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.
Direct link to fill XAT 2025 registration form

This Story also Contains
  1. XAT Books 2025
  2. Know the XAT Exam Pattern 2025
  3. Best Books for XAT Preparation Section-wise
  4. Best XAT Decision Making Books
  5. Parameters to Consider While Choosing XAT Books for Preparation
Best Books for XAT 2025 Preparation - MBA Study Material
Best Books for XAT 2025 Preparation - MBA Study Material

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
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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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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.

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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 ?

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.

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

Based on your high academic background (a CGPA of 9.5), you have a strong profile overall. Regarding your XAT score of 32.7 percentile, it's important to keep in mind that different institutes have varying cutoff criteria and selection processes.

XIME typically considers the following criteria for admissions:

  • XAT/ CAT/ GMAT score
  • Academic performance
  • Work experience

Your XAT percentile is on the lower side, getting a direct call for GD/PI from XIME may be unlikely, as they generally prefer candidates with higher percentiles (around 50 or above). However, the fact that you have an excellent academic record can make you a standout candidate in the holistic evaluation process.

Top MBA colleges based on CAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT scores include some of India’s best institutions. For CAT, the IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta) and FMS Delhi are highly regarded. XAT results in prestigious colleges like XLRI Jamshedpur and XIMB. SNAP is known for Symbiosis Institutes, such as SIBM Pune and SCMHRD. NMAT scores open doors to NMIMS Mumbai, SPJIMR Mumbai, and ISB Hyderabad. Each exam has unique eligibility requirements, and their cutoffs vary, so it's important to research the specific criteria and select based on your preferences and strengths.

No, a 10 percentile in XAT is not considered good at all; it is a very low score and would not be sufficient to get into any top-ranked MBA programs, as a generally considered "good" score in XAT is around 90 percentile or above.

You can get only management quota seats if you can afford it or take loan but at this low percentile you might not get good college to get ROI.

Try to give other b schools exam or prepare for next year to get good college so that you can get atleast good package.

Hope it is helpful to you!!

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