What is the syllabus of XAT for the Decision Making section?

The XAT Decision Making section consists of approximately 21-22 case-based questions designed to evaluate the ability to analyse complex, real-life, and professional scenarios.

Is the XAT syllabus lengthy?

XAT syllabus is considered extensive and challenging. It is often viewed as more comprehensive than other management exams. Sections like Decision Making and an Essay is also included in the XAT exam syllabus.

Which books are recommended to cover the XAT syllabus?

Some of the top books to cover XAT syllabus include Book Author Jabbing the XAT RK Jha Word Power Made Easy Norman Lewis QA/LR books Arun Sharma or RS Aggarwal For Decision Making, candidates can refer to past papers for XAT preparation

What is the XAT exam duration and slot?

XAT exam duration is 180 minutes in a single slot. Part 1 of XAT exam is conducted for 170 minutes, while Part 2 is held in last 10 minutes.

How many questions were there in XAT 2025?

As per the latest XAT exam pattern, there will be 95 questions in XAT 2025 in MCQ format. Verbal Ability section of XAT will have 26 questions Decision Making section of XAT will have 21 questions Quantitative Ability section will have 28 questions GK section will have 20 questions There will be no essay writing this year. It will be conducted during the selection process. It is not mandatory to solve all the questions. Candidates should solve only those questions which they can solve correctly as there is negative marking in XAT. During the exam preparation, focus on the chapters from which majority of the questions are added. This will help them in achieving the sectional and overall cut offs are required.

Is there any negative marking in the XAT exam?

Yes, the XAT exam has negative marking of -0.25 marks for wrong attempt. Unanswered questions have no negative marking but if there are 8 consecutive unanswered questions, 0.10 marks will be deducted. Thus, the candidates must select questions to solve very carefully in the XAT exam. They should solve only those questions which they know they can solve accurately. The XAT exam has sectional time limit too, so you may not want to waste time on a question that you cannot solve accurately. You stand to lose both time and marks. So be careful in selecting questions in the XAT exam. The sectional cut off for XAT is usually 80 percent accuracy. Practice a lot of mock tests to develop this skill.

In how many months can I prepare for the XAT syllabus?

Completing XAT syllabus requires 3 to 6 months, with 6-8 months for thorough preparation, including mock test analysis and practise using previous year XAT question papers.

What are the important topics for the XAT Quantitative Aptitude section?

Important topics from XAT quantitative aptitude section include Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Averages), Geometry & Mensuration, Algebra (Equations, Progressions), Number Systems, and Modern Math (Probability, P&C).

Does the XAT syllabus change every year?

Sections in the XAT exam, including Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation remain consistent. However, the exam pattern, question count, and structure may change annually.

Is the syllabus for XAT and CAT same?

Major topics under XAT and CAT syllabus are similar. Common sections include Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, and Verbal Ability. While the sections are same the syllabus is not identical. XAT also includes unique sections, namely Decision Making and General Knowledge.

Is XAT tough for candidates from non-Engineering background?

Yes, XAT is slightly tougher for candidates with non-Engineering background as the Quantitative Aptitude section is of higher difficulty level. However, they can crack it if they work on the fundamentals of Math and practice questions of all difficulty levels. It will take time but they will be able to crack XAT's quant section if they dedicate extra hours to it. Aspirants can find XAT study material online in various online study groups. Students’ groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. share study material with each other. One can also download MBA exam preparation apps to get relevant and useful study material. The good part about XAT is that, it has different cut offs for candidates belonging to different academic backgrounds. As part of its commitment to academic diversity, the institute has lower cut offs for candidates from non-engineering background than candidates from engineering background.

Which are the most important topics to focus for XAT preparation?

Some of the important topics for XAT preparation include: Decision Making: Managerial/ethical dilemmas Quantitative Ability: Arithmetic, geometry, and algebra Verbal Ability: Reading comprehension, often with poetic passages.

Is solving XAT question paper helpful in exam preparation?

Yes, solving XAT question paper is of immense help in exam preparation as one can get an idea of the exam pattern, difficulty level of the questions, and learn time management. The XAT question papers of previous years also give you an idea of what type of questions (Reading Comprehension passages and poem) are asked in XAT. In fact, preparation of Decision Making section is totally dependent on XAT question papers. XAT question papers of previous years also act as practice test providing you with the opportunity to master speed and time management. Candidates must solve previous years’ XAT questions paper of at least last five years, so that they are aware of the latest type of questions especially poem, RC passages and Decision Making passages.

How many XAT mock tests should I practice?

A candidate should practice at least 35 to 40 XAT mock tests during preparation. They should attempt mocks of various varieties and difficulty levels. In the last two weeks before XAT exam, they must practice at least five mock tests and analyse performance. It is most likely that by the end of exam preparation, candidates will be scoring 98 plus percentile in mocks. If that happens, they will score well in exam too.

XAT Exam Pattern 2026 (Latest): Total Marks, Marking Scheme, Exam Format & Duration

XAT Exam Date 2027

3 Jan '27

Updated on Mar 4, 2026 23:37 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

Overview

XAT Exam Pattern 2027: XLRI, Jamshedpur designs XAT exam pattern. Typically, XAT exam pattern does not go through major changes every year. The question paper is divided into two sections. The first part of XAT question paper comprises Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (170 minutes); the second part has GK section of 10 minutes. This year too, there will be no Essay Writing. Total time duration of the exam will be 180 minutes. The format of questions in XAT 2027 will be MCQ. Read all about XAT 2027 paper pattern below.

Table of contents

XAT Exam Pattern 2027: An Overview
Section Wise XAT 2027 Exam Pattern
XAT Marking Scheme 2027
XAT Syllabus 2027: Detailed Breakdown
Changes in XAT Exam Pattern Over the Years
XAT Preparation 2027: Tips and Strategy
FAQs Regarding XAT Exam Pattern 2027

XAT Exam Pattern 2027: An Overview

XAT exam has some unique aspects to it. While preparing for the exam, candidates must keep in mind those unique aspects. Take a look at the key highlights of latest XAT paper pattern.

XAT Exam Structure	XAT Exam Details
Number of sections	4 (Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation and General Knowledge)
XAT time limit	3 hours (180 minutes)
Number of questions	95
Total marks	95
Number of answer choices	Five
Mode of examination	Online
XAT marking scheme	+1 mark for correct answer - 0.25 marks for incorrect answer - 0.10 marks for more than 8 consecutive un-attempted questions No negative marking in GK section

Section Wise XAT 2027 Exam Pattern

XAT question paper has MCQs spread over four main sections. There are a total of 95 questions and maximum are asked from Quantitative Aptitude. It is not mandatory to attempt all questions but candidates must attempt about 2/3rd of it, to get a good score. Check below section-wise break-up of questions and marks allotted to each section of XAT:

XAT Exam Pattern 2027: Sectional Break-Up of Questions

No change has been announced in the XAT 2027 exam pattern. However, actual composition of the XAT 2027 question paper will be known on the exam day. Check below expected break up of the question paper:

XAT Sections	Number of Questions	Total Marks
Decision Making	21	21
Verbal and Logical Ability	26	26
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation	28	28
General Knowledge	20	20
Total	95	95

XAT Marking Scheme 2027

XAT has a unique marking scheme in which not only there is negative marking on incorrect attempt but also on the number of incorrect attempts. Candidates must understand the XAT marking scheme well to optimise their peformance. Check below the key highlights of XAT marking scheme 2027:

1 mark will be awarded for every correct answer
0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer
0.10 marks will be deducted for more than 8 consecutive unanswered questions
There will be no negative marking in General Knowledge section
Scores of General Knowledge section will not be considered for calculating XAT percentile

XAT Syllabus 2027: Detailed Breakdown

Check here detailed breakdown of XAT syllabus to understand what and how to prepare:

Section 1: Decision Making

XAT Decision Making is all about interpreting business scenarios and case studies to arrive at the most correct solution. This is a section which tests, the candidate’s problem solving and decision making skills. Questions are situation based requiring candidates to choose the best business decision in favour of greater good.

Section 1: Verbal and Logical Ability

Having RC passages and poem for the Reading Comprehension XAT Verbal Ability section may seem different but it is not. Apart from regular RC questions, it has vocabulary and grammar based questions. The Logical Ability sub part has verbal, non-verbal, abstract and critical reasoning questions.

Section 3: Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation

This section consists of questions from Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Interpretation. Most of the questions are asked from Arithmetic, so do not ignore that topic.

