Most Asked RC Passages in XAT: Complete Guide for XAT 2026 Aspirants

Understanding the Importance of RC in XAT 2026

Role of Reading Comprehension in XAT Verbal Ability

Reading Comprehension forms the backbone of the Verbal and Logical Ability section in XAT. Typically, XAT RC passages constitute 40-50% of the entire Verbal section, making it the single most important component for scoring well. The XAT RC questions 2026 are expected to follow the same pattern, with 3-4 passages containing 12-16 questions in total.

What sets XAT reading comprehension apart is its emphasis on comprehension depth rather than surface-level understanding. XLRI's question paper consistently tests inference-making ability, critical analysis, and the capacity to engage with complex philosophical and management concepts. Success in this section requires not just reading skills but also intellectual maturity and analytical thinking.

Weightage of XAT RC Questions in Previous Years

Historical data from XAT previous year papers reveals that RC passages for XAT preparation should focus on quality over quantity. Between 2015 and 2025, the exam has featured:

The weightage has remained consistent at around 40-45% of the Verbal section, but the difficulty level has progressively increased. XAT RC previous year questions show a clear trend toward abstract, philosophical, and inference-heavy passages that require deep comprehension.

Why RC Is the Highest Scoring Section for XAT Toppers

Analysis of XAT toppers' strategies reveals a common pattern: excellence in Reading Comprehension. Unlike vocabulary-based or grammar questions, where doubts persist, XAT RC practice questions allow for methodical elimination and logical reasoning. Toppers consistently report that RC passages offer the highest accuracy potential because:

1. Objective answers: Despite complexity, answers are passage-based and verifiable

2. Time efficiency: Investment in one passage yields multiple questions

3. Skill transferability: RC preparation enhances decision-making and Critical Reasoning abilities

4. Predictable patterns: Understanding repeated RC passages in XAT enables strategic preparation

The most successful XAT candidates typically score 90%+ accuracy in RC, compensating for any weaknesses in other Verbal areas.

What Does "Repeated RC Passages in XAT" Really Mean?

Are RC Passages Directly Repeated in XAT?

This is perhaps the most common misconception among XAT aspirants. No, XAT does not directly repeat the same passages from previous years. XLRI maintains strict confidentiality and creates fresh content for each exam. However, what does repeat—and this is crucial for preparation—is the thematic content, philosophical orientation, and stylistic approach of passages.

Understanding this distinction is essential for effective XAT 2026 RC practice questions preparation. Rather than memorizing passages, aspirants should familiarize themselves with the recurring themes and thinking patterns that XLRI favors.

How XAT Recycles RC Themes, Ideas, and Writing Styles

XAT RC passages exhibit remarkable thematic consistency over the years. The exam consistently favors:

• Philosophical inquiry: Questions about ethics, morality, and human values

• Management thought: Leadership theories, organizational behavior, and business ethics

• Social commentary: Critiques of contemporary society, technology, and policy

• Abstract reasoning: Passages requiring interpretation rather than factual recall

The writing style also shows consistency—XAT prefers intellectually dense, argument-driven prose that presents multiple perspectives on complex issues. The passages often lack a definitive conclusion, requiring readers to synthesize information and draw nuanced inferences.

Difference Between Repeated Topics vs Repeated Passages

When we discuss XAT RC topics repeatedly, we're referring to thematic domains rather than specific texts. For example:

• Repeated topic: "The ethical implications of artificial intelligence on employment."

• Not repeated: The exact passage text from XAT 2020

This means aspirants preparing for XAT reading comprehension practice should focus on building conceptual familiarity with recurring themes rather than memorizing specific passages. The goal is to develop comfort with the types of arguments, philosophical frameworks, and analytical approaches that XAT favors.

Analysis of XAT RC Topics Asked Repeatedly (2015–2025)

Philosophy and Ethics-Based RC Passages

Philosophy and ethics dominate XAT RC passages more than any other MBA entrance exam. Approximately 30-35% of all RC passages between 2015 and 2025 have dealt with moral philosophy, ethical dilemmas, and questions of right and wrong.

