XAT Syllabus 2025: Check Key Changes, Section wise Syllabus with key topics
Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of the important and largest MBA entrance exams for admission in XLRI and 160 other top B-schools. CXT is a computer based test of three hours thirty Minutes Duration and is divided into five sections: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning; Decision Making; Quantitative Aptitude; General Awareness; Essay Writing Test. XAT 2025 Exam date is January January 5, 2025. Although no major change is announced in the syllabus for XAT 2025, it is expected that some new types of questions may also be introduced in XAT exam 2025. It may be noted that Syllabus for XAT 2025 is different from XLRI syllabus.
Read below all about the XAT syllabus 2025 and Pattern– its overall and sectional composition, syllabus topics, total questions, weightage
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XAT 2025 Exam Syllabus: Table of Contents
- Overview of XAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025
- Overview of XAT Syllabus and Pattern 2025
- XAT 2025 Exam Syllabus for Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR)
- Type of Questions in XAT VALR Syllabus
- XAT 2025 Exam Syllabus for Decision Making (DM)
- Type of Questions in XAT DM Syllabus
- XAT 2025 Exam Syllabus for Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI)
- Type of Questions in XAT QADI Syllabus
- XAT Exam Syllabus for General Knowledge (GK)
- Type of Questions in XAT GK Syllabus
- XAT Exam Syllabus for Analytical Essay Writing (AEW)
- Type of Questions in XAT AEW Syllabus
- How to Download XAT Syllabus Pdf?
- Best Books to Prepare for XAT Syllabus
So, Let’s start with a broad understanding of the XAT Exam Pattern before going deep into XAT syllabus for 2025 Exam
1. Overview of XAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025
Xavier Aptitude Test is online computer based exam conducted in a Single slot, single day. XAT Test timings are in afternoon.
- The GK and Essay Writing Sections are not counted for percentile calculation
- Marks for every correct answer are +1 and - 0.25 Negative Marking applies for wrong answer
- No Negative marking for General Knowledge and Essay writing section in part-2 of question paper
- All the MCQ type questions have five options with one correct option
- Essay shall be evaluated after the candidate is shortlisted for the interview.
- 5 Minutes break between part-1 and part-2
Exam Sections
|
Number of questions
|
Overall Time Duration
|
Part-1
|
75 Total MCQs
|
175 Minutes
|
Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning
|
26
|
No Sectional Time Limit
|
Decision Making
|
21
|
No Sectional Time Limit
|
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
|
28
|
No Sectional Time Limit
|
Part-2
|
25 Total MCQs + Essay Writing Test
|
30 Minutes
|
General Knowledge
|
25
|
Ideal Time 10-15 Minutes
|
Analytical Essay Writing (AEW)
|
1 Descriptive Topic
|
Ideal Time 15-20 Minutes
|
Total questions (Part 1 + Part 2)
|
100+ 1 Essay
|
|
FAQs
Q. In how many days XAT exam will be conducted
A. The exam will be conducted in a single day as a computer based test
Q. In how many sessions will XAT 2025 exam be conducted?
A. Like previous years, this year also, the exam will be conducted in single slot of 3 hours 30 minutes duration
Q. What is the Mode of XAT 2025 exam?
A. It is a computer based test and is conducted at test centres. Last year the exam was conducted in more than 70 test cities.
Q. Is XAT a difficult exam?
A. Yes, to some extent it is a difficult exam with a unique Decision Making section.
Q. Can I attempt any section in XAT within over all time limit?
A. Yes, it does not have individual sectional time limit
|
2. Overview of XAT Syllabus and Pattern 2025
XAT exam 2025 syllabus is divided into two parts and five sections. In Part-1, it tests the candidate on Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension & Logical Reasoning; Decision Making; Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation. In part-2 it tests General Knowledge and Essay Writing.
