XAT Exam Pattern Changes 2025 Explained: What XAT 2026 Aspirants Must Know

XAT Exam Pattern Changes 2025 Explained: What XAT 2026 Aspirants Must Know

Edited By Suvam Maiti | Updated on Jun 26, 2025 03:59 PM IST | #XAT

XAT Exam Pattern Changes 2025 - XAT 2026 exam aspirants need to take note of the XAT exam pattern changes 2025. Having a clear understanding of the XAT exam pattern changes is important for those appearing for the examination this year. The reason is that if XLRI doesn’t make any further changes in the XAT exam pattern 2026, then the XAT 2026 examination will follow the XAT exam pattern of the previous year. XLRI conducted an overhaul of XAT exam pattern changes in 2025. Before the XAT 2025, XLRI released the XAT exam patterns 2025 on their official website.

This Story also Contains
  1. XAT Exam Pattern Changes 2025: What all changed
  2. XAT 2025 Exam Pattern (Previous Year): XAR Sectional Break Up
  3. XAT Exam Pattern Changes: XAT Marking Scheme
  4. XAT Exam Pattern Changes 2025: Sectional Weightage
  5. XAT Exam Syllabus
XAT Exam Pattern Changes 2025 Explained: What XAT 2026 Aspirants Must Know
XAT Exam Pattern Changes 2025 Explained: What XAT 2026 Aspirants Must Know

Among the XAT exam pattern changes, the crucial one was that the exam duration was reduced from 210 minutes to 180 minutes. Furthermore, essay writing was scrapped from the XAT exam 2025 as part of the XAT exam pattern changes 2025, though it became an integral part of the XAT selection process 2025. This year, it is expected that the XAT 2026 will follow the XAT exam dates of last year. XAT 2025 was conducted on January 5, 2025, and the XAT 2025 result was published on January 17, 2025. Read this article for more details on the XLRI XAT exam pattern changes 2025.

XAT Exam Pattern Changes 2025: What all changed

Compared to the XAT exam of the previous years, the XAT 2025 exam pattern changes witnessed several modifications. Here is the list of the key modifications that the XAT 2025 exam pattern changes witnessed.

  1. XAT Exam Pattern Changes 2025 in Exam Duration: The XAT 2025 examination duration was reduced to 180 minutes (170+10). The XAT 2025 exam duration 2025 was of 180 minutes, which was 30 minutes less than the previous XAT 2025 examination.

  2. XAT Exam Pattern Changes 2025 in XAT 2025 Format: Essay writing was scrapped from the XAT 2025 format, while it was included in the XLRI selection process.

  3. XAT Exam Pattern Changes 2025 in the number of questions: The number of questions in the GK section has been reduced from 25 to 20. Therefore, the total number of XAT exam 2025 questions came down to 95 from 100.

  4. XAT Exam Pattern Changes 2025 in the Time Limits: The sectional time limit of the part was scrapped, which gave XAT 2025 candidates better flexibility in the time management of the XAT 2025.

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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.
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XAT 2025 Exam Pattern (Previous Year): XAR Sectional Break Up

The XAT exam pattern 2025 was released by the XLRI, well before the examination. The XAT exam pattern had multiple-choice questions. Part I of the XAT 2025 exam pattern question paper comprises the Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR), Decision-making (DM), and Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI). The General Knowledge (GK) section was a part of Section II. Below is the section wise break up of the XAT 2025 exam pattern.

Section-Wise XAT Question Pattern: XAT Pattern 2025

XAT Part -I

XAT 2025 Exam Pattern

Number of questions

XAT Duration

XAT 2025 Question Types

Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA&LR)

26

170

The VA&LR section will encompass critical & analytical reasoning, reading comprehension (including poems & passages), vocabulary, English grammar, and other related exercises such as para jumbles, cloze tests, etc.

Decision-making (DM)

21

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 prioritisation to make informed decisions.

Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)

28

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, summarisation, and insightful analysis of the data.

XAT 2025 Part -II

General Knowledge (GK)

20

10

In the GK section, 10 questions will focus on static GK, while the remaining will delve into current affairs.