Common philosophical themes include:

• Utilitarianism versus deontological ethics

• The nature of justice and fairness

• Moral responsibility in complex situations

• The relationship between individual rights and collective good

• Ethical frameworks for business decision-making

XLRI's preference for philosophical content reflects its Jesuit educational philosophy, which emphasizes moral formation alongside professional competence. For XAT 2026, aspirants should expect at least one passage dealing with ethical reasoning or moral philosophy.

Business, Economy, and Management Thought RCs

Given XAT's purpose as a management entrance test, passages on business strategy, economic theory, and management philosophy appear regularly. These constitute approximately 25-30% of XAT RC passages and often blend practical management concerns with theoretical frameworks.

Recurring themes include:

• Corporate social responsibility and stakeholder capitalism

• The purpose of business is beyond profit maximization

• Leadership styles and their philosophical underpinnings

• Economic inequality and distributive justice

• The evolution of management thought and organizational theory

These passages typically require understanding both the business context and the underlying philosophical or economic assumptions. They're particularly valuable because they directly connect to XAT's Decision Making section.

Social Issues and Public Policy RC Topics

XAT reading comprehension frequently features passages on social challenges, public policy debates, and governance issues. These constitute about 20-25% of passages and reflect XLRI's emphasis on social consciousness and responsible management.

Common topics include:

• Education policy and access to learning

• Healthcare systems and public health challenges

• Urban planning and sustainable development

• Social justice movements and equity issues

• The role of government in addressing market failures

These passages often present competing perspectives on policy questions, requiring readers to understand multiple viewpoints without imposing their own biases.

Psychology, Human Behaviour, and Decision-Making RCs

Passages exploring human psychology, cognitive biases, and decision-making patterns have become increasingly common in recent XAT exams. These constitute approximately 15-20% of XAT RC passages and align with contemporary management education's emphasis on behavioral economics and organizational psychology.

Typical themes include:

• Cognitive biases affecting judgment and decision-making

• The psychology of motivation and performance

• Social influence and conformity

• The tension between intuition and rational analysis

• Behavioral economics and choice architecture

These passages often connect directly to XAT's Decision Making section, making them doubly valuable for preparation.

These 10 RC Passages Are Repeatedly Asked in XAT

Philosophy of Ethics and Moral Dilemmas (Most Asked)

This is the single most recurring theme in XAT RC topics. Year after year, XAT features passages that explore ethical frameworks, moral reasoning, and situations where different ethical principles conflict.

Sample XAT RC questions from this category:

From XAT 2019: A passage discussed whether corporations have moral obligations beyond legal compliance, exploring stakeholder theory versus shareholder primacy. Questions tested understanding of different ethical perspectives and their practical implications.

From XAT 2022: A passage examined the trolley problem and its variations, questioning whether consequences alone determine the morality of actions or whether the nature of the action itself matters.

Preparation strategy: Read introductory texts on normative ethics—utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and care ethics. Understand how these frameworks approach moral dilemmas differently.

Capitalism, Inequality, and Economic Justice

Passages critiquing or defending capitalism, exploring wealth distribution, and questioning economic systems appear almost annually. These passages typically present nuanced arguments that avoid simple pro- or anti-capitalism stances.

Sample question approach (based on XAT patterns):

Questions often ask: "Which of the following would the author most likely support as a solution to economic inequality?" requiring synthesis of the author's unstated position from multiple clues in the passage.

Preparation strategy: Read contemporary debates on capitalism, including works by economists and philosophers who discuss inequality, distributive justice, and economic systems. Focus on understanding different perspectives rather than adopting one.

Role of Technology in Society and Human Life

As technology increasingly shapes modern life, XAT RC passages have consistently explored its implications—both positive and concerning. These passages examine technology's impact on employment, relationships, privacy, autonomy, and human flourishing.

Common question types:

• "What does the author imply about the relationship between technology and human autonomy?"

• "Which statement would most weaken the author's argument about social media?"

Preparation strategy: Read essays and articles discussing technology's societal impact, particularly those that avoid simple technophilia or technophobia and instead present nuanced analysis.

Leadership, Management, and Organizational Behaviour

Given XAT's audience, passages on leadership philosophy and organizational dynamics appear regularly. These explore different leadership models, the evolution of management thinking, and the challenges of organizational change.

