XAT- Xavier Aptitude Test 2026
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An MBA significantly shape your professional journey by opening doors to leadership roles, better job prospects, and higher earning potential. However, gaining admission to a top B-school requires clearing competitive entrance exams like CAT, GMAT, XAT, and others. These exams don’t just test your academic knowledge; they also assess your speed, problem-solving ability, and strategic thinking. While the MBA entrance exam preparation can feel overwhelming due to the wide syllabus and intense competition, a focused and consistent approach often leads to better results than simply trying to outperform others. In this article, you'll find practical tips and beginner-friendly strategies to help you start your MBA exam preparation with clarity and confidence.
Before initiating your MBA entrance exam 2025 preparation, it is critical to develop a study strategy that addresses all aspects of the exam. The strategy does not need to be ideal, but it should help you get into your preferred MBA colleges in India. This article will provide useful study suggestions and strategies to help you prepare for MBA examinations. Check out the tips to discover how they may fit into your study schedule and help you build an appropriate plan for the MBA admission process in India.
Choosing the right MBA entrance exams for you is very important when preparing for MBA admission. It depends on personal decisions and many factors:
Choice of MBA college
Suitable exam pattern
Familiarity with the syllabus or type of questions
The difficulty level of the entrance exam, etc
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Here is a list of the most popular MBA entrance exams conducted in India.
Name of the MBA Entrance Exam | About the Exam |
Common Admission Test (CAT exam) | National-Level Entrance Examination conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). It is the most widely accepted choice by MBA colleges, but it is mainly taken to join Tier-1 MBA colleges. |
Management Aptitude Test (MAT exam) | MAT is again a national-level examination conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA). It is conducted 4 times every year and is mostly accepted by Tier-2 and Tier-3 MBA colleges. |
Common Management Aptitude Test (CMAT exam) | Another national-level entrance examination is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). CMAT is conducted to enroll for AICTE and UGC-recognized MBA colleges in India. |
Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH-CET exam) | Also known as MAH MBA CET or MAH MBA/ MMS CET, it is a state-level MBA entrance examination conducted by the State Common Entrance Cell of Maharashtra and accepted for admission to MBA colleges within the state. |
Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT exam) | XAT is an MBA entrance exam conducted by Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) in Jamshedpur. However, this exam is very popularly accepted by many MBA colleges across the country. |
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT exam) | GMAT is another popular entrance exam for MBA colleges. It is administered by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC). This choice is often chosen by the candidates because it has a different overall approach to testing. However, it is accepted by a limited number of colleges compared to the many MBA entrance exams on this list. |
These are the popular exams for MBA admission. Many MBA entrance exams are conducted in India, in which specific institutes conduct their courses. Check out the schedule of MBA Entrance Examinations and go through our CAT vs other MBA Entrance Exam comparisons to choose the best MBA exam for your needs.
People also search for: Top Specialized MBA Entrance Exams
Exam Pattern of MBA Entrance Exam | |||||
Exam | Section | Duration | Question | Marks | Negative Mark |
CAT | 3 | 120 Min | 100 | +3 | -1 |
MAT | 5 | 150 Min | 200 | +1 | -1/4 |
CMAT | 5 | 180 Min | 100 | +4 | -1 |
MAH CET | 4 | 150 Min | 200 | +1 | No Negative |
XAT | 5 | 180 Min | 95 | +1 | -0.25 |
IBSAT | 4 | 120 Min | 140 | +1 | No Negative |
A thorough preparation for MBA entrance exams requires a strategic approach. Candidates must focus on three crucial sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
For VARC, candidates must focus on strengthening their English language skills, including grammar and comprehension. In DILR, they should practice interpreting data and sharpen their logical reasoning ability. QA assesses mathematical skills with a focus on fundamental concepts, so candidates should concentrate on basic mathematical functions, numbers, and their applications.
Below are the outlined key topics for each section to help candidates get started with the preparation for MBA entrance exam, but one must also refer to the official syllabus for a detailed study plan. To know what to study for the MBA entrance exam and get a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus along with the best book for MBA entrance exam and preparation tips, read the detailed points mentioned below. They will provide candidates with a solid foundation for their MBA entrance preparation.
