The XAT 2026 predicted question paper includes all the important topics and topic-wise weightage based on historical data. That being said, the XAT 2026 exam pattern has been changed to a great extent, with the number of questions reduced from 102 to 95.
Solving the
XAT predicted question paper 2026
can be the most effective way to ace the exam. Having an idea of the XAT 2026 question paper is essential for a thorough understanding of the important topics, syllabus, and exam pattern. This year, the exam pattern has been changed significantly. An on-screen calculator will be integrated while the Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) will be administered during the GD/PI stages of the selection process, rather than as part of the XAT 2026.
Also, the number of questions and total duration have been reduced to 95 questions and 180 minutes, respectively. Notably, the exam will consist of four sections: VALR, Decision Making, QA & DI, and GK (for the final selection process). Students eager to know more about the XAT 2026 Predicted Question Paper can go the sectional-wise weightage, XAT sample papers, etc.
Also Read:
| What is a Good Score in XAT 2026? | XAT 96 Percentile Marks 2026 |
|---|
XAT 2026 Sectional Weightage
The XAT 2026 section-wise weightage will be different from last year. Given below is the Predicted Sectional Weightage of XAT 2026:
Parts | Sections | No. of Questions | Total No. of Questions | Total Time | Negative Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part 1 | Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 Questions | 75 | 170 Minutes |
|
Verbal and Logical Ability | 26 Questions | ||||
Decision Making | 21 Questions | ||||
Part 2 | General Knowledge | 20 Questions | 20 | 10 Minutes |
|
Overall | 95 Questions | 180 Minutes | |||
XAT 2026 Predicted Topics and Weightage
Keeping in view the last few years’ trends, here are some of the XAT 2026 Predicted Topics and their respective weightage:
Section | Topics | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | Arithmetic | 8 | 8 | 4-5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Scatter Plot | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
Algebra | 6 | 4 | 4-5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | |
Modern Maths | 3 | 1 | 1-2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
Number System | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | |
Table | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
Geometry | 4 | 3 | 4-5 | 5 | 4 | 8 | |
Venn Diagram | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | |
Pie chart + Bar chart | 1 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 3 | |
Verbal and Logical Ability | 1st RC Passage | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
2nd RC Passage | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
3rd RC Passage | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
4th RC Passage | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
5th RC Passage | NA | NA | 2 | 2 | NA | NA | |
6th RC Passage | NA | NA | 3 | 3 | NA | NA | |
Poem-Based Passage | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
Fill in The Blanks | 1 | 1 | 1-2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Critical Reasoning | 4 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 5 | |
Error Spotting | 3 | 2 | 2-3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | |
| Para Jumble | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
Antonyms & Analogy | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
General Knowledge | National Event | 11 | 10-12 | 12-14 | 14 | 18 | 15 |
International Event | 10 | 10 | 8-10 | 10 | 5 | 8 | |
General Science | 3 | 3 | 1-2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
Decision Making | 1st Case | 3 B.D. | 3 B.D. | 3 B.D. | 3 B.D. | 3 E.D. | 3 E.D. |
2nd Case | 3 B.D. | 3 B.D. | 3 E.D. | 3 B.D. | 3 E.D. | 3 E.D. | |
3rd Case | 1 E.D. | 2 E.D. | 3 E.D. | 3 E.D. | 3 B.D. | 2 B.D. | |
4th Case | 1 E.D. | 2 E.D. | 3 B.D. | 3 B.D. | 3 B.D. | 4 B.D. | |
5th Case | 2 E.D. | 2 E.D. | 3 E.D. | 3 E.D. | 3 B.D. | 4 B.D. | |
6th Case | 3 B.D. | 3 B.D. | 3 B.D. | 3 B.D. | 3 E.D. | 3 E.D. | |
7th Case | 2 DI | 3 DI. | 3 E.D. | 3 E.D. | 3 E.D. | 1 B.D. & 1 E.D. |
Note: E.D. here refers to Ethical Dilemma Questions while B.D. expands to Business Decision questions.
Also Read: CAT vs CMAT, NMAT, XAT, SNAP & Other MBA Entrance Exams
XAT Sample Papers
| XAT 2023 Question Paper PDF | Click Here |
|---|---|
| XAT 2022 Question Paper PDF | Click Here |
| XAT 2021 Question Paper PDF | Click Here |
| XAT 2020 Question Paper PDF | Click Here |
| XAT 2019 Question Paper PDF | Click Here |
| XAT 2018 Question Paper PDF | Click Here |
Important Topics for XAT 2026
Learning and devoting more time to the important topics of XAT 2026 is the right way to prepare for the exam. Aspirants should take note of them and strategize accordingly.
