XAT 2026 General Knowledge Questions: Sample Paper, Syllabus, Topics & Preparation Guide

XAT 2026 General Knowledge Questions: Sample Paper, Syllabus, Topics & Preparation Guide

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XAT Application Date:10 Jul' 25 - 05 Dec' 25

Team Careers360Updated on 13 Jun 2025, 02:26 PM IST

XAT Exam 2026 General Knowledge Sample Questions: The XAT 2026 is one of the toughest MBA entrance exams in India, and solving XAT GK questions 2026 effectively can make a big difference. A good understanding of the GK for XAT 2026 and practising GK questions for XAT 2026 from previous years helps aspirants identify important topics and patterns. Consistent practice and a structured approach are key to scoring well in the General Knowledge section and improving overall XAT 2026 performance. In this article, you will find the XAT General Knowledge 2026 Overview & Importance, XAT 2026 General Knowledge Syllabus, Important Topics, and other useful resources to help you prepare confidently.

This Story also Contains

  1. XAT General Knowledge 2026: Overview & Importance
  2. XAT 2026 General Knowledge Syllabus Breakdown
  3. How to Attempt XAT GK Questions 2026
  4. Prepare GK for XAT – Strategy & Tips 2026
  5. XAT General Awareness Section: Preparation Plan
  6. XAT 2026 General Knowledge Sample Questions & Solutions
  7. XAT General Knowledge Questions for 2026
XAT 2026 General Knowledge Questions: Sample Paper, Syllabus, Topics & Preparation Guide
XAT 2026 General Knowledge Questions

XAT General Knowledge 2026: Overview & Importance

The XAT 2026 GK question paper will test the students' knowledge of traditional historical, geographical, or scientific knowledge, as well as their awareness of current events happening around the world.

Why GK is Crucial for XAT 2026?

Year

Number of Questions

2025

20

2024

25

2023

25

2022

25

2021

25

2020

25

Every year in the XAT exam, 25 questions feature from the GK section. But from XAT 2025, the number of questions has reduced to 20 from 25. This includes 8 questions from static GK and 12 from current affairs. While the XAT GK section would not be considered for the overall XAT marking, it plays a significant role during further selection rounds for the candidate. Hence, overlooking the GK section during the candidate's XAT preparation can be fatal.

Also Read: XAT Question Paper with Answer

XAT 2026 General Knowledge Syllabus Breakdown

The General Knowledge syllabus for XAT 2026 covers detailed information regarding important topics designed to assess candidates' overall awareness and knowledge. The syllabus covers traditional subjects, such as history and geography, alongside contemporary issues and recent events. Candidates must prepare across multiple domains to perform well in this comprehensive knowledge assessment.

Important Topics for XAT 2026 GK

General knowledge topics can be divided into two parts.

  1. Static GK

  2. Current Affairs

Static GK Topics

These topics remain constant across years but require a deep understanding:

  • History & Civilization – Ancient to modern history, cultural developments, independence movements

  • Geography – Physical geography, rivers, climate zones, population distribution

  • Indian Economy – Key reforms, taxation, GDP trends, sectors of growth

  • Science & Technology – Innovations, health, environment, and energy developments

  • Awards, Sports & Organizations – Nobel Prize, Olympic events, global agencies

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Key Static GK Topics for XAT 2026

Subject

Key Areas of Focus

History

Important global events, Indian national movements, freedom fighters, Mughal, Sultanate, and Slave dynasties.

Geography

Rivers, oceans, cities on their banks, deserts, mountains, capitals, currencies, and flags of various countries.

Science

Topics in physics, chemistry, and biology; discoveries, inventions, chemical reactions, plants, and animals.

Polity

Indian constitution, its articles and amendments, government bodies, and their functions.

Economics

Banks and monetary policies, key economic terms, and their definitions.

Organizations

WTO, NATO, UN, BRICS, SAARC, their members, and headquarters.

Awards

Nobel Prize, Oscar, Bharat Ratna, Padma Shri, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Emmys, and other prestigious honors.

Sports

Famous athletes, unique achievements, sports records, notable "firsts," and recent events in sports.

Books

Renowned books and their authors.

Folk Dances and Festivals

Names of folk dances and festivals of various Indian states.

