XAT Answer Key 2027 (After Exam); Download Previous Year Answer Key PDF
Xavier Aptitude Test 2026 ( XAT )
Exam On - 3 Jan '27
XAT 2027 answer key releases within 4-5 days of the exam date. Candidates will find XAT answer key on the official website, xatonline.in. Login credentials, including XAT ID and password to check answer keys online. XLRI, Jamshedpur, releases XAT answer key in two phases, provisional and final. Candidates can raise objections against XAT provisional answer key. Final answer key draft is prepared based on the XAT answer key challenges. Candidates can use XAT 2027 answer key to evaluate their score before the XAT results are declared. Scroll down to know how to check XAT answer key 2027, the process for raising objections, and more.
- How to Download XAT Answer Key 2027?
- XAT Exam Dates and Schedule
- How to Raise Objections Against XAT Answer Key 2027?
- How to Calculate XAT Percentile?
- XAT Score vs Percentile
- XAT Previous Year Answer Key PDFs
- XAT Cut Off for XLRI Admission
- FAQs Related to XAT Answer Key 2027
How to Download XAT Answer Key 2027?
Candidates find a common PDF file for XAT response sheet and answer key. XAT response sheet PDF has correct answer marked with green colour. Know how to download XAT answer key and response sheet below:
- Visit XAT exam website, xatonline.in.
- Click on the direct link for 'XAT key and objection'
- Log in with XAT ID and password
- Click on the candidate response to check response sheet and answer key
Commonly asked questions
After XAT answer key is released, the examination body invites objection against it. Candidates can raise objection against preliminary answer key by filling an online form and submitting a document supporting their claim. Thereafter, examination body will examine all objections.
Over 800 MBA colleges in India accept XAT score for admission apart from XLRI Jamshedpur. Some of the top colleges are mentioned here: IRMA Anand, IMT Ghaziabad, XIM Bhubaneswar, IMI New Delhi, Great Lakes Chennai, Great Lakes Gurgaon, TAPMI Manipal, GIM Goa, FORE New Delhi, K J Somaiya Mumbai, LBSIM New Delhi, LIBA Chennai, IFMR Chennai, BITS Pilani, IMI Bhubaneswar, IMI Kolkata, IMT Nagpur, Sri Balaji University Pune, Woxsen University, ISBM Pune, VIT Business School (VIT) Vellore, ISBM Pune, KIIT Bhubaneswar, Alliance School of Business Bangalore, Jaipuria Lucknow, IBA Bangalore, SIES Navi Mumbai, Rajagiri Business School, EDII Ahmedabad, IIMS Pune, NDIM New Delhi, IFIM Colleges, JIMS Rohini Delhi, IMT Hyderabad, SOIL Institute of Management, Vivekanand Business School (VBS), IMS Ghaziabad, Sri University, LM Thapar School of Management, Pune Business School
No, cut offs of XAT participating colleges are different from each other. These colleges fix cut off percentiles for admission individually basis certain criteria determined by their respective admission cells. XAT cut off for XIMB is different from XAT cut off for TAPMI. XAT cut off for XIMB is usually around 90-93 whereas XAT cut off for TAPMI is 80-85. On the other hand, XAT cut off for KJ Somaiya-Mumbai is 85-90. Most of the MBA colleges shortlist candidates for admission on the basis of overall XAT percentile. However, the candidates must aim to meet sectional XAT cut offs too in the exam to avoid an unwanted situation at the time of admission. Before applying for admission, candidates must check the selection criteria of their target colleges to be sure of requirements.
XAT Exam Dates and Schedule
Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of XAT 2026 exam
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| Jan ' 27 | XAT 2027 response sheet publication TENTATIVE |
| Jan ' 27 | XAT 2027 answer key publication TENTATIVE |
| Jan ' 27 | XAT 2027 scorecard release date TENTATIVE |
| Jan ' 27 | XAT 2027 cutoff release date TENTATIVE |
How to Raise Objections Against XAT Answer Key 2027?
