XAT Preparation Guide: 3-Month Preparation Plan

Xavier Aptitude Test

Last Date to Apply
05th December, 2025

Nirek Rishi
Nirek Rishi

Table of Content

The registration for the XAT exam opened on 10th July and students have until 10th December to register for the examination. The XAT examination is a very competitive and difficult exam for students to take. Preparing for the XAT exam requires a lot of discipline, focus and effective strategies. This article highlights an effective 3-month strategy that students can use when preparing for the XAT exam. Following these tips for 3 months can help students have a better overall performance on their XAT examination.

XAT Preparation Month-Wise Overview

With 3 months of preparation students can thoroughly and properly prepare themselves for the XAT exam. A proper plan on what to do in each month of preparation is highly important. Knowing the goals of each month can help students know what to aim for and what strategies or techniques to use in each month of preparation.

The XAT month-wise preparation process is as follows:

First Month

  • Compile All Study Material: In the first month of preparation, it is key for students to compile all of their relevant study material for each section of the examination. Doing so will ensure students have a good understanding as to what they are getting themselves into and to take their preparation process seriously.
  • Create a Timetable:Creating a well-organized and well-thought out schedule in the initial stages is instrumental in ensuring students have a strong start in their preparation process for XAT. Students can decide which topics or sections of the XAT exam they should cover per day or week. Keeping goals with each topic students are studying is key in helping students score high marks on the XAT exam.
  • Conceptual Understanding:More than just trying to cover as many topics as possible, an effective strategy for preparing for the XAT examination is to thoroughly understand and grasp the concepts of the syllabus. Thoroughly grasping and understanding concepts can allow students for a much deeper and well-thought understanding on topics and sections part of the XAT exam.

Second Month

  • Strengths and Weaknesses: At this stage of preparation for the XAT examination students should have studied well enough to evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses.Students should thoroughly revise the concepts that they already know well. Strengths are key in making sure students are confident in what they know on the exam. Analyzing weaknesses is also an important step for students to score higher. Finding shortcuts, quick tricks and easy explanations for topics that you are weak in can help students improve in the more tricky areas of the XAT examination.
  • Understand the Exam Pattern: More than just studying, at this stage of preparation, it is instrumental that students focus on understanding the XAT exam pattern. Understanding the XAT exam pattern makes sure that students develop a well-rounded and thorough understanding of the exam. It helps in coming up with effective plans and strategies on the XAT exam exam.

Provided below is an overview of the XAT exam pattern for students’ reference:

Exam Mode

Online

Exam Duration

180 Minutes

Total Questions

95 Questions

Total Marks

95 Marks

Exam Sections

4 Sections:

  • Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning
  • Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
  • Decision Making
  • General Knowledge

Question Type

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Marking Scheme

  • +1 for every correct answer
  • -0.25 marks for every incorrect answer
  • -0.10 marks for more than 8 unattempted questions
  • No negative marking for general knowledge

Final Month

The final month of preparation for XAT is the most crucial month. This month can make or break a student’s overall performance on the XAT examination. Some preparation strategies for this month are as follows:

  • Mock Tests:While students should be doing mock tests as much as they can throughout their preparation process, it is very important that students do mocks during the final month of preparation. Mock tests make or break a student’s preparation for the XAT examination. These tests help students answer questions in a shorter time period and simulate the actual experience of giving the XAT exam. Students will also be able to build speed as well as accuracy through mock tests. These are incredibly important skills for students to develop when preparing for a competitive and tricky exam such as XAT.
  • Thorough and Effective Revision: Students should thoroughly go through the key concepts, topics and sections of the examination. This can ensure stronger clarity in the important topics. It is also recommended for students to use notes, mind-maps and online learning which can help in a better revision process for the exam. Making and using short-notes during this stage of preparation can also be of huge assistance when revising for the exam.
  • Avoid New Topics: This tip should mainly be employed during the final 7 to 10 days of preparation for the XAT exam. Starting any topic when preparing for the XAT examination at this stage can cause more harm than good for students. Beginning any new topic this late in preparation can cause students to get confused and negatively affect their performance on the actual XAT exam. Starting new topics can also confuse students and hamper their confidence.
  • Take Care of Themselves: Another tip which students should be using throughout the preparation process, but is especially important during the final month of preparation is for students to take care of themselves.

Keeping a positive mindset while taking care of themselves especially during the last few days of preparation can significantly boost a student’s confidence before the XAT exam. Worrying about the XAT exam can do more harm than good to students and negatively affect their overall performance. Taking breaks by doing favourite hobbies is especially recommended for students to avoid burn out and fatigue during preparation. Using methods such as meditation and deep-breathing can be very helpful to remaining calm in moments of stress.

Also Read: Is it Worth Giving the XAT Exam?

XAT 2026 Important Dates

There are several important dates for the XAT 2026 examination that have not been revealed as of yet. However, keeping up with the already revealed dates and tentative dates can be very helpful for students. Knowing these dates can ensure students are updated on key events and deadlines about the XAT examination.

The XAT 2026 important dates for students’ reference are as follows:

Event

Date

XAT 2026 Exam Registration

10th July - 5th December 2025

XAT 2026 Admit Card Release

20th December 2025

XAT 2026 Exam Date

4th January 2025

XAT 2026 Result Date

January 2026 (tentative)

XAT 2026 Answer Key Release

January 2026

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