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    XAT vs CAT: Is XAT Tougher Than CAT? Exam Pattern, Difficulty & Key Differences

    XAT vs CAT: Is XAT Tougher Than CAT? Exam Pattern, Difficulty & Key Differences

    Team Careers360Updated on 29 Dec 2025, 05:59 PM IST

    Is XAT tougher than CAT? When comparing XAT VS CAT, both depict almost the same difficulty levels. They share similarities and have their own differences. CAT and XAT are among the top MBA entrance exams taken for MBA admission in India. So let’s discover more about MBA admissions through the CAT Vs XAT comparison. When we think about XAT VS CAT, which is better? The number of MBA colleges accepting CAT scores is higher than that accepting XAT scores. How the XAT differs from the CAT exam will be understandable by reading this XAT vs CAT article.

    This Story also Contains

    1. XAT VS CAT
    2. XAT Vs CAT: Difference
    3. XAT Vs CAT: Similarities
    4. XAT Vs CAT: exam pattern and marking scheme
    5. CAT Vs XAT: Exam Dates
    6. CAT Vs XAT: Syllabus
    7. CAT Vs XAT: Preparation Tips and Important Topics
    8. XAT Vs CAT: Study Material
    9. XAT Vs CAT: Question paper
    10. XAT Vs CAT: Mock test
    XAT vs CAT: Is XAT Tougher Than CAT? Exam Pattern, Difficulty & Key Differences
    XAT vs CAT

    The difference between XAT and CAT is mainly based on their syllabus, type of questions, marking scheme and time limits. MBA aspirants who have prepared for the CAT exam can easily appear for the XAT exam. The topics covered in the CAT syllabus are similar to the XAT syllabus. Have a look at the XAT Vs CAT tabular differentiation, similarities and difficulty levels in this article.

    XAT VS CAT

    Top MBA colleges like IIMs, IITs, MDI, XLRI, XIMB, SPJIMR, etc. offer admission based on the MBA entrance exams like CAT and XAT. So a common question arises, which one is better CAT or XAT? Or is CAT tougher than XAT? CAT and XAT are both moderately difficult and equally competitive. As per the exam analysis, the toughest section of CAT exam is DILR and of XAT exam is the Quantitative Aptitude section.

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    Particulars

    CAT 2025

    XAT 2026

    Full form

    Common Admission Test

    Xavier Aptitude Test

    Conducting Body

    IIM

    XLRI, Jamshedpur

    Eligibility Criteria

    Graduation with 50 % aggregate (45 % for SC/ST students)

    Graduate in any stream from a recognised university

    Exam mode

    Online

    Online

    Marking Scheme

    +3 marks for correct answer
    -1 mark for incorrect answer

    +1 mark for a correct answer
    - 0.25 marks for incorrect answer
    - 0.10 marks for more than 8 un-attempted consecutive questions

    Type of Questions

    MCQ & TITA (Type In The Answer)

    MCQ and Essay

    Exam fee

    Rs. 2,400 for General category
    Rs. 1,200 for SC/ST/PwD

    Rs. 2,200 and Rs. 200 per XLRI program chosen

    Mode of registration process

    Online

    Online

    No. of accepting B-schools

    21 IIMs & 1000+ B-schools in India

    160+ MBA colleges

    Also Check:

    XAT Vs CAT: Difference

    The major difference between XAT and CAT is their syllabus, types of questions and exam pattern. The difficulty levels are almost the same. Like any other MBA entrance syllabus, both exams consist of the same sections, like QA, DILR, VA and RC passages. The only difference between them is that XAT exam consists of additional sections like GK, decision making and essay writing. Check out the differentiation between CAT and XAT.

    Difference between CAT Vs XAT

    Basis of Differentiation

    CAT 2025

    XAT 2026

    Sections

    VARC, DILR, Quantitative Aptitude

    Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Decision Making, General Knowledge, Essay Writing

    Number of Sections

    3

    5 (including GK, Decision Making and essay writing)

    Additional Sections in XAT

    None

    Decision Making, General Knowledge, Essay Writing

    Negative Marking for Un-attempted Questions

    No

    Yes

    Time Duration

    2 hours

    3 hours 30 minutes

    Specific Difficulty Areas

    DILR section is often challenging

    The decision-making section is unique and challenging

    XAT Vs CAT: Similarities

    Apart from differences, there are various similarities between these top MBA entrance exams. CAT and XAT share a similar syllabus, and both carry negative markings. From CAT vs XAT comparison, we can say that both of them are a speed-based test that examines the accuracy of the candidates. Have a look at the similarities between XAT and the CAT exam.

