Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2026
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One-Year Study Plan for XAT 2026: Planning a full one-year study plan for XAT 2026 may feel overwhelming at first, especially for aspirants targeting top B-schools like XLRI, XIMB, and others that accept XAT scores. If you’re aiming to crack XAT in your first attempt and are unsure when and how to begin, this comprehensive guide is tailored for you. In this article, we outline a smart, month-by-month XAT 2026 preparation plan, backed by expert tips to improve speed, accuracy, and conceptual clarity across all sections.
This Story also Contains
- XAT Exam Pattern 2026
- XAT 2026 Syllabus
- One-Year Study Plan for XAT 2026: 8 Important Strategies
With a full year ahead, it's essential to prepare methodically, mastering key areas like Decision Making, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Knowledge. Since XAT is one of the toughest MBA entrance exams in India, conducted online by XLRI Jamshedpur, starting early gives you the edge you need. From understanding the latest XAT 2026 exam pattern and syllabus to implementing time-tested techniques, this article provides everything you need to build a strong foundation. Read on to discover how to plan your 12-month XAT preparation strategy effectively and confidently.
XAT Exam Pattern 2026
To obtain good marks and make it to the final selection list of XLRI, Jamshedpur or other top colleges, extensive preparation for XAT 2026 is required. For the admissions in the academic year 2026, XLRI, Jamshedpur, will prescribe the exam pattern of XAT 2026. Candidates who will fill out the application form must check the exam pattern of XAT 2026 beforehand to formulate a better preparation strategy. Given below is a tentative XAT exam pattern 2026, which will be updated if any changes are notified by XLRI, Jamshedpur, for XAT 2026.
Exam Pattern of XAT 2026:
Particulars | Key Features |
Exam Duration | Two hours, i.e. 190 minutes |
Total no. of questions | 100 |
Mode of XAT 2026 | Computer-based test |
Marking scheme |
|
Sections | 4 Sections + Essay Writing
|
Nature of questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) + 1 Descriptive Question |
Sectional time limit | No sectional limit |
XAT 2026 Syllabus
Once you have carefully analysed the exam pattern, move on to what you have to study, i.e. get the know-how of the XAT 2026 syllabus. According to a one-year study plan for XAT 2026, candidates who are aware of the XAT syllabus 2026 will be able to make a better preparation strategy as compared to those who do not know the basics. Note that XLRI, Jamshedpur, will not provide any official XAT 2026 syllabus. Hence, prospective candidates need to note down carefully the topics covered based on the past year's paper pattern and question paper.
Keeping in view the previous year's papers, the question paper of XAT 2026 will be divided into four sections, i.e. Decision Making (DM), General Knowledge (GK), Verbal and Logical Reasoning (VA and LR), and Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA and DI). In addition, there will be one descriptive question too, which is the essay writing section.
One-Year Study Plan for XAT 2026: 8 Important Strategies
Now that candidates are aware of what they need to look for before initiating and moving on to the execution part. Let us look carefully at the one-year study plan for XAT 2026 to clear the exam with flying colours. The points mentioned must be followed by candidates to crack the exam with ease.
Attempt Pre-Preparation Mocks
Make Time Table
Follow Divide and Rule Plan
Focus on Concept Clarity
Make Friends with Sample Papers
Join Social Study Group
Work on Areas of Improvement
Post-Preparation Mocks
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 EBook1. Attempt Pre-Preparation Mocks
As a preparatory strategy for the one-year study plan for XAT 2026, candidates are advised to attempt a prep-preparation mock test of XAT to gauge their current standing. This will also enable them to see the level of preparation required from their end for XAT 2026. Areas of strength and weaknesses will be easily known through the mock test of XAT.
2. Make a Time Table
Once you are done assessing yourself with a mock test, create a proper timetable that covers all four XAT sections. A weekly study plan works best for flexibility and focus. If a plan doesn't suit you, switch it up and stick to what works. Making a structured timetable is a key part of How to start XAT 2026 Preparation, and it also reflects How do Toppers prepare for XAT—with consistent planning and weekly goal tracking.
