XAT Latest Updates
12 Nov, 2025 XAT Mock Test Window Open from 19th Nov (12 PM) to 20th Nov (12 PM). XAT Application Edit Window opens on 25th Nov 2025 (9 AM). Check Here.
15 Sep, 2025 XAT registration 2026 is ongoing till December 5, 2025, at xatonline.in. Apply Now
The XAT 2026 Exam will be held on January 4, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and you can register for the exam until December 5, 2025, at the official website, xatonline.in.
You can verify your details, and if there are any corrections, you can make them during the application correction window from November 25th to November 27th, 2025.
| Direct link to apply for XAT 2026 (Till 5th December) |
- The XLRI Jamshedpur has made some changes in the XAT Exam Pattern, which includes a reduction of time from 3.5 hours to 3 hours (180 minutes), and the removal of the Analytical Essay Writing section.
- Now, the total number of questions in XAT has been reduced to 95, which makes the exam more focused and time-based.
- The Scores from the G.K. section will be considered only for the XLRI Final selection process.
Now, around 1 month is left for the exam, so you should start focusing more on mock tests and attempt around 15 to 20 mock tests to score well.
According to the Reddit user, the difficulty level for XAT Official Mock tests scheduled on 19th November was extremely difficult and lengthy, so for better preparation, focus on mock tests and PYQs.
If you are going to appear for XAT 2026 and want to have an idea regarding Tips for the exam, Strategy & Preparation Guide, you can check the video given below:
Also Read
Key Summary
In this Article, we have discussed the XAT 2026 Exam, including the Exam Dates, Registration, Syllabus, and Exam Pattern, along with a one-month preparation strategy.
- XAT 2026 Admit card will be available from 20th December 2025 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
- The XAT Application fees are the same of Rs. 2,200 for all categories, and with an additional fee of Rs. 200 for XLRI.
- The XAT expected cutoff for XLRI BM is 96 to 98 percentiles for the general category and 90 to 92 percentiles for HRM.
- The Section of QA and DM is expected to be most important, with a high difficulty level, since the last 2 years.
- The XLRI median salary is around ₹ 29 LPA, and the average is ₹ 32+ LPA, with big offers from consulting and BFSI.
- What is the XAT 2026 Exam?
- XAT 2026 Schedule
- XAT 2026 Registration
- Big Changes You Must Know for XAT 2026
- XAT Previous Years Question Paper with Solutions PDF
- XAT Exam Pattern 2026
- XAT 2026 Syllabus & Weightage: What Matters the Most?
- How to Prepare for XAT 2026 in the Last Month
- XAT Mock Tests: Most Important Preparation Tool for XAT 2026
- XAT Mock Tests vs Real XAT Percentile: Understand the Conversion
- Best Books to Study for XAT 2026
- Category-Wise XAT 2026 Cut-Off Analysis (Expected)
- XAT Exam Accepted By Top MBA College
- FAQs for XAT 2026
What is the XAT 2026 Exam?
The XAT is a national-level MBA Exam, which is conducted every year by XLRI Jamshedpur, to get admission into its management program and more than 1,000 B-Schools in India.
- The XAT Exam is one of the most challenging MBA Exams in India, as it tests decision-making ability, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- The XAT Scores are accepted by some of the top institutes like XLRI Jamshedpur, XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad, MICA, Great Lakes, TAPMI and IRMA, which offer entry into PGDM, MBA and other management programs.
XAT 2026 Exam Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | XLRI Jamshedpur |
| Exam Level | National-level MBA entrance exam |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Date | January 4, 2026 |
| Registration Last Date | December 5, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release (Tentative) | December 20, 2025 |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 95 Questions |
| Sections | Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, QA & DI, General Knowledge |
| Application Fee | ₹2,200 |
| Exam Timing | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| AEW Section | Removed from written exam; evaluated in GD/PI |
| GK Score Usage | Considered only for the XLRI final selection |
| Accepted by | 1000+ B-schools across India, including XLRI |
For more information, you can check the XAT Information bulletin available on the official website, xatonline.in.
Also Read
Ques. What is the XAT exam used for?
Ans. The XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) exam is a national-level entrance test conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, India.
- The XAT Exam is used for admission into MBA/PGDM programs at XLRI and over 1,000 other B-schools across India.
- The XAT exam assesses candidates' aptitude in areas like Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability, and General Knowledge.
- The XAT exam is used for evaluating skills essential for success in management and business.
Ques. Is XAT more difficult than CAT?
Ans. XAT is often considered more difficult than CAT due to its unique Decision Making (DM) and General Knowledge (GK) sections, a broader Quant syllabus, and the absence of an on-screen calculator.
