XAT Score vs Percentile 2027
This XAT score vs percentile table maps Part 1 marks to approximate percentiles. It is built from indicative recent data and will be refined after XAT 2027 results. XAT scores are low compared with other exams because of tough Decision Making and QA&DI papers.
Calculate Your XAT 2027 Score| Part 1 score (out of 76) | Estimated percentile |
|---|---|
| 45 | 99.9 |
| 37 | 99 |
| 33 | 98 |
| 29 | 95 |
| 25 | 90 |
| 22 | 85 |
| 20 | 80 |
| 15 | 60 |
| 10 | 40 |
Indicative, based on publicly reported XAT 2025 results. Not official.
How to read the XAT marks vs percentile table
Find your Part 1 score on the left; the percentile on the right is an estimate. Values between rows are interpolated. Use your score after the unattempted penalty, because that is what XLRI uses.
Why XAT scores look low
XAT is known for long Decision Making caselets and a demanding QA&DI section. A score in the mid-30s out of roughly 76 has been enough for the 99th percentile in recent years, so do not judge your performance by the raw total alone.
Why the table shifts every year
- Paper difficulty: an easier paper raises the marks needed for each percentile.
- Section difficulty: a tough DM or QA&DI section lowers the bar.
- Number of candidates and how strongly they performed.
XAT marking scheme
Each correct answer earns +1. Each wrong answer costs −0.25. In Part 1, the first 8 unattempted questions are free; every unattempted question after that costs −0.10. General Knowledge has no negative marking and is not counted in your percentile.
| Response | Part 1 (VALR, DM, QA&DI) | GK |
|---|---|---|
| Correct | +1 | +1 |
| Wrong | −0.25 | 0 |
| Unattempted (first 8) | 0 | 0 |
| Unattempted (9th onwards) | −0.10 each | 0 |
XAT exam pattern and marking
| Section | Questions | Max marks | In percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal & Logical Ability | 26 | 26 | Yes |
| Decision Making | 22 | 22 | Yes |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 | 28 | Yes |
| General Knowledge | 20 | 20 | No |
| Part 1 total | 76 | 76 | Yes |
+1 correct · −0.25 wrong · −0.10 per unattempted Part 1 question after 8 · GK has no negative marking
Frequently asked questions
How many marks are needed for 99 percentile in XAT?
On indicative recent data, roughly the mid to high 30s in Part 1. Check the table above; it updates when new data is verified.
What is a good XAT score?
A Part 1 score near 30 has usually meant about the 95th percentile, and around 25 about the 90th. These bands shift every year.
Does XAT have normalisation?
XAT is held in a single session, so there is no slot normalisation. Your percentile is based on your raw Part 1 score.
Is there negative marking for unattempted questions in XAT?
Yes. In Part 1 the first 8 unattempted questions carry no penalty. Each unattempted question after that costs 0.10 marks.
Is GK counted in the XAT percentile?
No. GK is scored separately and is not used for your percentile. Some schools, including XLRI, may look at it during later selection stages.