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XAT 2026: Key Exam Highlights
The XAT exam is a 180-minute computer-based test designed to assess higher-order reasoning, decision-making, and management aptitude. It is divided into four key sections: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
The paper primarily consists of multiple-choice questions along with a mandatory essay-writing task. Most objective questions carry +1 mark for each correct answer with negative marking for incorrect responses in the main sections, while the GK and essay components are evaluated separately as part of the overall selection process.
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The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a three-hour, national-level management entrance exam conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur for admission to MBA/PGDM and other postgraduate management programs. It is one of India’s most important MBA entrance tests and is accepted by XLRI, XAMI member institutes, and many leading B-schools across the country. XAT evaluates candidates in Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge, along with an essay section.
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XAT 2026 Exam Blueprint & Syllabus Pattern
Section |
Number of Questions |
Time Allotted |
Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal & Logical Ability (VALR) | 26 | Part 1 – within 170 minutes (no sectional limit) | Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, sentence correction, para‑jumbles, critical & analytical reasoning |
| Decision Making (DM) | 21 | Part 1 – within 170 minutes (no sectional limit) | Caselets, business situations, ethical dilemmas, logical puzzles, trade‑offs and prioritisation |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) | 28 | Part 1 – within 170 minutes (no sectional limit) | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, modern math, numbers, data interpretation sets (tables, graphs, charts) |
| General Knowledge (GK) | 20 | Part 2 – 10 minutes | Current affairs, business & economy, national & international events, awards, sports, polity, science |
| Essay Writing | — (removed from main paper) | Now asked in GD/PI stage (XLRI only) | Analytical writing on contemporary issues during the XLRI selection process |
All About Syllabus Pattern Of XAT-2026
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR) |
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| Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) |
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| General Knowledge (GK) |
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| Decision Making (DM) |
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