- The section-wise difficulty can vary, and CAT's reliance on speed and accuracy poses its own challenge.
- While both are tough exams, XAT's judgment-based scenarios in the DM and GK sections add complexity.
- CAT's emphasis on speed, tight sectional time limits, and its often more difficult DILR section.
XAT 2026 Schedule
As around one month is left for the exam, you should stay aware of the XAT Important Dates and should not miss any important event like the last date to apply, admit card release, and exam day schedule.
XAT 2026 Important Dates & Schedule
| Event | Date / Timeline |
|---|---|
| XAT 2026 Registration Starts | Ongoing |
| XAT Last Date to Apply 2026 | December 5, 2025 |
| Application Correction Window | November 25 – November 27, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release (Tentative) | December 20, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Exam Date | January 4, 2026 (2:00 PM–5:00 PM) |
| Result Announcement (Expected) | Third week of January 2026 |
| Scorecard Download | January 2026 onwards |
| GD/PI Process for XLRI | February–March 2026 |
Source: xatonline.in
XAT 2026 Registration
The XAT Registration is conducted online on the official website at xatonline.in. You have to create a new user account by filling in your personal and academic details and uploading your photograph and signature as required.
- Then, select your preferred exam city, make the fee payment, and submit the form before the completion of the deadline.
- Before submitting, don’t forget to ensure that all the details are correct and properly filled.
Source: https://xatonline.in/assets/pdf/XAT-e-Bulletin-2026.pdf
XAT Registration Fee
To complete the XAT Registration, you have to submit the required fees.
- Fees for Basic Indian Candidate: Rs. 2,200
- An Additional fee for the XLRI program: Rs. 200 each.
- Fees for Indian Candidates by GMAT/GRE (for PGDM–GM): Rs. 2,500
- For NRI/Foreign Candidate by GMAT: Rs. 5,000
Source: xatonline.in
XAT Registration & Appeared Candidates Trends (2025-2023)
The XAT Exam has shown growth from last year, as they have reached a high number of registrations in the year 2025.
| Year | Registered Candidates | Appeared | % Change in Registrations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 142,235 | 124,000 | 5.4% |
| 2024 | 135,000 | 88,000 | 40% |
| 2023 | 96,438 | 80,000+ | 36.3% |
Also Read
How to apply for XAT?Ques. What is the last date for XAT registration?
Ans. The last registration date for XAT 2026 is December 5, 2025. XAT Registration began on July 10, 2025, and the XAT 2026 exam is scheduled for January 4, 2026.
- Registration Starts: July 10, 2025
- Registration Last Date: December 5, 2025
- Admit Card Download: December 20, 2025 (Tentative)
- Exam Date: January 4, 2026
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria for XAT 2026?
Ans. To apply for XAT 2026, candidates should fulfil the basic academic requirements, which ensure more access. There is no required age limit or percentile requirement, but some XLRI Programs, mostly for the general management programs, require additional experience from the candidates.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree of 3 years in any discipline. The Final year candidates are also eligible. |
| Minimum Percentage | There is no minimum percentage required; just passing graduation is enough. |
| Age Limit | No Upper or lower age limit. |
| Work Experience |
|
| Nationality/Mode for NRIs | Indian and foreign nationals can apply. The Foreigners or NRI candidates have to give the GMAT Exam. |
| Attempts Allowed | Candidates can give unlimited attempts, with no limit on the number of tries. |
| Program-Specific Criteria |
|
Big Changes You Must Know for XAT 2026
In XAT 2026, there are certain changes in the exam structure and approach that every candidate should understand before planning their preparation.
These Changes will directly affect your exam strategy, time management, and section-wise preparation.
XAT 2026 Exam Changes
| Exam Component | XAT 2025 | XAT 2026 (New) | Impact for Aspirants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Exam Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes | 3 hours (180 minutes) | Reduced time increases pressure on accuracy & speed |
| Total Questions | 101 questions | 95 questions | Slight reduction allows deeper focus per question |
| Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) | Mandatory section | Removed from the written exam | Now evaluated only during the GD/PI stage |
| General Knowledge (GK) Section | Score used by multiple institutes | Used only by XLRI for final selection | GK preparation now becomes institute-specific |
| Evaluation Weightage | Included AEW marks | Rebalanced without AEW | Increased importance of QA, DM & VARC |
| Exam Pattern Style | Lengthier & mixed-format | Simplified structure | More streamlined test experience |
| Exam Mode | Computer-based CBT | Same | No operational change |
Also Read
XAT Exam PatternXAT Previous Years Question Paper with Solutions PDF
You can also find here the answers and solutions prepared by subject-matter experts.