- The revised XAT syllabus includes 100 MCQ type questions and 1 descriptive question on Essay Writing out of 3 choices
- Except the General Awareness and Essay Writing Test, all the other three sections are core sections that determine the XAT percentile score as well as XLRI shortlisting criteria
- The scores of General Awareness and Essay Writing sections are taken into account at the time of XLRI personal Interview round.
2.1 XAT Entrance Exam Syllabus Section-Wise
XLRI Entrance exam syllabus is divided into 2 parts comprising 5 sections – 3 core sections in Part-1 with negative marking and 2 sections in Part-2 without negative marking as below:
XAT Part-1 Syllabus
Section
|
Syllabus
|
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR)
|
The VA&LR section will encompass critical & analytical reasoning, reading comprehensions (including poems & passages), vocabulary, English grammar, and other related exercises such as para jumbles, cloze tests. Key Topics in syllabus include:
Verbal Ability Syllabus: English Vocabulary based questions – fill in the blanks with correct words; synonyms/antonyms; contextual usage on vocabulary words; Jumbled Paragraphs; Correction of errors in sentences, correct use of words; Completion of sentences; Completion of paragraph
Reading Comprehension Syllabus: Abstract topics, Literature, Social and Economic issues; Science & Culture; history & fiction. Questions based on information in RC passage; explanation of the words & phrases as used in the passage; In context of the passage –True/false statements; Author’s view on various issues raised in the RC passage; Inference from the passage; main idea of RC passage; Purpose of the RC passage
Logical Reasoning Syllabus: Critical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analogy, Clocks, calendars, Fact, Inference, Judgement, binary logic, seating arrangement, blood relations, logical sequence, assumption, premise, conclusion
|
Decision Making (DM)
|
The DM section will present scenarios drawn from both personal and professional lives. Candidates will be required to apply critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and prioritization to make informed decisions. XAT measures skills broadly on Conditions and Grouping Test; Data Arrangement Test; Complex Arrangement; Decision Making in a situation; Case lets
|
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI)
|
The questions are designed to assess the quantitative aptitude of candidates who possess a foundational understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, modern maths, etc. The questions on DI are about clear interpretation, summarization, and insightful analysis of the data.
QA: Major topics covered in XAT syllabus for Quant are LCM and HCF, Log, Percentage, Profit and Loss. Linear Equation, Interest (Simple and Compound), Speed Time and Distance, Time and Work, Averages, Ratio and Proportion, Number System, Algebra equations, Polynomials, Geometry, Mensuration, Complex Numbers, Progressions, Binomial Theorem, Permutation and Combination, Probability Functions, Set Theory, Mixtures and Alligations, Trigonometry
DI: Major Topics Covered in DI Syllabus are Data Tables, Data charts, Bar diagrams, Pie charts, Graphs, Data analysis and comparison
|
XAT Part-2 Syllabus
Part-2 in XAT covers General Knowledge and Essay Writing Test.
Section
|
Syllabus
|
General Knowledge
|
In the GK section, questions focus on static GK and current affairs. Major Topics Covered: Economics, finance, national and international current affairs, Constitution of India, Company profiles, logos, Business & Economy, Who’s who, Books & Authors, Capitals & Currencies
|
Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) Test
|
The AEW section offers three topics, of which candidates will select one. Essays should be approximately 250 words in length and must demonstrate coherence, logical consistency, and strong argumentation , serving as an assessment of the students' analytical abilities.
|
FAQs
Q: Is the XAT 2025 Syllabus Changed? What are the important changes
A: The most recent changes in the syllabus were in 2022 with restoration of Essay Writing Test in XAT exam. Since then same syllabus is being followed.
Q: Is XAT exam syllabus published by XLRI before the exam?
A: Yes, from the year 2024, broad syllabus for upcoming XAT exam is published. For example XLRI outlined that GK section in XAT 2024 would consist of 10 questions on Static GK and 15 questions on Current Affairs.
Q: Which Section syllabus in XAT is considered more difficult to cover?
