The XAT 2026 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, and General Knowledge. Earlier, the essay writing section was a crucial part of the XAT exam. However, since 2023, the XAT essay writing section is being monitored as a part of the XAT interview process after the XAT result. Therefore, the XAT essay writing section score will not be a part of the candidate's overall score.
The decision making 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 2026: Highlights
Candidates in this section can check and view some important highlights and key aspects of the XAT syllabus 2026.
- Decision Making: This section is unique to XAT. Questions based on Decision Making require candidates to understand a given business scenario and choose the best solution.
- General Knowledge: This section is no evaluated for XAT result preparation but at the time of PI shortlisting. Performing well in GK section is equally important.
- Verbal Ability: This section has one RC in the form of poem. Candidates must practice previous years’ XAT papers to be familiar with types of poem they will have to tackle.
- Quantitative Aptitude: This section is similar to that of other MBA entrance exams. Arithmetic and Algebra form the major part of it.
Download the XAT Syllabus PDF 2026 here → Click here
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.
Arithmetic & Algebra | Geometry & Numbers | Data Interpretation |
Percentage, Profit & Loss | Mensuration, Geometry | Data Tables, Charts |
Time, Speed & Distance | Trigonometry, Pure Maths | Bar Diagrams, Graphs |
Linear & Quadratic Equations | LCM, HCF, Surds & Indices | Pie Charts, Caselets |
Ratio, Proportion, Averages | Logarithms, Variation, Inequalities | Data Analysis |
Partnerships, Allegations & Mixtures | Simple & Compound Interest | -- |
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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.
Reading-Based | Vocabulary-Based | Grammar & Logic |
Reading Comprehension | Synonyms/Antonyms | Sentence Completion |
Paragraph Completion | Contextual Vocabulary | Correction of Errors |
Jumbled Paragraphs | Word Usage | Fill in the Blanks |
How to Prepare for XAT Verbal Ability Section: Topics, Strategy & Books
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. Master your decision-making skills and ace this XAT section → here is how
Reasoning | Situational | Logical Analysis |
Analytical Reasoning | Caselets, Grouping | Conditions, Assumptions |
Complex Arrangement | Situational Judgment | Conclusion & Decisions |
Data Arrangement | Ethics-Based Scenarios | -- |
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. Also check the top 50 GK questions expected in the XAT 2026 exam.
Static GK | Current Affairs | Institutional Topics |
History, Geography | Awards, Sports, World Events | Indian Constitution, Government |
Business, Politics | Economic Updates | Famous Personalities |
How to Prepare for XAT GK Section? Get XAT Preparation Tips & Syllabus for General Knowledge Section
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 2026 exam.
XAT Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates in this section can check the new and updated XAT exam pattern 2026 in this table below.
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 |
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XAT Best Preparation Books 2026
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 |
