XAT Syllabus 2025 - Download Section Wise Syllabus PDF, Best Books to Prepare

Xavier Aptitude Test

Result Declaration Date
25th January, 2025

Avantika Bhardwaj
Avantika Bhardwaj

Table of Content

The XAT 2025 Syllabus is given and set by XLRI. The syllabus is same as last year, and includes topics from Quantitative Aptitude, Decision making, Logical & Verbal Ability, General Knowledge, and Essay Writing. Essay Writing was re-introduced as a part of the exam in 2023 by XLRI Jamshedpur.

The decision making, essay writing, and general knowledge sections make the XAT exam difficult to crack as compared to the other MBA exams. The candidates require a different skill set to ace these sections and the overall XAT exam. This page covers the entire XAT exam syllabus and the weightage each part carries along with the reference books.

XAT Syllabus Highlights

Refer to the below table to check the important highlights of the XAT Exam Syllabus.

XAT Sections

Number of Questions

Format

Negative Marking

Quantitative Aptitude

28

MCQ

Yes

Logical & Verbal Reasoning

26

MCQ

Yes

Decision Making

22

MCQ

Yes

General Knowledge

25

MCQ

No

XAT Exam Pattern

To understand the XAT syllabus, it is also important for the applicants to understand the XAT 2025 Exam Pattern. Refer to the below table to check the XAT Exam Pattern 2025.

XAT Sections

Number of Questions

Total Marks

Decision Making

21

21

Verbal and Logical Ability

26

26

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

28

28

General Knowledge

20

20

XAT Exam Pattern Highlights

XAT Exam Structure

XAT Exam Details

Number of sections

4 (Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation and General Knowledge)

XAT time limit

3 hours (180 minutes)

Number of questions

95

Total marks

95

Number of answer choices

Five

Mode of examination

Online

XAT marking scheme

  • +1 mark for correct answer
  • - 0.25 marks for incorrect answer
  • - 0.10 marks for more than 8 consecutive un-attempted questions
  • No negative marking in GK section

XAT Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation

The XAT Quant and DI Syllabus is vast and often considered the most difficult section. The section has 28 questions with a negative marking scheme. Candidates are advised to go through the section thoroughly and check the syllabus given below.

Topics Covered - QA & DI

Percentage

Tables and Caselets

Linear and Quadratics 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

Numbers

Time, Speed and Distance

Algebra

Mensuration

LCM and HCF

Simple and Compound Interest

Geometry

Pure Maths

Venn Diagram

Trigonometry

Data Tables

Data Charts

Bar Diagrams

Graphs

Pie Charts

Data Analysis

XAT Syllabus for Logical & Verbal Reasoning

The VALR sections assesses the candidates on English & Grammar skills. The questions are asked from Reading Comprehension and grammar based knowledge. Check the complete syllabus below. The section covers 26 questions in total.

Topics Covered - Verbal & Logical Ability

Reading Comprehension

Fill in the Blanks

Antonyms/Synonyms

Jumbled Paragraphs

Contextual Usage of Vocabulary

Correction of Errors in Sentence

Word Usage

Sentence Completion

Paragraph Completion

XAT Syllabus for Decision Making

The DM section is a complex section and the questions are based on case studies. Candidates need to improve their critical thinking and problem solving abilities. The syllabus and topics covered are given below.

Topics Covered - Decision Making

Analytical Reasoning

Logical Reasoning

Complex Arrangement 

Data Arrangement

Caselets

Conditions and Grouping

Situations

Assumptions

Decision Making

XAT Syllabus for General Knowledge

For the GK section there is no defined syllabus and the candidates can refer to the below table to check the syllabus for the GK section.

Topics Covered - General Knowledge

Awards and winners

History and Geography

Static GK

Business and Politics

Constitution of India

Personalities

Government  and Economy

World Events

Current Affairs

XAT Preparation Tips

Preparing for the XAT exam can be overwhelming and requires a lot of dedication. The best way is to start as early as 6 months before the exam, so that all the topics can be covered and the candidates have enough time to revise the syllabus. The last few days should be dedicated to tracking the progress made, and solving mock tests. Below are the links to help you prepare for the XAT 2025 exam.

XAT Preparation Tips and Techniques

XAT Preparation Tips

XAT Study Material

XAT 2025 Preparation

Best Books to prepare for the XAT exam

How to prepare for XAT in 6 months

How to prepare for XAT in 3 months

XAT Best Preparation Books 2024

Finding the right books to prepare for the XAT exam with no specific syllabus is crucial. It is important to choose the right books and at the same time it is also essential to not follow too many different books for a single subject. Below is the list of a few best books to prepare for XAT exam.