3. Follow Divide and Rule Plan
Knowing the exam pattern in advance and following it will help you move according to the divide and rule strategy of a one-year study plan for XAT 2026. Although there will be no sectional time in XAT 2026, while preparing, candidates must not forget the importance of time management. It is advisable to divide the day in such a way that all four sections are covered daily. Candidates can follow the division and rule plan -
Morning, 10 am to 12 noon - Verbal and logical ability (VA and LR)
Noon 1 pm to 3 pm - Decision Making (DM)
Evening, 6 pm to 8 pm - General Knowledge (GK)
Evening, 10 pm to 12 midnight - Quantitative ability and data interpretation (QA and DI)
Candidates can rearrange the above-mentioned divide and rule plan and study difficult sections (like QA & DI and DM) when they have a silent environment, as these require more focus.
4. Focus on Concept Clarity
Since you have considerable time, you should focus on clearing your basic concepts. Subtopics like Critical Reasoning/Inference, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Permutation & Combination, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Percentage, Analytical Reasoning, etc., require solid preparation to solve the questions accurately and efficiently. These fundamentals play a crucial role, especially if you're aiming to crack the exam on your first attempt. If you're wondering How to crack XAT in your first attempt or How to Prepare for XAT in One Month, a strong command over these topics—along with time management—will significantly improve your chances of success.
5. Use Sample Papers
As a preparation tip for a one-year study plan for XAT 2026, once candidates are done with clearing their basics, they should move on to solving XAT question papers or sample papers. It is advisable to solve at least three to four sample papers in a week. Do not hurry while reading questions. Remember the exam pattern of XAT 2026; the time duration for solving the question paper will be two hours. When you take a XAT 2026 sample paper, set a timer and solve the questions within 180 minutes. The primary benefit of solving these papers is that after solving more than 10-20 papers, you will notice that no new questions are reappearing. Soon you will find yourself solving questions more accurately and promptly.
6. Join Social Study Group
Candidates who are preparing on their own without joining any coaching classes can join any social study group that does not charge anything in monetary terms. Any queries, new suggestions, shortcuts, or question-solving methods shared by other candidates and experts can be beneficial for you. Many study groups are available nowadays that provide expert advice without taking anything in return. If you know something groundbreaking that can help others, you can also share it.
7. Work on Areas of Improvement
After solving the question papers/sample papers, assess your answers and identify questions that could be scoring for you but were missed or answered incorrectly due to a lack of agility while reading the questions. Add your one-year study plan for XAT 2026 to identify areas for improvement. By executing better preparation strategies, you can turn the challenges/areas of improvement into your strengths. Practice as much as you can and make the best use of your time if you wish to get good scores in the XAT 2026 result.
8. Post-Preparation Mocks
Now that you know all the significant things which you should add to your one-year study plan for XAT 2026, do not forget to take a post-preparation mock test to check yourself. Do not be over-confident that you have studied everything and know it all. Go for post-preparation mocks and test your preparation. Maintain a calm mind, even if everything goes smoothly, and continue practising until you appear for XAT 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many hours should I study daily for XAT in a one-year plan?
A:
Study 4-5 hours on weekdays and 6-8 hours on weekends. This totals about 35-40 hours per week, which is ideal for XAT preparation.
Q: When should I start taking mock tests in my one-year plan?
A:
Start taking sectional tests after 3 months and full-length mocks after 4 months of preparation.
Q: What are the initial steps for preparing for XAT 2026?
A:
Firstly ,make yourself familiar with the XAT exam pattern and syllabus, it will help you create an effective study plan.
Q: How can I improve my performance in the GK section?
A:
Stay updated with current affairs and practice by solving sample papers regularly to familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked.
Q: What sections are included in the XAT exam?
A:
The XAT exam consists of four main sections:
Decision Making (DM),
General Knowledge (GK),
Verbal and Logical Reasoning (VA and LR), and
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA and DI)
Along with a descriptive essay writing section.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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