The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 was successfully conducted today, January 4, 2026 . This national-level management entrance exam, organized by XLRI Jamshedpur , helps students get admission into top MBA and PGDM programs across India. For all students who appeared for the test, an initial exam analysis is now available. This analysis provides early insights into the paper's difficulty and helps candidates estimate their performance.
About XAT 2026 Exam Structure
The XAT 2026 question paper had a total of between 100 and 105 questions . These questions were spread across different sections, including General Knowledge. Candidates were given a total of 3.5 hours (210 minutes) to complete the examination. A key feature of the XAT exam is that it does not have separate time limits for each section. This means students could decide how much time to spend on different parts of the paper based on their strengths. This flexible time management approach is unique to XAT.
XAT 2026 Exam Analysis: Key Insights
The detailed XAT 2026 exam analysis is important for all candidates. It helps them understand the overall difficulty level of the question paper. Students can also check the expected number of "good attempts." Good attempts refer to the number of questions candidates could correctly answer to achieve a competitive score. The analysis also gives a section-wise breakdown of difficulty. This information is gathered from feedback provided by students who took the exam. It offers a valuable reference point for candidates to assess their performance.
Here is a summary of the XAT 2026 exam analysis points:
| Particular | Details from XAT 2026 Exam Analysis |
| Overall Difficulty Level of the Paper | To be updated soon based on student feedback |
| Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR) Difficulty Level | Will be provided after detailed review |
| Decision Making (DM) Difficulty Level | Will be provided after detailed review |
| General Knowledge (GK) Difficulty Level | Will be provided after detailed review |
| Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA & DI) Difficulty Level | Will be provided after detailed review |
| Number of Good Attempts | Expected number will be updated soon |
| Important Topics Asked | Detailed list to be shared based on memory recall from students |
Understanding XAT Sections
The XAT exam tests a wide range of skills essential for future managers. Each section focuses on different abilities:
- Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR): This section checks a candidate's command over English. It includes questions on reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and logic.
- Decision Making (DM): This unique section presents various scenarios. Candidates must choose the most logical and effective solution. It tests problem-solving and ethical judgment.
- General Knowledge (GK): This part assesses a student's awareness of current events, business, and general facts. Staying updated with news is key.
- Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA & DI): This section measures mathematical skills. It covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis from charts.
XAT 2026 Answer Key and Next Steps
After the exam analysis, the next important step for candidates is the release of the official answer key. The XAT Exam Answer Key 2026 is expected to be released around January 10, 2026 . This key will be made available on the official XAT website.
Students can download the answer key to compare their marked answers with the correct solutions. This helps them calculate their probable raw score. Knowing this estimated score helps students gauge their performance and plan for the next stages like interviews for MBA and PGDM courses. It also aids in predicting their percentile score.