Current Affairs for XAT 2026 – GK Focus Areas

Current topics from 2024–26 form a major part of the paper:

  • International summits like G20, COP29, and trade agreements

  • Scientific breakthroughs such as vaccine developments and AI applications

  • Climate change initiatives and global environmental policies

  • Economic changes, digital currency trends, and major industry shifts

  • Global health alerts and disease outbreaks

  • Important summits and conferences (2023-24)

  • Olympics, the Last FIFA World Cup, the Cricket World Cup, and other major sports tournaments from 2023-24

  • Important appointments like Indian ambassadors in different countries and various brand ambassadors

  • Recent global disasters, environmental issues and international conflicts

  • Publication of recent books by famous personalities

  • Recent deaths between 2023-24 of famous persons and their working field

  • Sports milestones and recognitions

XAT 2026: Sample Paper, Section wise Questions
Download latest XAT sample papers with detailed solution for the XAT 2026 examination preparation based on latest exam pattern, Topics and their weightage, difficulty level.
Download EBook

Reviewing GK for XAT 2026 current events regularly helps you stay updated and confident.

How to Attempt XAT GK Questions 2026

  • Start by skimming through questions and marking the easier ones

  • Tackle fact-based questions first to secure marks quickly

  • For current affairs questions, read the statement carefully and eliminate wrong choices

  • Avoid guessing unless absolutely necessary; mark and review later

  • Time yourself in XAT 2026 mock test to simulate real exam conditions

  • Use notes summarising GK for XAT 2026 current events for last-minute revision

  • Balance speed and accuracy, rushing increases errors, while overthinking wastes time

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A structured approach to solving questions will increase your chances of scoring well.

Comparison of XAT GK 2026 vs Previous Years

  • 2023-24 papers: Focused more on static GK and fact recall.

  • 2025 paper: Included analytical reasoning based on current events.

  • 2026 paper: Expected to have a balanced approach with more scenario-based questions and updated current affairs from 2024–26.

  • Number of questions may slightly increase, but total time will remain limited.

  • Analytical ability and decision-making under pressure are now emphasized.

Reviewing past papers and XAT 2026 GK questions static + current affairs helps you adapt to these changes.

Prepare GK for XAT – Strategy & Tips 2026

  • Daily Reading: Dedicate 30–45 minutes daily to reading news summaries and fact-based reports.

  • Note-Making: Maintain a notebook with key events from 2024–26, separated by topic.

  • Mock Practice: Solve at least two GK quizzes weekly to improve speed and accuracy. XAT 2026 Mock test practice helps in boosting the preparation.

  • Group Discussions: Engage with peers to discuss current affairs and exchange perspectives.

  • Revision Cycle: Revise frequently, especially before mock tests, to ensure retention.

  • Focus Areas: Prioritize high-weightage topics like economy, governance, and environment.

  • Time Management: Practice under timed conditions to simulate the actual test environment.

Best Resources for XAT General Knowledge Preparation

Preparing for the Static GK part is easier than the current affairs section. Static GK covers history, geography, science, economics, and politics. Before studying objective-type questions, read subjective books on these topics. After building the basic foundation for these topics, try objective-type questions.

Some of the objective-type XAT GK questions and answers books are:

  • Lucent’s GK book

  • Arihant’s GK book

To follow current affairs, read daily newspapers like The Hindu, Times of India, and The Indian Express. Follow journals and monthly magazines like the Manorama yearbook. You can also check online about the important events around the world. Some top sites to follow current events are GKToday, AffairsCloud, and Jagran Josh. Note the events that you think are important to memorize later. To sum up, referring to highly esteemed XAT preparation books is essential for XAT success. Apart from the famous books, you should also refer to the preparation tips shared by the toppers.

CategoryBookDescription
Static GKLucent’s General KnowledgeCovers history, geography, economy, polity, and awards with concise facts for quick revision
Manohar Pandey’s General KnowledgeDetailed explanations and practice questions aligned with competitive exams
NCERT BooksStrong foundational knowledge in history, geography, and economics for static GK
Current AffairsPratiyogita Darpan (Monthly)Updated reports on government schemes, global events, and policy changes
The Hindu / Indian Express (Daily Newspaper)Reliable news for daily gk for xat 2026 current events, editorials, and analyses

XAT General Awareness Section: Preparation Plan

Good knowledge and performance in the General Awareness section in the XAT exam increase your chances of being admitted to the top B-schools like XLRI.

