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XAT Syllabus 2026

XAT 2026 : Check Registration Exam Date, Pattern, and Preparation Tips

XAT 2026 Syllabus

The syllabus for XAT 2026 is outlined by XLRI Jamshedpur and covers four key sections: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. While most topics align with those of other MBA entrance tests, Decision Making remains unique to XAT. To perform well, candidates must thoroughly cover every topic mentioned in the official syllabus.

Below is a complete overview of the XAT 2026 syllabus along with key highlights and focus areas.

XAT Syllabus 2026: Section-wise Overview

Decision Making: This is an exclusive section in XAT. It evaluates the candidate’s ability to analyze a situation and choose the most appropriate decision. Scenarios are often based on business ethics, dilemmas, and people management.
General Knowledge: While the GK section does not contribute to the overall percentile, it is considered during the Personal Interview round. A strong GK score is essential for a good overall profile.
Verbal & Logical Ability: This section may include an RC passage in the form of a poem—a feature unique to XAT. Practicing past years’ papers can help candidates get accustomed to the question style.
Quantitative Aptitude & DI: This section is similar to that in CAT and other MBA exams, with Arithmetic and Algebra forming a significant portion of the questions.

XAT 2026 Syllabus: Key Topics by Section

Section	Major Topics
Verbal & Logical Ability	Reading Comprehension (including poems), Vocabulary, Grammar, Para jumbles, Analogies, Fill in the Blanks, Critical Reasoning
Decision Making	Caselets, Data Arrangement, Grouping, Conditioning, Logical Reasoning, Premises and Conclusions
Quantitative Ability & DI	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Surds & Indices, Percentages, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Tables, Data Interpretation
General Knowledge	Current Affairs, Static GK (Economy, Business, Science, Polity, Sports, Awards, Indian Constitution, International Events, Government Schemes)

XAT 2026 Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude (QA) & Data Interpretation (DI)

The Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation section in XAT typically ranges from moderate to high difficulty. Arithmetic holds the highest weightage in this section. Below are the major topics candidates should focus on:

Important Topics in QA & DI:

Percentages
Tables & Caselets
Linear and Quadratic Equations
Profit and Loss
Probability
Surds and Indices
Ratio and Proportion
Critical Path
Inequalities
Variation
Averages and Partnerships
Logarithms
Time and Work
Alligations and Mixtures
Number Systems
Time, Speed, and Distance
Algebra
Mensuration
LCM and HCF
Simple and Compound Interest
Geometry

Key Highlights:

Total number of questions: 28
Question format: MCQs with five options each
Each correct answer: +1 mark
Incorrect answers: –0.25 mark
Questions will primarily be from Arithmetic, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Data Sufficiency, Time Zones, and Mixed Graphs
The overall difficulty level is expected to be high

XAT 2026 Syllabus for Verbal & Logical Ability

The Verbal and Logical Ability section of XAT is comparable in difficulty to that of the CAT exam. It generally includes 2–3 Reading Comprehension (RC) passages, often with one being a poem. Around 10 questions are based on RCs.

Important Topics in Verbal & Logical Ability:

Reading Comprehension
Fill in the Blanks
Antonyms and Synonyms
Jumbled Paragraphs
Vocabulary in Context
Sentence Error Correction
Word Usage
Sentence Completion
Paragraph Completion

Key Highlights:

Total number of questions: 26
Question format: MCQs
Each correct answer: +1 mark
Incorrect answers: –0.25 mark
RCs are typically shorter in length but require quick comprehension and analysis

XAT 2026 Syllabus for Decision Making (DM): Key Topics

The Decision Making section in XAT does not follow a fixed syllabus. It resembles Logical Reasoning and tests a candidate’s ability to analyze real-life business scenarios and make sound judgments. Candidates must choose the most appropriate or closest option as the correct answer. The situations often involve ethical dilemmas or management decisions aimed at the greater good.

Important Topics in Decision Making:

Analytical Reasoning
Logical Reasoning
Complex Arrangements
Data Arrangement
Caselets
Grouping and Conditions
Situational Judgment
Assumptions
Decision Analysis

Key Highlights:

Total number of questions: 22
All questions will be situation-based, focusing on business decision-making
Designed to evaluate leadership and managerial aptitude
Each correct answer: +1 mark
Incorrect answers: –0.25 mark
Question type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

XAT 2026 Syllabus for General Knowledge (GK): Key Topics

Although the GK section might appear easy, the vast range of topics makes it challenging. Candidates must cover both current affairs and static GK across multiple domains.

Important GK Topics:

Awards and Honours
History and Geography
Static General Knowledge
Business and Politics
Indian Constitution
Famous Personalities
Economy and Governance
Global Affairs
Current Events

Key Highlights:

Total number of questions: 20 (MCQs)
Each question carries 1 mark
No negative marking in this section
GK is memory-based; hence, regular reading and revision are essential
Scores in GK are not considered for XAT percentile calculation
Refer to previous XAT papers to identify recurring GK topics

Best Books for XAT 2026 Preparation

XAT is among the most competitive MBA entrance exams. To prepare effectively, candidates should use recommended books, mock tests, and past year papers. Many CAT preparation books are also suitable for XAT.

Recommended Books for Quantitative Aptitude (QA) & Data Interpretation (DI):

Book Title	Author/Publisher
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT	Arun Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT	Sarvesh K. Verma
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations	Abhijit Guha
Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency	Ananta Ashisha / Arihant

Recommended Books for Verbal Ability:

Book Title	Author/Publisher
Word Power Made Easy	Norman Lewis
Objective General English	Dr. R.S. Agarwal & Vikas Agarwal
High School English Grammar and Composition	Wren & Martin
The Students’ Companion	D Best

Recommended Books for Decision Making:

Book Title	Author/Publisher
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning	Gautam Puri
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT	Nishit K. Sinha
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency	Ananta Ashisha
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT	Arun Sharma

Best Study Material for General Knowledge

To excel in the GK section, candidates should regularly read yearbooks, daily newspapers, and business journals. Here are some recommended sources: