The article on XAT is one of India’s most reputed entrance exams for MBA conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur. It provides access not only to XLRI but to **160+ B-schools** such as **SPJIMR, IMT Ghaziabad, XIMB, TAPMI**, etc. For novices wanting to take the exam for XAT 2026 it offers a structured plan of preparation to crack this difficult exam.
This guide provides a comprehensive preparation guide for beginners, right from exam pattern, subject-wise tips, study material, mock strategy, and so on to ensure you begin your XAT prep with confidence.
Why Opt for XAT for MBA?
- Accepted by 160+ top MBA schools in India
- Administered by XLRI, India’s most esteemed B-school
- Focuses on **decision making** – a special section not included in CAT
- Low competition as per CAT (approximately 1 lakh candidates)
- Gateway to different MBA programs such as BM, HRM, GM
XAT 2026Exam Overview
| Exam Component | Details |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Duration | 3 hours + 30 minutes for essay |
| Number of Sections | 4 + Essay Writing |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct,-0.25 for Wrong |
| Decision Making | Unique to XAT |
| Negative Marking | After 8 unanswered questions too |
Section-Wise Breakdown
1.Verbal & Logical Ability (VA & LR)
Tip: Read newspapers such as The Hindu & books by Orwell, Ayn Rand
Decision Making (DM)
Focus: Caselets with ethical dilemmas, business situations
Tip: Practice old XAT DM sections rigorously
3.Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
Focus: Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Graphs
Tip: Do Arithmetic & DI first, and then move on to Geometry
General Knowledge (GK)
Focus: Static GK + Current Affairs
Tip: Read monthly GK digests, PIB, and business news
Essay Writing
Topic: Normally abstract or socio-economic
Tip: Practice 1 essay a week from topics such as: “Is technology a boon or a bane?”
XAT 2026 Preparation Timeline
| Time Frame | Action Plan |
| May – July 2024 | Concept Building – Start Quant, VA, and Decision Making |
| Aug – Oct 2024 | Moderate Level Practice + GK Daily |
| Nov – Dec 2025 | Advanced Mock Tests + Essay Writing |
| Jan 2026(L6ast Month) | Revision, Mock Analysis, Strategy Fine-tuning |
Study Material for XAT Beginners
| Subject | Recommended Books/Resources |
| Quant | Arun Sharma QA, Quantum CAT – Sarvesh Verma |
| Decision Making | Past Year XAT Papers, IMS/CL DM Modules |
| Verbal Ability | Word Power Made Easy, RC99 |
| GK | Manorama Yearbook, Lucent GK, AffairsCloud |
| Mock Tests | IMS, TIME, Career Launcher XAT Mocks |
Important Tables (Quick Comparison)
XAT vs CAT – Key Differences
| Feature | XAT | CAT |
| Decision Making | Yes | No |
| Essay Writing | Yes | No |
| GK Section | Yes | No |
| Duration | 3.5 Hours | 2 Hours |
| Accepting Colleges | XLRI, SPJIMR, XIMB, IMT, etc. | IIMs, FMS, MDI, IITs, etc. |
Best Colleges Accepting XAT Score
| College Name | XAT Cut-off (Approx.) | Programs Offered |
| XLRI Jamshedpur | 95–99+ percentile | BM, HRM, GMP |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | 85–90 percentile | PGDM, Exec. PGDM |
| IMT Ghaziabad | 90+ percentile | PGDM |
| XIM Bhubaneswar | 85–90 percentile | MBA BM, HRM, RM |
Mock Strategy for Beginners
Begin with 1 mock/month (Jul-Sep), go up to 1/week (Oct-Dec)
Solve each mock in detail – identify weak points
Practice **time management** – XAT has mixed question difficulty
Don’t neglect **DM section** – solve 25+ past DM sets prior to D-Day
Essay & GK Preparation Tips
Solve abstract and relevant current topics (e.g. “Leadership in the Digital Era”)
Keep a GK notebook – practice every week
Use sites such as GKToday, PIB, Economic Times
XAT 2026 Key Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
| Registration Starts | August 2024 |
| Registration Ends | November 2024 |
| Admit Card Release | December 2024 |
| XAT 2025 Exam Date | January 5, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Result Declaration | January 31, 2025 (Tentative) |
FAQs
Q1. Is XAT tougher than CAT?
A: XAT is equally tough, particularly because of its distinctive DM section and essay writing.
Q2. How should I prepare for Decision Making?
A: Solve past papers, emphasize logical, ethical, and balanced decision-making.
Q3. Is GK significant in XAT?
A: GK is not utilized for percentile but may be taken into account by colleges such as XLRI during interview processes.
Q4. Can I prepare for XAT within 6 months?
A: Yes, provided one works hard daily and plans astutely, 6 months are enough.
Q5. How is the essay assessed?
A: Essay is evaluated in PI rounds, particularly for XLRI; clarity and content are the highest priorities.
Last Words: My Career Mantra
Be disciplined, read every day, and never miss mocks.
Plan early, particularly if you’re a fresher. Decision-making is the X-factor of XAT – devote special attention to it. With a strategic strategy, the correct material, and consistent practice, you can definitely crack XAT 2025.
My Career Mantra: Keep being curious, work hard, and push your boundaries. Avail scholarships wherever possible to cut expenses and maximize your MBA ROI. Proper preparation today equals proper outcomes tomorrow.
Related Articles You May Like:
- Best MBA Colleges that Accept XAT 2026
- XAT Decision Making: Tips & Sample Questions
- CAT vs XAT: Which MBA Exam to Take?
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