XAT- Xavier Aptitude Test 2026
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Best Study Material for XAT 2026: Books, Syllabus, Mock Tests & Online Resources
Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 15, 2025 11:52 AM IST | #XAT
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XAT Application Date : 10 Jul' 2025 - 05 Dec' 2025
Best Study Material for XAT 2026: A dream without a solid plan stays just a dream. The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of India's top MBA entrance exams, requiring serious and focused preparation to achieve good scores in XAT 2026. XAT preparation requires proper study materials to maximise your hard work and achieve better results. Picking the correct books and resources needs expert advice, so Careers360 teams up with XAT experts to bring you the best study material for XAT 2026. With proper XAT study guides, practice tests, and expert tips, you can boost your chances of cracking XAT 2026 and getting into top B-schools like XLRI.
This Story also Contains
- Best Study Material for XAT 2026
- XAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus
- XAT 2026 Important Topics
- Best Books for XAT 2026 - Section Wise
- XAT 2026 Sample Papers/ E-Books
- XAT 2026 Online Material
In this comprehensive article by Careers360, the XAT 2026 preparation guide, you will find everything you need to succeed in your MBA entrance exam journey. We cover the Best Study Material for XAT 2026, including top-rated books, online resources, and free study materials that won't break your budget. You'll learn about the XAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus with detailed breakdowns of each section and marking scheme to help you plan better.
Best Study Material for XAT 2026
Getting subject fundamentals in place is the necessary step of preparation. With the best study material for XAT 2026, students can get clarity and a good hold on various sections. Aspirants must know the right and best study material for XAT 2026. Careers360 offers the best study material for XAT 2026, including section-wise books, mock tests, previous year question papers, and other online resources to help you prepare effectively.
XAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Before getting the best study material for the XAT exam, one must be thorough with the exam pattern and syllabus to arrange for the study materials accordingly. Let’s have a look at the exam pattern and syllabus of XAT 2026:
XAT Exam Pattern 2026 (Section Wise)
Section | Total Marks Allotted | No. of Questions | Important Topics covered |
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation | 75 | 28 | Tables and caselets, Percentage , Exponent and Surds, algebra, mensuration, bar diagrams, pie charts, etc. |
Verbal and Logical Reasoning | 26 | Reading comprehension and vocabulary, an analogy based on vocabulary, para Jumble, grammar, critical reasoning and inference, para completion, etc. | |
Decision Making | 21 | Decision making, analogy, Seating Arrangement, logical sequence, assumption, premise, conclusion, etc. | |
General Knowledge | 25 | 25 | Science, economy, business, politics, static GK, sports, prize and award, world, government, the constitution of India, etc |
XAT 2026 Important Topics
XAT essential topics are always beneficial for the candidates as they help them to narrow down the syllabus and prepare maximally. XAT study materials are essentially helpful because they help the candidates to enhance their XAT preparation. Now, let us understand a few essential topics for XAT exam preparation.
XAT Section | Important Topics |
Verbal and Logical Ability | Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Para Jumble Analogy based on vocabulary Grammar Para Completion Critical Reasoning and Inference |
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | Tables and Caselets Surds and Indices Percentage Mensuration Algebra Pie Charts Bar Diagrams |
Decision Making | Decision Making Seating Arrangement Assumption Logical Sequence Conclusion Premise |
General Knowledge | Science Business Economy Static GK Politics Prize and Award Sports World Constitution of India Government Policies |
Best Books for XAT 2026 - Section Wise
XAT study materials are go-to exam guides for any XAT aspirant. In addition to the various XAT free study materials, candidates should also be aware of the other XAT resources they choose. Now, let us understand all the best XAT resources to enhance your XAT preparation.
Best Book for XAT - Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation will include a maximum number of questions as compared to the other three sections. This section will consist of questions from the 10th and 12th class concepts, like percentages, HCF and LCM, Algebra, Mensuration, Venn Diagram, and so forth, to assess the candidate’s skill with numbers. Some of the important books for this section are:
‘Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests For Admission into IIMs’ by Sarvesh K Verma - This book helps to clear the basics. It is reliable for students with a non-mathematics background. It includes 21 chapters, covering a summary of each chapter, along with three levelled questions.
‘How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT’ by Arun Sharma - Includes comprehensive theory and plenty of shortcut techniques for quick solving. It also includes sample papers, which help students have an exam environment.
'Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations' by Abhijit Guha - This book by Abhijit Guha includes separate sections on numerical skills and quantitative aptitude. It consists of a vast number of questions that move from easy to the difficulty level.
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 EBookBest book for XAT 2026 Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning
This section will assess students' comprehension and vocabulary skills by giving reading comprehension, questions on grammar, logical sequences, inference-based questions, and so forth. Some of the best books for XAT Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning are:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyaya - This book provides tricks and tips to tackle RC and VA questions for beginners or intermediate students.
PSC for VA for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha - This book includes questions in the hierarchical order of difficulty so that students can assess their performance at every level.
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha - This book covers advanced and fundamental topics along with an ample number of solved examples. It includes more than 2500 solved questions.
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For Vocabulary Builder:
Word Power by Norman Lewis - This book is divided into three sections and provides easy tips to improve vocabulary and word skills. It briefs about the correct usage of common words that we confuse.