Sample themes from past XATs:

• Transformational versus transactional leadership

• The role of emotional intelligence in management

• Organizational culture and its impact on performance

• The limitations of rational decision-making in complex organizations

Preparation strategy: Familiarize yourself with major management thinkers and their contributions. Understand the evolution from scientific management to contemporary approaches emphasizing purpose, culture, and stakeholder value.

Democracy, Governance, and Public Institutions

Passages examining democratic systems, governance challenges, and the role of public institutions constitute another recurring theme. These passages often explore tensions between different democratic values or question the effectiveness of democratic institutions in addressing contemporary challenges.

Typical question approaches:

• Inference questions about the author's view on specific policy mechanisms

• Questions comparing different governance models

• Critical reasoning about the assumptions underlying democratic theory

Preparation strategy: Read political philosophy texts and contemporary policy debates. Focus on understanding arguments about democracy's strengths and limitations.

Psychology of Choice and Human Bias

The intersection of psychology and decision-making has become increasingly prominent in recent XAT exams. These passages explore cognitive biases, heuristics, and the psychological factors that influence judgment.

Common topics:

• Confirmation bias and motivated reasoning

• The availability heuristic and probability misjudgment

• Loss aversion and prospect theory

• The limits of human rationality

Preparation strategy: Read popular works on behavioral economics and cognitive psychology, particularly those by Daniel Kahneman, Dan Ariely, and similar authors. Focus on understanding the research findings and their implications.

Education Systems and Learning Models

Passages critiquing traditional education or proposing alternative learning models appear regularly. These passages often question rote learning, standardized testing, and conventional classroom structures while exploring alternatives.

Sample question types from past papers:

• "What assumption underlies the author's critique of standardized testing?"

• "Which educational reform would the author most likely support?"

Preparation strategy: Read contemporary debates about education reform, alternative pedagogies, and the purpose of education in modern society.

Environmental Ethics and Sustainability

As environmental concerns have grown more urgent, XAT RC passages increasingly feature environmental ethics, sustainability challenges, and the relationship between economic development and ecological preservation.

Recurring themes:

• Intergenerational justice and environmental responsibility

• The tragedy of the commons and collective action problems

• Sustainable development versus traditional growth models

• Corporate environmental responsibility

Preparation strategy: Read about environmental philosophy, climate policy debates, and corporate sustainability initiatives. Focus on understanding different ethical frameworks for environmental decision-making.

Cultural Studies and Social Change

Passages examining cultural evolution, social movements, and the dynamics of social change appear periodically. These passages often explore how cultures adapt, resist change, or negotiate between tradition and modernity.

Preparation strategy: Read sociological and anthropological perspectives on social change, cultural identity, and the tensions between globalization and local cultures.

Media, Communication, and Freedom of Expression

The role of media, journalism ethics, free speech limitations, and communication technologies constitute the final recurring theme. These passages often explore tensions between freedom of expression and other social values.

Common question approaches:

• Questions about the implications of the author's argument for media regulation

• Inference questions about the balance between free speech and social responsibility

• Critical reasoning about the media's role in democratic societies

Preparation strategy: Read about media ethics, the evolution of journalism, and contemporary debates about social media regulation and misinformation.

Most Asked RC Passages in XAT: Trend-Based Evidence

RC Topics Repeated Across Multiple XAT Years

Analyzing XAT's previous year's questions reveals clear patterns. Between 2015 and 2025:

Philosophy and Ethics: Appeared in 9 out of 11 years. Business and Economic Justice: Appeared in 8 out of 11 years. Technology and Society: Appeared in 7 out of 11 years. Leadership and Management: Appeared in 7 out of 11 years. Psychology and Decision-Making: Appeared in 6 out of 11 years

This data strongly suggests that XAT 2026 RC practice questions should prioritize these themes. The probability of encountering at least two passages from these categories in XAT 2026 is extremely high.

RC Themes Favoured by XLRI Paper Setters

XLRI's paper setters show consistent preferences that reflect the institution's educational philosophy:

1. Moral complexity over simple answers: Passages rarely present clear-cut solutions

2. Multiple perspectives: Arguments acknowledging opposing viewpoints

3. Real-world relevance: Theoretical concepts grounded in practical situations

4. Intellectual sophistication: Dense, argument-driven prose

5. Social consciousness: Emphasis on equity, justice, and responsible leadership

Understanding these preferences helps aspirants identify suitable XAT reading comprehension practice materials. Not all RC passages are equally valuable for XAT preparation—those matching XLRI's philosophical orientation are most beneficial.

Comparison with CAT and GMAT RC Trends

XAT RC passages differ significantly from CAT and GMAT:

CAT: More diverse topics, including science, arts, and history; shorter passages; more factual recall.

GMAT: Business-focused with data interpretation emphasis; standardized question types; more structured passages.

XAT: Philosophy-heavy; abstract reasoning; longer, denser passages; inference-focused questions

This means aspirants cannot rely solely on CAT or GMAT RC practice for XAT preparation. The skill overlap is partial at best. XAT RC questions 2026 will likely continue this distinct pattern, requiring specialized preparation.

XAT Reading Comprehension Pattern Explained (2026 Focus)

Length and Complexity of XAT RC Passages

XAT RC passages typically range from 400-600 words, significantly longer than CAT passages but comparable to GMAT. However, the complexity lies not in length but in conceptual density. A 500-word XAT passage often contains more ideas and requires more cognitive processing than a 700-word passage in other exams.

For XAT 2026, expect:

• 3-4 passages total

• Average length: 450-550 words per passage

• High conceptual density with minimal factual content

• Abstract, argument-driven structure

• Sophisticated vocabulary without technical jargon

Types of XAT RC Questions Asked

XAT RC questions predominantly test higher-order thinking:

Inference questions (40-45%): "What can be inferred from the passage?" Author's viewpoint (20-25%): "What would the author most likely agree with?" Purpose and tone (15-20%): "What is the primary purpose of the passage?" Critical reasoning (10-15%): "Which statement would weaken the argument?" Application questions (5-10%): "How would the author's framework apply to this scenario?"

Notably absent are vocabulary-in-context questions and explicit factual recall, which are common in other exams. This distribution requires deep comprehension rather than surface reading.

XAT RC Previous Year Questions: What Do They Reveal?

Nature of Inference-Based RC Questions

Inference questions in XAT demand careful textual analysis. Unlike simpler comprehension tests, XAT inferences:

• Cannot be directly quoted from the passage

• Require synthesis of multiple passage elements

• Often involve logical extension of the author's argument

• Demand distinction between what's stated and what's implied

Example question pattern (representative of XAT style): "Based on the passage, which of the following scenarios would the author consider most problematic? A) A policy that reduces inequality but limits individual freedom. B) A policy that promotes freedom but increases inequality. C) A policy that maintains the status quo D) A policy that addresses neither equality nor freedom."

This requires understanding the author's underlying value hierarchy, not just recalling facts.

Tone, Purpose, and Author's Viewpoint Questions

XAT frequently tests whether readers can discern subtle distinctions in authorial perspective:

• Tone: Is the author skeptical, cautiously optimistic, critical but constructive, or neutral?

• Purpose: Is the passage primarily arguing for a position, presenting multiple perspectives, critiquing existing approaches, or explaining a phenomenon?

• Viewpoint: What unstated assumptions underlie the author's argument?

These questions require attention to qualifying language, hedging, and the overall argumentative structure rather than explicit statements.

Critical Reasoning Elements Inside XAT RC

Unlike standardized critical reasoning questions, XAT embeds critical reasoning within RC passages. Questions might ask:

• "Which statement, if true, would most strengthen the author's argument?"

• "What assumption must be true for the author's conclusion to follow?"

• "Which objection would the author find most difficult to counter?"

This integration means XAT reading comprehension practice must include critical reasoning skills—identifying assumptions, evaluating evidence, and assessing argument structure.

