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    XAT Exam Pattern 2027: Section-wise Weightage, Marking Scheme, Total Questions, Exam Duration

    XAT Exam Pattern 2027: Section-wise Weightage, Marking Scheme, Total Questions, Exam Duration

    Himanshu ShekharUpdated on 17 Jul 2026, 01:33 PM IST

    XAT exam pattern 2027 is expected to be the same as the previous year. The first part of the XAT question paper will include the following sections: Decision Making, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, which will be concluded in 170 minutes. The second part will be the GK section of 10 minutes. Overall, the total duration of the XAT 2027 exam will be 180 minutes. The format of the questions asked in the XAT exam will be MCQ. The XAT 2027 exam will be held on January 3, 2027. Keep reading to find more information on the XAT exam pattern, marking scheme, and important topics.
    LATEST: XAT 2027 Registration Link

    This Story also Contains

    1. XAT Paper Pattern 2027
    2. XAT Exam Pattern 2027: Highlights
    3. XAT 2027 Total Marks
    4. XAT 2027 Test Pattern- Sectional Breakup of Questions
    5. XAT Marking Scheme 2027
    6. XAT Paper Pattern 2027: Sectional Break-Up of Questions (Expected)
    7. Last 8 Years' XAT Paper Format
    8. XAT Preparation 2027
    9. XAT Syllabus 2027 (Expected)
    10. XAT Sample Paper 2027
    XAT Exam Pattern 2027: Section-wise Weightage, Marking Scheme, Total Questions, Exam Duration
    XAT Paper Pattern 2027

    XAT Paper Pattern 2027

    The XAT exam will be held in the English language only. Part I of the XAT 2027 question paper will comprise Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR), Decision-making (DM), and Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI). Part II will include the General Knowledge (GK) section.

    The candidate can expect the total number of questions to be 95. Last year, XAT paper had a total of 95 MCQ questions.

    Also Read: How to Prepare for XAT in One Month

    XAT Exam Pattern 2027: Highlights

    Check out the following highlights on the XAT exam pattern 2027. However, it is expected that the information mentioned below can be changed depending on the official notification that will be released.

    Exam StructureXAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus (Tentative)

    Number of sections

    5 Sections along with Mock Keyboard Testing

    • Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR)
    • Decision-making (DM)
    • Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
    • General Knowledge (GK)

    XAT exam time duration

    180 minutes

    Number of questions

    Around 95

    XAT total marks

    95

    Language of the paper

    English

    Number of answer choices

    Five

    Mode of examination

    Online

    XAT marking scheme

    • +1 mark for a correct answer
    • - 0.25 marks for incorrect answer
    • - 0.10 marks for more than 8 unattempted consecutive questions
    • No XAT negative marking scheme in the GK section

    *Note that the above-mentioned data about the XAT exam is not final and can be changed depending on the changes made by the exam authority.

    XAT 2027 Total Marks

    The XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) has a total of 95 marks, with 95 questions across different sections, where each correct answer gets +1 mark, and each wrong answer incurs a penalty of -0.25 marks (except GK, which will have no negative marking). The XAT 2027 question paper will include the following sections: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (26 marks), Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (26 marks), General Knowledge (20 marks), plus a Decision Making section.

    XAT 2027 Test Pattern- Sectional Breakup of Questions

    The XAT exam pattern will have multiple-choice questions. The sections from which questions will be asked in the XAT exam for MBA are: Decision-making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. The duration of the XAT 2027 exam is expected to be 180 minutes with no sectional time limit. Let us check the variable distribution of questions in the XAT exam paper.

    Section-Wise XAT Question Pattern: XAT Pattern 2027 (Expected)

    XAT Exam Pattern for MBANumber of QuestionsDurationQuestion Types
    XAT Part-I

    Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA&LR)

    26170The 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)

    28In 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 Part-II

    General Knowledge (GK)

    2010In the GK section, 10 questions will focus on static GK, while the remaining will delve into current affairs.
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    XAT Marking Scheme 2027

    One of the key aspects of the XAT exam 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 a negative marking of 0.10 marks is applied. Check out the marking scheme of XAT.

    • One mark will be awarded for each correct answer to XAT
    • - 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer
    • - 0.10 marks will be deducted for more than eight 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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    Keep in mind that the XAT marking scheme for 2027 can be changed. In case there are any changes, we will update the data.

    XAT Paper Pattern 2027: Sectional Break-Up of Questions (Expected)

    There is a variable distribution of questions in the XAT entrance exam, i.e., one section has more questions than another section. Apart from MCQs, one essay-writing question will be asked in this test. Check out the sectional break-up of the XAT 2027 question paper.

    XAT sectionsNumber of questionsSection-wise XAT total marks
    Decision Making2121
    Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning2626
    Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation2828
    General Knowledge2020
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    XAT Exam Pattern 2027- Sectional Weightage (Expected)

    XAT 2027 Exam Pattern Sectional Weightage
    SectionWeightage
    Decision Making21%
    VARC26%
    QA and DI27%
    GK25%

    Last 8 Years' XAT Paper Format

    More than 150 top B-schools accept XAT scores in India, such as XLRI Jamshedpur, MICA Ahmedabad, XIM Bhubaneshwar, IMT Ghaziabad, and S P Jain Mumbai. XAT is amongst the most transparent MBA entrance exams, as it releases question papers, answer keys, and also allows candidates to ask for a recounting of the score.

