Planning to pursue an MBA degree or a post graduate diploma in management? Then, you must appear for the XAT exam. XAT basically stands for the Xavier Aptitude Test. Moreover, this is an exam conducted by the prestigious XLRI that stands for Xavier School of Management (formally known as Xavier Labor Relations Institute). In fact, it is one of the best management institutes in India. Also, after taking this exam you will be able to open your doors for admission in other MBA Colleges as well. For example: XIME, IMT Ghaziabad, SP Jain, TAPMI, etc. Furthermore, around 250 more business institutes in India accept the XAT exam score for granting admission to students. Lastly, this is a highly competitive exam. Thus, make sure you’re well prepared before you appear for it.
Also Read, XAT Admit Card 2025
XAT Exam Pattern
The XAT exam consists of 2 parts. These are as follows:
Part 1
It is a 170 minutes section. Which includes verbal ability, logical reasoning, decision making, quantitative ability and data interpretation. Moreover, there are 75 total questions present
Part 2
This is a 10-minute test. It includes 20 MCQ type questions based on GK, there is no negative marking in this section. GK will be evaluated during the GDPI process. This section doesn't contribute to the overall cutoff for the shortlisting for interview round.
Difference between CAT and XAT
With the exception of Decision Making and GK, both examinations have somewhat similar syllabus; however, the questions and levels of difficulty vary. Moreover, it is well known that the XAT and CAT are harder than other MBA admission tests. In fact, it's frequently noted that the DILR component in the CAT and the Quantitative Aptitude section in the XAT are typically more challenging than the others.
In XAT 2022, the Essay Writing portion was restored, lengthening the exam. On the other hand, there are no such essay-style or subjective questions in the CAT. But Now, in XAT 2026 there will not be any essay writing in XAT exam, It will be a part of GDPI process.
XAT Quants Topic Wise Weightage
| Topics | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Progressions and series | None | 1 | 1 | 3 | None | 1 |
| Averages, ratio and proportion | 3 | 7 | 2 | None | 2 | 3 |
| Geometry and mensuration | 6 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Profit, loss and interest | 1 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Time, speed and distance | None | 1 | None | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Time and work | 1 | None | None | None | None | 1 |
| Data sufficiency | None | 1 | 2 | 1 | None | None |
| Probability, combinatorics | 1 | None | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Number system | 2 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Logs, surds and indices | 1 | 1 | None | None | 1 | None |
| Linear and quadratic equations | 1 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Inequalities | None | None | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| DI | 9 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 6 |
| Puzzle | 3 | None | None | 3 | None | None |
| Venn diagram | None | 1 | None | None | None | 2 |
| Total | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
Tips and tricks to excel in the XAT exam
- For decision-making and analytical judgment, all you need to do is assure that the option you make is fair. It should not favor one party over another, therefore it must be ethical and balanced, taking into account the perspectives of all stakeholders.
- Moreover, quantitative skills and data interpretation need a solid conceptual foundation and an effective application focus.
- In fact, critical thinking and reading comprehension have consistently covered the verbal and logical abilities component. As a result, one must enhance comprehension abilities and speed reading, which can only be accomplished by daily practice.
- Furthermore, take as many mocks as possible and review them so as to understand where you are lagging. Moreover, practice sections mock as well.
- Also, make sure you are timing while practicing. Since, time management is truly essential.
- In fact, take a personalized schedule based on the distinct strengths and weaknesses that you possess.
- Also, practice as much as possible.
- Lastly, do make sure to maintain your calm so as to be positive for the exam.
Conclusion
The XAT exam will take place on January 4, 2026. Since the syllabus is vast and you’ll need ample time for practice. Thus, the best time to start your preparation is as soon as possible. In fact, last year around 1.94 lakh students had appeared for the XAT exam. Therefore, giving us a clue that this exam possesses high competition. Further, this exam is conducted in more than 70 cities and even more than 100 venues. Lastly, if you’re giving other entrance exams for business schools like CAT, GMAT, etc. Then, you must give the XAT exam also.
