How to Prepare for XAT 2026 in 3 Months: Tips and Tricks
Xavier Aptitude Test 2026 ( XAT )
Registration - 10 Jul '25 - 5 Dec '25
XAT 2026 preparation three months - The last three months of XAT preparation are very crucial. Aspirants need to focus on practice questions and mock sessions. Know how to prepare for XAT exam in 3 months. Read here the tricks and tips by toppers and experts.
XAT Preparation in Three Months
- XAT 2026 preparation in 3 months - tips and tricks
- 6 Tips to Crack XAT 2026 in 3 Months
- XAT Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
XAT 2026 preparation in 3 months - tips and tricks
The XAT question paper will consist of four sections:
- Decision Making
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
- General Knowledge
To prepare for XAT in three months, start with the important topics of each subject. Assess your strength and weaknesses viz. the four XAT sections, and start with preparation of the toughest topic/subject.
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6 Tips to Crack XAT 2026 in 3 Months
- First of all, check the XAT syllabus 2026. Pick out sections which you think are your strong points. Next, check the latest XAT exam pattern. Now analyse the weightage of topics in the previous years' XAT question papers that are strong areas. This will give you an idea of which sections to focus on.
- Make an exam strategy. Watch videos or read interview of previous years XAT toppers and take inspiration in making a plan of three months. Dedicate more than six hours in a day on XAT preparation. Join online study groups for doubt clearing sessions and mentorship.
- Divide three months into three phases - completing XAT 2026 syllabus, practicing XAT mock tests and revision of important topics. Starting from October 1 spend 45 days on completing the syllabus. Use the next 30 days in practicing previous years XAT question papers, sample papers and mock-tests. Spend the remaining 15 days on revision of important topics, concepts, formulae and theorems.
| XAT preparation: October-December |
Number of days to dedicate |
|---|---|
| XAT syllabus |
45 days |
| Mock test practice |
30 days |
| Revision |
15 days |
Free XAT Mock Test by Shiksha
| XAT_Mock_Test_1 | XAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| XAT_Mock_Test_2 | XAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
- XAT exam is all about accuracy. If you achieve that, you are safe. But how can you achieve that? The answer is - Mock Test Series. The more you practice XAT mock test series and XAT sample paper the better your understanding will grow about the type of questions, variety of questions, short cuts and tricks to solve them thereby improving your speed and accuracy. But remember, only solving mocks is not enough. Analyse your performance at each juncture and work on areas you are lacking in. Attempt at least 25-30 XAT mock tests of different types.
- Decision Making section of XAT exam is unique but not unusual. The questions of this section typically require you to apply critical thinking. So, work on critical reasoning and practice this section from previous years’ XAT question papers and mock tests to build confidence.
- To score well in General Knowledge section of XAT exam read newspapers and stay in touch with current affairs. Prepare static GK from Manorama Year Book and Competition Success Review.
Also Read:XAT Question Papers with Solutions
XAT Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
In the XAT 2026 exam choose the right questions to attempt. Since there is negative marking for wrong questions in XAT, you need to be extremely careful in choosing questions. Attempt a question only when you are sure of solving it with 100 per cent accuracy. Check the marking scheme of XAT below:
| XAT sections |
Number of questions |
Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Decision Making |
21 |
+1 for each right answer and -0.25 for each wrong answer. -0.10 marks will be deducted for more than 8 unanswered questions. |
| Verbal & Logical Ability |
26 |
|
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation |
28 |
|
| General Knowledge |
20 |
|
| Total |
95 |
Most of the XAT toppers say that key to getting a good XAT percentile is meeting the sectional cut offs even if the overall cut off score is compromised. So, what you need to do is focus on meeting the sectional cutoffs while writing the XAT exam. Do this and half the battle is won.
Apply these tips for XAT 2026 preparation strategy and maximise your exam preparation. All the best for XAT 2026!
Read More:
| XAT Preparation Tips & Strategy |
|
|---|---|
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
XLRI Jamshedpur considers XAT scores for admission to PGDM programmes. Those who are seeking admission in PGDM BM, PGDM HRM and Double Masters Degree in Supply Chain Management and logistics (PGDM & MS) requires XAT scores. Aspirants can also apply for admission to General Management programme (PGDM
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 4 weeks ago
Candidates who are applying for XAT have to pay an application fee. Aspirants have to pay INR 2,200 to apply for XAT. Candidates can pay the fee via any of the online payment modes. Aspirants have to pay INR 200 each for every additional programme of XLRI.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 4 weeks ago
XLRI Delhi accepts XAT scores for admission to PGDM programme. Aspirants seeking admission in PGDM Business Management are offered seat only via their XAT scores. For PGDM IEV, candidates can also take admission without XAT based on their scores in CAT, MAT, GMAT, etc. Candidates have to register on
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered a month ago
No, you cannot use the score of XAT 2025 for admission to 2026 batch at XLRI as the validity of exam score is one year only. Thus, you will have to appear for XAT 2026 exam if you plan to pursue MBA from XLRI in 2026. The registration process for XAT 2026 is open and the last date to apply is Decemb
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
The total course fee of full time MBA at XLRI is INR 28 Lacs according to Shiksha. The fee is to be paid semester wise. The first installment is to be paid at the time of admission. The XLRI course fee includes tuition fees, hostel and mess charges, caution money, library chargers and other miscella
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
There is no process of applying for multiple XAT accepting colleges through one form because there is no common counselling for XAT. Candidates have to apply to the colleges of their choice individually. They must keep in mind the application last date so they don't miss out on it. Also, they must c
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
No, the XAT entrance exam 2025 has already been concluded for PGDM admissions at SOIM. However, the registration dates for the XAT 2026 entrance exam are soon getting announced. Candidateswho are interested in appearing for XAT to gain admissions in the PGDM course at SOIM are advised to visit the o
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
XAT cut off different for male and female candidates to promote diversity in the candidate pool. However, the difference in cut offs is not too big. There's usually a difference of 1 or 2 percentile between XAT cut offs for male candidate and female candidate. Infact, the difference is not limited t
E
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
XAT score is the only examination score accepted for domestic candidates for admission to full-time MBA programmes offered by XLRI Jamshedpur. Check below the stages of XLRI MBA admission through XAT.
1. Apply for XAT exam
2. Appear for XAT exam
3. Participate in AEW/PI round
3. Final selection list rel
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, you can apply for Jagannath University, Haryana MBA 2025 using XAT scores. Students first need to ensure that they qualify for the eligibility criteria for MBA programme and XAT exam. Secondly, register yourself for the XAT exam. Generally, the registration window starts in July and is availabl
M
Contributor-Level 10