Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2026
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024
XAT Previous Year Question Papers: The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a highly competitive MBA entrance exam conducted annually by XLRI for admission to top B-schools across India. For aspirants targeting XAT 2026, solving XAT previous year question papers with solutions is one of the most effective ways to boost preparation. These past papers provide deep insights into the XAT exam pattern, question types, difficulty level, section-wise weightage, and marking scheme. Practicing with XAT solved papers from previous years also helps improve time management and builds familiarity with real exam scenarios. In this article, you’ll get access to a curated list of XAT previous year papers for practice, designed to help you maximize your score and succeed in XAT 2026.
This Story also Contains
- XAT 2025 Question Paper
- What are the Benefits of Solving XAT Question Papers?
- XAT Question Paper Pattern 2026
- XAT Detailed Analysis
- XAT Previous Year Question Papers With Solutions
- How to Download XAT Question Paper?
- How to Prepare for XAT 2026 in 6 Months?
- XAT 2026 Preparation Materials
![XAT Question Papers [2011 to 2025]: Download Previous Year Papers with Solutions PDFs](https://cache.careers360.mobi/media/article_images/2025/7/14/XAT-previous-question-papers-with-solutions.jpg)
XAT 2025 Question Paper
Understanding and thoroughly going through the XAT 2025 Question paper is crucial for candidates preparing for XAT 2026. With the previous year's papers and questions, candidates can enhance their preparation strategy and optimise their study plan based on their identified strong or weak areas.
What are the Benefits of Solving XAT Question Papers?
By solving XAT previous year papers, candidates will be able to get a better insight into the XAT question pattern, marking scheme, and type of questions that will be asked in the XAT exam. While solving the XAT 2026 sample question papers, candidates can easily discover their weak and strong areas. Candidates should solve XAT past year papers regularly to improve their speed and accuracy rate.
Familiarity with Exam Format: Practising with past question papers helps you get used to the format and types of questions asked in the XAT exam.
Time Management: Working through these XAT papers can improve your ability to manage time effectively during the actual test.
Identifying Weak Areas: By solving various XAT question papers, you can understand your weak areas and focus on improving them.
Understanding Difficulty Level: XAT question papers give the candidates a sense of the difficulty level of the questions, helping them enhance their preparation level.
Boosting Confidence: Regular XAT question paper practice helps build confidence and reduce exam-related stress.
XAT Question Paper Pattern 2026
A total of 95 questions will be asked in XAT 2026. The XAT 2026 exam pattern includes the number and nature of questions, total time duration, and XAT marking scheme. Candidates can check out the pattern of the XAT question paper given below.
XAT 2026 Question Paper Pattern
Section name | Total marks allotted | Negative marking scheme |
Verbal and Logical Reasoning (VA and LR) | 75 |
|
Decision Making (DM) | ||
General Knowledge (GK) | 20 (12 Current Affairs questions and 8 static GK questions) | |
Essay | To be conducted during the selection process |
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Related eBooks & Sample Papers
XAT Detailed Analysis
While analysing the XAT previous year papers, you will be able to understand the detailed analysis of the XAT examination pattern. This is the reason why it is necessary to study and analyse the various XAT past year papers. Given below is the section-wise analysis of the XAT examination.
Sections | Number of questions | Difficulty level |
Part-1 | 75 Total MCQs (170 minutes with no sectional time limit) | |
Verbal and Logical Ability | 26 | Easy to moderate |
Decision Making | 21 | Moderate |
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 |
|
Part-2 | 20 Total MCQs (20 Minutes) | |
General Knowledge | 20 (12 GK questions from Current Affairs and 8 from Static GK) | Easy |
Total questions (Part 1 + Part 2) | 95 | |
XAT Trends and Changes Over the Years
Now, let us go through the major changes that took place in the XAT examination over the years.
For the XAT 2025 examination, the question pattern of XAT was changed by XLRI. The number of GK questions was set to 2, with 12 questions asked from current affairs and 8 questions from static General Knowledge.
This year, the Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) will take place during the Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD/PI) sessions.
In 2024, the Analytical Essay Writing section was scrapped, and the total duration and total number of questions were reduced.
The essay-based questions were scrapped after the XAT 2018 examination but were later reintroduced in 2022.
There have been changes in the number of questions every year.
Previously, the number of allowed unattempted questions before accepting negative marks was 12. Now it has been reduced to 8.
Subjective Questions were removed in the XAT 2019 examination, but later reintroduced in XAT 2020
Since 2023, the exam timing has increased to 210 minutes.
XAT Previous Year Question Papers With Solutions
Candidates can download XAT previous year papers or the XAT PYQ PDF, which are provided in the table. These XAT previous year papers with solutions can be used by XAT aspirants for effective preparation. These XAT previous year question papers are easy to download.
