Best Books for XAT 2025 Preparation - MBA Study Material

Best Books for XAT 2025 Preparation - MBA Study Material

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Nov 13, 2024 01:50 PM IST | #XAT

If you're studying for the XAT 2025 examination, you should select the finest books suggested by experts and top scorers. Before you begin your preparation, make sure to check the XAT syllabus. This will make your study strategy more organized and concentrated. Choosing appropriate books for every section can help you prepare effectively and do well on the actual exam. This article contains important information regarding XAT study resources and the best books for XAT 2025 preparation which is also used by toppers in exams.
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XAT Books 2025

A question that automatically occurs in mind is “What are the best books for XAT 2025 preparation?”. Since there is so much preparation material available on the internet as well as in the offline market, every XAT aspirant wants to cover and understand the whole syllabus in a short period of time and with ease. Studying from the best books for XAT preparation will help the candidates get an idea of the basics and concepts of the topics included in the XAT syllabus.

Know the XAT Exam Pattern 2025

Before proceeding further, candidates need to get familiar with the exam pattern of XAT 2025. Through this, candidates will get to know the section-wise exam structure as well as XAT marking scheme.

Know the XAT Exam Pattern 2025

Section nameNumber of questionsMajor topicsMarking schemeTime limit
Logical Reasoning
26
  • +1 for every correct answer
  • -0.25 for every incorrect answer
  • -0.10 for 8 unattempt questions


170 minutes
Critical Reasoning: Decision making conclusion derivation and theme detection
21
  • Caselet study
  • Data Arrangement
  • Decision making in a given scenario
  • Ethical Dilemma
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation28
General Knowledge20 (12 questions from current affairs and 8 questions from static GK)Static GK and Current Affairs
  • +1 for every correct answers
  • No deduction for wrong answers
10 minutes
Essay01Will be evaluated of those who qualify the XAT entrance examNo negative marking30 minutes
Total101--210 minutes
Great Lakes - PGPM & PGDM 2025

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ISBR Business School PGDM Admissions 2025

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Best Books for XAT Preparation Section-wise

The main objective of providing section-wise XAT exam preparation books is so that one does not waste time gathering too much information and preparation material. There are some of the best XAT preparation materials recommended by XAT toppers. Preparing from the following XAT books, candidates will not lose their focus on gathering the requisite details and information in the requisite time.

Best Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation Books For XAT 2025 Preparation

In the XAT paper, the weightage of QA and DI is generally high. It is expected that a total of 27 questions will be asked in the XAT exam 2025. Quantitative Ability will include all the topics from mathematics. It is quite easy to prepare for Data Interpretation as compared to Quantitative Ability. While preparing for the QA & DI section, candidates need to work on their basics and work on fundamentals. Candidates can use the following books during their XAT 2025:

Book Name

Author

Salient Features

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

RS Aggarwal

Comprehensive coverage of quantitative topics, numerous practice questions, step-by-step solutions.

Data Interpretation for the CAT

Nishit K Sinha

Focuses on data interpretation techniques, includes CAT-level problems, detailed explanations.

How to prepare for Data Interpretation

Arun Sharma

Strategies for different types of DI problems, practice sets, time management tips.

Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations

Abhijit Guha

Extensive practice problems, clear explanations, covers various competitive exams.

The above mentioned books will help candidates to have a good grasp over concept and fundamentals. Apart from that they will get solved questions from past year papers of XAT, CAT etc.

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XAT Sample Paper, Topic wise Questions & Solution
Download latest XAT sample papers with detailed solution designed by MBA hitbullseye for the XAT 2025 examination preparation based on latest exam pattern, Topics and their weightage, difficulty level
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Best Books for XAT Preparation for Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning

Basically, this section is divided into three parts that are Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning. While preparing for the VA & LR section, it is good to do the preparation separately because each part has a different syllabus. As per last year trend the total number of questions that will be asked is 26. Here is the list of the following XAT exam books, so that one can use them during their XAT 2025 preparation days.

Best Books for XAT 2025 VA & LR section

Book Name

Author

Salient Features

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

Vocabulary building, easy-to-understand format, effective word usage.

High School English Grammar & Composition

Wren & Martin

Comprehensive grammar rules, composition techniques, numerous examples.

Analytical Reasoning

MK Pandey

Extensive reasoning problems, clear explanations, practice exercises.

A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning

RS Aggarwal

Wide range of verbal and non-verbal reasoning problems, step-by-step solutions.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

Ajay Singh

Focuses on reading comprehension, verbal ability, practice questions, strategies.

Best XAT Decision Making Books

This section will contain questions from various business and everyday situations. These situations will create dilemmas regarding what to do or what not to do. While attempting such questions, the most suitable analysis provided by the candidates seems to be the right answer to a particular question. Some of the XAT decision making study material are given below in the table:

Recommended Books for XAT Decision Making Section

Book Name

Author

Salient Features

Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers)

RK Jha

Previous years’ XAT papers, detailed solutions, mock tests.

Analytical and Logical Reasoning

Arihant Publications

Covers various reasoning topics, practice questions, exam-oriented approach.

Target XAT (Past papers & mock tests)

Disha Publications

Collection of past XAT papers, mock tests, detailed solutions.

