XAT Syllabus 2026: XAT 2025 is scheduled for January 3, 2026. This is an important MBA entrance exam conducted by XLRI. Last year, around 1.35 lakh people appeared for XAT. So you can imagine the competition. Not only that, it is considered one of the toughest MBA entrance exams.
Its score is used for students to get into top MBA Colleges in the country like XLRI, IMT Ghaziabad, XIMB, SP Jain, KJ Somaiya, and TAPMI. Today in this article, we will share everything about XAT Syllabus 2026 and if you are looking for CAT Exam Syllabus 2025 checking this page will help.
XAT Syllabus 2026
The XAT 2026 Syllabus is divided into four major sections, each designed to test different skills:
- Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
- Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR)
- Decision Making (DM)
- General Knowledge (GK)
Detailed Breakdown of XAT Syllabus 2026
Below is an overview of the topics covered in each section of the XAT Exam Syllabus 2026:
Section | Key Topics Covered |
Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation |
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning | Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Critical Reasoning |
Decision Making | Business Situations, Ethical Dilemmas, Case Studies |
General Knowledge | Current Affairs, Business, History, Geography |
XAT Syllabus 2026 PDF
Cracku offers a comprehensive XAT Syllabus PDF for effective preparation for XAT 2026. The xat syllabus covers all exam topics, including Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability, and General Knowledge. The xat section-wise syllabus helps focus on individual sections, identify strengths and weaknesses so that we can create a structured study plan. XAT 2026 Syllabus PDF provides current information to guide study according to exam needs. You can download cracku’s XAT Syllabus PDF below:
XAT Section-wise Syllabus 2026
XLRI doesn't officially release the syllabus of XAT. But you can look at past XAT question papers to get an idea of the types of questions and topics covered. Basis on the previous year's trends, you can find the complete sectionwise syllabus of XAT below.
XAT Syllabus for Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning
Every manager and leader needs strong language skills and logical thinking. So, this part of the XAT tests these abilities with 26 questions on logical reasoning and verbal ability. About 1/3 rd of these questions are about reading comprehension. The logical reasoning questions focus on common areas that require deductive skills and making inferences. Find the detailed syllabus below:
| Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary Based Questions | Fill in the blanks | Synonyms/Antonyms |
| Contextual Meaning of Words | Jumbled Paragraphs | Correction of Errors in Sentences |
| Correct Usage of Words | Completion of Sentences/Paragraph | Critical Reasoning |
| Cloze Test | Poem | Grammar Section |
Questions Types based on Reading Comprehensions
| Topic | ||
|---|---|---|
| RC Passages on various topics | Main Idea & Purpose based Questions | Inference Based Questions |
| Author’s View type of Questions | Explanation of Words/Phrases | Strengthening and weakening arguments |
XAT Syllabus for Decision Making
This is a section which sets apart XAT from other MBA entrance exams. XAT decision making tests the actual decision-making skills of the candidates based on some given set of information about the situation. You are required to think of answers from all aspects i.e. ethical, profit driver, maximum stakeholders' satisfaction etc. Though this section has no specific syllabus, you can understand what type of questions asked below:
Topics |
||
| Analytical Reasoning (Decision Making Set) | HR related DM Sets | Ethical Decision Making Sets |
| Conclusions | Premises | Assumptions |
| Situational Decision Making | Business Issues | Social Dilemma |
XAT Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude And Data Interpretation
The QADI section in XAT covers two main areas: Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation. In XAT 2026, this section will have 28 multiple-choice questions. The topics in this section are divided into Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation.