Section 4: General Knowledge

General Knowledge section of XAT is a mix of static GK and Current Affairs. Candidates need to be well aware of dates and events from history, geography, and business and economics, sports, science and tech. etc.

Changes in XAT Exam Pattern Over the Years

The XAT question paper has not seen many changes in the last eight years, apart from Essay Writing being scrapped in 2018, reintroduced in 2022 and scrapped again in 2025. Given below is a table comparing the XAT exam pattern and difficulty level of the questions of previous years:

XAT Exam Year	Total Number of Questions	Section-wise number of questions	Marking Scheme	Level of Difficulty
XAT 2026	95	VARC: 26 DM: 21 QA & DI: 28 GK: 20	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions	Expected to be moderate
XAT 2025	95	VARC: 26 DM: 21 QA & DI: 28 GK: 20	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions	Expected to be moderate
XAT 2024	100	VARC: 26 DM: 22 QA & DI: 28 GK: 25 Essay: 1 (to be evaluated upon shortlisting)	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions	Moderate to difficult
XAT 2023	100	VARC: 26 DM: 22 QA & DI: 28 GK: 25 Essay: 1 (to be evaluated upon shortlisting)	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions	Moderate to difficult
XAT 2022	100	VARC: 26 DM: 21 QA & DI: 28 GK: 25 Essay: 1 (to be evaluated upon shortlisting)	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions	Moderate to difficult
XAT 2021	100	VARC: 26 DM: 21 QA & DI: 28 GK: 25	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions	Moderate to difficult
XAT 2020	100	VARC: 26 DM: 21 QA & DI: 28 GK: 25	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions	Moderate to difficult
XAT 2019	99	VARC: 26 DM: 21 QA & DI: 27 GK: 25	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer -0.5 for more than 8 unanswered questions	Moderate to difficult
XAT 2018	97	VARC: 24 DM: 21 QA & DI: 27 GK: 25 One essay topic	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer; -0.5 for more than 12 unanswered questions	Moderate to difficult
XAT 2017	97	VARC: 24 DM: 21 QA & DI: 27 GK: 25 One essay topic	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer; -0.5 for more than 12 unanswered questions	Moderate to difficult
XAT 2016	103	VARC: 26 DM: 23 QA & DI: 29 GK: 25 One essay topic	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer; -0.5 for more than 13 unanswered questions	Moderate to difficult
XAT 2015	114	VARC: 28 DM: 23 QA & DI: 33 GK: 30 One essay topic	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer	Moderate to difficult
XAT 2014	113	VARC: 28 DM: 24 QA & DI: 31 GK: 30 One essay topic	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer	Moderate to difficult

Check XAT cut offs and predict calls from XLRI and other colleges accepting XAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all XAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict XAT Admission Calls

XAT Preparation 2027: Tips and Strategy

Read listed below article to prepare for XAT 2027:

XAT Exam Preparation Articles
How to prepare for XAT in 6 months	How to Prepare for XAT exam? Tips from Toppers
How to prepare for XAT in 3 months	XAT preparation: Tips to crack QA-DI
XAT preparation: Tips to crack Verbal Ability	XAT preparation: Tips to crack Decision Making
Expert speak: How To Prepare for XAT Exam?	Best Study Material for XAT preparation
How to Prepare for XAT in 1 Month

Free XAT Mock Test by Shiksha

Check out free XAT mock test by Shiksha to know your preparation level. It has been prepared from previous years' XAT questions for optimum practice.

XAT_Mock_Test_1	XAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions
XAT_Mock_Test_2	XAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions

FAQs Regarding XAT Exam Pattern 2027

Check important FAQs on XAT exam pattern below:

Q: What is sectional cut off for XAT?

Sectional cut off for XAT refers to the minimum percentile fixed for each section of the exam that candidates have to meet. For example, if the Quantitative Aptitude cut off is 85 percentile for XAT, students should score 85 percentile or more in the section of XAT to become eligible for group discussion and personal interview. Check the below tables for PGDM BM and PGDM HRM for XAT.

