XAT Previous Year Question Paper: Download XAT Question Paper PDFs for Last 8 Years

XAT Previous Year Question Paper: Download XAT Question Paper PDFs for Last 8 Years

ByNeeraj Mishra  |  Updated on: Mar 25, 2023
Download the official XAT Question Paper PDFs here. Practise XAT Previous Year Question Paper and Get the direct link to previous year XAT Question Paper for 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

XAT Previous Year Question Paper is the best study resource and helps the candidates to prepare effectively for the exam. XAT Question Paper is released every year after the exam by the exam conducting authority. So the candidates preparing for the upcoming exam must solve XAT Previous Year Question Paper for at least the last 5 years.

XAT Question Paper gives valuable insight into the exam regarding the exam pattern, question types, weightage, and exam trends. Like every year, XAT 2023 Question Paper was prepared by XLRI Jamshedpur to test candidates’ skills in Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, GK, Decision Making, QA, DI, and Essay Writing. Here, our experts have given a short analysis of the XAT Previous Year Question Paper for the years 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 in a downloadable PDF format.

XAT Question Paper Overview

As per trends, XLRI sets XAT Paper every year to conduct this online exam for MBA admission. XAT Previous Year Question Paper is the best preparation material for the upcoming XAT Exam. In 2023, the exam conducting authority made little changes in the XAT Question Paper sections and introduces a new topic 'Mock Key Testing' in Part B. The GK and Essay Writing has been shifted to the Part C of the XAT 2023 Question Paper. So the candidates can expect the same pattern and sectional weightage in the XAT Question Paper for the upcoming session.

Here, we have shared the latest pattern for XAT Previous Year Question Paper for your easy reference.

XAT Previous Year Paper Highlights

In the table below, we have shared some important points about the XAT Question Paper that you must be aware of.

Components

Details

Prepared by

XLRI

XAT Question Paper section

3 parts: Parts A. B and C

Medium of Questions

English

Difficulty Level

Usually Moderate to Difficult

Total Duration

210 questions

Total Questions

105 questions

XAT Previous Year Question Paper Pattern (Latest)

The candidates must be well versed with the latest XAT Exam Pattern. Note the table below to get an idea of the XAT Question Paper Pattern.

Section

XAT Subjects

Number of Questions

XAT Time Duration

Part-A

Decision Making

22

175 minutes

Quantitative ability and data interpretation

28

Verbal and logical ability

26

Part-B

Mock Keyboard Testing (new section)

-

5 minutes

Part-C

General Knowledge

25

30 minutes

Essay

1 to be answered out of 3

Total

105 Questions

210 Minutes

XAT Question Paper PDF Download

Download XAT Previous Year Question Paper for 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016 with answer keys from the direct link mentioned below. As per XAT Analysis, the question paper pattern has changed a little in 2023. The XAT exam duration is also increased to 210 minutes and the total number of questions asked in the exam was 105. XAT Previous Year Question Paper allows you to conceptualise the question type for the upcoming exam.

☛ The candidates must check XAT Eligibility before applying for the exam.

The candidates preparing for this exam must solve the XAT Previous Year Question Paper to ensure that they are well-prepared for the exam. It is recommended to practice the XAT Question Paper in an exam-like environment and analyze your preparation level.

☛ Also, Check: XAT Books

XAT 2023 Question Paper

The overall difficulty level of XAT Question Paper 2023 was moderate. The exam conducting authority has made changes to the XAT exam in 2023 by introducing a new segment in the exam pattern, namely 'Mock Keyboard Testing'. Additionally, the total number of questions and total exam duration were also increased to 105 and 210 respectively. Here, we have provided a direct link to download XAT Previous Year Question Paper 2023 with an answer key for your study reference.

Download XAT 2023 Question Paper PDF with Answer Key

XAT 2022 Question Paper

As per expert analysis, the Essay Writing section in Part 2 was reintroduced in 2022. The overall difficulty level of XAT Question Paper 2022 was moderate to difficult. The GK Section in part 2 was tough while the sections in part 1 were moderately challenging. Download XAT Previous Year Question Paper PDF from the direct link mentioned below. The candidates must check the XAT Syllabus to understand the topics and chapters covered in the exam.

