XAT

"Tough" isn't quite the right word; "tricky" is more accurate. The Decision Making questions are unique because they don't have a single, formula-based right answer. They present you with complex business and ethical dilemmas where all the options seem very close.

The real challenge is to pick the most logical and ethical course of action, which tests your managerial judgment under pressure. Excelling here is a huge advantage, as it demonstrates the exact kind of practical mindset that top B-schools like GIBS highly value in their future leaders. It's a direct test of your management potential.

No questions are technically 'mandatory' in XAT, but there's a crucial catch. You get penalized with negative marking if you leave more than 8 questions unattempted across the main sections (Verbal, DM, and Quant).

So, the real strategy isn't just about accuracy; it's about making smart attempts to avoid this penalty. Mastering this balancing act is exactly the kind of strategic thinking that top B-schools like GIBS look for in a candidate, as it demonstrates excellent risk management skills.

Absolutely! In the final week, it's less about learning new topics and all about perfecting your strategy.

Solving past XAT papers is the best way to get into the "exam zone." It helps you master time management, build stamina for the full duration, and get comfortable with the unique Decision Making section. Think of it as the final dress rehearsal. This kind of focused preparation is exactly what helps successful candidates crack the exam and secure admission into top B-schools like GIBS. It's the key to turning your knowledge into a great score.

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.

The provisional answer key of XAT refers to the official solutions of the questions asked in the exam and the final XAT answer key is the document containing updated answer keys post the analysis of objection raised against the provisional XAT answer key by candidates.

Provisional XAT answer key will be available for download for a limited period only. It will not be available for download once the objection window is closed. Thus, it is wise to download the document on the day of release and keep it safely in a folder or email.

After XAT answer key is released, the examination body invites objection against the same. Candidates can raise objection against the preliminary answer key by filling an online form and submitting a document supporting their claim. Thereafter, the examination body will examine all the objections and if any of the objections are found to be valid, the provisional answer key will be revised and published as XAT final answer key.

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.

XAT 2026 answer key will be released 2-3 days after the exam. XAT 2026 will be held on January 4, 2026 so one can expect the provisional answer key to be released by January 7-8, 2026. The provisional answer key will be available through login only. Candidates will have to use their application number and password to login and download the answer key.