The exact exam pattern for each MBA entrance exam is different. However, there are some basic elements that are common to every MBA entrance exam in India.
Section | Short Description |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | This section tests a candidate's English language use and comprehension skills. Students must develop good grammar and reading skills to ace this section. |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | In the DI section, candidates will be provided with data that will be presented using a graph, chart, or other visual representation. Using this information, you will need to answer the given questions. For the LR section candidates should use their logical and analytical reasoning skills to solve questions. Questions test a candidate's ability to think out of the box and solve complex problems quickly and accurately. |
Quantitative Ability (QA) | This section tests a candidate's mathematical ability. However, it is not a test to see if a candidate is familiar with complex theories in mathematics, but rather to check their simplicity and familiarity with numbers and number functions. |
Often, the syllabus for MBA entrance preparation is very common. The table below mentions what to study for the MBA entrance exam and gives details on the section-wise syllabi of the MBA Entrance Examinations in India.
Section | Topics |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
|
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning |
|
Quantitative Ability |
Students should note that this is not a complete syllabus for MBA entrance exams. Take a look at the official syllabus provided by the MBA entrance exam you take to make sure you cover all the topics for the exam.
Now that we have gone through the exam system and syllabus, here are some tips on how to start preparing for the MBA entrance exam. These will help candidates in a thorough preparation for MBA Entrance Exam in India by covering every topic section-wise.
The Reasoning Ability section is considered very difficult by the majority of MBA candidates. This is an area where tricks fail and students have to trust their skills to solve questions.
Here are some preparation tips for reasoning ability in MBA entrance exams.
Training is important when it comes to this area. The more questions you solve, the better you will be at identifying important information and developing the right ability to solve these questions.
Solve puzzles. Solving puzzles enhances your ability to think out of the box and sharpens your analytical skills. Developing a daily habit of solving puzzles will increase your speed and accuracy in this section.
Find your own hacks. Many candidates create their own ways of creating useful maps or codes to solve these questions.
Avoid what needs to be avoided. For each candidate, there is a title in the reasoning section, which proves to be very difficult. Avoiding such questions in the exam, it is better to spend the saved time judging others.
Questions in the Verbal Ability section can ask a student to find an error in a particular part of the sentence, fill in a paragraph with the correct parts of grammar, answer questions based on a paragraph, and other tasks.
Here are the best tips for the verbal ability section in MBA entrance exams.
Study the rules of grammar from books to the high school level. You can correctly identify different parts of speech in a sentence and find any errors in sentence structure.
Develop the habit of reading. The faster and more accurately you can read, the faster you can navigate through this section.
Identify the types of questions that will appear in the exam using the previous year's question papers. Often, solving questions helps you to read clear ideas faster.
Increase English usage in your daily routine. Changing small habits like using proper English in texting, listening to English music, watching English movies helps a lot in understanding the language.
Quantitative Ability questions in MBA entrance exams are based on the basics up to class 10. However, questions are made more difficult by the use of a number of tactics, including adding unnecessary information to the questions and presenting questions with long or difficult numbers.
Below are some tips to help you in MBA entrance preparation for the quantitative ability section.
Reduce calculations. The questions in this section are often confused with adding longer or harder numbers. However, there are many tricks that allow a candidate to solve questions without doing any calculations.
Work on mental mathematics. There are some questions that inevitably lead to calculations. While some choices provide a basic screen calculator, doing mental calculations always proves to be fast.
Do not use traditional methods. Traditional methods taught in school to solve these questions often fail in MBA entrance exams. Instead, use alternative methods to help achieve the answer faster.
Hide the entire syllabus. Even if you are the best at a topic, it is easy to change questions to stump even the best candidates. Therefore, it is very important to include all the topics in the quantitative ability section as it enhances your exams.
The table below contains the best book for MBA entrance exam for each and every topic that will help you in MBA entrance preparation.
