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XAT Syllabus 2026: Section-Wise Topics, Exam Pattern, PDF Download & Best Books
Ongoing Event
XAT Admit Card Date:20 Dec' 25 - 04 Jan' 26
XAT 2026 Syllabus: Aspirants who are preparing for the XAT 2026 should learn about the XAT 2026 syllabus. The XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) syllabus for 2026 is structured around four key sections: Verbal and Logical Ability, Analytical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. To secure a good score in the XAT exam, candidates need to go through all the topics of the XAT syllabus 2026 PDF. In the recent change, XAT removed the essay writing session from the XAT exam pattern. Instead, Analytical Essay Writing will be done only in the GD-PI round. One could expect the same unless any changes is declared on XAT official website for the XAT 2026 syllabus.
LiveXAT 2026 Admit Card LIVE: XLRI MBA hall ticket at xatonline.in soon; exam date, direct link, updatesDec 20, 2025 | 6:37 PM ISTRead More
The XAT 2026 examination will be conducted in around 109 cities across India. The test city has been assigned to candidates as per their preference.
This Story also Contains
- What is the XAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern?
- XAT Syllabus 2026: Overview and Important Topics
- XAT Syllabus 2026 in Detail
- XLRI XAT Syllabus 2026 (VA & LR)
- XLRI XAT Syllabus 2026: QA and DI
- XAT Syllabus 2026 PDF
- XAT Exam Strategy
What is the XAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern?
The XAT syllabus pdf consists of three parts. Looking into the past years' official XLRI XAT syllabus notification mentions the following five sections.
- Part 1 for 170 minutes: Questions on VA &LR, Decision Making and QA & DI
- Part 2 for 10 min: GK Session
Download the official XAT syllabus pdf.
NOTE: XAT scores will consider only marks obtained in Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making and Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. Essay writing will be evaluated only for candidates shortlisted for GD and PI
XAT Syllabus 2026: Overview and Important Topics
| XAT Sections | XAT Topics |
|---|---|
Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR) | Critical & analytical reasoning, reading comprehension (including poems & passages), vocabulary, English grammar |
Decision Making (DM) | Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and Informed decision making |
Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI) | Quantitative aptitude, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, modern maths |
Mock Keyboard Testing | Candidates will be asked to type, " The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." |
General Knowledge* (GK) | 8 questions from static GK and 12 questions from current affairs |
Analytical Essay Writing* (AEW) | One Essay of 250 words. 3 topics will be given. Candidates need to pick 1. The essay writing will be carried out only in the GD round in XAT 2026. |
XAT Preparation: Resources
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 EBookIs the XAT exam tougher than the CAT?
Both exams are moderate to difficult and depend on the preparation of the candidates. The syllabus is mostly similar to. So, candidates who prepare for CAT can easily attempt the XAT exam too. A timetable to prepare for XAT and CAT together is an ideal tool to prepare for both exams.
Is there Maths in XAT?
Well, some sections in the XAT syllabus for the MBA exam do have Maths. However, if one looks at the XAT exam syllabus, it will be clear that the Maths sections are of a high school level and can be easily practised.
XAT Syllabus 2026 in Detail
There are 5 XAT sections in the XAT exam. In addition, the XAT syllabus for each section is different. Candidates can know the section-wise syllabus for the XAT exam below.
