XAT GK Section: What to Study and How Much It Matters (2026 Edition)

The General Knowledge (GK) section in the XAT exam has puzzled many MBA aspirants. While it doesn’t contribute to the XAT percentile used for shortlisting, it plays a decisive role in the final selection process—especially for coveted programs like XLRI BM and HRM.

In this blog, we answer the key questions surrounding the XAT GK section and help you strategize your prep with confidence.

Table of Contents

1. What Is the GK Section in XAT?

2. Does the GK Section Impact Your XAT Percentile?

3. How Does XLRI Use the GK Section in Shortlisting?

4. What Topics Are Asked in XAT GK?

5. How to Prepare for the XAT GK Section?

6. XAT GK vs IIFT GK vs TISSNET GK

7. How Much Does GK Actually Matter at XLRI?

8. Top Resources to Prepare for XAT GK

9. Sample Questions from Previous XAT GK Papers

10. Final Tips to Maximize Your GK Score

11. FAQs

1. What Is the GK Section in XAT?

The General Knowledge section is part of Part B of the XAT paper, along with the Essay.

• Number of Questions: ~25

• Type: MCQs

• Marking: No negative marking

• Time: Shared with Essay (approx. 25 minutes)

• Topics: Static GK + Current Affairs

It's designed to test your awareness of the world, not just your academic ability.

2. Does the GK Section Impact Your XAT Percentile?

No. The GK section does not contribute to your percentile score in XAT.

• Part A (Verbal Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Aptitude) determines your XAT percentile.

• Part B (GK and Essay) is used after shortlisting, during interviews and final selection.

That said, a strong performance in GK can significantly influence your admission decision at XLRI and other top B-schools accepting XAT.

3. How Does XLRI Use the GK Section in Shortlisting?

Here's how XLRI uses GK in its overall admissions strategy:

• Stage 1: Percentile-based shortlist using Part A

• Stage 2: Essay + GK are evaluated for shortlisted candidates

• Stage 3: PI + Final Composite Score

While there’s no fixed cutoff for GK, a strong score demonstrates:

• Intellectual curiosity

• Global awareness

• Preparedness for MBA-level discussions

Some candidates have faced detailed questions in interviews based on their GK responses—especially those applying to XLRI HRM.

4. What Topics Are Asked in XAT GK?

The XAT GK section covers a broad mix of static and current affairs topics. Here’s a breakdown:

Category	Subtopics
Static GK	History, Geography, Indian Polity, Science, Economy
Business GK	Business leaders, Brands, Mergers & Acquisitions
Awards	Nobel, Padma, Sports, Literature
International	World Affairs, Summits, UN, Global Organizations
Current Affairs	Events from last 12 months (India & Global)
Miscellaneous	Books, Authors, Sports, Government Schemes

A good strategy is to focus on current events from January to December 2025 for XAT 2026.

5. How to Prepare for the XAT GK Section?

Preparing for GK doesn't require memorizing everything. Instead, focus on recurring themes and smart revision.

5.1 For Static GK:

• Lucent’s GK Book

• NCERTs (selective) – Class 9 & 10 Social Studies

• Online PDFs from coaching platforms

5.2 For Current Affairs:

• Monthly magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan or Competition Success Review

• Online portals like GK Today, AffairsCloud, or PIB

• The Hindu / Indian Express editorials for depth

5.3 Mock Tests & Practice:

• Practice 2–3 mocks focusing only on GK + Essay (25 mins format)

• Use flashcards or apps like Daily Current Affairs & GK

6. XAT GK vs IIFT GK vs TISSNET GK

Here's how XAT's GK section compares with other exams:

Exam	Weightage	Type of GK	Usage in Selection
XAT	Medium	Static + Current	Used after shortlisting
IIFT	High	Trade, Economy	Affects percentile
TISSNET	High	Static-heavy	Affects percentile

Key Insight: XAT GK may be less aggressive than IIFT, but matters more than you think at XLRI.

7. How Much Does GK Actually Matter at XLRI?

While there’s no public formula, past admit trends suggest:

• Candidates with above-average GK scores often do better in final results.

• Low GK scores may raise flags during interviews, especially for BM roles or candidates from consulting, social sector, or international backgrounds.

• HRM program places extra value on awareness of socio-political events and ethical issues.

In short: A strong GK score complements your academic and interview performance.

8. Top Resources to Prepare for XAT GK

Here’s a curated list:

8.1 Websites:

• GK Today (gktoday.in)

• AffairsCloud (affairscloud.com)

• Jagran Josh (for Hindi-medium learners)

• PIB and PRS India (for governance news)

8.2 YouTube Channels:

• StudyIQ

• Unacademy GK playlists

• BYJU’S Exam Prep

8.3 Magazines:

• Pratiyogita Darpan

• Manorama Yearbook (for revision)

8.4 Daily Tools:

• Google Alerts on major keywords

• Current affairs quiz apps

Set a routine—20–25 minutes a day is enough if done consistently.

9. Sample Questions from Previous XAT GK Papers

Here are a few examples from past years:

1. Who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2023?

2. Which country launched the Artemis program?

3. What is the capital of Kazakhstan?

4. Match the following brands to their parent companies

5. Which Indian states share borders with Bangladesh?

As you can see, the questions test awareness, not depth.

10. Final Tips to Maximize Your GK Score

• Don't skip GK just because it doesn’t count for percentile

• Focus on context, not trivia—XLRI likes candidates who can connect the dots

• Curate a news habit—not just headlines, but understanding implications

• Use monthly compendiums—they’re gold for revision

• Take mock tests to improve selection and elimination skills

6. Where to give the XAT exam?

You can give the XAT exam at any of the 80+ officially listed test cities across India. Commonly chosen cities include:

• Bengaluru

• Delhi NCR

• Mumbai

• Chennai

• Hyderabad

• Kolkata

You’ll be assigned a center within your selected city, depending on availability.

FAQs

1. Where to take the XAT exam?

You will take the XAT exam at a computer-based testing center as per the location specified in your admit card. The admit card typically becomes available around mid-December. Be sure to:

• Visit the center location a day before to plan your travel.

• Carry valid ID proof and arrive early.

2. When is the XAT exam?

XAT 2026 will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026. This date is consistent with past trends—XAT is typically conducted on the first Sunday of January each year.

3. When is the XAT exam conducted?

XAT is conducted once a year, usually on the first Sunday of January. In 2026, it will be conducted on January 4. The exam is held in a single slot across all centers, typically from 9:30 AM to 12:40 PM (approximate duration based on past trends).

4. When is the XAT exam date?

The official exam date for XAT 2026 is Sunday, January 4, 2026.

 The notification and registration for the exam are expected to open around July–August 2025, and admit cards will be released by mid-December 2025.

Conclusion

The GK section in XAT 2026 may not determine your initial shortlist, but it will definitely shape your admission outcome. It reflects your curiosity, reading habit, and global awareness—all critical traits for a successful management professional.

If XLRI is your goal, treat GK as an opportunity to shine where others slack off. With consistent practice, curated resources, and a calm approach, you can make your GK score your silent weapon in the final selection stage.