XAT Exam Pattern Changes: XAT Marking Scheme

One of the key aspects of the XAT question paper is the marking scheme. The XAT marking scheme pattern is different from other test papers. Based on last year's XAT exam paper, there is no XAT negative marking for questions asked in the General Knowledge sections. However, there might be a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. In addition to this, if the candidate leaves 8 questions unattempted, then the negative marking of 0.10 marks is done. Check out the marking scheme of XAT.

  • 1 mark will be awarded for each correct answer as a part XAT

  • - 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer

  • - 0.10 marks will be deducted for more than 8 unanswered questions

  • There will be no negative marking in XAT in the General Knowledge (GK) section

  • The scores of the General Knowledge section will not be considered for calculating the XAT score.

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XAT Exam Pattern Changes 2025: Sectional Weightage

XAT 2025 Exam Pattern Sectional Weightage

Section

Weightage

Decision Making

21%

VARC

26%

QA and DI

27%

GK

25%

XAT Exam Syllabus

The XAT 2025 syllabus included topics of each section from which questions was asked in the XAT test. With the help of the XAT syllabus, candidates made their XAT preparation strategy. All the XAT topics related to the XAT exam syllabus are listed below.

XAT Exam 2025 Syllabus

Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation

  • Percentages

  • LCM and HCF

  • Interest (Simple and Compound)

  • Profit and Loss

  • Number System

  • Speed, Time and Distance, Averages, Time and Work, Ratio and Proportion and others

  • Algebra

  • Mensuration

  • Geometry including Co-ordinate Geometry

  • Venn Diagram

  • Pure Math

  • Quadratic Equations

  • Linear Equations

  • Logarithm

  • Complex Numbers

  • Binomial Theorem

  • Progression

  • Inequalities

  • Surds and Indices

  • Probability Functions

  • Permutation and Combination

  • Mixtures and Allegations

  • Set Theory

  • Trigonometry

  • Data Charts

  • Data Tables

  • Pie Charts

  • Bar Diagrams

  • Data Analysis and Comparison

  • Graphs

Verbal and Logical Ability

  • Vocabulary-Based Questions: Synonyms/ Antonyms, Fill in the blanks, Contextual Meaning of words

  • Correction of Errors in Sentences and correct usage of words

  • Jumbled Paragraph

  • Completion of Paragraph

  • Completion of Sentences

  • Poem

  • Cloze Test

  • The author’s view type of question

  • Information-Based question

  • Main idea and purpose of the passage

  • Inference- based question

  • Explanation of words/ phrases in the passage

  • True/ False statements based on the passage

  • Analogy

  • Clocks & Calendars

  • Binary Logic

  • Fact, Inference, and Judgment

  • Blood Relations

  • Seating Arrangement

  • Assumption, Premise, and Conclusion

  • Logical Sequences

Decision Making

  • Data Arrangement Test

  • Conditioning and Grouping Tests

  • Decision-making in a situation

  • Complex Arrangement

  • Case lets

General Knowledge

  • National and International Current Affairs

  • Economics and Finance

  • Capitals and currencies

  • Constitution of India and Laws

  • Books and Authors

  • Famous Personalities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Has the XAT pattern changed in 2025?

Yes, the XAT exam pattern 2025 was changed compared to that of previous years.

2. What were the changes in pattern of the XAT exam 2025?

The changes in the XAT exam pattern included a reduction in the total time, a reduction in the number of questions, and the scrapping of the essay writing and as well as the section time limits. 

3. Was XAT 2025 more difficult than XAT 2024?

Though the XAT exam pattern went through considerable changes, according to the experts, the XAT 2025 was slightly easier than the XAT 2024. 

4. Does XLRI accept the CAT score?

No, XLRI does not accept the CAT score. They accept the XAT score 2025. 

5. Can I prepare for XAT in 1 month?

Cracking the XAT in one month requires a focused and smart approach, especially since it covers diverse sections like Quantitative Ability, Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Reasoning, and General Knowledge. Here's a subject-wise plan to maximize your preparation in a month.

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Questions related to XAT

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.

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