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XAT Syllabus 2026: Section-Wise Topics, Exam Pattern, PDF Download & Best Books
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.
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 College Predictor
Know your chances of MBA calls through XAT percentile based on category, academics. Check college-wise XAT eligibility and cutoff scores for PI calls.
Try NowIs 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: 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
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.
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You can find all the information here:
CAT- https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-exam-dates
SNAP- https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/snap-exam-dates
You can check the XIMB XAT Cutoff 2026 to determine the percentile for non-domicile female candidates.
The IRMA XAT 2026 cutoff is expected to be in the range of 55 to 60 percentile for ST category candidates. At an XAT score of 47 percentile, it is unlikely to get a PI call for the IRMA MBA admission 2026.
Assuming the candidate is from the general category with a decent academic profile, sectional scores, and work experience can get PI calls from XLRI, Jamshedpur, XIMB, GIM, Goa, SPJIMR, and more. You can refer to XAT college predictor for more information.
IMT Ghaziabad XAT 2026 cutoff varies in the range of 85-90+ percentile. You may get a PI call from IMT Ghaziabad, depending on your academic profile and category. For more information, you can refer to the XAT 2026 cutoff .
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