XAT Exam 2027: Registration Process, Dates, Syllabus, Pattern, Question Papers & Prep Tips
Course: MBA
Description / About Exam:
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted every year by XLRI Jamshedpur. It is India's second most prestigious management entrance exam after CAT, with over 1.5 lakh candidates registering every year. XAT scores are accepted by over 1,000 MBA institutes across India, including XLRI, SPJIMR Mumbai, IMT Ghaziabad, XIMB Bhubaneswar, MICA Ahmedabad, GIM Goa, IMI New Delhi, and TAPMI Manipal.
What makes XAT unique is its Decision Making section, which tests real-world business judgment and ethical reasoning — something no other MBA entrance exam includes.
XAT 2027 Key Highlights
XAT 2027 is expected to be held on Sunday, January 3, 2027, in computer-based mode from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at over 110 test cities across India. MBA Universe
- Conducting Body: XLRI Jamshedpur
- Exam Date: January 3, 2027 (Expected)
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Total Questions: 95
- Total Duration: 180 minutes
- Question Type: MCQ (5 options each)
- Official Website: xatonline.in
Important Dates (Expected)
- Registration Opens: July 10, 2026
- Registration Closes: December 11, 2026
- Admit Card: December 20, 2026
- Exam Date: January 3, 2027
- Result: January 2027
Exam Pattern
XAT 2027 follows a two-part structure. Part 1 covers 170 minutes and includes Verbal and Logical Ability (26 questions), Decision Making (21 questions), and Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (28 questions). Part 2 covers 10 minutes with 20 General Knowledge questions. MBA Universe
There is no sectional time limit in Part 1. Candidates can move freely between the three sections within 170 minutes.
Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Wrong Answer: −0.25 marks
- Unattempted beyond 8 free skips: −0.10 marks each
- GK Section: No negative marking
GK marks do not affect your percentile. The XAT percentile is calculated from Part 1 only. However, XLRI uses GK scores during GD-PI shortlisting. MBA Universe
Eligibility Criteria
- Qualification: Bachelor's degree of minimum 3 years from any recognised university
- Final year students can also apply
- No minimum percentage, no age limit, no work experience required
- XLRI GMP programme requires minimum 5 years of work experience
Registration Fee
- Indian Candidates: Rs. 2,200
- Additional per XLRI Programme: Rs. 200
- NRI / Foreign Candidates via GMAT: Rs. 5,000
Syllabus Overview
Verbal and Logical Ability: Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Critical Reasoning, Grammar, Vocabulary
Decision Making: Business Scenarios, Ethical Dilemmas, Case-Based Reasoning, Situational Judgment
Quantitative Ability and DI: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Probability, Data Interpretation
General Knowledge: Current Affairs (last 6 to 12 months), Static GK, Indian Economy, Business News, Polity
Top Colleges Accepting XAT Score
XLRI Jamshedpur, SPJIMR Mumbai, IMT Ghaziabad, XIMB Bhubaneswar, MICA Ahmedabad, GIM Goa, IMI New Delhi, IRMA Anand, LIBA Chennai, TAPMI Manipal.
Quick Preparation Tips
- Start preparation in July 2026 — you have 6 months
- Focus heavily on Decision Making — it is the most unique and scoring section
- Prioritise accuracy over attempts due to negative marking on skips
- Read newspapers daily for GK and Current Affairs
- Take full-length mock tests from October to December and analyse each attempt carefully MBA Universe
- Solve at least 7 to 8 years of XAT previous year papers
