XAT Exam 2026 Sample Papers – Get Free PDF & Online Practice Test Links

What is XAT Sample Paper?

The XAT sample test is prepared by experts based on the previous year's XAT paper to prepare you for the XAT exam. Many coaching companies offer XAT sample test series, available for a price between Rs 500 and Rs 4,500.

universitykart has prepared the free XAT 2026 Sample Exam, based on previous XAT exams. Check out the links below and start taking free exams!

XAT Exam Free Sample Paper

Why to solve XAT Sample Papers?

To score well on the XAT, you need to design a good study plan and an effective exam strategy. Taking XAT mock exams and sample tests offers several advantages, the main ones listed below:

1. You can assess your exam performance within the allotted time. Mock/sample exams are designed to simulate the format and time limit of the actual XAT exam and therefore accurately reflect your level of preparation.
2. You'll be able to see how you compare to other candidates. This will motivate you to try harder on the exam. By obtaining a comparative analysis, you'll also understand which strategy works best for you under real-life exam conditions. This way, you can rethink your preparation plan and exam strategy.
3. It's essential to thoroughly study the exam analysis after taking it. Even if you score well on the practice exams, your preparation will be incomplete until you thoroughly analyze your performance. Exam analysis helps identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as gaps in your preparation strategy.
4. XAT sample papers help you develop an overall strategy for the exam. You can decide which questions to take first, which ones to take later, and which ones to skip. You'll also learn how to manage your time and set limits for each section. All these small details have a huge impact on your overall and section-specific percentiles.
5. Constant practice of sample exams drives you to improve performance, resulting in an ascending score graph.

After passing the XAT exam, candidates are called for GD, WAT and interviews conducted by B-schools that accept XAT like XLRI, XIMB, IMT etc.

XAT Exam Previous year Questions Papers

XAT Sample Paper Pattern

The 2025 XAT exam pattern was divided into four sections: Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning, Decision-Making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. The 2026 XAT exam pattern is expected to be similar. See the table below. Therefore, the 2026 XAT sample paper,  is the same.

XAT Exam Pattern 2026

How to Take Free Official XAT Mock Test?

XLRI sends the XAT mock test link to the eligible registered candidates on their dashboard. The steps to appear for the free official XAT 2025 mock test are as follows:

Step 1: Visit the official site for XAT mock test

Step 2: Use the login tab and enter the login credentials

Step 3: Click on the “Login” button to access the dashboard.

Step 4: From there, find the “Mock Test” link and click on it.

Step 5: Next, enter the XAT login details once again and click on the “Sign in” button.

Step 6: The general instructions for XAT mock test 2025 will be displayed

Step 7: The next step leads to the XAT 2025 mock question paper.

Step 8: Finally, click on the “I am ready to begin” button to take the online XAT mock test.

XAT Mock Test 2026: Key Benefits

1. Readiness for the actual XAT exam
2. Time Management skills
3. Understanding the XAT question paper
4. Accuracy and speed in XAT 2025 exam
5. Insight into the preparation levels

XAT 2026 Mock Test - Question Paper Format

1. XAT mock test paper 2026 had 5 sections - Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision-making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Awareness and Essay Writing.
2. The XAT mock test was also for 3 hours and 30 minutes
3. Total number of questions for all sections (minus essay writing) will be 101. Essay writing will have 1 question to be answered in 250 words
4. Marks awarded for every correct answer is +1.
5. Negative marks awarded for every incorrect answer is -0.25. 
6. Negative marks awarded for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions is -0.10.
7. There were no failing grades in the General Knowledge section.
8. Only if the candidate is selected for GD and PI will the essay scores be taken into account.

XAT 2026 Question Paper: Sectional break up

The sectional division of the XAT 2026 question paper was the same as that of the XAT 2023 question paper. Check the table below for the section-wise number of questions in the XAT question paper 2024. It was not mandatory to solve all the MCQs.