CAT and XAT are the top MBA entrance tests in India. Lakhs of students aspiring for an MBA appear for these two tests annually. CAT is the gateway to the brand IIMs and over 1,300 MBA institutes all over India, whereas XAT is the gateway to XLRI in Jamshedpur and over 800 of the top B-Schools in the country. Since CAT and XAT aspirants prepare for both, which take place a month apart, here we will have a look at their syllabi, both similar and different.
Both CAT and XAT test MBA aspirants based on their analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and English communication skills. Both are aptitude tests and have the same testing pattern. The degree of dedication required to prepare for both exams is almost the same; however, it's also important to realize that one cannot prepare for both exams at the same time.
Different preparation strategies and timelines are required as, even though the subjects in the CAT and XAT syllabi are overlapping, the question types are different. Also, XAT has two additional subjects - Decision Making and General Knowledge, for which a particular approach towards preparation is required.
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Major Differences Between XAT and CAT
The following table highlights all the main differences between XAT and CAT.
XAT Vs CAT: Which Is Tougher?
When hopeful B-school candidates compare XAT with CAT, a common question comes up: which test is actually harder? Both open doors to top management programs such as the IIMs via CAT and XLRI through XAT-but many experts cheerfully put the XAT at the head of the difficulty class. The reason largely rests on its separate Decision-Making segment, a task that asks test-takers to weigh scenarios and choose wisely, whereas CAT stays with brisk speed-and-accuracy drills across Quant, VARC and DILR. On top of that, the XATs verbal section often throws in denser reading passages and punishing vocabulary sets that slow even strong students.
XATs Quantitative Ability also tends to chew up minutes because the sets are crafted to test comprehension and not just formula memory. The presence of an on-the-spot essay, a gauge of polished written English that CAT skips, adds yet another layer of nerves and clock-watching. Therefore, if your sights are firmly set on XLRI or flagship names like SPJIMR, a clear grasp of the XAT-CAT split in toughness can shape your study plan. All told, XAT edges CAT in strain because of its format, relentless time pressure and added judgment calls, so targeted, calm preparation remains your best support.
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XAT Vs CAT Exam Pattern 2025
Refer to the following to check a comprehensive comparison between the exam pattern of CAT and XAT 2025-26.
CAT Vs XAT Syllabus
Refer to the following to know the CAT vs XAT syllabus for 2025-26 academic year.
CAT 2025-26 Syllabus
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Reading Comprehension
- Para Jumbles
- Para Summary
- Sentence Completion
- Odd Sentence Out
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Tables, Graphs, Charts
- Caselets
- Bar/Line/Pie Charts
- Puzzles
- Seating Arrangement
- Syllogisms
Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Arithmetic (Time-Speed, Profit-Loss, Ratios)
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Number System
- Mensuration
- Probability
XAT 2025-26 Syllabus
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Para Jumbles
- Sentence Correction
- Critical Reasoning
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Data Interpretation (Graphs, Charts, Tables)
- Logical Puzzles
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sens
- Coding-Decoding
- Series
Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Number System
- Trigonometry
- Higher Math (eg. Logs, Functions)
Decision Making
- Ethical Dilemmas
- Business Scenarios
- Logical Reasoning in Situational Cases
General Knowledge (GK)
- Static GK (History, Polity, Geography)
- Current Affairs
- Business & Economy
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