There is no fee for challenging provisional answer key of XAT. Candidates can raise objection against XAT answer key 2027 by following the process below:
- Go to XATonline.in website
- Click on XAT key and objection tab
- Enter XAT 2027 login and password
- Go to raise objection form
- Select question IDs
- Upload a document supporting claim
- Click on submit
Commonly asked questions
XAT provisional answer key of refers to official solutions of questions asked in the exam and final XAT answer key is the document containing updated answer keys post the analysis of objection raised against provisional XAT answer key by candidates.
The process to raise objection against XAT answer key earlier was through email, but from 2023 onwards the objection filing is through login. XLRI doesn’t charge money for challenging XAT answer key. To raise objection candidates, have to log in to their XAT account and fill the objection form. To claim objection, they need to upload a supporting document.
The candidates can also send an email mentioning the question ID and answer they have objection too and attach a proof to support their objection. The mail however is to be sent within a certain deadline.
The candidates will be informed via email if their objection to XAT answer key is accepted. In case of acceptance, the answer key will be revised and published again. In case, no objection is accepted, no revised answer key will be released.
There is no provision to challenge the final XAT answer key because it is prepared after examining the challenges raised by candidates against the provisional answer key. The answer key status mentioned on the final XAT answer key is final and XAT result is prepared on the basis of same.
How to Calculate XAT Percentile?
XAT percentile is calculated from raw score obtained by candidates. The formula is:
Number of candidates - Rank of a candidate x 100
Number of candidates
XAT Marking Scheme 2027
XAT marking scheme helps in calculation of raw scores. The marking scheme to calculate XAT raw score is mentioned below:
- One mark for every correct answer
- - 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer
- After eight consecutive unattempted questions, 0.10 marks are deducted for each
- GK score is not counted for XAT percentile calculation
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
Every candidate is informed by XLRI Jamshedpur about their selection via email. The interview round is held in February-March and the offer letter are sent to selected candidates in April-May. Those who would not receive the confirmation letter, may consider that they are not selected for admission. Candidates must keep a check on their emails. They must keep checking spam folders too. It is also very important use the correct and fully functional email ID for XAT registration as that is the main contact point for communication from the institute.
The admission authorities will consider both sectional and overall XAT score while shortlisting candidates for group discussion and personal interview round of XLRI admission. Candidates must perform well in all the sections of XAT exam as well as in the for group discussion and personal interview to be selected for admission.
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.
XAT score calculation process is simple as the marking scheme is pretty straightforward. The total marks of XAT 2025 is 95. The test has 95 questions each carry 1 mark. Section wie distribution is:
VALR: 26 marks
DM: 21 marks
QADI: 28 marks
GK: 20 marks
However, since GK marks are not to be included in XAT score and percentile calculation, the total marks have to be calculated from VALR, DM and QADI sections. So, for every correct option, candidate can give themselve 1 mark and for every incorrect option they need to subtract 0.25 marks. Further, for 8 consecutive unanswered questions, they need to subtract 0.10 marks. The final number arrived at will be XAT raw score.
XAT Score vs Percentile
Check the table below for XAT marks vs percentile:
| XAT Score |
XAT Percentile |
|---|---|
| 38.7 |
99.17 |
| 34.7 |
97.67 |
| 33.8 |
97.11 |
| 33.5 |
96.89 |
| 32.4 |
96.03 |
| 29.4 |
92.75 |
| 27.1 |
89.24 |
| 20.5 |
73.15 |
Commonly asked questions
Since the XAT scorecard is the main proof of the candidate’s attendance and passing the entrance exam, the XAT result cum scorecard of every candidate contains their personal details and scores. Given below is the lift of information that is printed on every candidate’s scorecard.
- Name of the candidate
- Gender of the candidate
- Address of the candidate
- XAT ID
- Date of XAT exam
- Date of Birth
- Validity of the XAT scorecard
- Sectional percentiles
- Sectional scores
- Sectional percentiles
- Overall percentile
Candidates must check the details carefully and incase of any error in personal details, candidates must reach out to exam authorities for rectification. The marks and percentile will not be changed as there is no provision of rechecking or revaluation. However, if it is a glaring misprint then candidates may apply to the admission cell and seek updation.
