FreePYQ
XAT PYQs 2025
The full paper. Practise it or take it timed, with solutions after.
75 questions225 min
Next: Registration closes on 6 Dec 2026
Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur
Online (CBT)
XAT Exam 2027 preparation guide
Everything you need to crack XAT
Exam pattern, eligibility, previous year papers, mock tests and topic-wise practice, all on this page. Pick a test, start it here, and get your score with solutions.
Free PYQs & mock testsInstant score & solutionsPractice mode open without sign-up
What is the XAT exam
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is the second most popular MBA entrance exam in India, after CAT, for MBA admission in top B-schools. XAT is conducted annually in January, around 1.5 to 2 months after CAT, by XLRI – Xavier School of Management.
The XAT score is accepted by leading institutes such as XIM University (XIMB), IMT Ghaziabad, Great Lakes Institute of Management, and TAPMI.
What sets XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) apart from CAT is its unique Decision Making section, along with Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and General Knowledge, making XAT a true test of managerial and analytical thinking.
Which CAT & MBA Entrance exam comes first?
XAT beside the other CAT & MBA Entrance exams, soonest first, with where registration stands for each.
CAT Exam 2026Next up
Indian Institute of Management, Indore
Registration closed on 15 Sept 2026Exam date: 29 Nov 2026
In 48 daysSymbiosis International (Deemed University)
Registration open till 25 Nov 2026Exam date: 13–26 Dec 2026
In 62 daysXAT Exam 2027This exam
XLRI Jamshedpur
Registration open till 6 Dec 2026Exam date: 3 Jan 2027
In 83 days
Exam pattern & marking scheme
The XAT 2027 exam is structured to test aptitude, decision-making, and accuracy. Unlike CAT, XAT also penalizes excessive unattempted questions. The total test duration is 180 minutes (3 hours).
XAT 2027 Question Types & Marking Scheme
The exam consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) only.
Question Type | Description | Negative Marking |
MCQs | Choose the correct option from the given choices | –0.25 for each wrong answer (Part 1 only) |
Unattempted Questions | Questions left blank | No penalty up to 8 questions; –0.10 per question from the 9th onward |
GK Section | Static & Current Affairs | No negative marking |
XAT 2027 Exam Pattern: Section-Wise Questions & Time Allocation
The exam is divided into two parts.
Part | Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
Part 1 | Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR) | 26 | |
Decision Making (DM) | 21 | 170 Minutes (no sectional time limit) | |
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) | 28 | ||
Part 2 | General Knowledge (GK) | 20 | 10 Minutes |
Total | 95 | 180 Minutes |
It must be noted that the XAT score is based only on the VALR, DM, and QA & DI sections. The GK section score is used only at the final merit list stage by the colleges, along with the academic profile, work experience, and diversity points, particularly by XLRI.
Eligibility criteria
You must have a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) in any discipline from a recognized university or institution, or an equivalent qualification.
Educational Qualification for XAT 2027
- Bachelor’s Degree: Minimum 3-year duration (or equivalent) from a recognized university.
- Final Year / Awaiting Result: Candidates in the final year are eligible, provided all examinations and requirements are completed by June 10, 2026.
Minimum Marks Required in Graduation for XAT 2027
- XAT Exam: No minimum percentage is prescribed by XLRI for appearing in XAT.
- Participating B-schools: May prescribe their own minimum marks (commonly 50% for General/OBC and 45% for SC/ST/PwD).
XAT 2027 Age Limit
- No
age limit. Candidates of any age can apply for XAT 2026 if other criteria are met.
Selection process
How candidates are shortlisted and admitted after the XAT results.
Round 1: Shortlisting of Candidates based on XAT Score
Colleges shortlist candidates for the admission
process based on either the XAT score alone or a composite
score, which is calculated on the basis of the following:
- XAT Score: Only the VALR, DM, and QA & DI sections are considered for percentile calculation and shortlisting. The GK section is not used for shortlisting.
- Academic Profile: Marks in Class 10, Class 12, and graduation are assigned predefined weightage.
- Work Experience: Points are awarded based on the duration and relevance of work experience.
- Diversity Factors: Academic background and gender diversity may carry additional weightage, depending on the institute.
Each institute assigns different weightage to these components while calculating the composite score.
Round 2: GD, WAT, & PI Process
Shortlisted candidates are called for Round 2, which may include GD, WAT, and PI, or PI only, depending on the institute. Performance in these stages is evaluated along with the academic profile, work experience, and diversity factors.
- GK Score Usage: The GK section score is used here at the final merit list stage, not for shortlisting. This is especially applicable in the case of XLRI.
Based on XAT score, GD/WAT/PI performance, GK score, academic profile, work experience, and diversity points, a final composite score is prepared, and the merit list is announced.
XAT previous year questions
Slot-wise XAT PYQs in quiz format. Attempt them like the real exam, with instant scoring and detailed solutions.
FreePYQ
XAT 2025 Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning
Only the Verbal section. Practise it or take it timed.
