XAT or Xavier Aptitude Test 2026 is a computer-based MBA entrance exam with a total xat exam duration of 180 minutes, reduced from the earlier 210 minutes. The exam is divided into two parts: Part 1 lasting 170 minutes and Part 2 lasting 10 minutes. Part 1 consists of three sections which are Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning having 26 questions, Decision Making having 21 questions and Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation with 28 questions. On the other hand, Part 2 is the General Knowledge section with 20 questions, reduced from 25, covering current affairs (12 questions) and static GK (8 questions). There are no fixed time limits for sections in Part 1, giving candidates flexibility to manage time.
Candidates should also note that the Analytical Essay Writing section has been removed from the exam and is now part of the Group Discussion and Personal Interview stages. The General Knowledge section score is used only by XLRI in its final selection process and does not affect percentile calculation. The total number of questions has also decreased to 95 from over 100 previously. The marking scheme remains +1 for correct answers, -0.25 for wrong answers, and a penalty for more than 8 unanswered questions.
The following are the key changes in the XAT exam pattern:
Total exam duration reduced from 210 minutes to 180 minutes (3 hours).
The total number of questions decreased from over 100 to 95 questions.
The XAT 2026 exam is now divided into two parts: Part 1 (170 minutes) and Part 2 (10 minutes for General Knowledge).
The XAT GK questions have been reduced from 25 to 20, with 12 on current affairs and 8 on static GK.
The Analytical Essay Writing section has been removed from the exam and moved to the Group Discussion/Personal Interview stage.
There are no sectional time limits in Part 1. Hence, candidates can manage time as per their strengths.
General Knowledge section score will not affect the percentile, but is used by XLRI for final admission.
Marking scheme remains +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong answers, and -0.10 penalty for over 8 unanswered questions.
The decision-making section retains its unique focus on ethical and managerial judgment.
XAT 2026 Marking Scheme
The XAT 2026 marking scheme awards +1 mark for every correct answer in the Verbal Ability, Decision Making, and Quantitative sections. For each incorrect response in these sections, 0.25 marks are deducted. However, the General Knowledge section has no negative marking, and its score does not affect the overall percentile, though it may be considered during final selection.
Additionally, if a candidate skips more than 8 questions, 0.10 marks are deducted per unattempted question. Essay writing has been removed from the exam, but may be evaluated later by XLRI during interviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
The exam lasts 180 minutes in total, with Part 1 being 170 minutes and Part 2 lasting 10 minutes.
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in the VALR, Decision Making, and Quantitative sections. The GK section has no negative marking.
Yes, but if the candidate skips more than 8 questions, they will lose 0.10 marks per extra skipped question.
No, essay writing has been removed from the main exam. However, XLRI may evaluate it later during interviews.