How to Prepare RC for XAT 2026 Using Repeated Topics

Smart RC Preparation Strategy for XAT Aspirants

Effective preparation for XAT RC passages requires a strategy beyond generic reading:

Phase 1 (3-6 months before XAT):

• Build conceptual familiarity with the 10 most asked topics

• Read 2-3 high-quality articles daily on these themes

• Focus on understanding arguments, not memorizing facts

• Practice identifying main arguments and supporting evidence

Phase 2 (2-3 months before XAT):

• Begin timed practice with XAT-style passages

• Analyze XAT RC previous year questions to understand question patterns

• Practice inference-making and critical reasoning

• Review both correct and incorrect answer explanations

Phase 3 (Final month):

• Focus on timed sectional tests

• Refine passage selection strategy (which to attempt first)

• Practice maintaining concentration for 500+ word dense passages

• Review philosophical and management concepts

What to Read Daily for XAT Reading Comprehension

Quality matters more than quantity. Recommended daily reading includes:

Essential sources:

• The Indian Express/Hindu editorials on policy and governance

• Harvard Business Review articles on management and leadership

• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy for ethics and moral philosophy

• Essays from The Atlantic, New Yorker, or similar publications on technology and society

Time investment:

• 30-45 minutes of focused reading daily

• Emphasis on understanding argument structure

• Practice summarizing main arguments in one sentence

• Note recurring themes that align with XAT preferences

Avoid: News articles focused on events rather than analysis, technical scientific papers, and highly specialized academic writing

How to Analyze RC Passages Like an XLRI Examiner

Understanding the examiner's perspective transforms preparation:

When reading a potential XAT passage, ask:

1. What philosophical or ethical question does this explore?

2. What competing perspectives does it present?

3. What unstated assumptions underlie the argument?

4. What makes this conceptually challenging?

5. What nuanced inferences can be drawn?

Practice creating questions: After reading, formulate your own inference questions, tone questions, and application questions. This develops the examiner's mindset and deepens comprehension.

Best Sources for XAT Reading Comprehension Practice

RC Passages for XAT Preparation from Past Papers

The single most valuable resource is authentic XAT previous year papers from 2015-2025. These should form the core of your XAT 2026 RC practice questions preparation.

How to use them effectively:

• First attempt: Timed, under exam conditions

• Second review: Untimed, analyzing every question and answer option

• Third review: Studying passage structure and argument flow

• Pattern analysis: Documenting question types and inference techniques

Beyond XAT, IIFT, and SNAP RC passages occasionally match XAT's style, though XAT remains unique in its philosophical emphasis.

Recommended Books and Editorials for XAT RC

Books that mirror XAT's thematic preferences:

• "Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?" by Michael Sandel (ethics and philosophy)

• "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman (psychology and decision-making)

• "The Idea of Justice" by Amartya Sen (philosophy and economics)

• Management classics by Peter Drucker (organizational behavior and leadership)

Editorial sources:

• The Hindu's Sunday opinion pieces

• The Indian Express editorial page

• Livemint's opinion columns on business and policy

• Project Syndicate essays on global issues

Online Resources for XAT RC Practice Questions

While abundant RC practice exists online, finding XAT-appropriate material requires discernment:

Suitable sources:

• Previous year XAT papers (official and coaching institute compilations)

• GMAT Official Guide RC passages (higher difficulty only)

• Online platforms offering XAT-specific mocks

• Academic essay databases for philosophical content

Less suitable:

• Generic CAT RC practice (too diverse, different pattern)

• Basic comprehension workbooks (insufficient difficulty)

• Short news-based passages (inadequate depth)

Common Mistakes Students Make in XAT RC Preparation

Treating XAT RC Like CAT RC

This is perhaps the most common and costly error. Students who excel in CAT RC often struggle with XAT because they approach it with the wrong mindset:

CAT approach (ineffective for XAT):

• Speed reading to cover diverse topics

• Focusing on factual retention

• Practicing with extremely varied passage types

• Prioritizing question-solving techniques over comprehension depth

XAT approach (effective):

• Slower, more analytical reading

• Focusing on argument structure and inference

• Specializing in philosophy-heavy, abstract content

• Building conceptual understanding of recurring themes

The skill transfer between CAT and XAT RC is partial at best. Dedicated XAT reading comprehension practice is essential.

Ignoring Abstract and Philosophical RC Passages

Many students feel uncomfortable with abstract, philosophical content and gravitate toward business or factual passages during practice. This is counterproductive for XAT preparation because:

1. Philosophical passages are most frequently asked

2. Discomfort indicates precisely where improvement is needed

3. These passages offer the highest score potential once mastered

4. Avoiding them creates exam-day panic when they inevitably appear

Solution: Systematically build comfort with philosophical content through targeted reading and practice. Start with accessible philosophical texts and gradually increase complexity.