| XAT Question Paper | Question Paper PDF | Solution PDF |
|---|---|---|
| XAT 2025 Question Paper with Solutions PDF | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| XAT 2024 Question Paper with Solutions PDF | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| XAT 2023 Question Paper with Solutions PDF | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| XAT 2022 Question Paper with Solutions PDF | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| XAT 2021 Question Paper with Solutions PDF | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| XAT 2020 Question Paper with Solutions PDF | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| XAT 2019 Question Paper with Solutions PDF | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| XAT 2018 Question Paper with Solutions PDF | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| XAT 2017 Question Paper with Solutions PDF | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| XAT 2016 Question Paper with Solutions PDF | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
XAT Exam Pattern 2026
To prepare for XAT 2026 effectively, you should know about the XAT Exam Pattern. The XAT Exam will be conducted in a CBT Mode, with a time duration of 180 minutes.
With a shorter time duration and fewer questions, the XAT Exam will now demand better decision-making and high accuracy.
- As 95 questions will be asked in 180 minutes, you will have around 1.5 minutes to answer each question.
- The Section of Decision Making is the main section, which can make a difference in your score, with a change of around 6 to 8%.
- The Section of VARC and QA will together include 70 to 75% of questions, which makes them the highest-weightage topic.
| Section | Number of Questions | Expected Difficulty Level | Key Skills Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 26 | Moderate to High | Reading depth, grammar, inference |
| Decision Making (DM) | 22 | Moderate | Case-based reasoning, ethical judgement |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) | 26 | Moderate to High | Problem solving, calculations, DI logic |
| General Knowledge (GK) | 25 | Moderate | Static & Current GK |
| Total | 95 Questions | — | — |
Also Read
XAT Previous year paper analysisQues. Is 27 a good score in XAT?
Ans. A score of 27 out of 95 in XAT will provide you with an 88–90 percentile range.
- For the General Category candidates, this score will fall slightly below the XLRI BM and HRM cutoffs.
- However, for OBC, SC, and ST candidates, a 27 score in XAT is a strong score for institutes like XIMB, TAPMI, IMT Ghaziabad, and FORE School of Management.
Ques. Does XAT 2026 have an essay?
Ans. No, the XAT 2026 does not have an essay writing section as a part of the main online test. The XAT exam pattern has been revised so that it now consists of 95 MCQ questions divided into 2 parts:
- Part 1 has 75 questions across three sections: Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative & DI.
- Part 2 has General Knowledge with 20 questions, with a total duration of 3 hours(180 minutes).
The Analytical Essay Writing is not evaluated in the online Test, whereas it will be evaluated at the time of the GD PI rounds of the XAT Admission process.
Ques. How to get the 99.99th percentile in XAT?
Ans. To score the 99.99th percentile in XAT, you need to maintain 90%+ accuracy with a target score of 35–38 out of 95, depending on difficulty.
- Focus on the decision-making as it nearly contributes 30% to the percentile, practice daily case-based and scenario questions to strengthen logical reasoning.
- Build a strong conceptual clarity and speed in QA & DI using books like Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal and Oswaal Formulae & Tricks.
- For VALR, read newspaper editorials and practice RCs daily, which will improve your vocabulary and inference-based reasoning.
Attempt 2-3 full-length mock tests per week and analyse the errors, and refine the attempt strategy after each test.
XAT 2026 Syllabus & Weightage: What Matters the Most?
The XAT Syllabus focuses on MBA-Level Abilities such as reasoning, analytical thinking, decision-making, and comprehension.
Understanding the section-wise weightage will help you smartly prioritise topics, allocate proper preparation time, and build a proper mock-test strategy.
XAT Syllabus for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
In the XAT Section of VARC, you will test comprehension depth, critical analysis, vocabulary, and grammar. Reading pace and accuracy are essential to score high.
| Units | Subtopics | Approx. Weightage (%) | Topper’s Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension |
| 45–50% | Practice at least 1 RC daily; focus on inference-based accuracy |
| Verbal Reasoning |
| 25–30% | Solve the previous year's CR sets to train the reasoning angle |
| Grammar & Vocabulary |
| 20–25% | Build vocabulary using daily newspaper editorials |
XAT Syllabus for Decision Making (DM)
This section will test ethical and real-life business decisions by caselets and judgments according to the situations.
