates will get a +1 mark for each correct answer, and 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer. Candidates can refer to the following section to check the key highlights of XAT Marking Scheme.
- Candidates will get a +1 mark for each correct answer.
- 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
- From the 9th unattempted question, a penalty of 0.10 marks will be applied.
- There will be no negative marking in the General Knowledge section.
- The Marks of General Knowledge section will not be considered to calculate XAT percentile.
XAT 2026 Syllabus: At a Glance
The syllabus for XAT 2026 contains four key sections: Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR), Decision Making (DM), and General Knowledge (GK). Each section is subdivided into several topics to assess candidates' skills in working within a contemporary business environment. For a better understanding of the XAT Syllabus 2026, topics from each section are listed below:
XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Preparation Tips
To achieve a good score in XAT 2026 Exam, candidates must focus on creating a study plan for 6 months to cover all the topics across four key sections. Additionally, they should practice past year XAT Question Papers and take mock test questions to assess their strengths and weaknesses. Below are some important preparation tips that XAT 2026 candidates can follow.
- Create a study plan: It must be done by dividing study time for each subject. Candidates must allot 7-8 hours a day to cover essential topics across all four sections.
- Attend regular mock tests and solve past year question papers: These strategies should be followed by the candidates to improve their quantitative ability to solve algebra, number systems, simple and Compound Interest, and Ratio and proportion-based questions.
- Reading newspapers: Candidates must read newspapers and stay informed about current events to enhance their general knowledge.
XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Changes Over The Years
Between 2022 and 2025, the XAT exam has mostly followed a similar pattern. However, from 2022 to 2024, the XAT Exam Pattern consisted of 100 questions, including an analytical essay. In 2025, the essay was moved to the GD and PI rounds, and the number of questions was reduced to 95. Candidates can refer to the table below to check how the XAT exam pattern has changed between 2022 and 2026.
Also Read: XAT Results 2026
XAT Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
What is the marking scheme in XAT 2026 Exam?
According to XAT Exam Pattern 2026, each correct question carries +1 mark, and for each incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are deducted. For unattempted answers, the student will get zero up to the 8th question. From the 9th unanswered question, 0.10 marks will be deducted.
What type of questions will be asked in XAT 2026?
Candidates will have to answer 95 multiple-choice questions from four key sections. There will be no analytical essay portion in the XAT 2026 Exam.
What are the changes in XAT 2026 Exam Pattern?
The analytical essay section has been moved from XAT 2026 Exam to the Group discussion and personal interview rounds. The XAT 2026 Exam Pattern consists of four key sections: Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
How to prepare for XAT 2026 Exam?
To prepare well for XAT 2026 Exam, candidates need to cover all topics across four sections, practice previous years' question papers, and appear for mock tests. These strategies will help them improve precision and speed.
How is the XAT 2026 Exam Pattern different from other management entrance exams?
The XAT 2026 Exam contains two new sections: decision-making and general knowledge, which are not found in other management programs.
What will be the total duration of XAT 2026 Exam?
The total duration of XAT 2026 Exam will be 180 minutes or 3 hours. In the first 170 minutes, candidates need to complete the Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability, and Data Interpretation sections. In the last 10 minutes, candidates have to complete the General Knowledge section.
How many questions will be there from the General Knowledge section in XAT 2026 Exam?
20 questions will be there from the General Knowledge section, in which 12 questions will be from current affairs and eight questions will be from static GK.
Are XAT decision-making questions tough?
Decision-making questions will need precision to solve, as they are not based on formulas. These questions will be based on ethical dilemmas, practical situations, and a complex business environment. So, candidates need to think strategically before answering the question.
How many questions are mandatory to solve in XAT 2026 Exam?
Candidates are advised to attempt all 95 questions. However, if questions are of a higher difficulty level, then students can only keep eight questions unanswered. From the 9th unattempted question, a penalty of 0.10 marks is applied.
Does the GK section have a negative marking in XAT 2026?
No, the GK section does not have a negative marking scheme, but the other three sections do. For each incorrect answer in the Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability, and Data Interpretation sections, 0.25 marks will be deducted.
How would you rate your experience with this page up to now?
