XAT Syllabus 2025 (Released) - Download Syllabus PDFs, XAT Syllabus for MBA

XAT Syllabus 2025 (Released) - Download Syllabus PDFs, XAT Syllabus for MBA

Edited By Himanshu Shekhar | Updated on Oct 29, 2024 03:03 PM IST | #XAT

XAT Syllabus 2025 - Candidates can download the official XAT syllabus and XAT question paper format at XAT syllabus official website, xatonline.in. The XAT syllabus 2025 covers subjects like Verbal and Logical Ability, Analytical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, General Knowledge. To secure a good score in the XAT exam, candidates need to go through all the topics of the XAT syllabus 2025 pdf. The XAT syllabus for MBA is changed by removing the essay writing session from the XAT exam pattern. Instead, Analytical Essay Writing will done only in the GD-PI round. XAT 2025 exam will be held on January 5 in CBT mode and XAT 2025 registration will start from July 15, 2024.
Direct link to fill XAT 2025 registration form

What is the XAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern?

The XAT syllabus pdf consists of three parts. The official XLRI syllabus notification for XAT 2025 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 2025 - Overview and Important Topics

Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR)
Critical & analytical reasoning, reading comprehensions (including poems & passages), vocabulary, English grammar
Decision Making (DM)
Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, 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 2025.
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XAT Preparation: Resources

XAT Sample Paper, Topic wise Questions & Solution
Download latest XAT sample papers with detailed solution designed by MBA hitbullseye for the XAT 2025 examination preparation based on latest exam pattern, Topics and their weightage, difficulty level
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Is XAT exam tougher than CAT?

Both the exams are moderate to difficult and depend upon the preparation of the candidates. The syllabus is mostly similar too. So candidates who prepare for CAT can easily attempt 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 MBA exam do have Maths. However if one looks at the XAT exam syllabus, it will be clear that Maths sections are of high school level and can be easily practised.

XAT Syllabus 2025 in Detail

There are 5 XAT portions in the XAT exam. In addition, the XAT syllabus for each section is different. Candidates can know the section wise syllabus for XAT exam below.

XLRI XAT Syllabus 2025 (VA & LR)

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 2025- 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

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XAT Reading Comprehension – Types of Questions

  1. Information based
  2. Inference based
  3. Author’s view
  4. True/ False statements
  5. Explanation of words and phrases
  6. Purpose and main idea

XAT Syllabus 2025 - Logical Ability Topics

Clocks & Calendars

Analogy

Fact, Inference and Judgment

Binary Logic

Seating Arrangement

Blood Relations

Logical Sequences

Assumption, Premise and Conclusion

-

Recommended books for XAT Verbal and Logical Ability

The best books to cover XAT exam syllabus for 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 portion, candidates will have to answer about 21 questions in the Decision-Making section of XAT 2025. 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 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 XAT 2025 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 2025: QA and DI

In XAT syllabus for MBA, around 28 questions from this XAT portion will be part of the XAT exam. The questions in this section will cover Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation syllabus of XAT as given below. Logic based questions, mathermatical computations are some areas, candidates need to be stong in to crack this XAT exam section. Check below the XAT quant syllabus and DI topics here.

XAT Syllabus for QA

XAT 2025 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 2025 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 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 2025 that 8 questions will be asked from static GK and 12 questions from current affairs. Candidates need to be abreast of current affairs and whats 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 are given below.

XAT GK syllabus 2025

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 newspaper or magazines while preparing for XAT 2025. They can hone their knowledge of currents 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 2025 PDF

Careers360 has compiled a downloadable XAT syllabus pdf. Candidates can click the given syllabus for XAT exam link to download the free XAT syllabus pdf. This ebook is a online version that can be referred anytime at any place - on the desktop, on the mobile thereby aiding students in preparing for XAT 2025 exam anywhere.
Must read

B-Schools Accepting XAT Score - Location-Wise

XAT Exam Strategy

  1. Check the XAT syllabus for MBA 2025
  2. Understand the XAT exam pattern
  3. Prepare a timetable and start studying
  4. Cement the XAT 2025 preparation using the XAT mock test and sample papers of XAT
  5. Analyse performance and improvise in weak areas.
  6. Practise with XAT preavious year question papers

XAT 2025 Question Paper Pattern

Check out all the details pertaining to XAT 2025 paper pattern through the table that is given below.

XAT exam mode

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Duration

3 hours

Medium of language

English

Total sections in XAT

4 Sections along with Mock Keyboard Testing

  • Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR)
  • Decision-making (DM)
  • Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
  • General Knowledge (GK)

XAT questions from VA & LR

26

DM question in XAT

21

XAT 2025 QA & DI questions
28
GK Questions in XAT 2025
20

Sectional limits

None

XAT exam part 1 marking scheme

1 mark for correct answer
-0.25 marks for wrong answer
-0.10 marks for every answer after 8 unattempted questions:

Marking scheme of XAT part 2

GK section: 1 mark for each correct answer.
No negative marking
Essay evaluation will only be for shortlisted candidates


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many questions will be asked in XAT 2025?

The total number of questions varies every year, but as per past year trends, there will be a total of 95 MCQ questions.

2. Is there negative marking in XAT?

Yes, -0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.

3. What is the duration of the XAT exam?

Candidates will get a total of 180 minutes (3 hours) to solve the entire question paper of XAT 2025. 

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Questions related to XAT

Have a question related to XAT ?

Hello,

Yes, you can also join IIMs two years after graduation, depending upon the justification in interviews and your performance in entrance exams. If you are not sure about CAT, try those other management exams less hard:

Common Management Admission Test: Easier than CAT; 4-5 months of continuous preparation will suffice.

MAT : Much easier and takes place thrice a year.

SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test): A bit easier than CAT, apt for Symbiosis Institutes.

Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT : Hence, easier than CAT but the unique decision-making section.

Use exams like CMAT and MAT as a challenge to be competitively prepared. This can be given about 4-5 months, along with a few rounds of mock tests and smart studying.

XAT scores are valid for 2 years hence you can easily download it again Visit the official website of XAT 2025 i.e xatonline.in. and then Click on 'scorecard' tab.login with your credentials XAT ID and password type the security text shown on screen. Click on candidate scorecard and download a PDF copy of the same hope it helps.

Hello

Here is the list of colleges you can get with 68%ile

JIMS Rohini Delhi
IMT Hyderabad
SOIL Institute of Management
Jaipuria Institute of Management Jaipur
Jaypee Business School
Dayananda Sagar Business School Bangalore
NSB Academy Bangalore
NDIM New Delhi

Hello Aspirant

Seeing your marks, it is evident you are good in academics. Thus, you can get into a good MBA college but mind you, it won't be easy because there are thousands of students who are as good as you, if not better. MBA colleges do not choose candidates solely based on academic performance, although it has a big weightage in their selection process. They test your presence of mind, intellect, and communication skills through Group Discussions and Interviews.

The safest way to get into a good MBA college is to score 96-97+ percentile and do really well in GD and  PI. Top MBA colleges in India are IIMs, XISS (Ranchi), TISS, Delhi School of Business, and Symbiosis.

Hope this helps

Hello Aspirant

Congratulations on your score, There are many good B schools at 80-85%ile in CAT and XAT
1)Great Lakes, Chennai
2)IRMA
3) Goa Institute of Management
4) NIBM
5) TAPMI
Do your research about these colleges as to what is their average package, the roles offered.

Colleges like NIBM specialize in Finance, and IRMA has a lot of sales marketing Roles. So ultimately the choice is yours which specialization you want to pursue.

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