XAT Question Paper 2025, Previous Year XAT Papers; Download PDFs with Solutions

Q: What was the difficulty level of XAT 2025 exam?

XAT 2025 exam was of moderate difficulty level. The students who had appeared for the exam last year, said the XAT 2025 question paper was not much different. Section wise, Quantitative Aptitude questions were on the tougher side, Verbal Ability and Decision Making were easy to moderate and GK was easy. There was one poem for RC as always. Quantitative Aptitude section was dominated by Arithmetic and GK had questions on very recent events.

Q: What is the marking scheme of the XAT exam?

XAT is an MCQ based test and all questions carry equal marks. The total marks of the exam is 100 and every question carries 1 mark. Decision Making carries 22 marks, Verbal and Logical Ability carries 26 marks, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation carries 28 marks and General Knowledge carries 25 marks. There is negative marking too in XAT, that you should be aware of. Check below the marking scheme of XAT. One mark is awarded for each right answer 0.25 marks is deducted for each wrong answer 0.10 marks is deducted for more than eight unanswered consecutive questions There is no negative marking in General Knowledge section Scores of General Knowledge section will not be considered for calculating XAT score The score of Essay Writing will be taken into consideration at the time of PI shortlisting

Q: What type of Reading Comprehension passages are there in XAT?

In XAT, Reading Comprehension passages are usually taken from Philosophy, Psychology, History, Art, research articles. Sometime, the XAT RC section also has poems. These areas are chosen to test the candidates, who are largely Science, Commerce and Engineering graduates, on their ability to come out of their comfort zone and adapt to unfamiliar situations. Out of 26 questions, about 14-16 questions are based on RC passages or a poem. Candidates must target solving about 10 questions accurately to score well. XAT has negative marking so do not mark an option as your answer if you are not 100 percent sure of it.

Q: How can I cover the XAT syllabus by self study?

If you are planning to appear for the XAT exam by self study, you must start early as the syllabus is vast and tough. To cover the XAT syllabus by self study, candidates must refer to the books recommended for XAT preparation. You can take help from the following books to cover the XAT syllabus but do join a study forum to get help from mentors and peers when need be: How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission into IIMs by Sarvesh K Verma Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha/Arihant Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis Objective General English by Dr RS Agarwal and Vikas Agarwal High School English Grammar by Wren & Martin Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma

Q: In how many months can I prepare for XAT?

Ideally, XAT preparation takes six to nine months, but if candidates have prepared for CAT too, XAT preparation can be done in lesser time as one will have to only work on Decision Making and General Knowledge topics. Those who are weak in English Comprehension must start reading practice early on. The ideal time to start XAT preparation is May, so you can cover the whole syllabus by October and dedicate two months to mock test practice. If you start studying for XAT late, by July or so, make sure you complete the syllabus by October only. Remember that XAT syllabus is tough, so you’ll need to study at least 6-8 hours daily from start until the end. Give ample time to yourself to complete the XAT syllabus.

Q: Where can I find study material for Decision Making syllabus for XAT?

Since Decision Making section is unique to XAT, study material for the same in not readily available. Thus the best source of preparation material for Decision Making section is XAT previous years’ question papers. This section has passages related to business situations. Candidates have to select the closest solution to the given situation from the list of four options. You have to make an informed decision regarding the decision which has be in favour of the larger good. This section essentially tests your ability to take objective decisions regarding various business situations and activities. Candidates can practice Decision Making questions from XAT question papers of previous years to know the types and difficulty level. In a way, this section is similar to Reading Comprehension and requires same skills as that.

Q: 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.

Q: How was XAT 2025 different from XAT 2024?

XAT 2025 exam had only 2 sections in the question paper, Part 1 had Quantitative Aptitude, Decision Making and Verbal Ability. Part 2 consisted of General Knowledge section. Essay Writing has been removed from the entrance test. It is a part of XLRI PI selection process. The total time duration of XAT exam now is 180 minutes. Part 1 is for170 minutes and Part 2 is for 10 minutes. There is no sectional time limit within the section. XAT 2024 had Essay Writing and the exam duration was 3.5 hours. Essay Writing was clubbed with GK.