XLRI XAT Syllabus 2026 (VA & LR)
Looking into the past trends, about 26 questions are asked in the Verbal and Logical Ability section of the XAT exam. Most of the questions are on Reading Comprehension, while a few come from Verbal Ability/ Verbal Reading topics. The topics and XAT syllabus for VA and LR are
XAT Syllabus 2026- Verbal Ability Topics
Analogy-based on Vocabulary | Fill in the blanks | Critical Reasoning/ Inference |
Sentence Correction | Reading Comprehension | Para Jumble |
Vocabulary | Completion of paragraphs/ sentences | Grammar |
Correct Usage of Words | Poem | Paragraph Formation |
Cloze Test | Synonyms/ Antonyms | Contextual Meaning of Words |
XAT Reading Comprehension – Types of Questions
- Information based
- Inference based
- Author’s view
- True/ False statements
- Explanation of words and phrases
- Purpose and main idea
XAT Syllabus 2026 - Logical Ability Topics
Fact, Inference and Judgment | ||
Logical Sequences | Assumption, Premise and Conclusion | - |
Recommended books for XAT Verbal and Logical Ability
The best books to cover the XAT exam syllabus 2026 for the Verbal and Logical Ability section, as recommended by experts, are
Books | Author |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Ajay singh |
Analytical Reasoning | MK Pandey |
High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | RS Aggarwal |
Also read
XAT Syllabus for Decision-Making
In the Decision-making XAT 2026 section, candidates will have to answer about 21 questions in the Decision-Making section of XAT 2026. Their presence of mind and ability to analyse a situation is tested along with their problem-solving skills. Questions that come in this section cover the following topics
- Complex Arrangement
- Conditioning and Grouping
- Data Arrangement
- Case Lets
- Decision Making
Some common topics that may be asked in the XAT DM section
- Moonlighting
- Leave policy
- Recruitment
- Opening a tea shop
- Sexual harassment
- Free food centre
- Hiring the visually impaired
- Quantitative DM
Best Books for XAT Decision Making
The following books have been recommended by toppers to prepare for the Decision-Making section of the XAT 2026 exam. In addition, past XAT question papers would also help in preparing for this section.
Name | Author |
Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers) | RK Jha |
Target XAT (Past papers and mock tests) | Disha Publication |
Analytical and Logical Reasoning | Arihant Publications |
XLRI XAT Syllabus 2026: QA and DI
Based on past precedence, 28 questions from this XAT portion will be part of the XAT exam pattern. The questions in this section will cover the Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, which is a part syllabus of XAT, as given below. Logic-based questions, mathematical computations are some areas, candidates need to be strong in to crack this XAT exam section. Check below the XAT quant syllabus and DI topics here.
XAT Syllabus for QA
Complex Numbers | |
Logarithm | |
Binomial Theorem | |
Surds and Indices | |
Geometry | |
Mensuration | Probability Functions |
Pure Math | Set Theory |
Venn diagrams | |
Co-ordinate Geometry |
XAT 2026 Syllabus for DI
Data Tables | Pie charts |
Data charts | Graphs |
Bar diagrams | Data analysis and comparison |
It is ideal if one has the list of books that cover not just the XAT syllabus 2026 but also have practice chapters. A list of such books recommended by experts and toppers are listed below to aid all candidates for their XAT preparation.
Recommended books to cover the XAT QA & DI syllabus
Books | Author |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examination | Abhijit Guha |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examination | RS Aggarwal |
Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K Sinha |
How to prepare for Data Interpretation | Arun Sharma |
XAT General Knowledge Syllabus
XLRI has specified in the XAT syllabus and paper pattern 2026 that 8 questions will be asked from static GK and 12 questions from current affairs. Candidates need to be abreast of current affairs and what's happening around in the country and the world, in addition to having the knowledge in topics like History, Economics, Geography, Culture, etc, to name a few. The detailed list of GK topics to learn for the XAT exam is given below.
XAT GK syllabus 2026
Static GK Topics | |
Science & Technology | Economics |
Important dates | Ecosystem and Diversity |
Currencies | Constitution of India and Laws |
Films | Capitals |
Books & Authors | Famous Personalities |
Culture | Geography |
History | Heritage, monuments |
XAT syllabus for Current Affairs | |
Current Affairs | Film & Television |
National Issues | Politics |
Sports | Business |
Apart from above mentioned General Knowledge topics, candidates can also include the following newspapers or magazines while preparing for XAT 2026. They can hone their knowledge of current affairs- both international and national if they habituate themselves with reading the newspapers.