Over 800 MBA colleges in India accept XAT score for admission apart from XLRI Jamshedpur. Some of the top colleges are mentioned here: IRMA Anand, IMT Ghaziabad, XIM Bhubaneswar, IMI New Delhi, Great Lakes Chennai, Great Lakes Gurgaon, TAPMI Manipal, GIM Goa, FORE New Delhi, K J Somaiya Mumbai, LBSIM New Delhi, LIBA Chennai, IFMR Chennai, BITS Pilani, IMI Bhubaneswar, IMI Kolkata, IMT Nagpur, Sri Balaji University Pune, Woxsen University, ISBM Pune, VIT Business School (VIT) Vellore, ISBM Pune, KIIT Bhubaneswar, Alliance School of Business Bangalore, Jaipuria Lucknow, IBA Bangalore, SIES Navi Mumbai, Rajagiri Business School, EDII Ahmedabad, IIMS Pune, NDIM New Delhi, IFIM Colleges, JIMS Rohini Delhi, IMT Hyderabad, SOIL Institute of Management, Vivekanand Business School (VBS), IMS Ghaziabad, Sri University, LM Thapar School of Management, Pune Business School
The process to raise objection against XAT answer key earlier was through email, but from 2023 onwards the objection filing is through login. XLRI doesn’t charge money for challenging XAT answer key. To raise objection candidates, have to log in to their XAT account and fill the objection form. To claim objection, they need to upload a supporting document.
The candidates can also send an email mentioning the question ID and answer they have objection too and attach a proof to support their objection. The mail however is to be sent within a certain deadline.
The candidates will be informed via email if their objection to XAT answer key is accepted. In case of acceptance, the answer key will be revised and published again. In case, no objection is accepted, no revised answer key will be released.
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XAT Previous Year Answer Key PDFs
Candidates can refer to the table below for the previous year's XAT answer key PDF:
| XAT Exam Year | Previous Year's XAT Answer Keys |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Download XAT Answer Key PDF* |
| 2025 | Download XAT Answer Key PDF* |
| 2024 | Download XAT Answer Key PDF* |
| 2023 | Download XAT Answer Key PDF* |
| 2022 | Download XAT Answer Key PDF* |
| 2021 | Download XAT Answer Key PDF |
| 2020 | Download XAT Answer Key PDF |
*NOTE: Links to be updated soon
Commonly asked questions
After XAT exam is conducted successfully, XLRI releases XAT answer keys with response sheet. However, candidates need to login to download XAT answer keys.
Aspirants should start practicing XAT mock tests after completing the syllabus. Ideal time duration to solve XAT mock tests is October to December. Official mock test is released a week before the exam, so candidates must attempt it at least once before the exam.
No, cut offs of XAT participating colleges are different from each other. These colleges fix cut off percentiles for admission individually basis certain criteria determined by their respective admission cells. XAT cut off for XIMB is different from XAT cut off for TAPMI. XAT cut off for XIMB is usually around 90-93 whereas XAT cut off for TAPMI is 80-85. On the other hand, XAT cut off for KJ Somaiya-Mumbai is 85-90. Most of the MBA colleges shortlist candidates for admission on the basis of overall XAT percentile. However, the candidates must aim to meet sectional XAT cut offs too in the exam to avoid an unwanted situation at the time of admission. Before applying for admission, candidates must check the selection criteria of their target colleges to be sure of requirements.
XAT Cut Off for XLRI Admission
XLRI will release cut offs for 2027-2029 batch admission after the XAT 2027 result declaration. Check below, XAT 2026 cut offs for reference.
XAT 2026 Cutoff: PGDM BM and BM (International Specialisation)
XAT 2026 cutoffs for PGDM BM and PGDM BM (International Specialisation) was same with cutoffs changing across categories. Find previous year's XAT cutoffs for PGDM BM below:
| Category |
Total |
QADI |
VALR |
DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engg Male |
94 |
85 |
82 |
82 |
| Engg Female |
88 |
78 |
78 |
78 |
| Engg Transgender |
88 |
78 |
78 |
78 |
| Non-Engg Male |
94 |
85 |
82 |
82 |
| Non-Engg Female |
88 |
78 |
78 |
78 |
| Non-Engg Transgender |
88 |
78 |
78 |
78 |
XAT 2026 Cutoff: PGDM HRM
Check the table below to know the previous year's XAT cutoff for PGDM HRM specialisation offered at XLRI
| Category |
Total |
QADI |
VALR |
DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engg Male |
92 |
80 |
87 |
85 |
| Engg Female |
87 |
70 |
82 |
78 |
| Engg Transgender |
87 |
70 |
82 |
78 |
| Non-Engg Male |
90 |
73 |
87 |
85 |
| Non-Engg Female |
84 |
65 |
82 |
78 |
| Non-Engg Transgender |
84 |
65 |
82 |
78 |
Commonly asked questions
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 |
There is no provision to challenge the final XAT answer key because it is prepared after examining the challenges raised by candidates against the provisional answer key. The answer key status mentioned on the final XAT answer key is final and XAT result is prepared on the basis of same.
