XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates: The XAT 2026 exam has been scheduled for January 4, 2026, from 2 pm to 5 pm. The detailed exam analysis for the XAT exam has been shared on this page after the test is concluded. Overall, the XAT 2026 exam was moderately difficult. The XAT question paper covers subjects such as Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation, Decision Making, Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, and General Knowledge. The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level entrance exam for admission to MBA/PGDM programs in 250+ premier B-Schools. It has a unique approach to evaluating candidatesā decision-making and critical thinking. Check the XAT Exam Analysis live updates to learn about the topic-wise weightage, difficulty, good attempts, and other relevant information.
XAT Exam Difficulty Level
| XAT Sections | Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Decision Making | Moderate |
| Verbal and Logical Ability | Easy |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | Moderate to Difficult |
| General Knowledge | Easy |
| Total | Moderate |
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Out
As per the feedback of a few test-takers, the Quant section was challenging, especially the DI sets. The DI section was tough and lengthy. This year, the XAT paper had a good number of Geometry questions. The Arithmetic and Data Sufficiency parts were easy. VA and LR were moderately easy and doable. Overall, the XAT 2026 exam was tougher than last year. The number of questions and patterns was the same this year.
- Quant Section was tougher than 2025.
- DI section was difficult.
- Questions in DM were based on the same pattern as in 2024 and 2025.
- VA and LR sections were easy.
XAT Percentile Predictor
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XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates
XAT 2026 Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 5, 2026- 8:57 AM: XAT Response Sheet
XAT response sheet 2026 is expected to be out today on January 6, 2026.
XAT 2026 Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026- 9:52 pm: XLRI Cutoff 2026 (Expected)
| Program | Overall |
| BM | 96%ile |
| BM | 91%ile |
| HRM | 95%ile |
| HRM | 87%ile |
XAT 2026 Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026- 8:37 pm: Number of Good Attempts in XAT
| Sections | Number of good attempts |
|---|---|
| VALR | 12-14 |
| Decision Making | 11-12 |
| QA DI | 18-19 |
| GK | 10-11 |
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026- 06:30 pm: Difficulty Level
Based on the feedback of a few test-takers, we have shared below the difficulty level for the XAT 2026 exam for reference purposes. Overall, the XAT 2026 was moderately difficult.
| Subject | Difficulty Level |
| Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR) | Easy-Moderate |
| Decision Making (DM) | Easy-Moderate |
| Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI) | Difficult |
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026- 06:20 pm: Good Attempts
Below is the expected number of good attempts for the XAT 2026 exam shared for reference purposes:
| Subject | Number of Good Attempts |
| Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR) | To be updated soon |
| Decision Making (DM) | To be updated soon |
| Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI) | To be updated soon |
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026- 06:15 pm: Key Takeaways
XAT QA 2026 was geometry-based (5-6 questions). The XAT 2026 exam also has optimization-based questions. Picture-based questions were asked in the VALR section. Questions were also asked about the Venn Diagram and Trigonometry topic. The XAT cutoff for 99 percentile for QADI is expected to be the same as last year. The XAT cutoff for 99 percentile for VALR is expected to either remain the same as last year or may increase by around 1 per cent.
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026- 05:55 pm: Overall Marks Vs Percentile 2026 (Expected)
The XAT 2026 cutoff is expected to remain largely stable, with no major fluctuation likely. Below is the XAT score vs percentile 2025 for reference purposes.
| XAT Score 2025 | XAT Percentile 2025 |
| 99 | 38.2 (It is expected to be 37.5-38 in XAT 2026) |
| 97 | 33.8 |
| 92.5 | 29.25 |
| 85 | 24.7 |
| 80 | 20 |
| 75 | 16 |
| 70 | 12 |
| 65 | 11 |
| 60 | 10 |
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026- 05:50 pm: XAT Score vs Percentile 2026 for DM (Expected)
| Percentile | DM score |
| 99 | 11-11.5 |
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026- 05:45 pm: XAT Score vs Percentile 2026 for VA & LR (Expected)
| Percentile | VA & LR score |
| 99 | 14 |
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026- 05:40 pm: XAT Score vs Percentile 2026 for QA (Expected)
| Percentile | QA & DI score |
| 99 | 14 |
| 95 | 10 |
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026- 05:35 pm: XAT Expected Cutoff 2026
The XAT cutoff marks are expected to fall by approximately 2 per cent compared to last year.
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026- 05:30 pm: Overall Diffiiculty Level
As per the review of the test-takers, the XAT 2026 exam was moderately difficult. It was a bit tougher than last year.