    Exam Year

    Total Number of Questions

    Section-wise number of questions

    Marking Scheme

    XAT 202695VARC: 26
    DM: 21
    QA & DI: 28
    GK: 20
    +1 for each correct answer
    -0.25 for each wrong answer
    -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions
    XAT 202595VARC: 26
    DM: 21
    QA & DI: 28
    GK: 20
    +1 for each correct answer
    -0.25 for each wrong answer
    -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions

    XAT 2024101VARC: 26
    DM: 21
    QA & DI: 28
    GK: 25
    Essay: 1
    • +1 mark for a correct answer
    • - 0.25 marks for incorrect answer
    • - 0.10 marks for more than 8 unattempted consecutive questions
    • No XAT negative marking scheme in the GK section
    XAT 2023100

    VARC: 26
    DM: 21
    QA & DI: 28
    GK: 25
    Essay: 1 (to be evaluated upon shortlisting)

    +1 for each right answer
    -0.25 for each wrong answer
    -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions

    XAT 2022

    100

    VARC: 26
    DM: 21
    QA & DI: 28
    GK: 25
    Essay: 1 (to be evaluated upon shortlisting)

    +1 for each right answer
    -0.25 for each wrong answer
    -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions

    XAT 2021

    100

    VARC: 26
    DM: 21
    QA & DI: 28
    GK: 25

    +1 for each right answer
    -0.25 for each wrong answer
    -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions

    XAT 2020

    100

    VARC: 26
    DM: 21
    QA & DI: 28
    GK: 25

    +1 for each right answer
    -0.25 for each wrong answer
    -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions

    XAT 2019

    99

    VARC: 26
    DM: 21
    QA & DI: 27
    GK: 25

    +1 for each right answer
    -0.25 for each wrong answer
    -0.5 for more than 8 unanswered questions

    XAT 2018

    97

    VARC: 24
    DM: 21
    QA & DI: 27
    GK: 25
    One essay topic

    +1 for each right answer
    -0.25 for each wrong answer;
    -0.5 for more than 12 unanswered questions

    XAT Preparation 2027

    The XAT preparation includes the understanding of the XAT exam syllabus and exam pattern, along with the XAT test structure. Candidates are advised to refer to the XAT books and study material suggested by the experts and previous year toppers. Apart from that, candidates should take XAT mock tests at regular intervals for better understanding.

    XAT Syllabus 2027 (Expected)

    The XAT 2027 syllabus is expected to include topics from each section from which questions will be asked in the XAT test. With the help of the XAT syllabus, candidates can make their XAT preparation strategy. All the XAT topics related to the XAT exam syllabus are listed below.

    XAT Exam 2027 Syllabus

    Sections

    Topics

    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
    • 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

    B-Schools Accepting XAT Score - Location-Wise

    XAT Sample Paper 2027

    Candidates preparing for XAT 2027 must go through the XAT sample papers along with the previous year's XAT question papers. It is important to get familiar with all aspects of the XAT exam. One can get a fair idea about what they can expect from XAT 2027. It will also help the candidate to assess their overall and section-wise performance.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: What percentile is 25 marks in XAT?
    A:

    Those candidates who score 25 to 30 marks in XAT can expect their XAT percentile to be between 90 to 95 percentile. 

    Q: What is the duration of the XAT 2027 exam?
    A:

    The duration of the XAT exam is 180 minutes.

    Q: What type of questions are asked in XAT?
    A:

    The questions asked are multiple-choice based questions and one subjective question.

    Q: When will the XAT 2027 to be held?
    A:

    The XAT 2027 exam will be held on January 03, 2027.

    Q: What is the exam pattern of XAT exam 2027?
    A:

    The XAT 2027 exam pattern features a 3-hour exam which is divided into two parts, with a total of 95 questions across four sections: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. 

    Q: What is a good score in XAT 2027?
    A:

    The XAT exam is scored on a scale of 0 to 100, with a higher score correlating to a better percentile. Generally, a score above 35-40 can lead to a percentile above 90, whereas as a score of 45-50 is likely to get a 95 percentile or more. 

    Q: What is the pattern of the XAT exam?
    A:

    Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is considered to be more difficult than CAT.

    Q: How many sections are there in the XAT exam paper?
    A:

    There will be a total of 5 sections in XAT namely- Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. 

    Q: Hw many questions in XAT?
    A:

    There will be a total of 95 questions in XAT paper.

    Q: Does XAT has negative marking?
    A:

    Yes, 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect response.

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    Questions related to XAT

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to XAT ?

    The IRMA XAT 2026 cutoff is expected to be in the range of 55 to 60 percentile for ST category candidates. At an XAT score of 47 percentile, it is unlikely to get a PI call for the IRMA MBA admission 2026.

    Assuming the candidate is from the general category with a decent academic profile, sectional scores, and work experience can get PI calls from XLRI, Jamshedpur, XIMB, GIM, Goa, SPJIMR, and more. You can refer to XAT college predictor for more information.

    IMT Ghaziabad XAT 2026 cutoff varies in the range of 85-90+ percentile. You may get a PI call from IMT Ghaziabad, depending on your academic profile and category. For more information, you can refer to the XAT 2026 cutoff .