A: Decision Making is considered more difficult to cover. However, it depends on your aptitude. If you have Mathematics back ground, you may find Quant and DI easier and VALR difficult, but if you have Arts/Humanities back ground, you may find VALR easier than QADI
Q: How much time is sufficient to cover complete XAT syllabus?
A: If you are devoting time and studying 3-4 hours a day, 4-6 months are considered sufficient to cover the syllabus.
|
Toppers’ Tips to Cover XAT Syllabus
“I had prepared for the MBA entrance tests myself, and did not go for any coaching. Like many others, I did not specifically prepare for XAT, except for the DM section. Someone who is preparing for XAT would have prepared for CAT as well, so the QA and Verbal sections can be covered by CAT”
- Nandagopal V, XAT Topper 99.99%; XLRI PGDM-BM 2023-25
“I covered quants for XAT along with my CAT preparation. I Practiced the verbal and DM sections from the previous 10 years papers and had been reading newspapers for the past 6 months which was enough prep for GK section.”
- Tanish Jain, XAT Topper 99.99%; XLRI PGDM-BM 2023-25
|
3. XAT Exam Syllabus 2025 for Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR)
XAT Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning Syllabus carries overall 26% Weightage in XAT exam. Out of total 100 questions in XAT, 26 questions are based on VALR section.
The syllabus for VALR Section in XAT is divided into 3 parts. The 1st part of syllabus covers topics on Verbal Ability, the 2nd Part of syllabus covers Reading Comprehension passages and the 3rd part covers Reasoning section. Below is shared the topic wise VALR syllabus with number of questions in the exam and actual XAT questions that appeared recently in the exam to help you familiarise with the type of questions in XAT
XAT Exam 2025 Syllabus for Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR)
Syllabus for VALR Topics
|
Syllabus
|
No of Questions Appeared in XAT 2024
|
Verbal Ability
|
Sentence Correction (3 Qs); Para Summary & Jumbled Paragraphs (3 Qs); Fill in the Blanks (2 Qs);
|
8
|
Reading Comprehension
|
Six RC Passages on Abstract Topics, Literature, Current Affairs, Business Economy followed by 2-3 questions on True False Statement, Argument, Inference, Main Idea, Interpretation of Phrase as used in RC; Passage Title
|
15
|
Reasoning
|
Critical Reasoning (1 Q), Verbal Reasoning (2 Qs), Calendars, Clocks, Arrangements
|
3
|
4. Type of Questions in XAT VALR Syllabus
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: XAT 2024
Section: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR)
Sub-section/ Topic
|
Type of Questions
|
Description
|
No of Questions
|
Verbal Ability
|
Sentence Correction
|
Grammatically Correct & Incorrect Sentences
|
3
|
Para Summary
|
Making choice of Summary of small Paragraph
|
1
|
|
Jumbled Paragraph
|
Placing the 5 Jumbled sentences in coherent paragraphs
|
2
|
|
Fill in the Blanks
|
Filling 2 Blanks in each sentence with correct words
|
2
|
|
Reading Comprehension
|
|||
Questions on True False Statement, Argument, Inference, Main Idea, Interpretation of Phrase as used in RC; Passage Title
|
RC Passage 1
|
Topic: Beauty has an aesthetic, but it is not the same as aesthetics
|
2
|
|
RC Passage 2
|
Topic: The problem of unrecognized ignorance
|
3
|
|
RC Passage 3
|
Topic: Simplified moral frames
|
3
|
|
RC Passage 4
|
Topic: Reductive instinct and realist storytelling
|
2
|
|
RC Passage 5
|
Topic: Mass vaccination and herd immunity
|
3
|
|
RC Passage 6
|
Topic: Poem
|
2
|
Reasoning
|
Critical Reasoning
|
True False, Correct Logica following the Statements, Best combination
|
3
|
|
Total Questions
|
|
26
|
Toppers’ Tips
“My main source for preparation of the VA section was the daily newspapers (mainly The Hindu or Indian Express). Apart from that, one of the main things anyone should focus on is to read the RCs and poems in the exam extremely carefully before attempting”
Nipun Garg, XAT Topper 99.95%; XLRI PGDM-BM 2023-25
“For verbal, I was mainly studying from online available sources. My major focus in verbal was to ensure that I can understand the meaning of the passages and poems and don’t make silly mistakes during examination. So, I was regularly reading short passages on diverse topics and I had set a fixed timing of 1.5-2 hrs every day to spend on verbal section solving RCs and critical reasoning questions.”
