XAT Exam Pattern 2026 | Paper Format, Marking Scheme, Number of Questions, Total Marks

---

XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Key Highlights

Before attempting XAT 2026, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of its exam pattern to know what the paper looks like, which will provide a better vision of the exam and help prepare effectively.

The table given below briefly explains the XAT exam structure to provide you with a fair idea of what can be expected from a candidate.

Don’t miss out on any of the latest updates on XAT 2026, and stay informed of all the changes. Must check XAT notifications 2026.

---

XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-Wise Overview

The XAT Pattern consists of two parts with a total of 95 Questions (expected) overall. The anticipated distributions of questions are given below:

---

XAT Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme

The total number of questions in the XAT 2026 is said to be 95 this year, which was previously 100.

This aspect of the XAT exam pattern makes the XAT exam quite difficult because of the restriction on the number of questions that can be left unattempted. Thus, the XAT Exam Strategy is extremely important to the candidates. This can only be formed after several mock attempts by the candidate.

XAT GK Section Marking Scheme:

• The GK section has no negative markings.
• It will not contribute to your overall percentile or cutoff score, but will be considered in the selection process.

---

XAT 2026 Paper Pattern: Section-wise Weightage

The XAT 2026 section, as explained before, is divided into four sections. Each section has a different number of questions, and sectional weightage as stated below. The Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation section holds the most significant weightage.

---

XAT Difficulty Level 2026 (Expected)

Based on the analysis of the previous year's XAT exam, the anticipated difficulty level of the XAT 2026 exam is expected to vary from moderately challenging. The following table outlines the specific level of difficulty for each section of the XAT 2026 exam:

---

Changes In XAT Paper Pattern In Previous Years: Section-wise Breakdown

The table below provides a detailed summary of the XAT exam patterns over the years from 2015 to 2026, highlighting key changes and trends.

score from the general knowledge section will be taken into consideration for further GD-PI rounds.

---

XAT Paper Pattern 2026: Section-Wise Breakdown of XAT Exam Syllabus

As you can see, the XAT test pattern has been shifting slightly over the years. This makes preparing for the XAT Exam slightly tricky; however, the sections have remained the same, which is why the XAT 2026 Syllabus can be looked at in brief.

Also, read How to approach decision making section in XAT to know more about the decision-making section and its preparation

---

XAT Preparation Strategy 2026

The XAT exam is one of the most common entrances for those aspiring to pursue an MBA at a reputable B-school. It is considered the toughest entrance exam after the CAT, and it requires rigorous practice and hard work to excel in the XAT exam.

It is crucial to gear up your XAT preparation by starting to take the XAT mock test series at regular intervals to check your progress, analyse them, and improve your performance in the actual exam.

Preparation Tips For XAT 2026

You can refer to some of the best books for XAT and use the study materials suggested by your mentor and industry experts. Here are some tips that you can incorporate into your study schedule to enhance your XAT preparation, as follows:

• Prepare a schedule: To begin your preparation, it is important that you have a schedule you can follow diligently. Break down the preparation into sections and further concepts. This will allow you to manage your syllabus against a deadline and leave time for revisions.
• Identify weak and strong areas: Identifying your weaknesses and strengths will allow you to spend time on the syllabus more appropriately. You will be able to focus on improving your weaknesses and utilising your strengths correctly when attempting the paper.
• Practice with mock tests: Mock tests are the boon of every MBA entrance exam, including XAT. They will help you understand your level of preparedness, evaluate the effectiveness of your exam strategy, give a comparison against your peers and determine the areas of improvement.
• Review previous years’ papers: Previous years’ papers will help you familiarise yourself with the exam pattern and types of questions to be expected and help you revise. Attempting previous papers will also help you in a manner similar to mock tests.
• Revise regularly: After you have covered the syllabus, it is essential that you revise the concepts regularly, be it by going over your notes, attempting questions or giving mock tests. The revision will help you solidify the concepts and help improve speed and accuracy.

---

Conclusion

XAT is considered one of the toughest MBA Entrance Exams because the level of questions in each section is generally considered tougher than CAT. Thus, the preparation for the same is quite difficult. However, with proper preparation and analysis of the XAT previous papers and XAT pattern, candidates can clear the XAT cutoffs and get admission to top B-schools in India.

Frequently Asked Questions