Every candidate is informed by XLRI Jamshedpur about their selection via email. The interview round is held in February-March and the offer letter are sent to selected candidates in April-May. Those who would not receive the confirmation letter, may consider that they are not selected for admission. Candidates must keep a check on their emails. They must keep checking spam folders too. It is also very important use the correct and fully functional email ID for XAT registration as that is the main contact point for communication from the institute.
The admission authorities will consider both sectional and overall XAT score while shortlisting candidates for group discussion and personal interview round of XLRI admission. Candidates must perform well in all the sections of XAT exam as well as in the for group discussion and personal interview to be selected for admission.
FAQs Related to XAT Answer Key 2027
Check important FAQs related to XAT answer key below:
XAT answer key is released for candidates to know which of their answers were correct or incorrect and how much score they have obtained in each section. The answer key also helps them know the right answers to all the questions asked in the exam. With the help of XAT response sheet, candidates can calculate their raw scores and percentile. To download the XAT answer key, candidates have to follow the steps given below:
- Open xatonline website
- Click on 'candidate response'
- ·Enter user ID and password
- Click on candidate response to generate answer key and question paper
- XAT answer key will be displayed
- Download the answer key/response sheet
XAT response sheet and answer key has question-wise official answer and candidate’s response. Along with that, the name, registration number, exam date and other information will also be mentioned on the answer key.
XLRI Jamshedpur releases the XAT cut offs every year in the month of February after the result announcement. The XAT exam is held on the first Sunday of January and the result is announced in the last week of January. And within a week of result announcement, the XAT cut offs are released.
The XAT cut offs are released at the official website of XLRI Jamshedpur and are available for download without login. The XAT cut offs are released for PGDM-HRM and PGDM-BM gender and academic stream wise. The document contains sectional and overall cut off percentiles for male, female, male non engineering and female non-engineering categories. Selection of candidates for the Personal Interview and Group Discussion round of XLRI admission is done on the basis of these category wise cut offs.
After XAT answer key is released, the examination body invites objection against it. Candidates can raise objection against preliminary answer key by filling an online form and submitting a document supporting their claim. Thereafter, examination body will examine all objections.
No, cut offs of XAT participating colleges are different from each other. These colleges fix cut off percentiles for admission individually basis certain criteria determined by their respective admission cells. XAT cut off for XIMB is different from XAT cut off for TAPMI. XAT cut off for XIMB is usually around 90-93 whereas XAT cut off for TAPMI is 80-85. On the other hand, XAT cut off for KJ Somaiya-Mumbai is 85-90. Most of the MBA colleges shortlist candidates for admission on the basis of overall XAT percentile. However, the candidates must aim to meet sectional XAT cut offs too in the exam to avoid an unwanted situation at the time of admission. Before applying for admission, candidates must check the selection criteria of their target colleges to be sure of requirements.
The XAT response sheet is the document which has answers marked by the candidates against every question and the answer key is a document carrying correct answers of those questions. XLRI sometimes releases the XAT response sheet and XAT answer key separately and sometimes is released together. Both the documents are important for candidates to analyse their performance.
XAT aspirants must follow guideline as mentioned in the XAT admit card and the exam day instruction document
XAT Dos
- Carry a ballpoint pen, two copies of admit card, photo ID and a passport size photo.
- Be present at the XAT exam centre as per reporting time.
- Wear simple outfits without pockets.
- Submit a copy of XAT admit card and rough sheets before leaving the test lab.