    Similarities between CAT Vs XAT

    Exam Elements

    CAT 2025

    XAT 2026

    Sections

    Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude

    Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude + Decision Making, General Knowledge, Essay

    Number of Sections

    3

    3 (excluding GK, Decision Making and Essay)

    Types of Questions

    Analytical Ability, Logical Reasoning, English Communication Skills

    Analytical Ability, Logical Reasoning, English Communication Skills, Decision Making, General Knowledge, Essay

    Syllabus Similarity

    Yes

    Yes

    Negative Marking Scheme

    Yes

    Yes

    Speed-based Test

    Yes

    Yes

    Difficulty Level

    Moderate to Difficult

    Moderate to Difficult

    XAT Vs CAT: exam pattern and marking scheme

    CAT and XAT exam pattern are completely different from each other but their syllabus still have certain similarities. Let's have a look at the comparison between the XAT and CAT exam pattern and their syllabus through a table.

    CAT 2025 and XAT 2026 marking scheme and exam pattern

    Exam Particulars

    CAT Marking Scheme

    XAT Marking Scheme

    Number of Questions

    68

    100

    Total Marks

    204

    100

    Negative Marking

    • 3 marks for correct answer
    • -1 mark for incorrect answer
    • No negative marking for non-MCQs
    • 1 marks for correct answer
    • -0.25 mark for incorrect answer
    • -0.5 marks for more than 8 unattempted questions
    • No negative marking in GK section

    Number of choices in MCQs

    4

    5

    Sectional Time Limit

    40 minutes for each section

    175 minutes for Part 1 (VA, QA, DM), 5 minutes for Part 2 (Mock Keyboard Testing) and 30 minutes for Part 3 (GK Essay Writing)

    CAT Vs XAT: Exam Dates

    Candidates can check the XAT and CAT 2025 exam dates for the MBA admission 2026-28 session.

    MBA Exam

    MBA Exam Date

    CAT 2025

    November 30, 2025

    XAT 2026

    January 04, 2026

    CAT Vs XAT: Syllabus

    After going through all the differences and similarities between XAT and CAT entrance exams, candidates must decide which MBA exam they want to take. They must prepare an effective study plan and start with the preparation of the exam they wish to appear for. Before preparing a study plan, it is crucial to know the syllabus of CAT and XAT syllabus mentioned below.

    XAT Vs CAT: Study Material

    Have a look at the best XAT and CAT study material like previous year CAT question papers, XAT question papers and mock test series to help you prepare for these upcoming MBA entrance exams.

    XAT Vs CAT: Mock test

    Given below are the best mock test series by Careers360 for XAT and CAT 2025 preparation.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: XAT is accepted by how many colleges in India?
    A:

    160+ colleges in India will accept the XAT 2026 score for management courses. 

    Q: Is the syllabus for CAT and XAT the same?
    A:

    No, the CAT and XAT syllabi are not the same as XAT includes separate sections for Decision Making and General Knowledge, which are not the CAT exam. 

    Q: How many colleges accept CAT 2025 score?
    A:

    The CAT 2025 score will be accepted not only by 21 IIMs, but also by 1000+ B-schools. 

    Q: Does IIM accept the XAT score?
    A:

    No, Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) do not accept XAT scores for admission to MBA programme. They primarily accept scores from the Common Admission Test (CAT). 

    Q: Which is better, XLRI or IIM?
    A:

    The question of whether IIM or XLRI is better depends on specific career goals and preferences. XLRI is mainly known for its Human Resources (HR) programme, while IIMs are preferred for broader management roles, especially in finance and consulting.

    Q: Is XAT accepted in IIM?
    A:

    No, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) does not accept XAT score for MBA admission. IIM's only accept CAT score.

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