XLRI Revises XAT 2027 Marking Scheme: Unanswered Question Threshold Increased

XLRI Jamshedpur has officially announced a revision to the marking scheme for the upcoming XAT 2027 examination. The primary change involves the threshold for penalties associated with consecutive unanswered questions, which has been increased to provide greater flexibility for candidates appearing for the management entrance test.

Under the updated policy, the penalty of minus 0.10 marks will now only be applied if a candidate leaves 12 consecutive questions unanswered. This is a notable shift from the previous examination cycle, where the penalty was triggered after 8 consecutive un-attempted questions. This adjustment represents the only modification to the established XAT exam pattern for the 2027 session.

XAT 2027 Exam Structure and Registration Details

The XAT 2027 examination will continue to be conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) format across more than 100 cities nationwide. The test is structured into four distinct sections: Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. Candidates are allotted a total of 3 hours to complete the 95-question paper.

The time allocation remains divided into two parts: 170 minutes for Part A, which covers Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Ability, and Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and 10 minutes for Part B, which is dedicated to General Knowledge. Each correct answer carries 1 mark, while incorrect responses incur a penalty of 0.25 marks. Notably, there is no negative marking applied to the General Knowledge section.

Additional Updates for MBA Aspirants

In addition to the marking scheme revision, XLRI Jamshedpur has introduced new resources for prospective students. Candidates who complete their registration by November 11, 2026, will receive access to previous XAT 2025 and 2026 question papers along with their respective answer keys. Furthermore, the institution has confirmed an increase in the intake capacity for its PGDM HRM program to 240 seats.

The registration window for the XAT 2027 exam is currently open, with the final deadline set for December 6, 2026. As XAT scores are accepted by over 700 MBA colleges across India, students planning to pursue management studies in the upcoming academic session are encouraged to complete their applications before the closing date.