XAT 2025 GK Books

While preparing for the General Knowledge section, candidates need to focus on Geography, History, Politics, Science and technology etc. Candidates can read newspapers, magazines and journals while preparing for the XAT GK section.

The provided section-wise XAT preparation books are recommended by experts and previous year XAT toppers. Those candidates who are going to appear for XAT 2025 can refer to the these XAT exam preparation books to excel in this MBA entrance test.

Book Name

Author

Salient Features

Manorama Year Book

Malayala Manorama Group

Comprehensive annual reference book, current affairs, general knowledge.

Objective General Knowledge (Lucent's)

Sanjiv Kumar

Objective questions, covers a wide range of GK topics, useful for competitive exams.

Lucent's General Knowledge

Lucent

Detailed coverage of GK topics, frequently asked questions, concise format.

General Knowledge 2025

Manohar Pandey

Updated GK content, current affairs, exam-oriented preparation.

Lucent's General Knowledge 2025

Dr. Binay Karna

Comprehensive GK coverage, useful for various competitive exams.

Arihant’s General Knowledge 2024

Manohar Pandey

Extensive GK content, current affairs, competitive exam preparation.

Parameters to Consider While Choosing XAT Books for Preparation

When choosing XAT books for preparation, consider the following factors:

  1. Comprehensive Coverage: Ensure the book covers all sections of the XAT exam, including Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability, and General Knowledge.

  2. Updated Content: The book should be up-to-date with the latest exam pattern and types of questions asked in recent years.

  3. Practice Questions: Look for books that offer a wide range of practice questions and previous years' papers to help you get familiar with the exam format.

  4. Detailed Solutions: Solutions should be detailed and easy to understand, helping you learn the correct approach to solving problems.

  5. Author's Reputation: Choose books written by reputable authors or publications known for their quality educational materials.

  6. Reviews and Recommendations: Check reviews and seek recommendations from successful XAT candidates or mentors to find reliable and effective books.

  7. Supplementary Resources: Consider books that come with additional resources like online practice tests, video tutorials, or access to a companion website for further practice and learning.

GMAT™ Exam

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GIBS Business School Bangalore PGDM Admissions 2025

Applications Deadline - 20th November 2024 | 100% Placements with 220+ Companies

Quick Link: How to prepare for XAT while working?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which one is a better source of learning material, physical books or e- books?

This totally varies on candidates perspective, as some readers go for physical books due to their learning pattern and field of interest. While some go for e- books due to anytime, everywhere accessibility.

2. Why is it critical to choose the appropriate books for XAT 2025 preparation?

The correct materials help you grasp the test format and give sample questions similar to those you'll encounter on the exam, making your preparation more successful.

3. Where can I get the finest books for XAT 2025 preparation?

You might refer to books suggested by experts and top performers, which are accessible in bookshops and online websites.

4. Is XAT more difficult than CAT exam?

It entirely varies depending on the applicants. XAT has a unique Decision Making part that might be difficult, while CAT concentrates on more complex arithmetic questions. 

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Questions related to XAT

Have a question related to XAT ?

Hello,

Yes, you can also join IIMs two years after graduation, depending upon the justification in interviews and your performance in entrance exams. If you are not sure about CAT, try those other management exams less hard:

Common Management Admission Test: Easier than CAT; 4-5 months of continuous preparation will suffice.

MAT : Much easier and takes place thrice a year.

SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test): A bit easier than CAT, apt for Symbiosis Institutes.

Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT : Hence, easier than CAT but the unique decision-making section.

Use exams like CMAT and MAT as a challenge to be competitively prepared. This can be given about 4-5 months, along with a few rounds of mock tests and smart studying.

XAT scores are valid for 2 years hence you can easily download it again Visit the official website of XAT 2025 i.e xatonline.in. and then Click on 'scorecard' tab.login with your credentials XAT ID and password type the security text shown on screen. Click on candidate scorecard and download a PDF copy of the same hope it helps.

Hello

Here is the list of colleges you can get with 68%ile

JIMS Rohini Delhi
IMT Hyderabad
SOIL Institute of Management
Jaipuria Institute of Management Jaipur
Jaypee Business School
Dayananda Sagar Business School Bangalore
NSB Academy Bangalore
NDIM New Delhi

Hello Aspirant

Seeing your marks, it is evident you are good in academics. Thus, you can get into a good MBA college but mind you, it won't be easy because there are thousands of students who are as good as you, if not better. MBA colleges do not choose candidates solely based on academic performance, although it has a big weightage in their selection process. They test your presence of mind, intellect, and communication skills through Group Discussions and Interviews.

The safest way to get into a good MBA college is to score 96-97+ percentile and do really well in GD and  PI. Top MBA colleges in India are IIMs, XISS (Ranchi), TISS, Delhi School of Business, and Symbiosis.

Hope this helps

Hello Aspirant

Congratulations on your score, There are many good B schools at 80-85%ile in CAT and XAT
1)Great Lakes, Chennai
2)IRMA
3) Goa Institute of Management
4) NIBM
5) TAPMI
Do your research about these colleges as to what is their average package, the roles offered.

Colleges like NIBM specialize in Finance, and IRMA has a lot of sales marketing Roles. So ultimately the choice is yours which specialization you want to pursue.

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