Harsh Gupta, XAT Topper 99.99%; XLRI PGDM-BM 2023-25
|
5. XAT Exam Syllabus 2025 for Decision Making (DM)
Decision Making (DM) is a unique section in Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) and carries a weightage of 21% in the exam. It tests you not on your ability to learn concepts or remember formulas, but on your ability to holistically view a situation and propose a solution to a problem. DM also tests you on your ethical standing and asks you to take a decision in a conflicting situation. Three different types of questions asked in Decision Making section are on Data Based Problems, Situation Based Problems and a Mixture of both type of Problems. Below is shared the topic wise XAT entrance exam syllabus on which problems are based in this section.
XAT Exam 2025 Syllabus for Decision Making (DM)
Syllabus for Decision Making Topics
|
Syllabus
|
No of Questions Appeared in XAT 2024
|
Problems based on situations in form of Caselets
|
HR Problems, Sales and Marketing, Management and others followed by 2-3 questions each
|
21
|
6. Type of Questions in XAT DM Syllabus
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: XAT 2024
Section: Decision Making
Sub-section/ Topic
|
Type of Questions
|
Description
|
No of Questions
|
Caselet-1
|
Problem Based on Human Resources
|
Experience Credentials of Employees
|
3
|
Caselet-2
|
Problem Based on ABC Business School
|
Disciplined School with High Placements but less learning
|
3
|
Caselet-3
|
Problem Based on Taxis
|
Competition among Taxi Drivers
|
3
|
Caselet-3
|
Problem Based on Sales & Marketing
|
SUV Sales Target Met but recovery of loss a concern due to extended warranty
|
3
|
Caselet-4
|
Problem Based on Household help
|
Wrongful Termination of Domestic Help
|
3
|
Caselet-5
|
Problem Based on Human Resources at IT Firm Symbolis
|
Distribution of Performance Bonus to the Best Employees
|
3
|
Caselet-6
|
Problem Based on Gas Extraction Company Deep Sea c
|
Releasing the Natural Gas Pressure and Safety Arrangements
|
3
|
Toppers’ Tips on DM Preparation
“To prepare for DM, my recommendation would be to practise previous year papers, as many times as you want, specifically the DM section. Each of us has a unique perspective that might give us different yet valid answers for the questions in DM. Unless this perspective matches with the examiner’s, there is no point in our justifications”
Nandagopal V, XAT Topper 99.99%; XLRI PGDM-BM 2023-25
“The past year papers were the best source for preparation for the exam. I tried to deduce a logically why the given answer was correct. I also relied on few of my friends to discuss the given case studies to gain a different perspective”
Nipun Garg, XAT Topper 99.95%; XLRI PGDM-BM 2023-25
|
7. XAT Exam Syllabus for Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI)
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI) section in XAT commands 28% weight in XAT exam. QADI questions in XAT are designed to assess the quantitative aptitude of candidates. The students are expected to possess a foundational understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, modern maths. The questions on DI are about clear interpretation, summarization, and insightful analysis of the data. Below is shared the topic wise XAT entrance exam syllabus on which problems are based in this section.