XAT Sectional cut offs for PGDM BM

General Engineers	VA	DM	QA	Overall
Males	75	75	85	95
Females	75	75	80	92
General Non-Engineers	VA	DM	QA	Overall
Males	75	75	85	95
Females	75	75	80	92

XAT Sectional cut offs for PGDM HRM

General Engineers	VA	DM	QA	Overall
Males	90	75	85	93
Females	90	75	65	91
General Non-Engineers	VA	DM	QA	Overall
Males	90	75	70	90
Females	75	75	60	88

Q: What is the duration of the XAT exam?

XAT exam was held for 3 hours and 30 minutes. However, with the revision of exam pattern, it was held for 3 hours in 2025. There is sectional time-limit in the test. 170 minutes are allotted to Part 1 comprising Decision Making, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation and Verbal Ability. Part 2 has General Knowledge section to be solved in 10 minutes. No bio-break is allowed during the exam. Candidates have to finish the test in the given time limit only. The test screen will move from part 1 to part 2 the moment 170 minutes get over and once the 10 minutes of part 2 will be over, the test window will be locked. Candidates must keep saving their entries after every attempt as there is no provision in XAT to go back and review your answers once the time limit for that part is over.

Q: What is XAT syllabus?

XAT syllabus includes all important topics related to Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation and General Knowledge. You can check below subject wise important topics included in the XAT syllabus. Majority of the questions are asked from these topics.

XAT Verbal and Logical Ability syllabus: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Analogy, Antonym/Synonym, Parajumble, Para Completion, Grammar, Critical Reasoning, Series Completion, Fill in the Blanks, etc.

XAT Decision Making syllabus: Data Arrangement, Conditioning, Grouping, Complex Arrangement, Caselets, Assumptions, Premises, Conclusions, etc.

XAT Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation syllabus: Arithmetic, Geometry, Mensuration, Percentage, Surds and Indices, Algebra, Mensuration, Bar Diagrams, Pie Charts, Tables, Data Interpretation, etc.

XAT General Knowledge syllabus: Science, Economy, Business, Politics, Static GK, Sports, Prize and Award, World, Government, Constitution of India, etc.

Q: What is the best study material to cover the XAT syllabus?

The best study materials to prepare for XAT exam include a mix of books, previous years' papers, and mock test. Some books focused at XAT preparation are tabulated below:

Best Books	Author
Jabbing the XAT	RK Jha
Analytical & Logical Reasoning	Arihant Publications
Target XAT	Disha Publications

Q: How many hours should I study daily for the XAT exam?

One will need 3-4 hours of preparation if they are planning to complete XAT syllabus in 6 months.

Q: How can I prepare for XAT by self study?

If you are planning to prepare for XAT exam by self study, you need to start early. At least six months before. XAT exam is conducted on the first Sunday of January every year. So, if you start preparing for the XAT in June or July, you will have good six months to prepare. Make a preparation plan that includes XAT syllabus coverage, problem solving sessions, mock tests and revision. Get hold of best books for XAT. Consult mentors or previous year toppers for selecting the best books for preparation. Join online study groups where you can get the help of mentors and peers for problem solving and clearing of doubts in topics. Work in tough topics first and then move to easier topics.

Solve a large number and variety of XAT mock tests to master the syllabus. You will need to do a rigorous work on XAT mock tests as for candidates who opt for self study, have to rely on practice.

Q: Are six months enough to prepare for XAT?

Yes six months are enough to prepare for XAT if you plan it well. You will need about 8 hours every day for it. Use first four months to cover exam syllabus and last two months for practice.

Q: What is the ideal time to start XAT mock test practice?

Ideal time to start XAT mock test practice is after covering the syllabus. When you're thorough with all the concepts and formulae, you will be able to solve all types of questions in the XAT mock test. XAT exam is conducted in January first week, so one should start mock test practice in November and dedicate two months to it.

Q: Can XAT preparation be done with only mock test practice?

If a candidate has appeared for the XAT exam before and is only attempting again for score improvement, then they can prepare for it with mock tests only. But if a candidate is appearing for the XAT exam for the first time and is not familiar with the syllabus, they cannot prepare with XAT mock tests only. XAT syllabus coverage is necessary before starting XAT mock test practice.

Q: When should I start studying for the XAT exam?

One must start preparing for XAT around six to eight months in advance. This timeline allows sufficient time to cover syllabus and practice using mock tests before the exam.