XAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Section-wise Format, Marking Scheme & Duration

Table of Contents

1. XAT 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
2. XAT 2026 Exam Pattern Section-wise
3. Key Modifications in XAT 2026 Exam Pattern
4. XAT 2026 Exam Pattern Trends Over the Years
5. XAT 2026 Marking Scheme
6. XAT 2026 Time Duration
7. XAT 2026 Exam Process
8. How to Mark Answers in the XAT 2026 Examination?
9. XAT 2026 vs Other MBA Entrance Exams

The XAT 2026 exam pattern has been updated with notable changes that affect the test structure, duration, and question types. Major changes include the removal of the essay writing section, a reduction in the number of general knowledge questions, and a shorter exam duration of 180 minutes. The essay writing component will now be part of the Personal Interview (PI) stage.

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights

Below are the key highlights of the XAT 2026 exam pattern:

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern Section-wise

Here is the section-wise division of the XAT 2026 exam:

Candidates will have 170 minutes to complete the first three sections and 10 minutes for the General Knowledge section.

Key Modifications in XAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Here are the significant changes in XAT 2026:

• Essay Writing Removed- The essay writing section is no longer part of the main exam and will be conducted during the Personal Interview (PI)round.
• Reduction in GK Questions- The number of questions in the General Knowledge section has been reduced from 25 to 20.
• No Sectional Time Limit for Main Sections- The Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation sections have no sectional time limits, allowing candidates to manage time effectively.
• Reduced Exam Duration- The overall duration has been reduced to 180 minutes from the previous 210 minutes.

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern Trends Over the Years

Below is a comparison of XAT 2026with previous years:

XAT 2026 Marking Scheme

The XAT 2026 marking scheme remains consistent with the previous year. Below are the marking details:

• Correct Answer: +1 mark
• Incorrect Answer: -0.25 marks (except GK)
• No penalty for the first 8 unanswered questions.
• After the first 8 skipped questions, a penalty of -0.10 marks applies to each additional unattempted question.

XAT 2026 Time Duration

The total duration of the XAT 2026 exam is 180 minutes. Here's the section-wise time distribution:

XAT 2026 Exam Process

To take the XAT 2026 exam, follow these steps:

• Registration- XAT 2026 registration starts in July 2025 on the official website xatonline.in.
• Admit Card Download- Candidates can download their admit card by December 2025.
• Mock Test- XAT 2026 mock test will be conducted in October 2025 to help candidates familiarize themselves with the exam pattern.
• Exam Day- The XAT 2026 exam will be conducted in January 2026in an online (CBT) mode.
• Result Announcement- The XAT 2026 result will be announced by January 20, 2026.
• Shortlisting & PI- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for the Personal Interview (PI), where the essay writing round will take place.

How to Mark Answers in the XAT 2026 Examination?

To mark answers in the XAT 2026 exam, follow these steps:

• Read Carefully: Read the question carefully and evaluate all the options before selecting the correct one.
• Select the Option: Click on the correct option and ensure that it is highlighted.
• Save & Next: Click on"Save & Next" to move to the next question.
• Review and Change: If needed, revisit and change answers before the final submission.
• Avoid Excessive Unanswered Questions: To avoid penalties, ensure that you do not leave more than 8 questions unattempted.

XAT 2026 vs Other MBA Entrance Exams

Here's a comparison of XAT 2026with other major MBA entrance exams like CAT and MAT: