XAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines & Last-Minute Tips: Do’s and Don’ts to Boost Your Score

Last-Minute Tips for XAT 2026: Overview

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a competitive MBA admission test in India offered by XLRI Jamshedpur. This article contains last-minute advice and exam-day instructions to assist applicants in enhancing their performance and increasing their chances of success. With these points in mind, this article on XAT 2026 last-minute tips and exam day strategies by Careers360 has compiled a list of the finest methods and strategies to use on exam day in order to improve your score.

Before starting the preparation, let us have a short look at the XAT exam pattern 2026. Some changes have been made to the XAT exam pattern in recent years. The section of essay writing has been brought back as part of the XAT test paper. Now the test will be 3 hours and have five sections. With this in mind, Careers360 has curated a list of the best tips and strategies to follow during the XAT exam day to score better.

Candidates should take note of the following changes for XAT 2026:

• Essay Writing Section Removed: Starting from XAT 2026, the Essay Writing section has been eliminated from the exam. However, it will continue to be a part of the XLRI selection process in the future.

• Reduced General Knowledge Questions: The number of questions in the General Knowledge section has been decreased from 25 to 20, allowing for a more focused assessment.

• No Sectional Time Limits: XAT 2026 will no longer impose sectional time limits, giving candidates greater flexibility in managing their time across different sections of the exam.

Quick Links -

• XAT Preparation Timetable

• How to start XAT Preparation

Points to Keep in Mind for XAT 2026 Last-Minute Tips

As you approach the XAT 2026 exam, keep in mind these last-minute tips to maximize your performance:

• Ensure that you revise: Go through all the important concepts, formulas, and strategies you've studied. Focus on revising key topics and solving a few practice questions to reinforce your understanding.

• Be confident: Believe in your preparation and stay positive. Confidence can significantly impact your performance, helping you tackle questions more effectively.

• Go through the current affairs: Review recent news and major events, as this will be crucial for the General Knowledge section. Stay updated with the latest developments to answer these questions accurately.

• Choose the best XAT exam strategy: Decide on a strategy that suits you best, whether it's answering easier questions first or managing time across sections efficiently. Stick to your plan to ensure a smooth exam experience.

• Always have a backup plan: Be prepared for any unexpected issues, such as technical glitches or time management problems. Having a backup plan will help you stay calm and handle any situation effectively.

XAT 2026 Last-Minute Tips: Exam Day Instructions

As the XAT 2026 exam day approaches, it's crucial to stay calm, confident, and well-prepared with all necessary guidelines. Knowing what to carry, what to avoid, and how to manage your time can make a big difference in your performance. Here are the key exam day instructions every XAT 2026 aspirant must follow.

1. Do not forget to carry the XAT Admit Card

In all entrance exams, candidates must carry a hard copy of their XAT admit cards. In the XAT MBA entrance exam, XLRI Jamshedpur will ask candidates to carry at least two hard copies of the XAT 2026 admit card. Before reaching the exam centre of XAT 2026, it will be mandatory for candidates to have their admit cards. No candidate will be allowed to get inside the exam centre if he/she does not possess a hard copy of their XAT admit card 2026.

2. Documents to carry

Apart from a hard copy of the XAT admit card 2026, candidates will be required to carry certain other documents for verification purposes as well. Some of the documents that candidates should carry to the exam centre of XAT 2026 are as follows -

• Recent passport-size photograph

• Original Identity card like PAN, Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License

• Stationery items

As per the exam pattern of XAT 2026, the exam will be conducted in computer-based mode. Hence, candidates are not required to carry anything. A rough sheet will be provided along with a pen if required by the candidates.

3. Check the Location of the Exam Centre Beforehand

Once candidates download their admit card of XAT 2026, the exam centre allotted to them is mentioned there. Candidates are requested to visit the exam centre a few days before the exam to avoid hindrances on exam day.

XAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

• Be on Reporting Time - Candidates should be at the exam centre of XAT at least one hour before the exam time. The reporting time is also mentioned on the admit card and candidates are required to adhere to the time. No candidate will be allowed to go inside if they are late for the reporting time.

• No Electronic Gadgets Allowed- To ensure fulfilment of security requirements and avoid any kind of hassle, candidates are advised to not bring any kind of electronic gadgets like mobile phones, digital watches, calculators, etc., Candidates who during checking are found with any such gadgets will not be allowed to continue with their XAT exam and will be debarred.

• Double Check Answers - As per the XAT 2026 exam pattern, there will be negative markings in the XAT question paper. Hence, after answering, candidates should ensure that they have revisited and re-checked their answers to avoid negative markings for wrong answers. If you are unsure, then do not attempt the question at all.

XAT Instructions 2026 While Attempting Exam

• Five options per question will be visible to candidates.

• One question at a time will be on the screen. Candidates will be able to switch between questions using the next and previous question tabs.

• On the top-right corner of the screen, a timer will be visible. The XAT question paper will disappear once the timer gets to zero.

• If candidates are unsatisfied with marked answers, they can choose to unmark the same by clicking the 'Erase' button given at the bottom.