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: 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.

1.7K Students Q&A

Registration - 10 Jul '25 - 5 Dec '25

Updated on Sep 29, 2025 11:45 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

XAT question papers are the best resource to understand the trend of topic wise weightage and trend of questions asked in previous years. Having the knowledge of previous years' XAT trend helps candidates in strategising well for the exam.

Candidates should solve at least XAT previous year papers of last 10 years in the last month before the exam. Solving XAT previous year papers gives the candidate the reference point to prepare the exam strategy according to their strenght and weakness. So, candidates must include previous years' XAT question papers in their topics to XAT preparation plan 2026.

XAT 2026 exam will be held on January 4, 2026. Candidates must aim to start practicing previous years' XAT question papers in December 2025. Get here XAT 2025 question paper and papers of previous years.

XAT 2026 Registrations Open- Register Now

Table of content

Previous Years XAT Question Papers PDFs Download
XAT 2025 Question Paper
XAT Questions Papers PDFs
XAT Preparation Guides
Previous Year XAT Question Papers (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019)
Why Solve XAT Question Papers?
XAT Mock Test and Preparation Tips
FAQs on XAT Question Papers

Previous Years XAT Question Papers PDFs Download

Download here free PDFs of XAT question papers from 2010 to 2024. Practice questions from official question papers for best result.

XAT 2024 Question Paper	XAT 2016 Question Paper
XAT 2023 Question Paper	XAT 2015 Question Paper
XAT 2022 Question Paper	XAT 2014 Question Paper
XAT 2021 Question Paper	XAT 2013 Question Paper
XAT 2020 Question Paper	XAT 2012 Question Paper
XAT 2019 Question Paper	XAT 2011 Question Paper
XAT 2018 Question Paper	XAT 2010 Question Paper
XAT 2017 Question Paper

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is solving XAT question paper helpful in exam preparation?

Q: How was XAT 2025 different from XAT 2024?

XAT 2025 Question Paper

XAT 2025 question paper was divided into two parts. There was no essay writing section in 2025. Total number of questions was 95. Check below a brief overview of XAT question paper 2025.

XAT Question Paper 2025	Sections	Sectional Time Limit
Part 1	QA-DI, VA-LR, Decision Making	170 minutes
Part 2	GK	10 minutes

XAT 2025 Question Paper: Sectional Difficulty Level

XAT 2025 question paper was released along with candidate response sheet and answer key. Check below section wise composition and difficulty levels of XAT question paper 2025.

XAT Sections	No. of Questions	Total Marks	Level of Difficulty
Decision Making	21	21	Moderate
Verbal and Logical Ability	26	26	Moderate
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation	28	28	Moderate to Difficult
General Knowledge	20	20	Easy
Total	95	95	Moderate

Also Read:

Commonly asked questions

Q: What was the difficulty level of XAT 2025 exam?

Q: What is the marking scheme of the XAT exam?

Download previous year XAT question papers and sample papers. Use them for practice and improve your speed and accuracy. You can download XAT previous year question papers and the preparation guides for free.

XAT Questions Papers PDFs

Previous Year XAT Question Papers

XAT-2024 Question Paper

XAT 2023 question paper

XAT 2022 question paper

XAT 2021 question paper

XAT 2020 question paper

XAT 2019 question paper

XAT 2018 question paper

XAT 2017 question paper

XAT 2016 question paper

XAT 2015 question paper

XAT 2014 question paper

XAT 2013 question paper

XAT 2012 question paper

XAT 2011 question paper

XAT 2010 question paper

Question Banks for XAT Preparation

Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers for Practice

VARC Questions with Answers for Practice

DILR Questions with Answers for Practice

XAT Preparation Guides

Important MBA Entrance Exams You Should Not Miss

How to prepare for Xavier Aptitude Test

Preparation Guide for MBA Entrance Exam - Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

Preparation Guide for MBA Entrance Exams- Quantitative Aptitude

Preparation Guide for MBA Entrance Exams- Verbal Ability

Previous Year XAT Question Papers (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019)

XAT 2024 Question Paper

The sectional break up of XAT 2024 question paper was same as XAT 2023 question paper. Check the table below for section wise number questions in the XAT question paper 2024. It was not mandatory to solve all the MCQs.

