XAT 2027: XLRI increases PGDM-HRM intake to 240; adds 17 new B-schools

The Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur, has announced several changes for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2027, including revisions to examination pattern, an increase in postgraduate programme seats and addition of 17 associate institutes. XAT 2027 will be conducted on January 3, 2027.

Under the revised examination rules, candidates can leave up to 12 questions unanswered in part 1 without attracting a penalty. Earlier, the limit was eight unanswered questions. A penalty of 0.10 marks will be imposed for every unanswered question beyond revised limit.

XLRI Jamshedpur has also increased intake for its postgraduate diploma in human resource management (PGDM-HRM) programme from 180 to 240 seats, adding 60 seats and marking a 33.3 percent increase.

17 new B-schools added

The examination's network of associate institutes has also been expanded with the addition of 17 new B-schools. These include Mahindra University, Masters’ Union University, Narayana Business School, RV University, Sparsh Global Business School, Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management and ACCMAN Institute of Management, among others.

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The additions will provide XAT candidates with more options for management admissions across different institutions, cities and programmes.

As part of a preparation initiative, candidates who complete their XAT 2027 applications by November 11, 2026, will receive XAT 2025 and XAT 2026 question papers along with their answer keys.

Dr Rahul K Shukla, Professor, General Management Area, and Convenor, XAT and Admissions, said the announcements are aimed at providing candidates with greater flexibility during the examination and more opportunities to pursue management education. XAT 2027 registration process will close on December 6, 2026. The entrance examination is scheduled to be conducted on January 3, 2027. Candidates can complete the application process through the official website, xatonline.in.

XAT 2027 exam pattern

According to the examination pattern details provided, the test will comprise 95 questions across four sections.

The examination duration is 180 minutes, with 170 minutes allocated to Part 1 and 10 minutes to the General Knowledge section.

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The VALR section will assess candidates on critical and analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, vocabulary, English grammar, para jumbles and cloze tests. The Decision Making section will include scenarios from personal and professional settings, testing candidates' critical thinking, problem-solving and prioritisation skills.

The Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation section will cover arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration and modern mathematics, along with questions assessing data interpretation and analysis. The General Knowledge section will include eight questions on static GK and 12 questions on current affairs.