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis - Devoting 15 minutes for 30 days to this book helps improve vocabulary at a great level and boost communication skills with the help of a 12-minute quiz.
Best book for XAT 2026 for General Knowledge
One can improve his/her general knowledge by reading newspapers like The Hindu, Times of India, The Economic Times, The Statesman, and so forth. These journals help you keep updated with the latest ongoing events.
In addition to the XAT study materials provided below, the candidates can refer to various other XAT free resources and XAT resources available online. The candidates are also advised to take XAT notes while going through their XAT study materials, as it can help them to retain their knowledge for a longer period.
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
Book Title | Author | Features |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal | Comprehensive coverage of important topics, chapter-wise questions with detailed explanations |
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation | Arun Sharma | Covers all types of DI questions, self-sufficient for preparation |
Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | Strong concept building, application of problems, and difficulty level of each topic |
Decision Making
Book Title | Author | Features |
Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers) | R.K. Jha | Easily understandable content, solved papers of the last 15 years, and content curated for students |
Analytical and Logical Reasoning | Arihant Publications | Divided into Verbal, Analytical, and Non-Verbal Reasoning, two difficulty levels, 2000+ previous years' questions |
Target XAT (Past papers & mock tests) | Disha Publication | Solved papers of the last 15 years, content curated by 30 experts |
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning
Book Title | Author | Features |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Improves vocabulary and understanding of English through tests and word exercises, with a student-friendly approach |
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Smarter and shorter methods for solving questions, full explanation of solved examples, and fully solved papers |
High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin | Covers the entire syllabus of English Grammar, with practice sessions at the end of each lesson for self-assessment |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Ajay Singh | Guides students from basic to advanced levels in English, including mock papers covering the latest syllabus |
Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey | Detailed explanation of concepts, focus on new question types, comprehensive coverage, and a vast array of practice questions |
General Knowledge
Book Title | Author | Features |
Lucent’s General Knowledge 2024 | Dr. Binay Karna | Articulates all important events, structured points for easier learning |
General Knowledge 2024 | Manohar Pandey | Compact presentation of current events, divided into sections with a separate section for current events |
Manorama Year Book | Malayala Manorama Group | Covers a wide range of topics, dedicated section for current affairs, updated data and statistics, focus on the Civil Services Examination, section for global happenings |
Essay Writing
Book Title | Author | Features |
151 Essays | S.C. Gupta | A comprehensive collection of essays, useful for various competitive exams |
Mastering Essay and Answer Writing | Disha Experts | Guides on essay and answer writing techniques, covering various topics, are useful for competitive exams. |
To score high in XAT 2026, aspirants must practice with XAT mock tests as prepared by the experts. The mock test helps you give the exam environment and includes the best-selected topics from which questions can be asked in XAT 2026.
Attempting the XAT mock test helps you boost confidence and accuracy. The mock test is available in online mode, as XAT 2026 will be a computer-based test. Candidates can assess their skills and know their strong and weak areas.
Direct link to fill the XAT 2026 registration form
XAT 2026 Sample Papers/ E-Books
Solving the XAT sample papers before appearing for the final D-Day will help candidates in the following ways:
It removes exam stress and fear by asking types of questions as per the exam pattern.
It helps in providing a preparation analysis
It helps in the quick revision of important topics
Gives an idea about the marking scheme
Helps in enhancing self-confidence
Helps in improving speed and accuracy
Click here to solve XAT sample papers/e-books
XAT 2026 Online Material
In addition to books and sample papers, students can also opt for online group studies facilitated by social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Many aspirants from different areas join a common group and discuss and post their queries. Additionally, students can access online study materials from various coaching institutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many mock tests should I take for XAT 2026?
Take at least 30-40 full-length mocks. Start with 2-3 per week, increase to daily mocks in the last month.
2. How important is General Knowledge for XAT?
Very important! GK carries 20 questions. Cover current affairs, business news, sports, awards, and static GK.
3. Is Data Interpretation rigid in XAT?
DI in XAT is calculation-heavy. Practice different types of graphs, tables, and charts. Speed and accuracy are key.
4. How to tackle Quantitative Ability in XAT 2026?
Focus on the basics first. XAT quant is a moderate level. Practice arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems daily.
5. What's special about XAT's Decision Making section?
This section is unique to XAT. It tests your business sense and ethical reasoning by practising case studies and moral dilemma questions.
6. What is XAT 2026, and why should I take it?
XAT is the Xavier Aptitude Test conducted by XLRI. It's one of the top MBA entrance exams in India. Taking the XAT opens doors to XLRI and over 160 other top B-schools.
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Questions related to XAT
Have a question related to XAT ?
GIBS Business School in Bangalore accepts multiple national and state-level entrance exam scores for admission to its PGDM program. You can apply using scores from exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, or various state-level CETs.
The admission process typically considers your entrance exam score along with your academic record, performance in the group discussion and personal interview, and any work experience you may have. For the BBA program, admissions are generally based on your Class 12 marks and do not require entrance exam scores.
If you're planning to apply, it's a good idea to keep your exam score, academic documents, and personal statement ready for the selection rounds.
OISHEE BANERJEE 24 June,2025
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
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