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
Arithmetic | Profit & Loss |
|---|---|
Algebra | Distance and Speed |
Linear & Quadratics Equations | Data Interpretation: Table, Combination |
Geometry | Number System |
Linear & Quadratics Equations | Trigonometry |
Verbal and Logical Ability
Vocabulary | Analogies or Reverse Analogies |
|---|---|
Reading Comprehension | Paragraph Completion |
Grammar | Critical Reasoning |
Decision Making
Decision Making | Ethical Dilemma |
|---|---|
Data Arrangement Test | Pie charts |
Conditions & Grouping Test | Coding and Decoding |
General Knowledge
Nation & States | Currencies |
|---|---|
Geography | History |
Literature | Sports |
Economics | International Relations |
Important Essay Topics for XLRI Writing Test 2026
Provided below are the important essay topics for the XLRI writing test 2026:
India should establish Bad Bank | Central Vista will improve image of country |
|---|---|
Covid Pandemic has derailed Economic Prosperity | Unity in Diversity is more relevant now in India |
Unless Agriculture is practiced as business, it will not improve the face of Rural India | Blues of Demonetization still haunt the economic growth |
Society bears the burn of terrorism which has no religion | Sensitivity of Sensex has nothing to do with economic growth |
GST is no magic band to push faster economic growth | Democracy will lose meaning without social activism |
Home buyers remain homeless, no teeth given to RERA | Political interests and Uniform civil code cannot go hand in hand |
Also Read: How to Prepare for XAT 2026 Without Coaching?
XAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026
The exam pattern and syllabus for the XAT 2026 exam have been provided in the table below:
Sections | Name of the Section | Details |
|---|---|---|
Section I | VARC & LR |
|
Section II | Decision Making |
|
Section III | Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation |
|
Section IV | General Knowledge |
|
Section V | Essay Writing | The majority of XAT Essay topics are centered on conceptually abstract ideas. The XAT's Essay Writing Test has been reinstated after a three-year hiatus. In 2019, it was scrapped from the XAT exam. The XAT essay topics are used in the WAT procedure at many major MBA institutions. |
Also Read: XAT Score vs Percentile 2026
Preparation Guide for XAT 2026
Check the links below for a detailed guide for XAT 2026 preparation below.
Related Links:
| Best XAT Coaching Institutes 2026 |
Feel free to drop any queries about XAT 2026 in the Q&A Zone . You can also talk to our admission experts by dialling the helpline number 1800-572-9877 (toll-free). Stay tuned to CollegeDekho for XAT 2026 news and updates !
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FAQs
No, CAT scores are not accepted as admission criteria at XLRI. Candidates must take the XAT exam rather than the CAT in order to get admitted to XLRI. IIMs and other B Schools use CAT scores. However, both CAT and XAT scores are accepted by numerous other top b-schools in India.
Although both CAT and XAT have the same syllabus (apart from Decision Making and GK), the variation is in the sorts of questions and degree of difficulty. Both the XAT and the CAT are harder than other MBA entry examinations in terms of their level of difficulty.
The answer to how difficult is XAT from CAT, aspirants need to be aware of certain factors. Nearly all of the XAT's sections have a moderate to a high level of difficulty. An extra, highly challenging component of the XAT tests decision-making skills. Furthermore, it includes a GK portion that is absent from other competitive tests like the CAT, NMAT, etc.
Both the XAT and the CAT score highly in the quantitative ability and data interpretation portions. Similar to how the VARC and LR questions of the CAT are challenging, the Verbal Ability and Decision Making questions of the XAT are challenging. As a result, it is a little bit more challenging to score in certain CAT and XAT areas.
The XAT Analysis 2026 and candidate feedback predict that the exam will be moderate to difficult. Expect straightforward answers to the queries posed to VALR and DM. However, because most of the QADI section's questions were lengthy, that part was the hardest. According to XAT Analysis 2025, the GK segment in Part 2 was also challenging.
Yes, XAT 2026 has a negative marking. Candidates must properly understand the XAT format and pattern in order to succeed. Every appropriate response gives one mark. After 8 failed attempts, 0.10 of your total score is deducted. Each wrong response leads to a 0.25 point negative marking.
In the General Knowledge section of XAT 2026, a total of 25 MCQ-style questions will be asked. The questions are drawn from the most pertinent areas of business, economics, and current affairs, among others. Along with the other three categories, XAT GK questions will be a significant component of the XAT 2026 computer-based online test and the application procedure for XLRI.
XAT 2026 will have a total of five sections. To establish your percentile and merit position, the XAT syllabus for 2026 will use essential topics from areas such as Verbal and Logical Ability (VA & LR), Decision Making (DM), Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), General Knowledge (GK) and Essay Writing.
Yes, there will be an essay writing test in XAT 2026. The essay writing test has a 25-minute time limit, which the applicant must adhere to. The XAT 2026 essay writing test should have a 150–200-word limit. The XAT essay writing test does not have any negative marking. The last question on the XAT exam is a question on essay writing.
As of right now, the XAT paper format for 2026 will have five sections, 100 MCQs, and one descriptive essay. Accordingly, there will be a total of 101 questions in the updated XAT exam pattern for 2026.
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