XAT Preparation

Master XAT — India's toughest MBA entrance.

XAT tests not just aptitude but decision-making under pressure. 3.5 hours, 4 sections, unique DM caselets — here's everything you need.

Total Questions

3.5 hrs

Duration

+1 / −0.25

MCQ Marking

−0.05 each

Unattempted

XLRI

Conducted by

2010–2026

PYQs Available

Browse XAT PYQs →Take a Full Mock Sectional Practice

Exam Structure

Four sections. One exam that tests everything.

VARC

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

questions

Reading Comprehension (3–4 passages)
Para-jumbles & Para-completion
Critical Reasoning
Vocabulary in context

Strategy

RC passages in XAT are denser and more abstract than CAT. Spend 3–4 min per passage.

Decision Making

DM — XAT's Most Unique Section

questions

Business caselets (3–6 questions per set)
Ethical dilemma scenarios
Situational judgment (best/worst action)
Data sufficiency cases

Strategy

There's no single 'right' answer — XLRI looks for consistent reasoning. Eliminate extremes first.

QA & DI

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

questions

Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry
Number System & P&C
DI: Tables, Bar charts, Caselets
Higher difficulty than CAT QA

Strategy

XAT QA is harder than CAT. Target 14–16 correct with high accuracy over speed.

General Knowledge

questions

Static GK: geography, history, polity
Current affairs (last 6–12 months)
Business & economy awareness
Science & technology highlights

Strategy

GK is not counted in the main percentile at most colleges. Attempt it last — 10–15 min is enough.

Marking Scheme

Penalties stack up fast.

Correct answer+1.00

Wrong answer−0.25

Unattempted (beyond 8)−0.05

First 8 unattempted0

GK marks are not counted in the main percentile at most institutes. Attempt it last.

Key Facts

About XAT

Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur every January
Accepted by 150+ B-schools including XLRI, XIMB, IMT, TAPMI
XAT score is separate from CAT — you must register independently
Essay Writing component at select institutes (not scored online)
No sectional time limits — manage your own 3.5 hours
Score valid for admission cycle of the same year only

Previous Year Papers

XAT 2010 – 2026

26XAT 25XAT 24XAT 23XAT 22XAT 21XAT 20XAT 19XAT 18XAT 17XAT

View all XAT papers with solutions →

XAT vs CAT

How they differ

AspectCATXAT

Unique section—Decision Making

Duration2 hours3.5 hours

Marking+3 / −1+1 / −0.25

QA difficultyModerateHigh

No. of options45

CatMate

XAT Preparation

Master XAT — India's toughest MBA entrance.

XAT tests not just aptitude but decision-making under pressure. 3.5 hours, 4 sections, unique DM caselets — here's everything you need.

Total Questions

3.5 hrs

Duration

+1 / −0.25

MCQ Marking

−0.05 each

Unattempted

XLRI

Conducted by

2010–2026

PYQs Available

Browse XAT PYQs →Take a Full Mock Sectional Practice

Exam Structure

Four sections. One exam that tests everything.

VARC

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

questions

Reading Comprehension (3–4 passages)
Para-jumbles & Para-completion
Critical Reasoning
Vocabulary in context

Strategy

RC passages in XAT are denser and more abstract than CAT. Spend 3–4 min per passage.

Decision Making

DM — XAT's Most Unique Section

questions

Business caselets (3–6 questions per set)
Ethical dilemma scenarios
Situational judgment (best/worst action)
Data sufficiency cases

Strategy

There's no single 'right' answer — XLRI looks for consistent reasoning. Eliminate extremes first.

QA & DI

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

questions

Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry
Number System & P&C
DI: Tables, Bar charts, Caselets
Higher difficulty than CAT QA

Strategy

XAT QA is harder than CAT. Target 14–16 correct with high accuracy over speed.

General Knowledge

questions

Static GK: geography, history, polity
Current affairs (last 6–12 months)
Business & economy awareness
Science & technology highlights

Strategy

GK is not counted in the main percentile at most colleges. Attempt it last — 10–15 min is enough.

Marking Scheme

Penalties stack up fast.

Correct answer+1.00

Wrong answer−0.25

Unattempted (beyond 8)−0.05

First 8 unattempted0

GK marks are not counted in the main percentile at most institutes. Attempt it last.

Key Facts

About XAT

Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur every January
Accepted by 150+ B-schools including XLRI, XIMB, IMT, TAPMI
XAT score is separate from CAT — you must register independently
Essay Writing component at select institutes (not scored online)
No sectional time limits — manage your own 3.5 hours
Score valid for admission cycle of the same year only

Previous Year Papers

XAT 2010 – 2026

26XAT 25XAT 24XAT 23XAT 22XAT 21XAT 20XAT 19XAT 18XAT 17XAT

View all XAT papers with solutions →

XAT vs CAT

How they differ

AspectCATXAT

Unique section—Decision Making

Duration2 hours3.5 hours

Marking+3 / −1+1 / −0.25

QA difficultyModerateHigh

No. of options45