XAT Exam

Complete Guide to XAT Exam 2026: Syllabus, Fees, Eligibility & More

The Xavier Aptitude Test XAT 2026 is one of the most prominent entrance exams for admission to top B-schools in India, including XLRI, XIMB, IMT, and other prestigious institutes. If you’re targeting MBA admissions through XAT 2026, this guide gives you a comprehensive overview of the latest syllabus, exam pattern, fees, eligibility, and preparation resources.

XAT 2026 Overview

Feature Details
Exam Name Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026
Conducting Body XLRI, Jamshedpur
Mode of Examination Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Frequency Once a year
Exam Duration 210 minutes (including essay writing)
Tentative Exam Date First Sunday of January 2026

 

XAT 2026 Syllabus

The XAT exam is known for its unique structure and includes an essay writing section, unlike CAT. The exam comprises four main sections:

  1. 1. Verbal and Logical Ability (VLA)

    • Reading Comprehension
    • Sentence Correction
    • Grammar and Vocabulary
    • Para Jumbles
    • Critical Reasoning
    • Analogies

    2. Decision Making (DM)

    • Ethical Dilemmas
    • Situational Analysis
    • Managerial Judgment
    • Logical Scenarios

    3. Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)

    • Arithmetic (Percentages, Averages, TSD)
    • Algebra and Geometry
    • Data Tables, Graphs, Charts
    • Probability, P&C
    • Numbers and Modern Math

    4. General Knowledge (GK)

    • Business & Economy
    • Politics, Sports, Awards
    • Static GK and Current Affairs
    • National and International Events

Essay Writing:

Candidates are required to write a brief essay on a given abstract or opinion-based topic. It is evaluated only during the interview shortlisting phase.

Preparation Tip: Focus on solving past XAT DM caselets, strengthen GK through daily news reading, and practice essay writing for clarity and structure.

XAT 2026 Exam Fees

Category Application Fee
All Candidates ₹2,100 (without XLRI programs)
Additional XLRI Program Fee ₹200 per program

 

XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To appear for XAT 2026, candidates must satisfy the following conditions:

  • Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) in any discipline from a recognized university
  • Final-year students can also apply
  • No minimum percentage or age limit is specified

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Section No. of Questions Time Allotted
Verbal & Logical Ability ~26 Included in Part 1
Decision Making ~21 Included in Part 1
Quantitative Aptitude & DI ~28 Included in Part 1
General Knowledge ~25 Part 2 – 25 minutes
Essay Writing 1 Topic Part 3 – 10 minutes
  • Total Duration: 210 minutes
  • Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer, -0.25 for incorrect answer
  • Negative Marking for Unattempted Questions: After 8 unanswered questions, 0.10 marks deducted per question

Best Books for XAT 2026 Preparation

Section Recommended Books
VLA How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and RC for CAT by Arun Sharma, Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
DM Decision Making for XAT by Arun Sharma & Nitish Sinha
QA & DI Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
GK Manorama Year Book, Monthly Current Affairs magazines, GK Today app
Essay Wren & Martin’s English Composition, Editorials from The Hindu or Indian Express

 

Final Thoughts


XAT 2026 challenges aspirants with its decision-making section and essay component, making it unique among MBA entrance tests. A focused study plan, combined with ample practice and mock tests, can help you crack XAT with confidence. Keep your GK updated, solve past papers regularly, and strengthen logical and ethical reasoning.
For the latest updates on registration, admit cards, and results, visit the official website of XLRI.

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