XAT Sections	No. of Questions	Total Marks	Level of Difficulty
Decision Making	21	22	Easy to Moderate
Verbal and Logical Ability	26	26	Moderate
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation	28	28	Difficult
General Knowledge	25	25	Moderate
Essay Writing (250 words)	1	To be evaluated after PI shortlisting	Moderate

XAT 2024 Essay Writing Topics

Candidates where given the following topics to write an essay:

Tech prediction often fails not because of wrong models or lack of imagination but due to a lack of humility in admitting uncertainty about the future.
Implementing more stringent restrictions on social media platforms is crucial to effectively combat the proliferation of fake news.
Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.

Also Read: XAT 2024 question paper analysis

XAT 2023 Question Paper

XAT 2023 question paper was of moderate difficulty level. it had the Essay section also, which was brought back in 2022. There were three essay topics and candidates had to write on one topic of their choice. Evaluation of the essay was done at the time of candidate shortlisting. Check below the structure of XAT question paper 2023:

XAT 2023 Sections	No. of Questions	Total Marks	Level of Difficulty (expected)
Part 1: Decision Making	22	22	Moderate
Part 1: Verbal and Logical Ability	26	26	Moderate to Tough
Part 1: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation	28	28	Tough
Part 2: General Knowledge	25	25	Moderate
Part 2: Essay Writing	3 (candidate had to choose 1 topic)	To be evaluated after shortlisting	Moderate

XAT Question Paper 2022

XAT 2022 question paper was similar to XAT 2021 question paper in terms of difficulty level. However, there was a new addition to the paper this year - the reintroduction of Essay Writing. Candidates had to write a 250-word essay on one of the two given topics in Part 2 of the paper. Check the sectional break up and difficulty level of the XAT question paper 2022 below:

XAT 2022 Sections	No. of Questions	Total Marks	Level of Difficulty
Part 1: Decision Making	21	21	Moderate
Part 1: Verbal and Logical Ability	26	26	Moderate
Part 1: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation	28	28	Moderate
Part 2: General Knowledge	25	25	Tough
Part 2: Essay Writing	1	To be evaluated after shortlisting	Moderate

XAT 2022 Question Paper: RC Topics

Stupidity
Lifestyles
Conformism
Conformism
Poem
Poem

Also Read: XAT 2022 question paper analysis

XAT Question Paper 2021

XAT 2021 question paper was of overall moderate difficulty. Similar to XAT previous year papers. However, the Verbal section was easier than previous year. Check the section wise difficulty level of XAT question paper 2021 below:

XAT Sections	Number of Questions	Difficulty level
Decision Making	21	Moderate
Verbal and Logical Ability	26	Easy
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation	28	Moderate
General Knowledge	25	Moderate
Overall	100	Moderate

XAT 2021 Question Paper: RC Topics

Multitasking and Distraction
Uncertainty in Life
Importance of the Ability to Process Numbers in Animals
Microsoft and Windows Phone
Realization of Truth of Life
Gender Data Gap
Poem - 'Sit' by Vikram Seth

Also Read: XAT 2021 question paper analysis

XAT Question Paper 2020

XAT 2020 question paper was of overall moderate difficulty. However, the VARC section was tougher than previous year. Check the section wise difficulty level of XAT question paper 2020 below:

XAT Sections	Number of Questions	Difficulty level
Decision Making	21	Moderate
Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning	26	Difficult
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation	28	Moderate
General Knowledge	25	Moderate
Overall	100	Moderate

XAT Marking Scheme

There is negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer
There will be deduction of 0.5 marks incase of eight consecutive unanswered questions
There is no negative marking for unanswered questions