How General Awareness Differs from General Knowledge in XAT

General knowledge and General awareness are both almost the same terms used interchangeably.

General knowledge focuses mainly on the static GK parts, where facts can not be changed. But using the General awareness term, we focus mostly on current events like events of national and international importance, economy, environment, sports, etc, and some of the static GK.

In the XAT exam 2026, static GK and current affairs hold the same importance.

XAT 2026 GK Preparation: Dos and Don’ts

Some of the common mistakes students make in the GK section are:

  • Focusing too much on the static GK part and neglecting the current affairs. Preparing for both is essential to achieve high marks in the exam.

  • Students often do not read regular newspapers. Daily newspapers keep us updated with national and international events.

  • Lack of attempting mock tests in the GK part often plays a dividend role during the preparation. Mock tests are set as per the exam’s syllabus, covering diverse topics. Attempting those will help you to learn new things as well as identify the areas in which you need more practice.

  • Students often ignore the mock test results. After checking the mock test number, most of the students do not check the correct answers to the wrongly attempted questions. Make a note of new questions that you learn during those tests.

Time Management Tips for XAT 2026 GK Section

Time management skills are very important in the XAT exam. Here are some tips to manage time while answering the GK section in the XAT exam.

  • As we know, the GK section of the XAT exam has no negative marking, so allot 10-15 minutes in the end to do this section.

  • Do not overthink easier questions. Trust your instinct and answer the next question.

  • Attempt the ones that are familiar to you first to boost your confidence level. Then try those questions that you are unsure of. This can be very essential for you to score better in your first XAT attempt.

  • Eliminate the incorrect options and make an educated guess to solve those questions.

  • Do not spend too much time on one question; move on to the next and return later.

  • At the end of the exam, if there is time left, then take a revision and check if all the answers you gave in the GK section look correct to you.

XAT 2026 General Knowledge Sample Questions & Solutions

At the beginning of the preparation, go through the previous year's sample paper and check the answer keys. It will help you to understand the important topics, the difficulty level of the questions, and answer techniques.

Some of the questions asked in the previous XAT exams are:

Q1. Which of the following Indian states does the River Ganges not flow through?

  1. Bihar

  2. Jharkhand

  3. Uttar Pradesh

  4. Haryana (Correct answer)

  5. Uttarakhand

Q2. Which of the following years is NOT a leap year?

  1. 1900 (Correct answer)

  2. 2000

  3. 1924

  4. 1896

  5. 2024

Q3. What is X-37B?

  1. The U.S. military plane that has gone into space. (Correct answer)

  2. The name of India's Jupiter mission.

  3. The new electric vehicle is to be launched by Tesla.

  4. The name of the youngest kid of Elon Musk.

  5. None of the above.

Q4. What is the common terminology used to describe the following applications: ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Chatsonic?

  1. News Aggregators

  2. Dating Tools

  3. Generative AI Tools (Correct answer)

  4. UPI Applications

  5. Gaming Applications

Q5. Which rocket was used to launch Aditya-L1?

  1. LVM3 -M4

  2. GSLV-F12

  3. PSLV-C57 (Correct answer)

  4. NGLV

  5. TERLS

Recent/Current Affairs GK Questions – Specifically from 2024–25–26

  1. Name the largest freshwater lake in India.
    Answer: Wular Lake

  2. Who is the first Indian to get the Nobel Prize, and in which category?
    Answer:
    Rabindranath Tagore in 1913 for "Geetanjali"

  3. What is the currency of Japan?
    Answer: Yen

  4. Which indigenous computational software was developed by ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) for computational fluid dynamics (CFD)?
    Answer: PraVaHa (Parallel RANS Solver for Aerospace Vehicle Aero-thermo-dynamic Analysis)

  5. Which countries became the newest members of BRICS in 2024?
    Answer: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates

  6. Credit cards are known as:
    Answer: Plastic money

  7. Which film won the Best Picture award at the 96th Oscar ceremony?
    Answer: Oppenheimer

  8. What is "Bachpan Bachao Andolan"?
    Answer: A movement in India protecting the rights of children.

  9. Who has been declared the new Chief Minister of Assam?
    Answer:
    Sarbananda Sonowal

  10. The 'Bandipur National Park', established in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, is located in the Indian state of _______
    Answer:
    Karnataka

XAT General Knowledge Questions for 2026

Practice some XAT 2026 General Knowledge sample questions with solutions and review them. It will enhance your answering techniques. Additionally, you will gain insight into important topics and the difficulty level of the questions.