| Units | Sub-Topics | Approx. Weightage (%) | Topper’s Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Caselets | Profit-loss conflict, resource allocation | 40–45% | Always choose solutions balancing ethics + practicality |
| Human Resource Scenarios | Team conflicts, appraisal issues | 30–35% | Avoid extreme decisions; choose stakeholder-balanced answers |
| Logical Decision Cases | Data-based & conditional decisions | 20–25% | Practice past 10-year DM papers for pattern familiarity |
XAT Syllabus for Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
The Section of QA and DI will measure the numeric-based problem solving, along with the logical analysis, along with the concept clarity and speed for better scoring efficiency.
| Units | Sub-Topics | Approx. Weightage (%) | Topper’s Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Percentages | 35–40% | Start solving arithmetic daily—the highest ROI area |
| Algebra & Numbers | Logarithms, Progressions, Number System | 25–30% | Practice formula application, not rote memorisation |
| Geometry & Mensuration | Circles, Triangles, Area-Volume | 15–20% | Maintain formula sheet & revise twice weekly |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, Graphs, Case-based DI | 10–15% | Pick DI sets only if the first scan seems solvable |
XAT Syllabus for General Knowledge (GK)
The Section of GK will impact the percentile of the candidate, but it is important for the final selection of XLRI, and can improve depth for the interview.
| Units | Sub-Topics | Approx. Weightage (%) | Topper’s Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Affairs | Awards, Government Schemes, Economy | 40–45% | Read the 6-month current affairs PDF |
| Static GK | Geography, History, Polity, Capitals | 25–30% | Revise short notes weekly |
| Business & Corporate GK | Mergers, CEOs, Market trends | 25–30% | Follow business newspapers daily |
You can also check:
| XAT Syllabus for Decision Making |
| XAT Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude |
| XAT Syllabus for General Knowledge |
Ques. Is XAT difficult than Snap?
Ans. Yes, XAT is difficult than SNAP. While CAT is known for its high level of difficulty, MAT and SNAP are relatively easier, and XAT focuses on decision-making skills.
Ques. Does IIT accept XAT scores?
Ans: No, most Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) do not accept XAT scores for admission to their MBA programs.
They primarily rely on the CAT score. However, there may be exceptions or specific institutes under the IIT umbrella, such as the MIT ID Innovation, that accept XAT for certain specialised MBA programs.
Ques. Is XAT GK tough?
Ans. The General Knowledge (GK) section contains 20 questions.
- Out of these 20 questions, around 8 questions were asked from static GK, while the remaining 12 questions came from current affairs.
- Overall, the difficulty of this section was easy to moderate.
How to Prepare for XAT 2026 in the Last Month
You can crack the XAT Exam in the last month by following a weekly approach along with focused practice for high-weightage topics.
As the XAT Exam places more emphasis on decision-making and verbal ability than the CAT, you should focus more on accuracy, critical reasoning and preparation according to the time available.
WEEK 1: Build Fundamentals & Accuracy
- You should start preparing VARC and DM early, because they offer the maximum percentile.
- With proper accuracy followed in 1 week, you should focus on the progress of your percentile, with focused learning, not speed.
| Section | What to Study This Week | Practice Requirements | Outcome Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | Basic RC reading skills, tone & inference, fact vs opinion | 2–3 RCs/day, 20 CR questions | Accuracy 45–55%, speed improvement |
| Decision Making | Ethical & managerial cases, logical structure building | 10–12 caselets, previous year DM sets | Understand case flow, not guessing |
| Quantitative Ability | Arithmetic & Algebra basics, formulas & concept rebuilding | 40–50 questions/day, topic drills | Concept clarity over speed |
| DI & Logical Reasoning | Basic DI, tables, bar chart, and logical puzzles | 1–2 DI sets daily | Accuracy building & structured approach |
| GK | Static GK: Economy, National events | 30 mins/day reading | Build base knowledge |
WEEK 2: Speed Building & Expansion Phase
- Good Speed and Accuracy in DI will give you the advantage of a high percentile.
- This week, you should solve at least 2 sectional tests for each section.
| Section | What to Study This Week | Practice Requirements | Outcome Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | Long RCs, para jumbles, para summary | 3–4 RCs/day + 10 PJ daily | Accuracy 60%+ |
| Decision Making | Mixed difficulty caselets, HR + business problems | 12–15 caselets | Develop structured decision logic |
| Quantitative Ability | Geometry, Number System, Modern Math | 50–60 questions/day | Reach 60–70% accuracy |
| DI & LR | High-level logical sets, caselet-based DI | 2–3 sets/day | Increase solving speed |
| GK | International events, business & corporate affairs | 20 mins newspaper + weekly PDF | Build relevance for PI |
WEEK 3: Full Mock Test & Improvement of Weak Area
- By doing proper mock tests, you can improve your score by 70%.