Section | Book | Author |
Verbal Ability | Wiley's ExamXpert Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Captain AK Kalia |
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Arun Sharma, Meenakshi Upadhayay | |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | |
Reasoning Ability | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R S Aggarwal |
Complete Guide for MAT and Other MBA Entrance Exams | Disha Experts | |
Concepts of LR - Logical Reasoning for CAT & Other MBA Exams | Gajendra Kumar | |
Quantitative Ability | How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma |
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum Cat | Sarvesh K Sharma | |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | S Chand PublishingR S Aggarwal |
Yes, preparing for MBA entrance exams like TANCET, CAT, or MAT from home is completely doable. Many toppers have cracked these exams without coaching. With a clear plan, reliable resources, and focused effort, home preparation can be just as effective—sometimes even more—than classroom learning.
1. Choose Exam-Specific Study Materials Only
Skip generic aptitude books. Instead, pick resources tailored to the exam you’re targeting. For TANCET MBA, focus on books that cover business math, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning as per its pattern. Use official TANCET guides, Careers360 ebooks, and topic-wise practice books with past TANCET papers.
2. Set a Section-Wise Prep Routine
Break your study time into three core areas: Quantitative Aptitude, Reading Comprehension & Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning. Dedicate specific days and slots to each. For example, keep mornings for Quant practice and evenings for RC passages or grammar. Stick to this fixed rhythm every week.
3. Take Full-Length Mock Tests in Exam-Like Settings
Create the exam environment at home: no phone, strict timing, and a silent room. Take mocks exactly as the real exam. Don’t just attempt them, analyse each one thoroughly to find and fix patterns in your mistakes.
4. Build a Personal Error Log
Whenever you get a question wrong, whether in mock tests or practice, note down what went wrong and why. Keep this error log updated. Before each mock, revise it. Over time, you’ll start noticing your weak zones and repeated slip-ups, helping you avoid them on the actual exam day.
5. Use YouTube and Free Online Classes Smartly
Don’t jump between multiple channels. Choose one or two good ones and follow their MBA prep playlists. For example, use 2IIM for Quant tricks, Unacademy for TANCET-specific sessions, or Career Launcher for LR strategies. Watch only the topics you struggle with, don't binge-watch and waste time.
6. Avoid Passive Studying
Reading books or watching videos isn’t enough. Actively solve questions, write timed answers, and teach back concepts to yourself. When you finish a chapter, take a mini-quiz or try explaining it out loud. This keeps your mind engaged and ensures deeper learning compared to just reading or watching.
Preparing for an MBA entrance exam needs the right mix of strategy, dedication, and reliable study material. Whether you're studying from home or attending classes, using the right resources like ebooks, mock tests, and question banks can boost your performance.
MBA Ebooks
Ebooks are a smart and flexible way to prepare for MBA entrance exams. They are easy to access on your phone or laptop and cover the full syllabus in one place. These ebooks often include topic-wise explanations, shortcuts, solved examples, and practice questions. Some even have mock tests and exam strategies by experts. They help you study anytime, anywhere, whether during travel or short breaks, making your preparation smoother and more consistent.
Previous Year Papers
Previous year papers give you a real feel of the actual exam pattern and difficulty level. They are a must-have for serious preparation. Solving past papers shows you which topics are repeated often and helps you understand how questions are framed. It also helps you manage time better during the actual exam. Go through the last 5 to 10 years’ papers of your target MBA exam, like CAT, TANCET, or MAT to sharpen your problem-solving skills and boost your confidence.
MBA Mock Test
Mock tests are like rehearsals before the final exam. They help you get used to the pressure, time limit, and pattern of the real test. Taking regular mock tests builds your stamina for the full-length exam. They highlight your weak spots and help you improve with every attempt. Always review your performance after each test to make real progress.
MBA Question Banks
Question banks give you plenty of practice and help you master every topic thoroughly. They include a variety of problems from basic to advanced levels. You can use question banks to practice chapter-wise and focus on one concept at a time. These resources are great for building speed and accuracy. Look for question banks that match your specific MBA exam pattern. Solving them regularly will help you stay exam-ready and spot any gaps in your preparation.