Here are some important questions with solutions that have come in recent years.

Q1. Malfunction of which of the following organs is the MOST common cause of vertigo?

  1. Heart

  2. Kidney

  3. Stomach

  4. Lung

  5. Ear

Q2. Which Indian state enjoys special provisions under Article 371(D)?

  1. Jharkhand

  2. Meghalaya

  3. Tripura

  4. Andhra Pradesh

  5. Arunachal Pradesh

Q3. In which Indian state is Sriharikota located?

  1. Tamil Nadu

  2. Andhra Pradesh

  3. Odisha

  4. Kerala

  5. Telangana

Q4. Which is the largest landlocked saltwater lake in India?

  1. Chilika Lake

  2. Chital Lake

  3. Vembanad Lake

  4. Pulicat Lake

  5. Sambhar Lake

Q5. Which of the following rivers does not cross international borders?

  1. Tapi

  2. Ravi

  3. Brahmaputra

  4. Ganga

  5. Teesta

Q6. What is a grey market?

  1. The trade of a commodity for which the country of origin is not mentioned

  2. The trade of a commodity through distribution channels not authorised by the manufacturer

  3. The trade of a commodity that is recognised as a counterfeit product

  4. The trade of a commodity for which the taxes are evaded

  5. The trade of a commodity that is unbranded

Q7. Who is the first Field Marshal of independent India?

  1. A.S. Vaidya

  2. Bipin Rawat

  3. KM Cariappa

  4. Krishnaswamy Sundarji

  5. Sam Manekshaw

Q8. From the following options, choose the one that arranges the given queen's ascension to the throne in chronological order.

  1. Razia Sultana, Ahilyabai Holkar, Durgavati, Lakshmi Bai, Rudrama Devi

  2. Ahilyabai Holkar, Durgavati, Razia Sultana, Rudrama Devi, Lakshmi Bai

  3. Razia Sultana, Rudrama Devi, Durgavati, Ahilyabai Holkar, Lakshmi Bai

  4. Rudrama Devi, Razia Sultana, Durgavati, Lakshmi Bai, Ahilyabai Holkar

  5. Razia Sultana, Rudrama Devi, Ahilyabai Holkar, Durgavati, Lakshmi Bai

Q9. Omuamua is:

  1. A character in the TV series "Star Trek"

  2. A Buddhist chant

  3. An interstellar object

  4. A small primate

  5. NASA's spaceship to Pluto

Q10. Which Indian state has different capitals in summer and winter?

  1. Gujarat

  2. Mizoram

  3. Maharashtra

  4. Uttarakhand

  5. Sikkim

Answer Key for XAT GK Sample Paper 2026

After solving the XAT 2026 exam sample GK questions, review the answer key thoroughly and note the areas from which the questions are coming more frequently. Also, try to identify the area where you are making the most mistakes and revise those chapters urgently. These will help you to increase your accuracy.

Here are the answer keys to the above questions.

  • Q1. Option E: Ear

  • Q2. Option D: Andhra Pradesh

  • Q3. Option B: Andhra Pradesh

  • Q4. Option E: Sambhar Lake

  • Q5. Option A: Tapi

  • Q6. Option B: The trade of a commodity through distribution channels not authorised by the manufacturer

  • Q7. Option E: Sam Manekshaw

  • Q8. Option C: Razia Sultana, Rudrama Devi, Durgavati, Ahilyabai Holkar, Lakshmi Bai

  • Q9. Option C: An interstellar object

  • Q10. Option C: Maharashtra

Step-by-Step Guide to Solve XAT 2026 GK Sample Papers

Regular practice of XAT GK sample papers will enhance your knowledge and improve your answer techniques.

  • First, scan through the paper and answer the questions that are familiar to you. This will boost your confidence.

  • When you are unsure of a question, handle it wisely.

  • Though there is no negative marking in the GK part of the XAT exam, if you can correctly guess the answer, then it will help you score high marks.

  • Eliminate the extreme options and make an educated guess among the remaining options.