XAT Syllabus for Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI)
Syllabus for QADI Topics
|
Syllabus
|
No of Questions Appeared in XAT 2024
|
Arithmetic
|
Time Speed Distance (1 Qs); Profit & Loss (2 Qs); Arithmetic Progression (1 Q); Number System (3 Qs); P&C (3 Qs)
|
10
|
Algebra
|
Equations, Linear Equation, Log, Quadratic Equation (3 Qs), Plynomials (1 Q), Set Theory (1 Q)
|
5
|
Geometry
|
Angles, Triangles, Rectangles, Lines, Theorems
|
2
|
Data Interpretation
|
Tables (3), Data Analysis (3), Graphs (3), Statistical presentation (2)
|
11
|
8. Type of Questions in XAT QADI Syllabus
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: XAT 2024
Section: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
Sub-section/ Topic
|
Type of Questions
|
Description
|
No of Questions
|
Arithmetic
|
Time Speed Distance
|
Pilot increasing speed of Aircraft to reach Destination
|
1
|
Arithmetic
|
Profit & Loss
|
Cost of Running Movie Theatre and required capacity to ear profit; Selling Price at Food Stall
|
2
|
Arithmetic
|
Arithmetic Progression
|
Number of students in a class
|
1
|
Number System
|
Increasing, Decreasing
|
Real Numbers, Value
|
3
|
Permutation & Combination; Set Theory
|
Combination of Items in Restaurant; Vegetable Market
|
Making a combination of Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian items from Menu; Aman buying vegetables
|
3
|
Geometry
|
Triangles and Rectangles
|
Farmer’s Tringalular land; Rectangle Football ground; Right Angle
|
3
|
Algebra- Polynomials
|
Roots of Polynomial
|
Ratio of area from largest to smallest
|
1
|
Linear Equation, Log, Quadratic Equation
|
Real Numbers, Logs
|
Coinciding Lines represented by the two equations; Equation Log
|
3
|
Data Interpretation
|
DI Set-1
|
T-20 Match
|
3
|
Data Interpretation
|
DI Set-2
|
Statistics – Hinge number
|
3
|
Data Interpretation
|
DI Set-3
|
Discount Coupon
|
3
|
Data Interpretation
|
DI Set-4
|
Shortlisting for Interview
|
2
|
Total Questions
|
|
|
28
|
Toppers’ Tips
“I prepared for the QA section in CAT by practising questions from the Arun Sharma book. What most of the engineers are weak at, and generally ignore, are concepts in geometry and mensuration. The competitive advantage of putting in the extra hours in them are two-pronged. Primarily, you won’t shy away from answering them since you have prepared. Additionally, now that you are prepared, you might know some theorems and lemmas that can help you solve these questions really fast, thus saving time.”
Nandagopal V, XAT Topper 99.99%; XLRI PGDM-BM 2023-25
“My major preparation strategy for this section was to solve a set of diverse questions covering all major domains every day to retain concepts in my mind. Though one thing I did was that in final exam I attempted the questions of topics I was most comfortable in and rest I attempted only after I had solved everything else”
Harsh Gupta, XAT Topper 99.99%; XLRI PGDM-BM 2023-25
|
9. XAT Exam Syllabus for General Knowledge (GK)
General Knowledge section has 25% questions in XAT exam. The score in this section is not taken into account for percentile calculation in XAT exam. However, during XLRI PI Round GK plays an important role in final selection. In-depth and regular reading of GK helps more as sometimes a few GK questions in XAT appear more tricky and need intensive reading. Below is shared the topic wise XAT entrance exam GK syllabus on which questions are based in this section.