Also Read:

XAT Question Paper 2019

XAT 2019 question paper was of moderate difficulty and the Essay Writing section was scrapped. The Quantitative Ability section was easy but Decision Making section was tricky. English and Reasoning sections were easy. Take a look at the XAT 2019 question paper break-up:

XAT Sections	Number of Questions	Difficulty Level
Verbal and Logical Ability	26	Difficult
Decision Making	21	Moderate
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation	27	Easy-Moderate
General Knowledge	25	Moderate
Total	99	Moderate-Difficult

Also Read:

Commonly asked questions

Q: In how many months can I prepare for XAT?

Q: Where can I find study material for Decision Making syllabus for XAT?

Why Solve XAT Question Papers?

A good performance in a speed based test like XAT exam is the result of good practice. One has to attempt questions of at least four different subjects within the given tie limit. Some questions are short, while some are lengthy. Some need reading, some need calculation, and some need memory. Candidates must have the exposure of previous 10 years' XAT question papers so that they know how to use the time given to attempt maximum questions accuratety. Solving the XAT question papers also helps immensely in preparation of unique sections of XAT 2026- Decision Making and Reading Comprehension (the poem).

Top Reasons to Solve Previous Years' XAT Question Papers

Practice of XAT question papers is necessary also because it not only improves time management skills but also boosts candidate's confidence. Listed below are a few benefits of solving XAT question papers.

Practicing XAT previous year papers will give you an idea of the types of questions asked in the exam. You will also know the weightage of topics, i.e. from which units most of the questions are asked.
XAT has a unique section called Decision Making, study material for which in not readily available. Thus to prepare for this section, previous year XAT question papers are the best source.
Every year, there is one poem in the XAT Reading Comprehension section. To know what type of poems are there and what type of questions are asked candidates should solve XAT question papers of previous years.
By practicing XAT question papers candidates will also get to know their strength and weakness viz. XAT syllabus so as to study accordingly. They will know which topics have more weightage and which ones have less weightage. They can cover the XAT syllabus accordingly.
By practicing XAT previous year question papers and mock tests, candidates will be able to discover tricks and shortcuts to solve questions faster with 100 per cent accuracy.
GK is a vast field, so to be able to do focused preparation, candidates must practice GK questions from previous year XAT papers. It will help them zero in on GK topics from which questions are mainly asked.
If a candidate has solved 25-30 XAT mock tests and a series of previous years' question papers, he/she will be more confident in the actual exam as he/she will be familiar all types of questions and their solutions.
Having practice of previous years' XAT question papers will instill confidence. One will feel more at ease because of familiarity with the question type.

Also Read:

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is XAT tough for candidates from non-Engineering background?

Q: When should I start practicing XAT mock tests?

XAT Mock Test and Preparation Tips

Solving only the official XAT question papers will not be enough to master XAT. One needs to practice time bound XAT mock tests as well. Practicing mock series are essential to gain control of subject, topics, time and accuracy. Shiksha has created XAT mock tests based on previous years' questions. Practice these free XAT mock tests to assess your preparation level. After taking the test, you can immediately check your score:

XAT_Mock_Test_1	XAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions
XAT_Mock_Test_2	XAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions

Check the below given links for solve questions for practice:

XAT Preparation 2026

For XAT exam preparation 2026, candidates need to make a long term as well as a short term strategy. While the long term strategy includes XAT syllabus coverage and Reading Comprehension practice, short term strategy includes XAT mock test practice. One should ideally start preparation for XAT, nine months before. However, one can prepare in less time as well, but that will require a focused plan and full-time dedication. Given below are some top read articles for XAT 2026 exam preparation.

XAT Exam Preparation Articles
How to Prepare for XAT in 3 months	How to prepare for XAT 2026? Tips from toppers
Expert speak: How to prepare for XAT exam	XAT preparation in six months: Tips and tricks
How to prepare for XAT in 1 month	Best study material for XAT preparation

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