Book

Author/Publisher

High School English Grammar

Wren and Martin

A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning

R.S. Aggarwal

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

Ajay Singh

9th and 10th Grammar Books

-

A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning

R.S. Aggarwal

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

Gautam Puri

Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations

RS Aggarwal

Quantitative Aptitude for All Competitive Examinations

Abhijit Guha

Top Colleges Accepting XAT

View All

Related Articles

Exam

24th June, 2025 , 4 min read

Top 50 GK Questions for XAT 2026 With Answers: Get Most Relevant GK Questions & Answers for XAT 2026 General Knowledge has become an increasingly important component of the XAT examination. While it does not contribute to the overall percentile score, it plays a significant role in the selection process of several top-tier B-schools such as XLRI, XIMB, and others that consider the GK section during the interview or final admission rounds By - Tushar Read More >
Exam

21st June, 2025 , 3 min read

How to Prepare for XAT GK Section? Get XAT Preparation Tips & Syllabus for General Knowledge Section The knowledge of general knowledge (GK) included in the XAT exam, although it does not count towards the percentile calculation, is nonetheless important as you get to the final stages of selection at premier B-Schools like XLRI. By - Tushar Read More >
Exam

21st June, 2025 , 4 min read

Mastering Decision Making for XAT 2026: Practice Sets & Logic Types The Decision Making section is all caselet - that is it has caselets that are drawn from real life business or ethical scenarios. You will have to read carefully, and consider the central issue, the context, and the parties impacted. By - Tushar Read More >
Exam

19th June, 2025 , 2 min read

Top Private Colleges Accepting XAT 2026 Score (Non-XLRI) The XAT 2026 examination will take place in January 2026. The examination is considered to be fairly difficult and can be very competitive. The exam helps students get into some of the best business colleges in India. This article highlights some of the best private colleges that students can get into through their scores on the XAT 2026 examination. This includes the important dates, college names and expected cutoffs. Knowing the cutoffs can help students prepare themselves accordingly for the XAT 2026 examination and even help them manage their overall expectations. By - Nirek Rishi Read More >
Exam

19th June, 2025 , 3 min read

XAT 2026 Quantitative Ability Strategy: Key Topics & Tips The XAT examination is expected to take place in January 2026. The exam is very competitive and can be difficult for students to crack. The Quantitative Ability section can be quite difficult if students are not well-prepared for the exam. This article highlights some of the key details for students to know about the XAT Quantitative Ability section. These details include key concepts, formulas and strategies that students can work on. By - Nirek Rishi Read More >
More Articles

Related News

Exam

08th January, 2025 , 1 min read

XAT Response Sheet 2025 - Released, Direct Link, Expected Cutoff, Download Answer Key PDF at xatonline.in XLRI Jamshedpur has eleased the XAT 2025 response sheet at xatonline.in. Here is the direct link to download the answer key PDF. By - Avantika Bhardwaj Read More >
Exam

05th January, 2025 , 2 min read

XAT 2025 Question Paper Analysis - Difficulty Level, New Pattern, Answer Key PDF Download XAT Question Paper 2025 analysis will be released soon. The XAT Answer Key PDF Download will be out on January 8, 2025. By - Avantika Bhardwaj Read More >
Exam

05th January, 2025 , 2 min read

XAT 2025 Answer Key PDF - Memory Based Paper with Solutions, Direct Link to Download XLRI Jamshedpur will release the XAT Answer Key 2025 after the successful conclusion of XAT 2025 Exam. Check here the memory based question paper with solutions. By - Avantika Bhardwaj Read More >
Exam

27th December, 2024 , 2 min read

XAT 2025 Admit Card Released at xatonline.in. Direct Link to Download XAT Hall Ticket. XLRI Jamshedpur releases the XAT Admit Card 2025 at xatonline.in. Here is the direct link to download the XAT hall ticket. Read more about XAT 2025 Exam. By - Avantika Bhardwaj Read More >
Exam

24th December, 2024 , 2 min read

XAT 2025 Admit Card Release Date Out - Direct Link to Download XAT Hall Ticket XLRI Jamshedpur has announced the XAT Admit Card 2025 release date. Here is the direct link to download XAT Admit Card. By - Avantika Bhardwaj Read More >
More News

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weightage of GK Section in XAT Exam?

The General Knowledge of XAT Exam will consist of 25 questions. 1 mark is awarded for every question answered correctly. Candidates are advised to attempt this section in the end and they should not allot more than 15 minutes to this section.

Is XAT Exam easy?

XAT is one of the toughest MBA Exams after CAT Exam. The only difference is in the sections and topics asked in the paper. CAT Exam does not consist of General Knowledge and Decision Making sections while XAT does.