XAT 2022 Question Paper PDF Download

Note the below table to get an overview of the difficulty level of the XAT Question Paper 2022,

Exam Sections

Level of Difficulty

Part 1: Decision Making

Moderate

Part 1: Verbal and Logical Ability

Moderate

Part 1: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

Moderate

Part 2: General Knowledge

Tough

Part 2: Essay Writing

Moderate

XAT 2021 Question Paper

The XAT Previous Year Question Paper 2021 with solutions PDF assist you in solving the paper in the exam quickly and accurately. It will help to analyze your preparation level so that you can understand whether you have completed the syllabus or not. The verbal section was easier than the Previous Year's XAT Question Paper. The total exam section was 4, as Essay Section was not included this year. You can click on the link mentioned below and download the XAT 2021 Question Paper with the answer key PDF file.

XAT Previous Year Question Paper 2021 PDF Download

The below table highlights the basic overview of the difficulty level of the XAT 2021 Question Paper.

Exam Sections

Difficulty level

Decision Making

Moderate

Verbal and Logical Ability

Easy

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

Moderate

General Knowledge

Moderate

Overall

Moderate

XAT 2020 Question Paper

The difficulty level of XAT Previous Year Question Paper 2020 was moderately difficult as most of the questions were very conceptual. The VALR section was tougher than the previous year. However, Decision-Making, GK, and QA & DI section were moderate. Solve it, and check your understanding of the Syllabus of the XAT. Download XAT Question Paper 2020 with the solution from the direct link mentioned below.

XAT 2020 Question Paper PDF Download

XAT Previous Year Question Paper 2019

In XAT 2019, 26 questions were asked in VALR, which were very conceptual. The questions from the Decision-Making section were passage-based. The candidates must download the XAT Previous Year Question Paper 2019 to rehearse and be ready for the upcoming exam. The Essay Writing section was scrapped this year. Check and download XAT 2019 Question Paper with answers using the direct link mentioned below.

XAT Previous Year Question Paper 2019 PDF Download

The below table highlights the exam sections and its difficulty level for XAT Question Paper 2019. Note the process to download XAT Admit Card.

Exam Sections

Difficulty Level

Verbal and Logical Ability

Difficult

Decision Making

Moderately-Tricky

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

Easy-Moderate

General Knowledge

Moderate

Total

Moderate-Difficult

XAT 2018 Question Paper

Most of the questions were passage-based in XAT Previous Year Question Paper 2018, and the candidates had to find the answer from the given passage. The Verbal Ability questions were a little tough and the Decision-Making questions were tricky. In part 2, the Essay Writing topic was 'Ethical Practices and Sustainability: Do they co-exist, which was little conceptual and facts based. Go through the XAT Question Paper 2018 and start solving to analyze your preparation level.

XAT 2018 Question Paper PDF Download

XAT Previous Year Question Paper 2017

It is very important as XAT 2017 Question Paper gives you better conceptual clarity of the topics covered in this exam. Most of the QA questions were asked in Algebra and Geometry. DI Questions were table-based. Two questions are from Caselets. The below table highlights the section-wise difficulty level for XAT Question Paper 2017. Click on the link below, download XAT Previous Year Question Paper 2017, and start practising after completing the syllabus.

XAT Question Paper 2017 PDF Download

Note that XAT 2017 was conducted offline in pen-paper mode.

Exam Sections

Difficulty Level

Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation

Moderate to Difficult

Decision Making

Moderate to Difficult

Verbal Ability

Moderate

General Knowledge

Moderate

Total

Moderate to Difficult

XAT Question Paper 2016

The XAT Previous Year Question Paper 2016 was of high difficulty, however, the Verbal Ability section was moderately difficult. Questions asked from Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension were a little tricky. The Decision-Making section was moderate in XAT Question Paper 2016 while the questions from the QA-DI section were easier than the previous year. The essay topic was 'Technology and Nature are Natural Enemies'. XAT 2016 was conducted in pen-paper mode. Use your free time by practising the XAT Previous Year Question Paper.

XAT 2016 Question Paper PDF Download

XAT Previous Year Question Paper Analysis

You can also check the XAT Question Paper analysis to understand the trends of the exam. It will help you to get more understanding and clarity about the weightage and question distribution in each of the exam sections. Stay updated with the XAT Registration process latest news.

BYJU'S Exam Prep experts recommend solving all the XAT Previous Year Papers multiple times so that you get comfortable with solving the paper within the time limit with minimum errors.