- By this, you can have an idea of how to appear in the exam properly, without just having topic knowledge.
| Section | What to Study This Week | Practice Requirements | Outcome Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | Revision + timed solving | 1 sectional test every alternate day | Stable accuracy ≥ 70% |
| Decision Making | Complex ethical + conflict case studies | 15–20 caselets | Master reasoning under time |
| Quantitative Ability | Weak topics improvement & mixed revision | 40–50 mixed questions | Accuracy consistency |
| DI & LR | Timed DI + LR sets + strategy simulation | 2 full sets/day | Faster decision-making |
| GK | Full revision + expected MBA GK topics | 1 GK mock daily | Broad knowledge readiness |
WEEK 4: Final Strategy & Performance Optimisation
You should avoid doing any new topics, and focus more on revision, accuracy and strategy.
| Section | What to Study This Week | Practice Requirements | Outcome Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | High-weight revision topics only; maintain speed | 1–2 mini sectional mocks | Fine-tuned accuracy ≥ 80% |
| Decision Making | Trickiest ethical & managerial cases | Reattempt & review error logs | High-accuracy decision calling |
| Quantitative Ability | High-scoring topics revision | Formula notebook revision | Zero new topics + accuracy polish |
| DI & LR | Pre-selected the best solvable sets | Timed solving 1/day | Speed & accuracy balance |
| GK | Rapid revision notebook + key facts | 30–40 min/day | Ready for PI screening |
Also Read
Ques. How to get the 99.99th percentile in XAT?
Ans. To score the 99.99th percentile in XAT, you need to maintain 90%+ accuracy with a target score of 35–38 out of 95, depending on difficulty.
- Focus on the decision-making as it nearly contributes 30% to the percentile, practice daily case-based and scenario questions to strengthen logical reasoning.
- Build a strong conceptual clarity and speed in QA & DI using books like Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal and Oswaal Formulae & Tricks.
- For VALR, read newspaper editorials and practice RCs daily, which will improve your vocabulary and inference-based reasoning.
Attempt 2-3 full-length mock tests per week and analyse the errors, and refine the attempt strategy after each test.
Ques. Which book is best for XAT?
Ans. Choosing the best book for XAT depends on the sections: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
As per the expert reviews and the toppers’ recommendations, the following three books consistently perform best for XAT preparation.
- GKP XAT 2025–26 Solved Papers (2008–2025)
- Jabbing the XAT (Solved Papers & Mock Tests)
- Oswaal Formulae & Tricks: Quantitative Ability for CAT/XAT
XAT Mock Tests: Most Important Preparation Tool for XAT 2026
As only 30 days are left for the exam, you should practice full-length mock tests, sectional mock tests without learning any new topics.
With mock tests, you can have a proper idea of the exam situation, build your time-management skills, and help you find your weak areas.
How Many Mock Tests to Take for Each Section?
| Section | Recommended Full-Length Mock Coverage | Sectional Tests Per Week | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | Part of 15–18 complete mocks | 4–5 sectional tests per week | Improves comprehension speed & accuracy in inference-based RCs |
| Decision Making | Included in full mocks | 6–7 sectional tests per week | Builds logical consistency & reduces emotional guesswork |
| Quantitative Ability | Full mock evaluation twice a week | 5–6 sectional tests per week | Helps identify the strongest scoring areas & improves attempt selection |
| DI & LR | Full-time mocks enhance stamina | 4–5 DI/LR sets daily practice | Improves speed & pattern recognition under pressure |
| GK | Assessed through mock GK quizzes | Daily 15–20 min test | Strengthens recall and PI readiness; improves confidence |
These are the mock tests provided by Collegedunia. You can give these tests for better preparation and have an idea of the type of questions that can be asked in the test.
XAT Mock Tests vs Real XAT Percentile: Understand the Conversion
The Performance in XAT Mock Tests is a high predictor of Success in the XAT Exam, but the students struggle to understand the conversion of raw scores into percentiles.
As the difficulty level of XAT varies every year, comparison of expected percentiles will help you track the progress and real score targets.