XAT Don’ts
- Don’t carry paper, notebook, book or such items.
- Don’t carry electronic items such as mobile phones, pager, watch, ipad and calculator.
- Don’t carry eatables inside the exam venue (allowed for diabetic students with permission).
- Don’t reach late. Gates will be closed 30 minutes before the commencement of exam.
- Don’t wear jewellery or any metal accessory.
- Don’t leave the test lab before time or without permission.
- Don’t resist frisking or identification procedures at the exam centre.
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 |
There is no provision to challenge the final XAT answer key because it is prepared after examining the challenges raised by candidates against the provisional answer key. The answer key status mentioned on the final XAT answer key is final and XAT result is prepared on the basis of same.
There is no process of applying for multiple XAT accepting colleges through one form because there is no common counselling for XAT. Candidates have to apply to the colleges of their choice individually. They must keep in mind the application last date so they don't miss out on it. Also, they must check the admission cut offs and selection criteria.
XAT cut off is the most important factor in selection of candidates for XLRI Jamshedpur’s Personal Interview or PI round. Those who do not meet the cut off are not even taken into consideration for PI shortlisting. The two main parameters upon which candidates are short listed for the PI round are academic scores (class 10,12 and graduation) and XAT cut off.
Aspirants must note that they need to score as much or above the XAT cut off and should have a consistent academic record of high score to have greater chances of getting selected. It is not necessary that they will be called for the PI round if their XAT score matches the cut off. If any candidate with the same score has a better academic record, he/she will be selected over the other.
Yes, you can download another copy of your XAT scorecard. You will not be charged any fee for it. You need to simply log in to your XAT account with your credentials used at the time of form filling. Once you have logged in, you can go to the student dashboard and click on the link indicating scorecard, to download it. It is advised to candidates that they should preserve a copy of their XAT result cum scorecard until the end of admission process and even afterwards, as the scorecard is the only proof of their clearing the XAT exam. The link for XAT scorecard download in removed after a year, from the XATonline website.
XAT Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 days ago
After XAT exam is conducted successfully, XLRI releases XAT answer keys with response sheet. However, candidates need to login to download XAT answer keys.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 days ago
The percentile needed for admission would depend on the category you belong to. JAGSoM accepts various entrance examinations for admission to the MBA/PGDM course, like CAT, XAT, MAT, etc.
As per the estimated XAT cutoff in 2026, a percentile of 70 would be good enough to secure a chance at admission
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
XIM University XAT cutoff 2026 was released for admission to the MBA course and its specialisations, namely MBA in Rural Management and MBA in Sustainability Management.
General AI category students need to have a percentile of at least 90 to be considered eligible for admission.
Note - The cutoff d
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
IMT Ghaziabad official cutoff information are not released on a public platform, and students can view the cutoff using their registered login ID and password. Based on the past years' trend, the XAT 2026 estimated cutoff is in the range of 90 to 92 for the General AI category students.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
Yes, apart from CAT, the International Management Institute, New Delhi, also accepts the XAT score for admission to its PGDM courses. Only the shortlisted candidates are invited to the Individual Assessment Process (Essay Writing and Personal Interview, etc.) for final admission. The institute also
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Final selection will be based on performance in BAAT, PI, and CAT/XAT/GMAT. BITS will also consider prior work experience, and academic history.
J
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Yes, Global Institute of Business Studies does accept scores from exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, and CMAT. They take these exams into consideration for admissions, so you don't have to worry about only one exam. It gives you flexibility to apply with the scores you already have and increases your chances
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
Apart from NMAT scores, UPES Dehradun offers admission to the MBA course based on XAT scores. As per the XAT 2023 cutoff, candidates having a minimum of 50 Percentile for the General category All India Quota were eligible for UPES Dehradun admissions.
UPES Dehradun offers MBA in International Busines
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, CAT/MAT/XAT/CMAT/GMAT scores are valid for KIITEE MBA. Candidates applying online will be required to submit copies of their mark sheets and other supporting documents.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Standard books useful across these exams include Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma or R.S. Aggarwal, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation by Nishit Sinha, and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis for building a strong vocabulary.
L
Contributor-Level 7
1148 Institutes accepting XAT
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