XAT 2026 Section-Wise Preparation Strategy: Toppers’ Tips, Booklist & Expert Plan

XAT 2026 Section-Wise Preparation Strategy: Toppers’ Tips, Booklist & Expert Plan

Ongoing Event

XAT Application Date:10 Jul' 25 - 05 Dec' 25

Team Careers360Updated on 14 Jul 2025, 10:48 AM IST

XAT 2026 section-wise preparation strategy: The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) stands out as one of India’s most challenging and distinct management entrance exams. Unlike other tests, XAT emphasises analytical thinking, ethical decision-making, and critical reasoning. To achieve a high XAT score and plan, informed by the wisdom of past toppers and experts, is essential.

XAT 2026 Section-Wise Preparation Strategy: Toppers’ Tips, Booklist & Expert Plan
XAT 2026 Section Wise Preparation Strategy

This article provides a detailed XAT 2026 section-wise preparation strategy, helping you understand what to study, how to approach different question types, and how to manage your time effectively to ace XAT preparation..

Know the XAT Exam Pattern 2026

Be well-versed with the XAT exam pattern before starting XAT exam preparation. Through this, one will be able to manage their time, and by knowing XAT paper patterns, one will get to know his or her strong and weak areas. Apart from that, candidates will get to know which section they will have to focus on more, so that they can score well and which section they will need to work less.

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Section name

Total marks allotted

Number of Questions

Negative marking

Total time

Verbal and Logical Reasoning

75

26

0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer

180 Minutes

Quantitative ability and Data Interpretation

28


Decision making

21

0.10 marks for more than 8 unanswered questions

General knowledge

25

25


Essay

will be evaluated once the candidates get shortlisted for the interview

01



XAT 2026 Marking Scheme

Each question carries one mark, and there is a negative marking. For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted. Also, for each 8 unattempted questions, 0.10 marks will be deducted. However, there is no negative marking in the General Knowledge section.

XAT 2026 Section Wise Preparation Strategy: Topper’s Tips

Here we have an opinion of the previous year XAT topper Vandan Shah (99.704 percentile) who says, “This was my second attempt at XAT. Previously, I scored 97.1 percentile. I had a call from XLRI BM, but couldn’t convert it. So basically, I started preparing for the XAT exam one year in advance. But you have to be in constant touch and practice, as the format and pattern of the test is quite challenging and different from other entrance exams”

He further added, "I used to practice a lot from past year XAT question papers. Apart from that, I followed the rule of giving mocks as much as I could. This helped me track the XAT exam with a good score".

Another topper, Satyam Sharma (98.123 Percentiler), shared his section-wise and overall preparation strategy of XAT. According to Satyam, preparing for CAT and all other MBA entrance exams gives an added advantage as both CAT and XAT have almost the same level of difficulty and syllabus (except for the Decision-making section in XAT). He says, "I kept my focus on preparing for the Quants and Verbal Section of CAT, which itself did the part for XAT." After the CAT was over, I started working on Decision Making questions and along with that, I kept revising the concepts of Quants, which I had learned during CAT preparation.

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XAT 2026 Preparation Strategy: English (Verbal Ability)

The most common question is How to crack XAT 2026 in the first attempt?

To crack XAT 2026 in the first attempt, focusing on the English section is crucial. The first section of the XAT question paper is English, divided into two subsections: Reading Comprehension and English Usage. While preparing for XAT 2026, it's important to read regularly, aiming to tackle at least two reading comprehension passages daily. Those with a strong command over Grammar and Vocabulary will find it easier to ace this section. However, if you're not confident in these areas, take help from recommended books, newspapers, journals, and practice solving XAT sample papers. Mastering the verbal section largely depends on how well you understand and use the English language, so consistent practice and exposure are key to how to crack XAT 2026 in the first attempt.

Best Books for XAT 2026 English Section

Barron’s Dictionary

Word Power by Norman Lewis

High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren, Martin

For RCs, read fiction or nonfiction, different types of pieces, news or articles, followed by analytical introspection

30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis

The Student’s Companion Book by Wilfred D. Best

Quick Links-

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 EBook

XAT 2026 Preparation Strategy: Quantitative Ability

Quantitative Ability is one of the toughest sections of any management entrance exam. That is why it is important to get familiar with the type of questions asked in this section. The best part of the QA section ithat s that the margin of error is little and sitters are rare. Candidates need to pick their questions wisely because XAT demands one to attempt those questions which one can solve with 100 percent accuracy rate. Same applies for the Verbal Ability and Decision Making section.

Since in the QA section, questions are many questions nd less time. So, it is very important that one should solve the previous years' XAT question papers during preparations. Solve at least one XAT question paper and do its analysis, and take online mock tests regularly. Through this, candidates will improve their ability to the the “kind of XAT questions”.

Recommended Books for XAT 2026: Quantitative Ability

Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Test for Admission into IIMs by Sarvesh K Verma

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma

Data Interpretation for the CAT by Arun Sharma

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha

Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha

XAT 2026 Preparation Strategy: Decision Making

Questions will be asked in the decision-making section, mainly consisting of problems based on everyday situations and business, and candidates may face a dilemma while facing such questions. The best way to avoid such difficulty, candidates should practice from previous years' question papers. Questions will be related to issues involving sales, ethical dilemmas and other financial conditions, scenarios of various management issues, revenue of a company and general management. While solving such questions, try to understand the logic behind the answer.

XAT 2026 Books for Decision Making

Target XAT (Past Year Papers & Mock Test); by Disha experts

Analytical and Logical Reasoning by Arihant Publications

Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers), by R.K. Jha

XAT Preparation Strategy 2026: General Awareness

The General Knowledge (GK) section mainly consists of questions based on Static GK and Current affairs. The Static GK will include topics like - Politics, Currency, Culture, Books and Authors, Economics, Environment and Ecology, Film and Television, etc. There are many online sources available to prepare for the General Knowledge section. If one has a shortage of time for this section, then try to cover the topics through current affairs videos, which are available online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When should I start taking Mock Tests for XAT?
A:

Candidates are advised to take sectional Mock Tests when they are done with foundational concepts. In the final month of their preparation, they must attempt full-length Mock Tests.

Q: Is there a penalty for unattempted questions in XAT 2026?
A:

Yes, 0.10 marks are deducted for every 8 unattempted questions, except in the GK section.

Q: How does XAT differ from CAT in the syllabus?
A:

While the syllabi remain the same for Verbal Ability and Quantitative sections, XAT includes a Decision-Making section, which is absent in CAT.

Q: Is the Analytical Essay Writing section part of the main XAT 2026 exam?
A:

No, the Analytical Essay Writing section is now conducted during the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) stage.

Q: Why section - wise preparation is crucial?
A:

Section-wise preparation is essential for XAT since each section of the exam evaluates unique skills. Focusing on each part allows you to better comprehend the questions and practice in the appropriate method. 

Q: How to make XAT preparation better?
A:

To improve your XAT preparation, begin by knowing the test structure and the sorts of questions in every section. Regular practice with mock examinations and past papers can help you increase your speed and accuracy. Concentrate on your weak points to ensure that you're strengthening where you need it the most.

Q: How is verbal ability divided in XAT Exam?
A:

The first section of the XAT question paper is English and is divided into two subsections - Reading Comprehension and English Usage.

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Questions related to XAT

On Question asked by student community

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.