When to Start Solving XAT Past Year Papers?

Candidates can start solving XAT Previous Year Question Paper and sample papers as soon as they are done with the syllabus for any section or earlier. If a candidate is starting from the basics, it is better to search for XAT Question Paper to familiarise themselves with the exact paper pattern. Go through XAT Cut Off in detail.

However, you should not attempt any previous year's paper without preparing for it, as this will never be fruitful. So, you must finish the XAT syllabus and ensure you understand all the theorems and formulae. Three to four months before the XAT Exam is the best time to solve them. Go through the expert-recommended XAT Preparation tips to ace this exam in one chance.

XAT Question Paper: Benefits of Solving

Solving XAT Previous Year Question Paper is very important after completing the syllabus and chapters of the exam The candidates can also attempt XAT Mock Tests before the main exam to prepare better. Not only will you be able to prepare well, but this practice also helps to develop your self-confidence, which is very important for succeeding in the XAT Exam. Candidates will be able to identify their strong and weak areas. Download XAT Previous Year Paper for the years 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016 from the links mentioned here. Note that XAT Result is only available on the official website XLRI and the candidates have to download it from there.

There are several benefits of solving the XAT Previous Year Question Paper. It is the most reliable resource for preparing well. A few benefits of solving the XAT Past Year Papers are as follows.

  • It helps you to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Helps you find the best way to prepare and complete the syllabus
  • You learn the techniques to solve the XAT Question Paper, which includes accuracy.
  • It will help you with better time management. Go through the list of XAT Colleges and make your preferences.

FAQs on XAT Previous Year Question Paper

  • There are several benefits of solving the XAT Question Paper. It is the most reliable resource for preparing well. A few benefits of solving the XAT Previous Year Papers are:

    • Identify your strengths and weaknesses. 
    • Helps you find the best way to solve the XAT Exam Paper, which includes minimum mistakes and maximum questions. 
    • The XAT Question Paper also makes you comfortable with the correct exam pattern and sequence of the questions. 
    • It will help you with better time management. 
  • It is true that XAT Question Paper is a useful source to make effective preparation. The aspirants can easily download  XAT Previous Year Question Paper from the article above.

  • Like every year, XLRI Jamshedpur will prepare XAT 2024 Question Paper. It will the candidates' skills in QA, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, DI, Decision Making to shortlist the candidates for MBA/PGDM Admission.

  • As per exam analysis, a total of 105 questions can be expected in the XAT 2024 Question Paper. It is further distributed as follows.

    • Decision Making: 22 Questions
    • Verbal & Logical Ability: 26 Questions
    • Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation: 28 Questions
    • General Knowledge: 25 Questions
    • Essay Writing: 1 to be answered out of 3
  • The questions asked in the XAT Exam are of MCQ type. The candidates have to choose the correct answers from the given options. Only one description Essay Writing part is there. Here, you have to write 1 Essay on a given topic in 250 words (not more than that).

  • The medium of the XAT Exam Question Paper is English. All the questions will be asked in MCQ format and in the English language. There are no influences from regional languages. So, you must not expect to get the question paper in your mother tongue.

  • First of all, read the questions well. Do not answer the questions immediately after receiving the question papers. While practising the XAT Previous Year Question Paper, always invest time in reading the questions so that you could find the clue hidden in the questions. This will enhance your critical thinking skills.

  • Solving XAT Past Year Papers helps the candidates to understand their weaknesses and strengths. If you practice XAT Question Paper, you will learn the technique of accuracy. Additionally, you will learn how to use the short-cut method to solve the questions quickly.

  • There are no chances of repetition of the previous year's XAT Question Paper. The candidates only expect the same pattern and types of questions for the upcoming exam. So, practice well and prepare all the topics properly.

  • As per the expert opinion, XAT Previous Year Question Paper is the best study source for preparation. The candidates must solve this to prepare for the exam in the best way. It will help you to understand the depth and difficulty of the questions. If you want then you can also attempt mock tests also. It will enhance your time management skills and confidence to answer questions in an exam-like environment.

  • No, the candidates only download XAT 2024 Question Paper from the website and take a print out for the future reference.

  • No, You will not be allowed to take any electronic devices to the exam centre. But the candidates can use onscreen calculator for the same.

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