XAT 2027 Second Mock Test Window Opens September 30: Key Dates, New Features, and Strategic Insights

JAMSHEDPUR — Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur is set to conduct the second official mock test for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2027 from September 30 (12:00 AM) to October 1, 2026 (11:59 PM). The 48-hour practice exam provides candidates with a real-time replica of the computer-based test interface, question formats, and time constraints ahead of the national entrance exam scheduled for January 3, 2027.

Key Highlights & Exam Timeline

Only candidates who completed their XAT 2027 application form and paid the registration fee by September 27, 2026, are eligible to take Mock Test 2.

• Conducting Body: XLRI Jamshedpur (on behalf of XAMI)
• Mock Test 2 Window: September 30, 2026 (12:00 AM) to October 1, 2026 (11:59 PM)
• Eligibility Deadline: Registration completed by September 27, 2026
• Test Mode: Online / Computer-Based Test (Free of Cost)
• Actual XAT 2027 Date: January 3, 2027 (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
• Main Registration Deadline: December 6, 2026
• Admit Card Release Date: December 20, 2026

What’s New in Official Mock Test 2?

XLRI has integrated specific analytical features in this mock session to assist candidates in evaluating their baseline performance:

• 48-Hour Flexible Slot: Applicants can choose any single 3-hour window within the 48-hour active testing period to attempt the paper.
• Comparative Percentile & Rank Analysis: Following the test window, candidates will receive detailed performance insights, comparing their scores against thousands of test-takers nationwide.
• Updated UI Navigation: Simulates the actual candidate console, including the Question Palette, Sectional Jump Tabs, Review Flags, and On-Screen Scientific Calculator.

Complete Exam Pattern & Time Allocation

The test runs for a total of 180 minutes (3 hours) without sectional time limits for Part 1.

Section Breakdown & Structure

1. Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR): Approximately 26 questions covering reading comprehension, vocabulary, critical reasoning, parajumbles, and grammar.
2. Decision Making (DM): Approximately 21 questions focusing on ethical dilemmas, business caselets, situational analysis, and data-backed reasoning.
3. Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI): Approximately 28 questions testing arithmetic, algebra, geometry, charts, tables, and mathematical logic.
4. General Knowledge (GK): Approximately 20 questions split between current affairs (12 questions) and static knowledge (8 questions).

Note: Essay Writing is no longer part of the initial written examination; it is evaluated directly during the XLRI Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD/PI) selection rounds.

Comprehensive Marking Scheme Rules

• Correct Answer: +1.0 Mark
• Incorrect Answer: -0.25 Marks
• Unattempted Questions (First 8): 0.0 Marks (No penalty)
• Unattempted Questions (9th onward): -0.10 Marks per skipped question
• General Knowledge Section: No negative marking; evaluated separately from the main score percentile.

Strategic Significance & Next Steps

• Calibrating Decision Making (DM): The DM section tests managerial intuition and ethical reasoning. Taking the official mock allows candidates to align their choices with XLRI’s evaluation parameters.
• Managing Non-Attempt Penalties: Because skipping excessive questions incurs a -0.10 penalty, candidates must balance aggressive guessing (-0.25 penalty) against leaving questions completely blank.
• Targeting Associate Colleges: XAT scores are accepted by XLRI Jamshedpur, XLRI Delhi-NCR, XIM University, IMT Ghaziabad, IMI New Delhi, TAPMI, and over 250 management institutions across India.

Steps to Access Mock Test 2

1. Log into the official portal at xatonline.in or follow the credentials link sent to your registered email address.
2. Use your XAT User ID and Password to access the dashboard.
3. Click on the “Official Mock Test 2” tab on the candidate dashboard during the active window.
4. Run the automated system readiness check and begin the test.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is eligible to take the second official XAT 2027 mock test?

Only candidates who completed their online XAT 2027 registration form and successfully paid the application fee by September 27, 2026, are eligible to participate. Candidates registering after this date can still appear for the main XAT exam on January 3, 2027, but will miss Mock Test 2.

Q2: How do I access the mock test link on September 30?

An official login link is delivered directly to the registered email addresses of eligible candidates. Alternatively, candidates can log in directly to their candidate dashboard at xatonline.in using their XAT User ID and Password.

Q3: Is there any penalty for unattempted questions in XAT 2027?

Yes. While the first 8 unattempted questions carry zero penalty, a deduction of -0.10 marks per question applies starting from the 9th skipped question onward. Incorrect answers incur a -0.25 mark penalty.

Q4: Can I choose my own timing during the 48-hour mock test window?

Yes. XLRI provides a continuous 48-hour active window (September 30 to October 1, 2026). Applicants can log in and start their single 3-hour test block at any time during this period.

Q5: Are there sectional time limits in Part 1 of the XAT exam?

No. Part 1—comprising Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI)—runs continuously for 170 minutes. Candidates can freely switch between these three sections. Part 2 (General Knowledge) has a fixed 10-minute duration.

Q6: Does the General Knowledge (GK) score affect my overall XAT percentile?

No. GK scores are evaluated separately and are excluded from the main percentile calculation used for initial shortlisting. However, XLRI and select associate institutes review GK scores during the final interview and admission selection stage.

Q7: Is Essay Writing included in the XAT 2027 online test?

No. Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) has been removed from the preliminary written entrance test. Essay evaluations are now conducted directly during the XLRI Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD/PI) rounds for shortlisted candidates.

Q8: When will the main XAT 2027 exam take place, and when do general applications close?

The actual XAT 2027 examination will be held on January 3, 2027 (from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM). General registrations for the main examination remain open until December 6, 2026.

Conclusion

The second official XAT 2027 mock test on September 30 marks a vital milestone in the preparation journey for MBA aspirants targeting XLRI and India’s top management institutions. Beyond offering a simple practice run, this 48-hour testing window gives candidates an accurate simulation of the real exam environment, complete with native user-interface controls, non-attempt penalty mechanics, and comparative national rank analytics.

With three months remaining before the nationwide examination on January 3, 2027, test-takers should treat Mock Test 2 as a diagnostic tool. Evaluating performance across Decision Making, Quantitative Ability, and Verbal Reasoning will allow candidates to refine their question selection, calibrate risk management around negative marking, and lock in a focused strategy for the final stretch of their prep.