Over-Focusing on Speed Instead of Interpretation

While time management matters, XAT RC rewards depth over speed. Students who rush through passages to attempt more questions often:

• Miss crucial nuances affecting multiple questions

• Select answers based on superficial similarity rather than logical inference

• Fall for trap options designed to catch hasty readers

Better approach: Invest 5-7 minutes reading and understanding each passage thoroughly, then answer questions efficiently based on solid comprehension. This typically yields higher accuracy than rushed attempts.

Final Strategy: How to Master XAT RC Before Exam Day

30-Day RC Preparation Plan for XAT 2026

How Many RC Passages to Practice Daily

Quantity recommendations vary by preparation stage:

3+ months before XAT: 1-2 passages daily (focus on understanding) 2-3 months before XAT: 2-3 passages daily (balance understanding and speed) Final month: 3-4 passages daily (exam simulation and refinement) Final week: 2 passages daily (maintaining touch without exhaustion)

Quality trumps quantity—one deeply understood passage builds more skill than three rushed attempts.

Last-Minute XAT RC Tips from Past Toppers

Based on interviews with XAT 99+ percentilers:

During passage reading:

• Identify the main argument in the first reading itself

• Note the author's stance on controversial points

• Mark transitions, indicating perspective shifts

• Don't get lost in examples—focus on what they illustrate

During question solving:

• Always return to the passage; never rely on memory alone

• For inference questions, eliminate clearly wrong options first

• Watch for extreme language in options (usually incorrect in nuanced passages)

• When stuck between two options, choose the more conservative inference

Time management:

• Attempt the easiest passage first for confidence and momentum

• Don't spend beyond 8-9 minutes per passage, including questions

• If a question takes beyond 90 seconds, mark for review and move on

• Save 2-3 minutes for revisiting marked questions

Mindset:

• XAT RC passages are intellectually challenging but logically solvable

• Every question has exactly one defensible answer based on the passage evidence

• Confusion often indicates insufficient passage comprehension—reread relevant sections

• Trust your analytical skills; overthinking usually leads to errors

Remember: XAT reading comprehension practice is not about memorising passages but about building the intellectual framework to engage confidently with complex, abstract content under time pressure. Start your systematic preparation today, and approach XAT 2026 with the confidence that comes from thorough, strategic preparation.

FAQ’s on Most Asked RC Passages in XAT

1. Are XAT RC passages repeated exactly from previous years?

No, XAT never repeats exact passages word-for-word, but consistently repeats thematic content—philosophy and ethics, economic justice, technology's impact, and leadership appear almost every year with different texts but similar conceptual frameworks. Focus on understanding these recurring themes rather than memorizing specific passages for effective XAT 2026 RC practice questions preparation.

2. Which are the most important topics to focus on for XAT reading comprehension?

The top 5 topics are: Philosophy and Ethics (appeared 9/11 years), Economic Justice and Capitalism (8/11 years), Technology and Society (7/11 years), Leadership and Management (7/11 years), and Psychology and Decision-Making (6/11 years). Allocate 70% of your XAT reading comprehension practice to these high-frequency themes for maximum preparation efficiency.

3. How is XAT RC different from CAT RC, and do I need separate preparation?

XAT RC emphasizes philosophical depth (60-70% abstract passages), requiring slow analytical reading, while CAT features diverse factual topics requiring faster reading with more vocabulary questions. Yes, separate preparation is essential—dedicate at least 60% of RC practice to XAT-specific philosophical and management thought materials for XAT 2026.

4. What's the best daily practice routine for XAT RC preparation?

Practice 1-2 passages daily if you have 4-6 months, 2-3 passages if you have 2-3 months, and 3-4 passages through full sectional tests if you have 1 month remaining. Always balance practice questions (60%) with thematic reading on philosophy, ethics, and management (40%), and spend equal time analyzing wrong answers.

5. What are the biggest mistakes to avoid in XAT RC preparation and during the exam?

Major preparation mistakes include treating XAT like CAT RC, avoiding philosophical passages, and not analyzing wrong answers thoroughly. During the exam, avoid attempting passages sequentially without strategic selection, relying on memory instead of verifying answers against passage text, and spending over 90 seconds on any single question—apply the mark-and-move-on strategy for time management.