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026- 05:20 pm: Difficulty Level for QA and DI
As per the feedback of the students, the DI consisted of 2-3 sets. Nearly 5-6 questions were asked from the geometry section. This section was a bit lengthy than 2025. The arithmetic section was doable. One question was asked from the Probability section. 1 set was doable. 7-8 direct questions were easy in QA and DI.
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026- 05:20 pm: Difficulty Level for VA
As per the feedback of students, the questions asked in VA were 26. The level of questions in VA was easy. RCs were easy and Doable. Overall, the VARC section was easier than last year.
- Number of Questions: 26
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Key takeaways: RCs were easy
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026- 05:10 pm: Difficulty Level for DM
As per the feedback of the test-takers, DM was tougher than 2025. Many students found the DM section a bit easy. Options were close. DM consisted of a total 21 questions.
XAT Exam Analysis Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026 (04:20 pm): What is the overall difficulty level of XAT 2026?
The overall and sectional difficulty level for XAT 2026 will be updated soon after the exam is over. It is expected that the XAT 2026 exam will be moderately difficult.
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026 (4:05 pm): How many questions are asked in the XAT 2026?
A total of 95 multiple-choice questions will be asked in the XAT 2026.
XAT Paper Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026 (3:55 pm): Is there any negative marking in XAT 2026?
Yes. Negative marks of 0.25 marks shall be awarded for every incorrect answer. Negative marks of 0.10 marks will be awarded for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions. marks. Negative marking does not apply to General Knowledge questions.
XAT Exam Analysis Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026 (3:45 pm): What will be XAT Cutoff Percentile?
XLRI Jamshedpur will release XAT cutoff percentile across academics and genders. It is released for both the Business Management (BM) and Human Resource Management (HRM) programs. XLRI release both sectional and overall cutoff percentiles. You need to clear both cutoff percentile to get shortlisted for further rounds. Till then, you can check the XAT cutoff percentile for 2025 & 2024 for your reference.
XLRI BM Program XAT Cutoff 2025 (Percentiles)
| Stream | Gender | Total | QA | VARC | DM |
| Engineer/Tech | Male | ā„96 | ā„88 | ā„84 | ā„84 |
| Engineer/Tech | Female | ā„91 | ā„82 | ā„80 | ā„80 |
| Non-Engineer | Male | ā„96 | ā„88 | ā„84 | ā„84 |
| Non-Engineer | Female | ā„91 | ā„82 | ā„80 | ā„80 |
XLRI HRM Program XAT Cutoff 2025 (Percentiles)
| Stream | Gender | Total | QA | VARC | DM |
| Engineer/Tech | Male | ā„95 | ā„83 | ā„90 | ā„87 |
| Engineer/Tech | Female | ā„90 | ā„73 | ā„85 | ā„80 |
| Non-Engineer | Male | ā„93 | ā„76 | ā„90 | ā„87 |
| Non-Engineer | Female | ā„87 | ā„68 | ā„85 | ā„80 |
XLRI BM Program XAT Cutoff 2024 (Percentiles)
| Stream | Gender | Total | QA | VARC | DM |
| Engineer | Male | ā„96 | ā„86 | ā„83 | ā„85 |
| Engineer | Female | ā„91 | ā„81 | ā„80 | ā„80 |
| Non-Engineer | Male | ā„95 | ā„85 | ā„83 | ā„86 |
| Non-Engineer | Female | ā„90 | ā„80 | ā„80 | ā„81 |
XLRI HRM Program XAT Cutoff 2024 (Percentiles)
| Stream | Gender | Total | QA | VARC | DM |
| Engineer | Male | ā„95 | ā„80 | ā„90 | ā„85 |
| Engineer | Female | ā„90 | ā„73 | ā„85 | ā„78 |
| Non-Engineer | Male | ā„93 | ā„75 | ā„90 | ā„85 |
| Non-Engineer | Female | ā„88 | ā„68 | ā„85 | ā„78 |
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026 (3:40 pm): What are the overall good attempts?
The past XAT paper analysis reveals that the exam is moderately difficult in nature. Therefore, a raw score of around 35-37 is regarded as a strong score and is likely to lead to calls from leading B-schools.
XAT Paper Analysis Live Updates – Jan 4, 2026 (3:35 pm): What is the marking scheme for XAT 2026?
There is negative marking for incorrect answers in the XAT 2026. Check the complete marking scheme below:
- Marks awarded for every correct answer: +1 mark.
- Negative marks awarded for every incorrect answer: -0.25 marks.
- Negative marks awarded for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions: -0.10 marks.
