Generic XAT : XAT Exam Vs CAT Exam Pattern - 2026

Select Exam
Year
Slot
1

Component

XLRI XAT 

IIM CAT 

Total Questions

95 (Including GK)

66

Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam

3 hours

2 hours

Type of Questions

MCQs

MCQs, and Non-MCQs

Answer Options for Each MCQ

5

4

Marks Awarded for Each Correct Answer

1

3

Negative Marking

75 MCQs with 1/4 negative marking; No negative marking for 20 MCQs on GK

MCQs with 1/3 negative marking; No negative marking for Non-MCQs

Exam Difficulty Level

High

High

Number of Sections

4 Sections (3 main sections + GK section)

3 Sections (No GK section) 

Facility to Choose Order of Sections

Any question from any section within the overall time limit

No, has to follow predefined sectional order

Individual Sectional Time Limit

No sectional time limit 

Each section with 40-minute time limit

Table name
XAT Exam Vs CAT Exam Pattern
Exam Tags