XAT Preparation for GK - List of Newspapers and Magazines
Economic Times | Manorama Year Book |
The Financial Times | Competition Success Review |
Business Today | Business World |
Hindu Business Line | The Hindu |
Wall Street Journal | Financial Express |
XAT Syllabus 2026 PDF
Careers360 has compiled a downloadable XAT syllabus pdf. Candidates can click the given syllabus for the XAT exam link to download the free XAT syllabus PDF. This ebook is an online version that can be referred to anytime at any place - on the desktop, on the mobile, thereby aiding students in preparing for the XAT 2026 exam anywhere.
Must read
- For working professionals - How to prepare for XAT while working?
- XAT Preparation Tips - Topper Tips and Strategies
B-Schools Accepting XAT Score - Location-Wise
XAT Exam Strategy
- Check the XAT syllabus for MBA 2026
- Understand the XAT exam pattern
- Prepare a timetable and start studying
- Cement the XAT 2026 preparation using the XAT mock test and sample papers of XAT
- Analyse performance and improve in weak areas.
- Practice with XAT previous year question papers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the duration of the XAT exam?
A:
Candidates will get a total of 180 minutes (3 hours) to solve the entire question paper of XAT 2026.
Q: Is XAT tougher than cat?
A:
In terms of the difficulty level of the exam, both XAT and CAT are more difficult than other MBA entrance exams.
Q: What are the subjects in XAT?
A:
Xavier Aptitude Test - XAT Syllabus 2026 is divided into 4 sections - Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension; Decision Making, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. Except for the General Awareness, all the other three are core sections that determine the XAT percentile score as well as XLRI shortlisting criteria.
Q: What kind of GK is asked in XAT?
A:
The key areas were static GK (Economy, Geography, Science and Technology) and Current GK (Business economy, personalities, awards, sports, and miscellaneous).
Q: What is the weightage of GK section in XAT?
A:
The General Knowledge (GK) question will have a total of 20 questions and each question carrying one mark.
Q: Is there negative marking in XAT exam?
A:
Yes, for every incorrect answer 0.25 mark will be deducted in XAT 2026 exam.
Q: What is the syllabus of XAT 2026?
A:
XLRI Jamshedpur has specified the XAT syllabus which includes topics from Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Decision Making, General Knowledge and Verbal & Logical Ability.
Q: Is XAT exam easy?
A:
Compared with the Common Admission Test (CAT), XAT is a bit more complicated. CAT does not have the Decision-Making section and GK section but the XAT exam has DM and GK as separate sections.
Q: Is XAT and CAT syllabus same?
A:
CAT and XAT syllabus has varying sections and topics. CAT does not have a Decision Making and General Knowledge section but the XAT exam has separate DM and GK section.
Q: What are the key topics covered in the XAT syllabus?
A:
The key topics covered in the XAT syllabus are listed below.
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Decision Making
- Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation
- General Knowledge
- Essay Writing
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Questions related to XAT
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to XAT ?
Hi dear candidate,
As per the official cut off list by XISS Ranchi, the cut off for PGDM HRM in XAT exam is 60 percentile for unreserved category (general) which means that your admission is possible there. You follow there official website for admission process.
Know more:
XISS Ranchi: Admission 2026, Cutoff, Courses, Fees, Placements, Ranking
BEST REGARS
With a 70 percent in CAT Examination, you can go for various B-Schools or private collages. The S. K. Patel Institute of Management in Gandhinagar is an option for those who score 70-80 percent in their CAT examination or The Gujarat Institute of Management (GIM) in Goa with a cutoff of 60-80 percentage. These are the collages you can look for in Gujarat or nearby.
Collage in other regions: BA Colleges Accepting 70-80 Percentile in CAT 2025
Thank You.
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.
No, it's not mandatory but if you've those score then your option will be vast. Maximum Universities have their own selection process & own exams. If you have those good score they'll prefer you. But as per AICTE rules you have to have one national or state basis entrance exam score to enroll any AICTE approved college if you do MBA or PGDM.
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.
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