XAT Mock Score vs Expected XAT Percentile
| Mock Score Range | Expected Percentile Range | What You Should Focus On |
|---|---|---|
| 55 – 60+ | 98 – 99+ %ile | Focus on accuracy improvement, sectional balancing & stress-handling. |
| 48 – 54 | 95 – 98 %ile | Improve DM accuracy & QA speed, take 2 mocks/week. |
| 40 – 47 | 90 – 94 %ile | Identify weak section & push targeted practice 1 hr/day. |
| 34 – 39 | 80 – 89 %ile | Improve concept clarity, focus on LR+DM caselets. |
| 25 – 33 | 70 – 79 %ile | Revise fundamentals & start with easy-moderate sets. |
| Below 25 | Below 70 %ile | Avoid panic, follow chapter-wise drills + weekly mocks. |
Best Books to Study for XAT 2026
For XAT Preparation, candidates require a few important books according to the different sections, which are from different authors. The Candidates should have these books for better preparation and a study plan.
| Section | Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| QADI | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
| How to Prepare for QA for CAT | Arun Sharma | |
| Data Interpretation for CAT | Nishit K Sinha | |
| Quantum CAT | S K Verma | |
| Verbal & Logical Ability | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Ajay Singh |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | |
| How to Prepare for VARC for CAT | Arun Sharma | |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | |
| Decision Making | Jabbing the XAT | R K Jha |
| Solved Papers | Gautam Puri | |
| Target XAT Simplified Edition | Disha Experts | |
| GK | Manorama Year Book | Mammen Mathew |
| Lucent’s Objective GK | Lucent Publications | |
| General Knowledge | Manohar Pandey |
Also Read
XAT Previous Year Question PaperCategory-Wise XAT 2026 Cut-Off Analysis (Expected)
The XAT Cutoff differs according to the category of candidates and varies for each programme. By knowing these categories, you can set a proper target and prepare in a strategic way.
- The General category cutoff is the highest, with the cutoff of around 96%ile, which shows how competitive the exam is for seats in the top programme.
- The Cutoff of SC/ST Candidates is around 80 to 90th percentile, which shows high competition in reserved categories.
| Category | Expected Overall Percentile Cut-Off | Notes / Context |
|---|---|---|
| General | 95-96 %ile | Highest competition, lowest relaxation margin. |
| OBC / EWS | 90-94 %ile | Slightly lower threshold reflecting reserved category benefit. |
| SC | 85-90 %ile | Not officially published in all cases — estimated trend. |
| ST | 80-85 %ile | Typically toughest competition is even within the reserved slot. |
XAT Cut-Off Comparison (2023–2025): How the Trend Has Shifted
By understanding the previous year's cutoff of XAT 2026, the competition for the exam has increased over the last 3 years due to a rise in applications and availability of seats, which has increased both overall and section cutoff.
Check below the comparison of overall XAT Cutoffs for the years 2023,2024, and 2025:
XAT Previous Year Cut-Off Comparison (Overall Percentile )
- Cut-offs have remained consistently above 95%ile, indicating very high competition for top programmes such as XLRI BM.
- The jump from 2023 to 2024 reflects increased difficulty and a high number of candidates registering.
| Year | Overall Percentile Cut-Off | Difficulty Level | Competition Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 96 %ile | Moderate-High | Very tight competition due to record applicants |
| 2024 | 96 %ile | High | Marginal rise from 2023 reflecting tougher paper |
| 2023 | 95 %ile | Moderate | Cut-offs are slightly lower due to the relatively easier paper |
Also Read
XAT Exam Accepted By Top MBA Colleges
XAT participating institutes release admission cut-offs to shortlist candidates for GD/PI at their respective websites. Take a look at the estimated XAT cut-off scores and percentiles of some of the top XAT institutes for MBA admission:
| XAT colleges | XAT cut-off score | XAT cut-off percentile |
|---|---|---|
| XLRI-Jamshedpur | 35.5-38.5 | 94-92 |
| XIMB-Bhubaneswar | 30.5-32.5 | 90-93 |
| SPJIMR-Mumbai | 32.5-34.5 | 93.50-95 |
| IMT-Ghaziabad | 30.5-32 | 90-92 |
| GIM-Goa | 27.5-30.5 | 85-90 |
| TAPMI-Manipal | 26-27.5 | 80-85 |
| IRMA-Anand | 26-27.5 | 80-85 |
| MICA-Ahmedabad | 26-27.5 | 80-85 |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management | 26-27.5 | 80-85 |
| LIBA-Chennai | 26-27.5 | 80-85 |
| KJ Somaiya-Mumbai | 27.5-30.5 | 85-90 |
Also Read
What Happens After You Crack XAT: Placements & Package Trends
By scoring high in XAT, you can get admission in top B-Schools, which gives high placement opportunities, as the top B-Schools have high placement packages along with recruiters.
By understanding these placements, you can have a real-world example of what company hires, and the competition level.