XAT Syllabus for General Knowledge (GK)
Syllabus for GK Topics
|
Syllabus
|
No of Questions Appeared in XAT 2024
|
Static GK
|
History (3 Qs), Books & Authors (2Qs), Capitals and Currencies (2 Qs), Geography (2 Qs); Culture (1)
|
10
|
Current Affairs
|
Economics & Business (1 Q); Personality & Awards (2Qs); Science & Technology (2 Qs); Sports (2 Qs); National & International Affairs (3 Qs); Companies & People (2 Qs); Nobel Prize (2 Qs); Entertainment (1)
|
15
|
10. Type of Questions in XAT GK Syllabus
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: XAT 2024
Section: General Knowledge
Sub-section/ Topic
|
Type of Questions
|
Description
|
No of Questions
|
Static GK
|
History
|
Historical capital cities of India; Famous battles; Doctrine of lapse
|
3
|
Static GK & Changes
|
Geography
|
National capitals of countries; Flow of River Ganges
|
2
|
Static & Current
|
Economics & Business
|
Brics
|
1
|
Current Affairs
|
Personality & Awards
|
Dr Akshata Krishnamurthy, Matthew Perry,
|
2
|
Current Affairs
|
Science & Technology
|
Aditya L-1; X 37B
|
2
|
Current Affairs
|
Sports
|
Women’s Premier League, Asian Games
|
2
|
Static & Current
|
Books & Authors
|
Match the authors of the books
|
1
|
Current Affairs
|
Latest National & International
|
Country pulling out of “Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe”; Air India’s AI; “Ghol” as the state fish; City illuminating 22.23 lakh earthen lamps; Earthquake in Japan;
|
5
|
Miscellaneous
|
Companies, people, work, action
|
Leap Year calculation; Dedicated air cargo service in India; ChatGPT, Google Bard, Chatsonic
|
3
|
Current Affairs
|
Nobel Prize
|
Nobel Peace Prize, Nobel Prize in Economics
|
2
|
Static & Current
|
Culture & Entertainment
|
Movie Oppenheimer, Nabanno harvest festival of Bengal and Bangladesh
|
2
|
Total
|
|
|
25
|
11. XAT Exam Syllabus for Analytical Essay Writing (AEW)
Essay writing is the descriptive online computer based test in XAT. This test was scrapped in 2019 but was restored in 2022. Essay writing in XAT is the test of writing skill of an aspirant. The test requires that the test taker should write a coherent and logical essay on the given topic. The exam syllabus on Essay Writing test is not limited to any particular type of topic. Past trends in XAT reveal that it needs a well worded essay on the contemporary or abstract topic. Test taker has to write essay on one topic out of the three given topics. Essay in XAT plays important role in the Personal Interview round as questions are based on what you have written in your XAT Essay.
XAT Syllabus for Analytical Essay Writing (AEW)
Syllabus for Essay Topics
|
Syllabus
|
No of Questions Appeared in XAT 2024
|
Analytical Essays of 150-200 words
|
Choice of one Essay out of Three on Abstract (2); Literature/Current Affairs/Business Economy (1)
|
3
|
12. Type of Questions in XAT AEW Syllabus
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: XAT 2024
Section: Analytical Essay Writing
Sub-section/ Topic
|
Type of Questions
|
Description
|
No of Questions
|
Essay
|
Essay-1
|
Tech prediction often fail not because of wrong models or a lack of imagination but due to lack of humility in admitting our uncertainties about the future.
|
1
|
Essay
|
Essay-2
|
Implementing more stringent regulations for Social Media Platforms is crucial to effectively combat the proliferation of fake news.
|
1
|
Essay
|
Essay-3
|
Things which matters the most must never be at the mercy of things that matters the least.
|
1
|
Total
|
Choice to choose one Topic out of 3
|
|
3
|
Previous Topics for XAT Essay Writing Test
Below are some of the past XAT essay topics
- Ethical Practices and Sustainability: Do they co-exist?
- Globalization and Jingoism always coexist
- Listening is a dying art. We hardly listen to understand. We only listen to refute or reply.