  • After attempting all the questions, revise once if time permits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the expected GK questions for XAT 2026?
A:

You can expect a mix of XAT 2026 GK questions static + current affairs, covering topics like economy, governance, science, climate change, awards, and sports. Recent developments from GK for XAT 2026 current events (2024–26) will be especially important.

Q: How many GK questions will appear in XAT 2026 exam?
A:

About 20–25 questions are expected, with around half from static GK and half from current affairs. Practicing from the XAT GK questions 2026 full list will help you cover both sections effectively.

Q: Should I prepare static GK or current affairs more for 2026?
A:

Focus about 60% on current affairs and 40% on static GK. Both are essential since XAT 2026 GK questions static + current affairs require a balanced approach.

Q: How much time should I allocate to preparing for the XAT GK section?
A:

Make a routine at the beginning of the preparation period and allocate 30 minutes to 1 hour for each subject each day. Give mock tests every alternate day and review the questions and answers.

Read daily newspapers and monthly magazines to stay updated on the current affairs section.

Q: Is there any negative marking in the XAT GK section?
A:

No. There is no negative marking in the XAT GK section. Students can attempt all the questions in this section without having the fear of negative marks.

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Questions related to XAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to XAT ?

GIBS Business School in Bangalore accepts multiple national and state-level entrance exam scores for admission to its PGDM program. You can apply using scores from exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, or various state-level CETs.

The admission process typically considers your entrance exam score along with your academic record, performance in the group discussion and personal interview, and any work experience you may have. For the BBA program, admissions are generally based on your Class 12 marks and do not require entrance exam scores.

If you're planning to apply, it's a good idea to keep your exam score, academic documents, and personal statement ready for the selection rounds.

Hii,

No, not all MBA programs require these tests. These are merely entrance exams that are accepted by a lot of universities. Depending on the college you wish to attend, you can take any of them (such as MAH CET, MAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT, or ATMA).

Additionally, some universities have entrance exams of their own. Therefore, for the majority of MBA admissions, you only need to take one appropriate exam. To find out which tests the college accepts, always visit their website.

Yes, it is definitely possible for you to get an interview call from Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai for their PGDM program, even with a 73 percentile in XAT 2025. While the typical cutoff for XAT may be higher, around 85 percentile, Great Lakes considers a variety of factors in their selection process, including academic performance, work experience, and diversity in the class.


Since you are a non-engineer female candidate, that diversity is seen as a positive aspect. Even with your XAT score, if you have a strong academic record, relevant work experience, and a clear passion for management, you can still stand out in the application process.

To increase your chances:

Prepare thoroughly for the interview by focusing on your experiences, what drives you, and how you align with the program’s values.

Highlight your unique background and any leadership roles you’ve had.

Show how Great Lakes fits with your career goals.

While the competition can be tough, if you present a well-rounded application and give your best in the interview, you can definitely convert the call into an offer.

With a 74 percentile in the XAT 2025 exam, you are eligible to apply to several reputable MBA colleges in India. Some of the top institutions that typically accept candidates within the 70-80 percentile range include KIIT School of Management (KSOM), Bhubaneswar; Jaipuria Institute of Management (multiple campuses); Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool), Bangalore; Woxsen University, Hyderabad; IFMR Graduate School of Business at KREA University, Sri City; BIM Trichy (Bharathidasan Institute of Management), Tiruchirappalli; and XIME Bangalore (Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship).

To proceed, research each institution's application deadlines and procedures and ensure you submit all required documents promptly. Be prepared for further selection stages such as group discussions, personal interviews, and written ability tests. Evaluate each program's curriculum, faculty, placement records, and campus culture to determine the best fit for your career goals. While your XAT percentile is significant, remember that your overall profile, including academic records, work experience, and extracurricular activities, also plays a crucial role in the selection process.

Admission to MICA's PGDM and PGDM-C programs involves a multi-stage selection process. The final composite score is calculated with the following weightage:

  • CAT/ XAT/ GMAT - 35%
  • MICAT - 25%
  • GE (Group Exercise) - 10%
  • PI - 20%
  • Academic performance (10th, 12th, Graduation) - 5%
  • Extra- curricular - 5%

Your XAT score is 73, performing exceptionally well in MICAT can enhance your chances of being shortlisted for the GE and PI rounds. Specific score requirements for MICAT are not publicly disclosed, focusing on thorough preparation and aiming for high performance in each section will strengthen your application.