Changes in the XAT 2026 Exam Pattern: What Aspirants Need to Know

XLRI Jamshedpur will announce the official XAT 2026 exam pattern on its website. Last year, some significant changes were made: the total number of questions was reduced to 95, and the Essay Writing section was removed. These changes are expected to continue in 2026. The 95 questions are divided into four sections:

• Decision Making: 21 questions
• Verbal and Logical Ability: 26 questions
• Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation: 28 questions
• General Knowledge: 20 questions

XAT is the second most popular MBA entrance exam after CAT and is known for its similar level of difficulty. The total exam time is 180 minutes, and there is no fixed time limit for any section. This information helps students prepare well for the XAT 2026 Exam.

XAT Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights

Before attempting the XAT 2026, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of its exam pattern to know what the paper entails, which will provide a clearer vision of the exam & help prepare effectively. The table below provides a brief explanation of the XAT exam structure, giving you a clear idea of what to expect from a candidate.

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Section-Wise

The XAT 2026 Exam Pattern consists of two parts with a total of 95 Questions (expected) overall. The anticipated distributions of questions are given below:

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern (No Changes)

Based on the previous year’s pattern, the XAT 2026 exam is expected to remain the same with a few key changes already made earlier:

• The exam duration has been reduced from 210 minutes to 180 minutes.
• The total number of questions has been reduced from 105 to 95.
• The GK section will now have 20 questions instead of 25 and must be completed in 10 minutes.
• The Essay Writing Test will be conducted during the GD-PI round, not during the main exam.

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Section-Wise Break Up Of Questions

The XAT 2026 section, as explained before, is divided into three sections. Each section has a different number of questions, as stated below.

Also Check: How to Build an Effective Study Timetable for XAT 2026

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme

The total number of questions in the XAT 2026 are said to be 95 this year, which was earlier 100. The General Knowledge Section of the XAT exam does not carry any negative markings. This aspect of the XAT exam pattern makes the XAT exam quite challenging due to the restriction on the number of questions that can be left unattempted. Thus, the XAT Exam Strategy is extremely important to the candidates. This can only be formed after several mocks attempts by the candidate.

XAT 2026 GK Section Marking Scheme:

• The GK section has no negative markings.
• It will not contribute to your overall percentile or cutoff score but will be considered in the selection process.

XAT 2026 Test Pattern: Overall & Sectional Time Limit

The total duration of the XAT 2026 exam has been set as 180 minutes byXLRI Jamshedpur, which is a revision from the earlier duration of 210 minutes. Additionally, the essay writing section has been scrapped & the score from the general knowledge section will be taken into consideration for further GD-PI rounds.

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Key Changes In The Previous Years

The XAT Paper Pattern has undergone several changes over the past 3-4 years. The most significant change was the shift from the Paper Based Test to the Computer Based Test in 2018. Apart from this, other changes that have taken place over the years include:

Also Check: Best Books For XAT 2026 Preparation

XAT 2026 Paper Pattern: Section-Wise Breakdown

The XAT exam pattern has undergone slight changes over the years, which can make preparing for it a bit challenging. However, the main sections have stayed the same, so it’s helpful to focus on all of them. Many students only prepare well for some sections and ignore others, but every section is important for clearing the exam and meeting the cutoff.

Section 1: Verbal & Logical Ability: This section tests English skills like reading comprehension, vocabulary, analogies, paragraph arrangement, and critical reasoning.

Section 2: Decision Making: This unique section is not found in CAT or other MBA exams. It has short passages with questions that check how well students make fair and transparent decisions. There’s no fixed syllabus because it tests thinking ability.

Section 3: Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation: This section covers math topics like time and work, percentages, profit and loss, number systems, equations, geometry, and algebra. It also includes data interpretation from tables and charts. Last year, there were 16 math questions and three sets of data interpretation questions.

Section 4: General Knowledge: This section has questions on current affairs and general facts. It can encompass topics such as politics, technology, literature, and other areas of interest. There’s no fixed syllabus for this part.

XAT 2026 Difficulty Level (Expected)

Based on last year’s exam, the XAT 2026 is expected to be moderately difficult. The table below shows the expected difficulty level for each section:

Also Check: How To Prepare For XAT 2026 Exam In 6 Months

XAT 2026 Paper Pattern: Sectional Weightage

The XAT 2026 question paper is expected to contain about 100 multiple-choice questions spread across four sections. The Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation section holds the most significant weightage. Below is a breakdown of the weightage for each section in the XAT exam:

XAT 2026 Preparation Strategy

The XAT exam is one of the most popular entrance exams for students seeking to pursue an MBA at renowned business schools. It is considered very tough, second only to the CAT exam, and requires consistent practice and hard work to succeed. Knowing the exam pattern and syllabus well is very important. Regularly taking mock tests helps track progress, analyze mistakes, and improve performance for the actual exam.

• Create a study schedule: Planning the preparation by dividing it into sections and topics helps manage time effectively and leaves room for revision.
• Identify strengths and weaknesses: Knowing which areas need more focus allows better allocation of study time and improves overall performance.
• Practice mock tests: Mock tests provide insight into the current level of readiness, test exam strategies, and highlight areas that need improvement.
• Go through previous years’ papers: These papers help in understanding the exam pattern and the types of questions that are usually asked.
• Regular revision: Revisiting concepts through notes, practice questions, and mock tests helps strengthen knowledge and improve speed and accuracy.

Key Changes In The XAT Exam Pattern In Previous Years

The table below provides a detailed summary of the XAT exam patterns over the years from 2015 to 2026, highlighting key changes and trends.

Wrapping Up

The XAT 2026 exam pattern remains mostly the same as last year, with 95 questions across four key sections: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. The total duration is 180 minutes, with no sectional time limits except for GK. Important changes like the removal of the Essay section & reduced questions make it essential to prepare strategically. Regular practice through mocks, timely revision, and understanding of the pattern are key to scoring well in the XAT 2026.