- Negative marking does not apply to General Knowledge questions.
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates – Jan 4, 2026 (3:30 pm): How Many Questions are asked in Part 1
The XAT Part 1 comprises a total of 75 questions with a test duration of 170 minutes. Here is the weightage of every section in XAT 2026:
- Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation: 28 questions
- Decision Making: 21 questions
- Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning: 26 questions
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026 (3:25 pm): How Many Questions are asked in Part 2
The XAT Paper 2 is focused on the General Knowledge subject. It carries a total of 20 questions, and the duration is 10 minutes.
XAT Exam Analysis Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026 (3:20 pm): Section-Wise Analysis
Here is the quick overview of the XAT 2026 exam across all the sections shared below:
| Subject | Number of Questions | Areas |
| Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR) | 26 questions | It is focused on critical & analytical reasoning, reading comprehension (including poems, cartoons & passages etc.), vocabulary, English grammar, and other related exercises such as para jumbles, cloze tests etc. |
| Decision Making (DM) | 21 questions | It presents scenarios drawn from both personal and professional lives. Candidates will be required to apply critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and prioritization to make informed decisions. |
| Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI) | 28 questions | It assess the quantitative aptitude of candidates who possess foundational understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, modern Maths, etc. The questions on DI are about clear interpretation, summarization, and insightful analysis of thedata. |
| General Knowledge (GK) | 20 questions | GK section comprises 08 questions on static GK, while the remaining 12 are focused on current affairs |
XAT Exam Analysis Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026 (3:15 pm): Number of Good Attempts (Expected)
Based on the previous year’s exam analysis, we have shared below the expected number of good attempts for XAT 2026 EXAM:
- Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR): 14-15
- Decision Making (DM): 13-14
- Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI): 17-18
- General Knowledge (GK): 11-12
XAT Exam Analysis 2026 Live Updates- Jan 4, 2026 (3:05 pm): Difficulty Level (Expected)
The level of the XAT 2026 exam is likely to be moderate to difficult. The paper will assess the candidateās verbal ability, decision-making, quantitative knowledge, and general knowledge. Below is the expected difficulty level for the XAT 2026 exam:
- Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR): Medium to Difficult
- Decision Making (DM): Medium-Difficult
- Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI): Medium
- General Knowledge (GK): Moderately Easy
XAT Exam Analysis Live Updates 2026- Jan 4, 2026 (3:05 pm): XAT 2026 Cutoff for Top B-Schools with Fees (Expected)
Below is the XAT expected cutoff for top B-schools, with fees and average package shared below for reference purposes:
| XAT Colleges | Fees (Approx in lakhs) | XAT cutoff %ile (expected) | Avg Package (Approx LPA) |
| XLRI, Jamshedpur | INR 33 Lakhs+ | 96+ | INR 31-33 LPA |
| NIBM, Pune | INR 17 Lakh+ | 70+ | INR 15 LPA-INR 16 LPA |
| IMT, Ghaziabad | INR 19 Lakh+ | 90+ | INR 17 LPA-INR 18 LPA |
| MICA, Ahmedabad | INR 22 Lakh+ | 90+ | INR 19 LPA-INR 20 LPA |
| BITS Pilani | INR 10 Lakh+ | 70+ | INR 15 LPA- INR 16 LPA |
| XIM University, Bhubaneshwar | INR 21 Lakh+ | 91+ | INR 20 LPA-INR 21LPA |
| FORE, Delhi | INR 20 Lakh+ | 88+ | INR 14 LPA-INR 15 LPA |
| GIM, Panji | INR 22 Lakh+ | 80+ | INR 14 LPA-INR 15 LPA |
| TAPMI | INR 20 Lakh+ | 80+ | INR 14 LPA-INR 15 LPA |
| K J Somaiya | INR 22 Lakh+ | 70+ | INR 12 LPA-INR 13 LPA |
| IMT Nagpur | INR 16 Lakh+ | 80+ | INR 10 LPA-INR 11 LPA |
XAT Live Updates 2026- Jan 4, 2026 (2:55 pm) XAT Previous Year Exam Analysis
Candidates should also check the XAT previous year exam analysis to get an idea of the difficulty level of the exam over the years. The XAT 2025 exam was moderate to difficult. In the XAT 2025 exam, the Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning section was moderately difficult, Decision Making section was also slightly difficult, with around 7 sets. On the other hand, the Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation had 16 questions on QA and 12 questions on DI. QA was a bit easy, while DI included tougher questions. The General Knowledge section had a variety of questions which were moderately easy.
