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Best Books for XAT 2026 Preparation: Section-wise Guide Recommended by Experts & Toppers
Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jun 13, 2025 02:19 PM IST | #XAT
Best Books for XAT 2026 Preparation: When preparing for the XAT 2026 exam, it's very important for XAT aspirants to select the right study resources, recommended by experts. Students should always start by understanding the complete exam pattern and XAT syllabus before diving into their studies. Following the same resources used by previous years' successful candidates gives you a competitive edge and builds confidence for the actual test day. In this article, you will find the Best Books for XAT 2026 Preparation - MBA Study Resources featuring comprehensive guidance on the most effective study materials for XAT 2026 aspirants.
This Story also Contains
- XAT Books 2026
- Know the XAT Exam Pattern 2026
- Best Books for XAT Preparation Section-wise
- Best XAT Decision Making Books
- Parameters to Consider While Choosing XAT Books for Preparation
XAT Books 2026
Every XAT 2026 candidate wonders about the most effective study resources for their preparation journey. With 100s of books, online courses, and practice materials available on both digital platforms and in physical bookstores, students often feel overwhelmed by the vast array of options. Books suggested by Previous year XAT Toppers and Experts has consistently produced high-scoring results, ensuring that you receive quality content that thoroughly explains core concepts and their practical applications. These recommended resources serve as your roadmap to building strong fundamentals while developing the analytical skills necessary to tackle challenging questions across all sections of the XAT examination.
Know the XAT Exam Pattern 2026
Before proceeding further, candidates should familiarise themselves with the XAT 2026 exam pattern. Through this, candidates will become familiar with the section-wise exam structure and the XAT marking scheme.
Know the XAT Exam Pattern 2026
Section name | Number of questions | Major topics | Marking scheme | Time limit |
26 |
|
| 170 minutes | |
Critical Reasoning: Decision making conclusion derivation and theme detection | 21 |
| ||
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation | 28 | |||
General Knowledge | 20 (12 questions from current affairs and 8 questions from static GK) | Static GK and Current Affairs |
| 10 minutes |
Essay | 01 | Will be evaluated of those who qualify the XAT entrance exam | No negative marking | 30 minutes |
Total | 101 | - | - | 210 minutes |
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 2026 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 2026. 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 2026:
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.
Quick Links-
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 2026 preparation days.
Best Books for XAT 2026 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 2026 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 2026 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, and 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, and competitive exam preparation. |
Parameters to Consider While Choosing XAT Books for Preparation
When choosing XAT books for preparation, consider the following factors:
Comprehensive Coverage: Ensure the book covers all sections of the XAT exam, including Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability, and General Knowledge.
Updated Content: The book should be up-to-date with the latest exam pattern and types of questions asked in recent years.
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.
Detailed Solutions: Solutions should be detailed and easy to understand, helping you learn the correct approach to solving problems.
Author's Reputation: Choose books written by reputable authors or publications known for their quality educational materials.
Reviews and Recommendations: Check reviews and seek recommendations from successful XAT candidates or mentors to find reliable and effective books.
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.
XAT 2026: Sample Paper, Section wise Questions
Download latest XAT sample papers with detailed solution for the XAT 2026 examination preparation based on latest exam pattern, Topics and their weightage, difficulty level.
Download EBookQuick Link: How to prepare for XAT while working?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many months are needed for XAT preparation?
Six to eight months of consistent study are ideal for XAT preparation. Working professionals may need 8-10 months to effectively balance work and studies.
2. Can I crack XAT in 3 months?
Yes, with 6-8 hours of daily study and an innovative preparation strategy. Focus on your strong areas first, then work on improving your weak areas. Use quality books and mock tests.
3. Where can I get the finest books for XAT 2026 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.
5. How to manage time in the XAT exam?
Spend 45-50 minutes each on Verbal Reasoning and Quant sections, 40 minutes on Decision Making, and 10 minutes on GK. Practice with mock tests regularly.
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Questions related to XAT
Have a question related to XAT ?
Hii,
No, not all MBA programs require these tests. These are merely entrance exams that are accepted by a lot of universities. Depending on the college you wish to attend, you can take any of them (such as MAH CET, MAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT, or ATMA).
Additionally, some universities have entrance exams of their own. Therefore, for the majority of MBA admissions, you only need to take one appropriate exam. To find out which tests the college accepts, always visit their website.
Saurabh Yadav 27 May,2025
Yes, it is definitely possible for you to get an interview call from Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai for their PGDM program, even with a 73 percentile in XAT 2025. While the typical cutoff for XAT may be higher, around 85 percentile, Great Lakes considers a variety of factors in their selection process, including academic performance, work experience, and diversity in the class.
Since you are a non-engineer female candidate, that diversity is seen as a positive aspect. Even with your XAT score, if you have a strong academic record, relevant work experience, and a clear passion for management, you can still stand out in the application process.
To increase your chances:
Prepare thoroughly for the interview by focusing on your experiences, what drives you, and how you align with the program’s values.
Highlight your unique background and any leadership roles you’ve had.
Show how Great Lakes fits with your career goals.
While the competition can be tough, if you present a well-rounded application and give your best in the interview, you can definitely convert the call into an offer.
Poral Siddartha (siddu) 05 February,2025
With a 74 percentile in the XAT 2025 exam, you are eligible to apply to several reputable MBA colleges in India. Some of the top institutions that typically accept candidates within the 70-80 percentile range include KIIT School of Management (KSOM), Bhubaneswar; Jaipuria Institute of Management (multiple campuses); Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool), Bangalore; Woxsen University, Hyderabad; IFMR Graduate School of Business at KREA University, Sri City; BIM Trichy (Bharathidasan Institute of Management), Tiruchirappalli; and XIME Bangalore (Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship).
To proceed, research each institution's application deadlines and procedures and ensure you submit all required documents promptly. Be prepared for further selection stages such as group discussions, personal interviews, and written ability tests. Evaluate each program's curriculum, faculty, placement records, and campus culture to determine the best fit for your career goals. While your XAT percentile is significant, remember that your overall profile, including academic records, work experience, and extracurricular activities, also plays a crucial role in the selection process.
Nikhil Anjikhane 24 January,2025
Admission to MICA's PGDM and PGDM-C programs involves a multi-stage selection process. The final composite score is calculated with the following weightage:
- CAT/ XAT/ GMAT - 35%
- MICAT - 25%
- GE (Group Exercise) - 10%
- PI - 20%
- Academic performance (10th, 12th, Graduation) - 5%
- Extra- curricular - 5%
Your XAT score is 73, performing exceptionally well in MICAT can enhance your chances of being shortlisted for the GE and PI rounds. Specific score requirements for MICAT are not publicly disclosed, focusing on thorough preparation and aiming for high performance in each section will strengthen your application.
vinayak kansal 18 January,2025
Hi,
Based on the previous year analysis, According to your XAT percentile some of the colleges in which there is chances to get a seat are the following
- NSB Academy, Bangalore
- Presidency college, Bangalore
- Myra School of Business, Mysore
- International School of Management Science, Bangalore
- Amrita School of Business, Coimbatore
- Dhruva college of Management, Hyderabad
There are many other colleges and Institute thay offer admission with 43 percentile in XAT. You can predict the colleges using the XAT college predictor tool.
Hope this information will help you
Devraj 18 January,2025
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