MBA Practice Set
Practice sets are short, focused sets of questions designed to test your understanding of a particular topic or section. They’re great for daily practice. Use practice sets to improve your grip on frequently asked topics like algebra, data interpretation, or reading comprehension. They help you learn time-saving methods and reduce silly errors. Solving 1–2 sets daily builds a strong habit of consistent revision. Many books and websites offer topic-based sets with solutions and explanations.
MBA Sample Paper
Sample papers follow the latest exam pattern and help you prepare in a structured way. They're perfect for testing your readiness before mock tests. These B School Sample papers give you an idea of what to expect in the real exam, question types, marking scheme, and overall difficulty. Practising with sample papers also boosts your confidence and teaches you how to manage your time smartly. Use them after completing the syllabus to assess how well you're truly prepared.
Candidates can begin preparing for MBA entrance exams at least 6-12 months in advance. They should establish a structured study plan and gradually cover all sections to ensure thorough preparation.
Prioritize three key areas:
Quantitative ability (QA),
Data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR),
Verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC
Use mental math exercises, streamline computations using shortcuts, and go over every subject to guarantee a comprehensive grasp.
Frequent practice of mock exams and sample papers helps you become more proficient and more confident.
Certainly! Maintaining organization and attention when studying for a test is much easier with the aid of a study plan.
MBA entrance exams can be challenging, but not impossible. With the right preparation, regular practice, and a clear understanding of concepts, you can crack them even if you're starting from scratch.
The best MBA entrance exam depends on your target colleges. For Indian B-schools, CAT is the most popular. Other good options include XAT, MAT, CMAT, and TANCET.
It’s best to start preparing at least 8 to 12 months before the exam. This gives you enough time to cover the syllabus, practice mock tests, and improve your weak areas without stress.
CAT ( Common Addmission Test ) is for those students who want to study MBA or other post-graduation program in mangement field. Who have Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% recognised university can apply for CAT .final year graduation students are also eligible to apply for CAT exam .
The CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level entrance exam conducted in India for admission to MBA and other postgraduate management programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and many other top B-schools. It tests candidates on Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning.
The exam is important because a high CAT score opens the door to prestigious institutions like the IIMs, which are known for excellent education, high-paying placements, and global recognition
If there's a slight variation in your name between your government ID and school marksheets, it's best to use the name exactly as it appears on your 10th or 12th marksheet while filling out the CAT form, since academic records are the primary documents used for verification during admission. However, ensure that the variation isn’t too major if it is, you might consider getting an affidavit or correction done in the future. For now, stay consistent with your academic records to avoid any mismatch during document verification after the exam.
With a CAT rank of 5419, your percentile is around 95 to 97. This means you may not get into the top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta, because they usually take students above 98 or 99 percentile. But you still have good chances at newer IIMs and other top MBA colleges.
You can get admission into IIMs like Amritsar, Raipur, Jammu, Udaipur, and Bodh Gaya. These IIMs accept students with lower percentiles, usually between 90 and 94.
Apart from IIMs, you can also get colleges like MDI Gurugram, IMI Delhi, Great Lakes Chennai, and maybe even FMS Delhi or JBIMS Mumbai depending on your category and performance in interview rounds.
You should now start preparing for the interview, group discussions, and written tests that most colleges will conduct after shortlisting you based on your CAT rank.
Here are websites you can check for cut-off and admission details:
https://www.imsindia.com/blog/cat-cutoff/
Hello Sahitya
For FMS Delhi, your percentile should be 99%+ and it should be 99.5%+ to be on the safer side.
Now coming to the academics:
1. 10th marks: 75%+ are given 10 out of 10
2. 12th marks: 75%+ are given 10 out of 10
3. Graduation marks: FMS doesn't considers graduation marks for screening.
So if you have 75%+ in both 10th and 12th, you will get full marks in academic score.
To know more about FMS: FMS
Hope this answer helps! Thank You!!!
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