Top Placement Opportunities After XAT: Salary Comparison Table
| B-School (XAT Accepting) | Median Salary (LPA) | Average Salary (LPA) | Highest Package (LPA) | Top Recruiting Domains |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLRI Jamshedpur | ₹ 29 LPA | ₹ 32+ LPA | ₹ 75 LPA | Consulting, BFSI, Marketing |
| XIMB Bhubaneswar | ₹ 20.8 LPA | ₹ 21.7 LPA | ₹ 36.2 LPA | Finance, Consulting, Analytics |
| IMT Ghaziabad | ₹ 17.5 LPA | ₹ 18.3 LPA | ₹ 36 LPA | Sales & Marketing, BFSI, Tech |
| Great Lakes Chennai | ₹ 14.2 LPA | ₹ 14.6 LPA | ₹ 34 LPA | IT/Analytics, Consulting |
| TAPMI Manipal | ₹ 14.5 LPA | ₹ 16 LPA | ₹ 26 LPA | Consulting, BFSI, Operations |
| GIM Goa | ₹ 15.6 LPA | ₹ 17.2 LPA | ₹ 55 LPA | Consulting, Marketing, Finance |
FAQs for XAT 2026
Ques. Can I crack XAT in 30 days?
Ans. Yes, you can crack XAT in 30 days, but only if you are already fairly prepared, very disciplined, and follow a strict 30-day plan, depending on the level of preparation and how many hours you can study each day, and how strong your fundamentals are.
To maximise your chances:
- Start with a full mock and find where you stand
- Use a 4-week plan that focuses on weak areas, mocks, and strategy.
- Prioritise accuracy, decision-making, smart skipping, and exam-day readiness.
- Use benchmark data (e.g., aiming for ~30–35 marks for ~90-95 %ile) to set realistic goals.
Ques. Is 30 marks good in XAT?
Ans. Yes, 30 marks can be considered a good score in XAT, placing you in the 90-95 percentile range, which will secure a seat in many tier-1 and tier-2 business schools like FORE, KJ Somaiya, GIM Goa, IMT Ghaziabad, XIMB, SPJIMR.
Ques. Does XLRI give 100% placement?
Ans. Yes, XLRI does give 100% placement for its flagship programs: BM & HRM, including both the Jamshedpur and Delhi NCR campuses, for the 2023–25 batch.
The XLRI final placements 2024 data show an exceptional placement across both Jamshedpur and Delhi NCR campuses.
- A total of 591 students from XLRI Jamshedpur and Delhi NCR secured placements across both PGDM (BM) and PGDM (HRM) programs.
- 172 recruiters participated, including 41 new companies, providing 600+ domestic and 2 international offers.
- With an average salary of ₹31.08 LPA and a Median salary: ₹29 LPA. Highest offers of ₹1.10 crore (international) and ₹75 LPA (domestic).
- Around 34.17% students have received Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs) while doing internships.
- The data reflects 100% placement achievements along with the balanced salary distribution and increasing recruiter diversity.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Students Participated | 591 (combined across Jamshedpur and Delhi NCR campuses) |
| Total Offers Made | 600+ domestic offers and 2 international offers |
| Recruiting Entities | 172 total recruiters |
| New Recruiters | 41 new companies participated for the first time |
| Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs) | 34.17% of students received PPOs based on summer internship performance |
| Median Salary | INR 29 LPA |
| Average Salary | INR 31.08 LPA |
| Highest International Offer | INR 1.10 Crore per annum |
| Highest Domestic Offer | INR 75 LPA |
| Top 10% Average Salary | INR 52.03 LPA |
| Top 25% Average Salary | INR 44.35 LPA |
Ques. Is GK Score Counted in XAT?
Ans. Yes, the score of the GK Section is counted in XAT, but not for the overall percentile score. The XAT Score will be used in the final selection process for XLRI and the top colleges
GK Score Usage in XAT
| Criteria | Considered / Not Considered | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Percentile Calculation | Not Considered | Percentile is calculated only using Part-A sections (VARC, DM, QA). |
| GD/PI Shortlisting | Partially Considered (Institute-specific) | Not used by most institutes; XLRI may refer to GK trends. |
| Final Selection / Merit List | Considered | Used for final evaluation alongside PI, GD & WAT scores. |
| Weightage Range | 5% – 10% | Varies by college; helps differentiate close percentile profiles. |
Ques. Was XAT 2025 Tougher than XAT 2024?
Ans. As per the previous year's students' response and analysis, XAT 2025 is considered tougher than XAT 2024, because it is more challenging than the decision-making and quant sections.