26 questions75 min
FreePYQ
XAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation
Only the Reasoning & DI section. Practise it or take it timed.
28 questions75 min
FreePYQ
XAT 2025 Bussiness Decision Making
Only the General section. Practise it or take it timed.
21 questions75 min
Practice questions, by topic
162 topic-wise quizzes covering every XAT syllabus area. Pick a topic and start practising it.
Arithmetic (16 topics)Number System (10 topics)Algebra (8 topics)Geometry (8 topics)Logical Reasoning (7 topics)Analytical Reasoning (5 topics)Series & Sequence (2 topics)Data interpretation (3 topics)English Language (2 topics)Verbal / Basic Reasoning (2 topics)
View all 63 practice topics →Assessments
Take a short benchmark test to see where you stand, then move on to topic-wise practice.
FreeVocabulary
Vocabulary Assessment test Level - 1
Check your vocabulary level in one sitting.
60 questions40 min
FreeVocabulary
Vocabulary Assessment test II
Check your vocabulary level in one sitting.
30 questions20 min
FreeAssessment
Assessment Test by Aptitude360
See where you stand before starting topic-wise practice.
30 questions30 min
FreeAssessment
Assessment Test - 2 by Aptitude360
See where you stand before starting topic-wise practice.
30 questions30 min
Free XAT video lessons
Watch them here. No sign-up needed.
PERCENTAGE
PROFIT & LOSS
RATIO & PROPORTION
PERCENTAGE
PROFIT & LOSS
RATIO & PROPORTION
Courses for XAT
Structured preparation with live classes, recorded lessons and tests.
Online
Percentage for CAT & Other Management Entrance Exams
Learning Percentage will not only help you solve percentage problems but will also help you understand Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Time–Speed–Distance, and Data Interpretation (DI), making it essential for scoring high in the Quant section.
Englishintermediate
Online
Number system for CAT & Other Management Entrance Exams
Master Number System for CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT and other management entrance exams with concept clarity and smart problem-solving techniques.
Englishbeginner
Online
Remainder Theorem Course
Master the concepts of the Remainder Theorem and learn smart techniques to solve polynomial questions with confidence.
English, Hindibeginner
Online
Vocabulary for Competitive Exams
CAT, IPMAT, CUET, Banking, SSC & other competitive exams — master high-frequency vocabulary with exam-focused practice.
English, Hindibeginner
Colleges that accept XAT
From the Aptitude360 college directory, by NIRF rank. Fees and cutoffs change every year, so check the college’s own website before you apply.
NIRF #10Autonomous
XLRI - Xavier School of Management
Fee ₹30.5 L · Avg package ₹29.7 LPA
JamshedpurJharkhand
NIRF #30Autonomous
Institute of Management Technology
Fee ₹23 L · Avg package ₹17.31 LPA
GhaziabadUttar Pradesh
NIRF #32Private
Chandigarh University
Fee ₹7 L · Avg package ₹8.5 LPA
MohaliPunjab
NIRF #33Autonomous
MICA
Fee ₹21 L · Avg package ₹20.09 LPA
AhmedabadGujarat
XAT prep, explained
Strategy, syllabus breakdowns and exam comparisons from the Aptitude360 blog.
12 Sept 2026
XAT vs SNAP 2026: Which MBA Entrance Exam Should You Actually Choose?
Strategy and analysis from the Aptitude360 blog.
Frequently asked questions
What students most often ask us about XAT.
What is XAT Exam 2026?
XAT Exam 2026 is a national-level MBA entrance examination conducted by XLRI on behalf of XAMI for admission to MBA/PGDM programmes offered by XLRI and other participating B-schools across India.
Who is eligible to apply for XAT Exam 2026?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years duration (or equivalent) from a recognized university. Final-year graduation students are also eligible to apply.
Is there any age limit for XAT Exam 2026?
No. There is no age limit to appear for the XAT Exam 2026.
How many attempts are allowed for XAT Exam?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the XAT exam.
What is the exam pattern of XAT 2026?
XAT 2026 consists of 95 questions divided into two parts:
Part 1: VALR, Decision Making (DM), and QA & DI
Part 2: General Knowledge (GK)
The total exam duration is 180 minutes.
What is the marking scheme for XAT 2026?
Each correct answer carries +1 mark. There is –0.25 negative marking for each incorrect answer in Part 1. There is no negative marking in the GK section. Additionally, a penalty applies for excessive unattempted questions.
What is an ideal score to get a good XAT score?
There is no fixed ideal XAT score, as cut-offs vary each year and across institutes. However, based on past trends, a raw score of around 35–40 marks generally corresponds to a 90–95+ percentile, which is considered a good XAT score.
For top institutes like XLRI, candidates usually need an overall percentile of 95+, along with sectional cut-offs in VALR, Decision Making, and QA & DI. The GK section is not considered for shortlisting and is used only at the final merit list stage.
Start your XAT preparation
Take a free assessment to see where you stand, or book a call with our counsellors.