- The most beautiful thing can neither be seen nor be touched but can only be felt
- Corruption is the root cause of economic slowdown in India
- Earth provides enough to satisfy everybody's need but not everybody's greed
- Gender Imbalance would lead to Third World War
- Economic growth without environmental damage – a mirage or a reality
- India has one of the largest pools of talented manpower, but few innovations and patented products
- More than one billion Indians: A gigantic problem or a sea of opportunities
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 a good step
- Establishing Bad Bank to improve Economy
- Building Central Vista will improve India’s Global image
- Covid Pandemic derailed Economic growth
- Unity in Diversity is more relevant now in India
- Blues of Demonetization still haunt the economic growth
- Unless Agriculture is practiced as business, it will not improve the face of Rural India
- Sensitivity of Sensex has nothing to do with economic growth
- Society bears the burn of terrorism which has no religion
- Democracy will lose meaning without social activism
- GST is no magic band to push faster economic growth
- Home buyers remain homeless, no teeth given to RERA
- Making business lobbying legal can reduce corruption
- Political interests and Uniform civil code cannot go hand in hand
13. How to Download XAT Syllabus Pdf?
The updated XAT syllabus PDF can help you boost your XAT preparation as per the current XAT pattern. The XAT Syllabus 2025 PDF download is available online. The XAT Syllabus Pdf 2025 contains the existing and expected topics alongwith the type of questions expected in XAT exam.
14. Best Books to Prepare for XAT Syllabus
Every year different types of questions appear in the exam. During the last few years, the XAT exam pattern has been modified. So, while choosing the best books for XAT preparation, it should be kept in mind that the books are conversant with the changed exam pattern and difficulty level.
14.1 Section-Wise 10 Best books for XAT Preparation
If you are self-preparing for the exam or are preparing with the support of coaching institute, in both the cases, the latest edition of the books for preparation as shared below section wise will help you in getting more conceptual clarity, practice questions and attempting the sample papers
14.2 XAT Preparation Books for VALR
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT’- by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension by Ajay Singh
- How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma (Published by McGraw Hill)
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
14.3 XAT Preparation Books for QADI
- How to prepare for Quantitative for the CAT by Arun Sharma, published by MGH Education
- Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
- Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma
- How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma (Published by McGraw Hill)
14.4 XAT Preparation Books for Decision Making
- Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers)-RK Jha
- Focus on Situation Analysis: Understanding the motives behind the test will help you align your thinking process with the expectations of the test setter. Thus before answering a question you need to first analyse the situation from the different perspectives, i.e., the economic as well as the social perspective.
- Frame the answer in your mind: Read, understand and try to gauge the motive behind the question. Once you have done this try to frame the answer within your mind without looking at the options, as sometimes the options can be misleading and lead you to a different outcome.
- Eliminate incorrect options: Not all the five options are relevant. After a basic reading of the question you can start eliminating the options and in most cases, you would be able to eliminate at least two options.
14.5 Best XAT GK Books
To study the Static and latest GK for XAT, consistent preparation is required. Following study material is helpful to crack GK section in XAT with high score
- Manorama Year Book: Very useful as it has all the historical and latest updated information on the topics
- News Papers: XAT is known for its emphasis on Business and Economy, so the GK preparation should also include the regular reading of News papers like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Times of India,’ ‘Business Standard’, Economic Times’ among others.
- Digital & Social Media: Your TV, Mobile, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube could prove to be a good source of General Awareness, so instead of doing irrelevant chats, focus on improving General Awareness
Toppers Tips
“My preparation strategy mainly emphasised on focusing on my stronger suits, mainly DM and Verbal Ability. At the same time, I also made sure to very thoroughly cover all the topics and concepts in Quants section. For GK section, I only went through daily newspapers and there was not any specific preparation as such”
Nipun Garg, XAT Topper 99.95%; XLRI PGDM-BM 2023-25
“With XAT having very different structure as compared to other exams, I had to ensure that I get comfortable with the whole format. So, I started working on separate sections to bring up my accuracy”
Harsh Gupta, XAT Topper 99.99%; XLRI PGDM-BM 2023-25
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