Is General Knowledge section is considered in XAT Exam?

The General Knowledge section of XAT Exam is not considered for sectional cutoff or XAT Percentile Calculation but it is taken into account at the time of admission.

Is there Essay Writing in XAT Exam?

Yes. The Essay Writing section was omitted from XAT Question Paper in the last year but as per the recent notification, the section will be reintroduced in XAT Exam Pattern.

In how many months I can complete XAT Exam Syllabus?

A proper time duration of six to nine months with rigorous preparation. The minimum time required to complete the Syllabus of XAT Exam is 5 months.

Where can I find the study material for Decision Making section of XAT Exam?

Decision Making study material of XAT Exam is not readily available as this is one uncommon section asked in the exam. The best way to prepare for this section is to go through XAT Previous Year Question Papers.

Are Scatter Points included in the syllabus?

Yes, Scatter Plots are included in the XAT Syllabus 2025 for Quantitative ability and data interpretation. It is to be noted that there is no official format for the XAT syllabus. It is based on the past year’s papers.

Does XAT provide official mock tests?

Yes, XAT offers official mock test. The official XAT mock test is released after the admit cards are issued and is accessible to registered candidates only.

Can I prepare for XAT with the help of CAT study material?

Yes, since the syllabus of XAT and CAT are similar, one can prepare for both exams from the same study material. The candidates will have to study separately only for Decision Making section of XAT as this section is not a part of CAT syllabus.

Where can I find study material for the Decision Making section of the exam?

Since Decision Making section is unique to XAT, study material for the same in not readily available, thus the best source is previous years’ question papers of XAT exam.

Are the RC passages of XAT exam tough?

Yes, the RC passages of XAT exam are tougher than that of other MBA entrance exams, but if the candidate is in habit of reading English newspapers and journals, they can handle RC passages well.

What is the duration of the exam?

Candidates will get a total of 180 minutes (3 hours) to solve the entire question paper of XAT 2025. For the essay writing section, there will be an additional 10 minutes.

How many months are required to complete the syllabus for XAT realistically?

Ideally, XAT preparation takes six to nine months, but if candidates have prepared for CAT too, XAT preparation be done in lesser time as one will have to only work on Decision Making and GK topics. Time required to complete the XAT syllabus is minimum th

How do I calculate my XAT 2025 score?

Your XAT 2025 score is determined by adding the raw scores obtained in each individual section, with +1 for a correct answer, -0.25 for an incorrect answer, and 0 for unanswered questions.

Show More

Latest Articles on XAT 2025

Top 50 GK Questions for XAT 2026 With Answers: Get Most Relevant GK Questions & Answers for XAT 2026

24th June, 2025

General Knowledge has become an increasingly important component of the XAT examination. While it does not contribute to the overall percentile score, it plays a significant role in the selection process of several top-tier B-schools such as XLRI, XIMB, and others that consider the GK section during the interview or final admission rounds

How to Prepare for XAT GK Section? Get XAT Preparation Tips & Syllabus for General Knowledge Section

21st June, 2025

The knowledge of general knowledge (GK) included in the XAT exam, although it does not count towards the percentile calculation, is nonetheless important as you get to the final stages of selection at premier B-Schools like XLRI.

Mastering Decision Making for XAT 2026: Practice Sets & Logic Types

21st June, 2025

The Decision Making section is all caselet - that is it has caselets that are drawn from real life business or ethical scenarios. You will have to read carefully, and consider the central issue, the context, and the parties impacted.

Top Private Colleges Accepting XAT 2026 Score (Non-XLRI)

19th June, 2025

The XAT 2026 examination will take place in January 2026. The examination is considered to be fairly difficult and can be very competitive. The exam helps students get into some of the best business colleges in India. This article highlights some of the best private colleges that students can get into through their scores on the XAT 2026 examination. This includes the important dates, college names and expected cutoffs. Knowing the cutoffs can help students prepare themselves accordingly for the XAT 2026 examination and even help them manage their overall expectations.

XAT 2026 Quantitative Ability Strategy: Key Topics & Tips

19th June, 2025

The XAT examination is expected to take place in January 2026. The exam is very competitive and can be difficult for students to crack. The Quantitative Ability section can be quite difficult if students are not well-prepared for the exam. This article highlights some of the key details for students to know about the XAT Quantitative Ability section. These details include key concepts, formulas and strategies that students can work on.

More Articles

Other MBA / PGDM Exams

CAT logo
CAT CAT | 30th November, 2025
XAT logo
XAT XAT | 05th January, 2025
MAT logo
MAT MAT | 09th March, 2025
TS ICET logo
TS ICET TS ICET | 08th June, 2025
GMAT logo
GMAT GMAT | Date not available
View All