XAT 2025 vs XAT 2024 Difficulty Comparison
| Section | XAT 2025 Difficulty | XAT 2024 Difficulty | Key Change / Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal & Logical Ability (VARC) | Moderate | Moderate | Similar question distribution; more inference-based RCs. |
| Decision Making (DM) | Difficult | Moderate | Caselets were longer & more complex decision trade-offs. |
| Quantitative Ability & DI | Difficult | Moderate-Difficult | Lengthier calculations & trick-based algebra questions. |
| Overall Exam Level | Tougher | Moderately Tough | QA & DM increased difficulty, reducing attempts. |
| Expected Cutoff Trend | Lower | Higher | Higher difficulty = fewer meaningful attempts. |
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
.jpeg?h=112&w=263&mode=stretch)
.jpeg?h=112&w=263&mode=stretch)
.jpeg?h=112&w=263&mode=stretch)
.jpeg?h=112&w=263&mode=stretch)
.jpeg?h=112&w=263&mode=stretch)
.jpeg?h=112&w=263&mode=stretch)
.jpeg?h=112&w=263&mode=stretch)
.jpeg?h=112&w=263&mode=stretch)
Comments
Found 37 Comments
You can download official model question papers from Kakatiya University (KU), Warangal by visiting their website:
Yes, you can check here for the XAT 2026 Mock Test, Attempt XAT Mock Test Online Free, Test Series and Papers PDF
You can check here for the AIBE Mock Test 2025 (Available), Attempt Free Online Mock Test
You can officially access free online mock tests for the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) RRB PO exam from several platforms, but note that IBPS itself does not offer downloadable mock tests as PDFs on its site. You can visit the “Mock Test/Free Test” section of these platforms, register with your email or mobile number, and access the tests.
You can check here for the ICSE Class 10 H.C.G Paper 1 (History & Civics) Question Paper 2017 with Answer Key (March 17)
To download the XAT exam question paper in Hindi, first visit the official XLRI or XAT website (xatonline.in). Log in with your registered credentials after the exam is conducted. The XAT authority provides official question papers and answer keys in both English and Hindi. Look for the “Download Question Paper” or “Previous Year Papers” section. Select the Hindi language option if available, then click the download link to save the file as a PDF. You can also check the “Resources” or “Candidate Login” section for updates.
You can check here for the XAT Question Paper PDF- Download Previous Year Papers with Solutions PDFs 2025-2010
You can check here for the XAT Question Paper PDF- Download Previous Year Papers with Solutions PDFs 2025-2010
You can check here for the List of Top MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score Based on 2025 Ranking
For the XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test), scoring around 25-27 marks (out of a total) lands you at around the 90th percentile in recent years.
You can access free mock tests for the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) RRB Clerk / Office Assistant exam online through multiple platforms.
You can attempt free mock tests for the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) RRB exams through several reputable online platforms. For example, the official IBPS website includes a Mock Test section.
For XAT exam practice in Hindi, official past papers are released by XLRI, but most of these are in English. Hindi medium practice sets or previous year papers are not available officially. You can, however, use Hindi reasoning and aptitude practice books, mock tests, and solved papers from reputed publishers like Arihant, Examcart, or Testbook to prepare in Hindi.
There is no official CISF website section that provides all past “Tradesman” exam question papers for free download. However, some previous papers can be accessed through varius education portal.
You can start taking XAT mock tests at Collegedunia. Collegedunia offers free mock tests for XAT preparation, which include sections on Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability, and General Knowledge, simulating the real exam environment. You can register on their platform, select the XAT mock test series, and attempt practice tests according to your schedule. Regular practice with these mocks will help improve time management, accuracy, and familiarity with the XAT exam pattern and difficulty level.
You can check here for the XAT 2026 Mock Test, Attempt XAT Mock Test Online Free, Test Series, and Papers PDF
To prepare for XAT, first understand its exam pattern focused on Decision Making, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation and General Awareness, along with essay writing in some years. Build a daily study plan emphasising logical and ethical reasoning for the decision-making section using previous case situations. Practice reading comprehension and vocabulary improvement through newspapers and editorials. Strengthen maths basics from class 10-12 level and solve DI questions. Take mock tests every week to improve accuracy and time management.
To write and attempt an XAT mock, begin by simulating the real exam environment with strict timing and no interruptions. Include all key sections: Verbal Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability, and GK. Frame questions in mixed difficulty and ensure decision-making scenarios are realistic and logical. After completing the mock, analyze errors, note weak areas, and revise concepts. Maintain a balanced mix of MCQs and analytical passages, and always practice with a clear strategy to improve speed, accuracy, and overall confidence
You can check here for the XAT 2026 Mock Test, Attempt XAT Mock Test Online Free, Test Series and Papers PDF
You can check here for the XAT Question Paper PDF- Download Previous Year Papers with Solutions PDFs 2025-2010. Solving XAT Previous Year Papers helps in getting a fair idea about the exam pattern, syllabus, and types of questions asked in the exam. To prepare for the next year’s exam, it is essential to solve the previous year's question paper