XAT Question Papers 2011 - 2024 | |
XAT 2024 Question Paper PDF | |
XAT 2023 Question Paper PDF | |
XAT 2022 Question Paper with Answer PDF | |
XAT 2021 Question Paper | |
XAT 2020 Question Paper with Answer PDF | |
XAT 2019 Exam Question Paper With Solution PDF | |
| XAT 2018 Question Paper with Answer PDF | |
XAT Exam 2017 question paper with solution PDF | |
| XAT 2016 Question Paper with Answer PDF | |
XAT 2015 exam question paper with solution PDF | |
XAT 2014 Question Paper PDF | Download Now |
XAT 2013 model question paper with answer PDF | |
XAT 2012 Question Paper with Answer PDF | Download Now |
XAT 2011 question paper with solution PDF | |
How to Download XAT Question Paper?
Candidates can refer to the following steps to download the XAT sample/ question paper.
Step 1- To download the XAT Question Paper/ Sample Paper (Direct Link)
Step 2- Now, candidates will have to register by entering the necessary details.
Step 3- After completing registration, log in with the created credentials.
Step 4- Candidates can also use their Google or Facebook account to log in to download XAT previous year papers.
Step 5- Now, candidates will have to visit the XAT question paper store and click on the “Download” tab.
Quick Links:
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 EBookHow to Prepare for XAT 2026 in 6 Months?
Before following and accepting any preparation strategy, candidates must have a hard copy of the XAT syllabus to know the topics covered under each section. Candidates may get perplexed about the syllabus as XLRI Jamshedpur does not provide any official syllabus for XAT. Thus, making a preparation strategy could get complex when you do not know how to start. Below are tips that can be followed if you are looking for the answer to How to Prepare for XAT in 6 Months.
Months | Plan Schedule |
For 3 months (August, September, October) |
|
For 2 months (November and December) |
|
For 1 month (January) |
|
XAT 2026 Preparation Materials
Choosing the right XAT 2026 preparation materials is crucial for targeted and efficient study. From recommended books to mock tests and previous year papers, these resources cover all key sections to help you prepare smartly and score high in the exam.
Free XAT 2026 Mock Test
Taking XAT mock tests is essential for thorough preparation for the exam. Mock tests simulate the actual XAT exam environment, helping you become familiar with the question types, time constraints, and overall structure. They allow you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, enabling targeted study and practice in areas needing improvement.
Regularly taking XAT mock tests also enhances your time management skills and builds confidence for the actual exam day. After each mock test, analyse your performance to understand where you can improve and adjust your study strategy accordingly. Careers360 has designed an online XAT mock test for the candidates after analysis of the exam pattern. You are strongly advised to practice this XAT mock test to assess your XAT preparation levels.
XAT 2026 Mock Test |
XAT Ebooks
Careers360 has designed a set of eBooks for the overall XAT 2026 preparation. The candidates are encouraged to download and study the XAT materials given below. These XAT preparation materials are designed by experts and are designed to ensure a comprehensive XAT 2026 preparation for the candidates.
Title | Download Link |
XAT Sample Paper Section-wise Questions with Expert's Solution | |
XAT Sectionwise Preparation Tips | |
XAT 2024 Question Paper | |
XAT Past 10 Years' Question Paper with Answers | |
Know all about XAT 2024 | |
How to prepare for XAT in 6 months? |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How can solving previous papers help me identify my weak areas?
A:
After attempting the past papers, you can analyse your performance and identify the topics where you lost the most marks. After identifying these areas, you can give more attention to them during preparation.
Q: What is the expected difficulty level of the XAT 2026 exam?
A:
The overall difficulty level of the XAT exam is generally considered to be moderate to difficult. The Verbal and Decision Making sections are typically moderate, while Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation can be challenging.
Q: What is the role of the essay writing section in XAT 2026?
A:
The Essay Writing section will be conducted during the Group Discussion and Personal Interview Round, rather than as part of the main exam.
Q: Which exam is difficult: XAT or CAT?
A:
Both XAT and CAT exams have a similar difficulty level. However, students may find XAT more challenging due to the more number of sections and questions compared to the CAT exam. In the verbal section, students can expect longer passages in the XAT exam.
Q: Does XAT increase global opportunities?
A:
Yes, XAT exam is applicable for admission in international MBA colleges and hence boost the growth opportunities at global level.
Q: How does the previous year paper help in time management in the XAT Exam?
A:
Working through these XAT papers can improve your ability to manage time effectively during the actual test.
Q: Why are mock tests crucial for the XAT Exam?
A:
Regularly taking XAT mock tests also enhances your time management skills and builds confidence for the actual exam day.
Q: What is the duration of the XAT 2025 exam?
A:
XAT exam was of 3 hours 30 minutes duration.
Q: Is there any negative marking in XAT?
A:
Yes, for every incorrect answer, the 0.25 mark will be deducted.
Q: Is calculator allowed in XAT?
A:
No, a calculator or any other gadget is not allowed in the XAT exam.
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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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