XAT Exam Update: The Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur has recently released the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT-2026) a quick overview.
The XAT overview released is regarding the exam structure and marking scheme, highlighting the number of sections, question distribution, duration for each part, and the detailed marking rules, including negative marking for Part 1 and no penalties for the GK section in Part 2.
Candidates preparing for the XAT examination will now have more clarity about the XAT 2026 exam pattern and can plan their preparation strategy accordingly.
XAT 2026 Exam Structure and Marking Scheme: Overview
Below are the details regarding the XAT 2026 exam pattern that all the candidates should know:
| Part 1 | Part 2 | |||
| Sections | Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR) | Decision Making (DM) | Quantitative Aptitude and Data | Interpretation (QA & DI) General Knowledge* (GK) |
| Duration | 170 Minutes | 10 Minutes | ||
| Number Of Questions | About 26 | About 21 | About 28 | About 20 |
| Type Of Questions | The VA&LR section will encompass critical & analytical reasoning, reading comprehension (including poems, cartoons & passages, etc.), vocabulary, English grammar, and other related exercises such as para jumbles, cloze tests etc. | The DM section will present scenarios drawn from both personal and professional lives. Candidates will be required to apply critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and prioritization to make informed decisions. | In this section, the questions are designed to assess the quantitative aptitude of candidates who possess a foundational understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, modern Maths, etc. The questions on DI are about clear interpretation, summarization, and insightful analysis of the data | In the GK section, 08 questions will focus on static GK, while the remaining 12 will delve into current affairs. |
| Marking Scheme | For Part 1
| For Part 2
| ||
The XAT 2026 registration is underway. Forms were released on 10th July 2025, and candidates can submit them till 05th December 2025. However, the Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur, is also providing candidates with the facility to opt for an exclusive mock test.
A mock test window will be open from 30th August 2025, 5 PM to 31st August 2025, 5 PM. Candidates who want to access the mock test are required to complete their application by 27th August 2025.
You may ask us any doubts or questions regarding the XAT 2026 Exam Structure or Examination below in the comment section.