| Quantitative Aptitude | ||
| Percentages | Algebra | Number System |
| Geometry | Profit and Loss | Simple and Compound Interest |
| Speed, Time and Distance | Averages | Time and Work |
| Ratio and Proportion | Mensuration | Linear Equations |
| Logarithm | Venn Diagrams | Progressions |
| Binomial Theorem | Inequalities | Trigonometry |
| Probability Functions | Permutation and Combination | Surds and Indices |
XAT Syllabus for Data Interpretation
| Data Interpretation | |
| Bar Diagrams | Pie Charts |
| Data Analysis and Comparison | Graphs |
| Data Charts | Data Tables |
XAT Syllabus for General Knowledge
For this section, there is no negative marking so you are allowed to make guesses. Also, this section is not considered while preparing for the shortlist candidate's list. This section is evaluated only at the last and that too with narrow weightage. The XAT General Knowledge syllabus will now comprise 20 questions, reduced from 25. This section will include 12 questions on current affairs and 8 questions from static GK, allowing for a balanced evaluation of candidates' awareness of both ongoing events and foundational knowledge. You can take Cracku's GK mock test for you XAT general knowledge syllabus.
| Static GK Topics | ||
| Business, Finance and Economics | The Indian Constitution and Laws | History and Geography |
| Famous Personalities | Awards and Winners | Books and Authors |
| Science and Technology | Important Dates & Events | Art & Culture |
| Current Affairs Topics | ||
| National Current Affairs | International Current Affairs | Political Developments |
| Business and Economic News | Environmental Issues | New Government Schemes |
| Awards and Achievements | Sports News | Science and Tech Updates |
Also Read, XAT Important Topics 2025, Section-Wise Topics & Analysis
XAT Exam Pattern 2026 (Revised)
XAT exam has a unique exam pattern. Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation sections are the only sections which are considered for preparing shortlists. The GK sections don't have any negative marking and neither play any role in getting you a shortlist. You can check the detailed XAT exam pattern below.
Part - 1
| Exam Sections | Number of questions | Overall Time Duration |
| Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning | 26 | No Sectional Time Limit |
| Decision Making | 21 | No Sectional Time Limit |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 | No Sectional Time Limit |
| Total | 75 Questions | 170 Minutes |
Part - 2
| Exam Section | Number of Questions | Overall Time Duration |
| General Knowledge | About 20 | 10 Minutes |
Note: There is NO essay Writing in XAT Exam, Essay writing will be a part of interview process.
Also Read, XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Educational Qualification
XAT Important Topics 2026
Focusing on the important topics within the XAT 2026 Syllabus can help streamline your preparation:
- Quantitative Aptitude: Emphasize Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry, which are frequently covered.
- Data Interpretation: Practice interpreting complex charts and data sufficiency questions.
- Verbal Ability: Prioritize Reading Comprehension, as it forms a large portion of this section.
- Decision Making: Review past years' case studies to understand the pattern and approach to ethical dilemmas.
- General Knowledge: Stay updated on current affairs and read about significant historical events and geographical facts.
XAT Preparation Tips 2026
To excel in the XAT Exam Syllabus 2026, follow these preparation strategies:
- Create a Study Plan: Divide your study time among different sections based on your strengths and weaknesses. Allocate more time to sections where you feel less confident.
- Regular Mock Tests: Attempting XAT mock tests will help you gauge your preparation level, identify weak areas, and improve time management.
- Focus on Reading: Reading newspapers, journals, and books will enhance your vocabulary and help in the Verbal Ability and GK sections.
- Review Previous Year Papers: Familiarize yourself with the question patterns and difficulty levels from previous years.
- Time Management: Practice solving questions within a limited time to simulate the exam environment. This will help you allocate time effectively during the actual test.
XAT Syllabus 2026: Conclusion
In conclusion, the XAT 2026 exam is a highly competitive MBA entrance test with a unique structure that separates it from other exams. Covering key sections like Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge, XAT tests a wide range of skills necessary for future managers. With 75 questions in part one and 20 in part two, candidates need to prepare thoroughly, focusing on core topics and decision-making scenarios. To excel, it’s important to follow a structured study plan, practice mock tests, and strengthen both academic and analytical skills.