• There will be no sectional timing; hence, questions can be answered in any time frame.

• The option to bookmark a question is also available in case the candidate wishes to review it. This can be done by clicking on the 'Tag' button.

Status of Questions in XAT 2026

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  In case the candidate completes the paper within the stipulated time period, he/she can end the test by clicking the 'Preview Submit' button. Note that candidates will not be allowed to leave the exam hall before three hours i.e., the time duration of XAT 2026 is complete.

• Even if the candidates do not click on the 'Preview Submit' button, the result will be saved automatically.

XAT 2026 Exam Strategy

Keeping in view the XAT previous year question paper, there is no fixed no. of questions that the candidates need to answer. Given below is a list of questions from each section, along with a marking scheme that can be checked by candidates.

XAT Exam Pattern 2026

XAT Marking Scheme 2026 - Highlights

• For each correct answer, one mark will be awarded

• For each incorrect answer, a 0.25 mark will be deducted

• A Total of 0.10 mark will be deducted for every eight unattempted questions

• For the General Knowledge section, 20 questions will be asked instead of 25. This would include 12 questions from current affairs and 8 questions from static GK., There will be no negative marking

Also Read- How to prepare for XAT while working?

Section-wise XAT 2026 Last-Minute Tips and Exam Day Guidelines

For Verbal and Logical Ability

• Topics like Critical Reasoning : Decision making conclusion derivation and theme detection , Sentence Correction, Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion (multiple blanks), Reading Comprehension, etc., will form major questions in this section.

• The length of Reading Comprehensions and other passages in this section will not be very long but the English used will be difficult to read. Hence, candidates are advised to focus on strengthening their vocabulary for this section.

• To save time, it is advisable to attempt the questions related to Sentence Completion, Para Jumbles, Cloze test, Vocabulary, etc., and then move on to the difficult and time-consuming questions related to Reasoning, RC, and Correction. In XAT 2026, candidates can expect an equal number of inferential as well as specific detail-based questions.

For General Knowledge

• There will be no negative marking in this section; hence, candidates tend to waste their time on General Knowledge.

• It is suggested that candidates should answer only those questions that they can answer quickly and accurately.

For Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation

• In XAT 2026, this section will possibly justify your preparation & hard work. Questions from Arithmetic, Number System, Geometry, Algebra, Base System, and Mathematical Reasoning will be the mainstay in this section.

• For practice, use your CAT preparation material, but don't go beyond the Advanced Level problems. DI sets are usually simple and do not create any problems in terms of reaching the solution.

• If QADI is strong then you should target almost all questions. Average candidates should target not more than 15-20 questions. The SQC techniques, as well as the three-round approach, will work here.

For Decision Making

• This section includes Behavioral and Mathematical decision-making questions. In behavioural questions, the situation is described and the protagonist in the passage needs to make a decision and solve his/her dilemma. Candidates are required to suggest the right course of action and mark the correct answer.

• Eliminate the choices based on the parameters of legality, fairness, and the desired result.

Candidates must thoroughly go through XAT previous year papers and practice as many XAT mock test as they can to strengthen their XAT preparation 2026.

Correct Approach to Attempt Questions in XAT 2026

A well-planned approach is essential to perform confidently in XAT 2026. Instead of rushing through the paper, candidates should focus on accuracy, smart question selection, and balanced time management across sections. Understanding the exam pattern, handling Decision Making carefully, and staying calm during difficult sections can significantly improve overall performance. A structured attempt strategy helps maximise scores while minimising unnecessary negative marking.

Start with Sections You Are Comfortable With

Begin the exam by attempting questions from sections you feel most confident about. This helps build momentum and boosts confidence early on. A strong start also reduces exam anxiety and allows you to manage time better for tougher sections later.

Be Selective in Question Attempts

XAT is known for tricky and time-consuming questions. Avoid the temptation to attempt everything. Carefully scan questions and pick those that seem clear and doable to maintain accuracy and avoid negative marking.

Handle Decision Making with Logic, Not Emotion

Decision Making questions test judgement and ethical reasoning. Always choose options that are practical, fair, and aligned with organisational values. Avoid extreme or emotionally driven answers, even if they sound attractive.

Manage Time Across Sections Wisely

Allocate time smartly to each section without getting stuck on a single question. If a question seems lengthy or confusing, skip it and return later if time permits. This ensures balanced performance throughout the paper.

Keep Track of Negative Marking

XAT has penalties for wrong answers and unattempted questions beyond a limit. Attempt questions only when reasonably confident. A cautious yet smart approach helps maximise your score while reducing unnecessary risks.

XAT Preparation Books

Choosing the right XAT preparation books is essential because they provide structured and comprehensive coverage of the exam syllabus, ensuring you don't miss any critical topics. These books are often updated with the latest exam patterns and include a variety of practice questions that reflect the types of questions you'll face in the actual exam, helping you become familiar with the format and difficulty level.

Best XAT Books: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

Best XAT Books: Decision Making

Best XAT Books: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning

Best XAT Books: General Knowledge