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The XAT exam has some unique aspects to it, like the Decision Making section, which checks your management aptitude. Read here some key XAT 2026 preparation tips by MBA expert Sidharth Balakrishna.
XAT preparation 2026
How to prepare for XAT exam 2026?- The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is the top MBA entrance exam after CAT. Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, XAT scores are accepted by a number of MBA colleges including XIMB, GIM, XIME, SPJIMR, Mumbai, etc. It is conducted annually in online mode like the CAT and has the same difficulty level. One needs to follow an exhaustive plan for XAT preparation so that they meet the XLRI cut off of 95 percentile. In this article, our expert Sidharth Balakrishna has shared tips on how to prepare for XAT exam 2026.
The XAT exam has some unique aspects, such as a section on ‘Decision Making’, which is a test of your management aptitude. In XAT decision making, different situations and cases are present asking aspirants to identify the correct course of action in these situations. While this introduces an element of subjectivity, the paper setters perhaps believe that such questions help pick out a person with adequate management capabilities.
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Candidates should also note that the XAT 2026 exam pattern includes a section on General Knowledge. While the score for this section is not considered for calculating the XAT percentile (considered only in the second phase of the admission process by a few B-Schools accepting the XAT score), it is nevertheless important enough to warrant careful preparation. So, how to prepare for XAT 2026 exam? Let's take a look.
Just like other MBA entrance exams, there is negative marking for wrong answers in XAT too but another unique aspect is that 0.10 marks is conducted for 8 consecutive unanswered questions. This makes it a difficult exam to navigate on the day of the test.
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How to Prepare for XAT Exam 2026?
- If you are preparing for CAT 2025 exam then preparation for four subjects of XAT 2026-Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation and Verbal and Logical Ability should not be a problem, as not much extra preparation is required for these sections. Also Read: XAT exam syllabus
- Candidates should note that the XAT exam often has questions on ‘Higher Mathematics’ i.e. questions pertaining to Probability, Permutations & Combinations, Base System, etc. in addition to the usual questions from Geometry, Arithmetic and Algebra.
- Data Interpretation questions of the XAT exam are often calculation intensive and sometimes slightly tough. Make sure that you are good with Ratio-Proportion, Fraction-Percentage Conversions, Tables, etc.
- The Verbal and Logical Ability section of the XAT includes questions pertaining to Reading Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks, Para Jumbles, Paragraph Completions, Critical/Logical Reasoning, Sentence Correction, etc. There is one poem too, which may pose challenge. So, practice previous years' XAT question papers for handling poem.
- The Decision Making section requires careful preparation as it is a unique aspect of the XAT. The candidate is asked to choose the best course of action in the various given situations. In general, the situations include economic situation, business decision, dilemmas for the parties involved, and require an analysis of the possible benefits or negatives for each possible course of action.
- I would suggest referring XAT previous year question papers to understand the type of scenarios that may be given in XAT 2026.
- Finding the correct answer of a question includes the candidate developing an ability to understand the situation and analyse it carefully. Try and ensure that the choice you make is unbiased, ethical, balanced and takes into account the perspectives of all stakeholders involved.
Also Read:
General Knowledge: Most of the questions in this section of XAT pertain to economics and business. Make sure you are up-to-date with current events by reading a newspaper daily and a business magazine. For static GK, refer to popular year books recommended for competitive exams. But you need to do this for at least a few months before the exam, not just for a few days!
Read More:
- How to prepare for XAT exam in 3 months
- How to Prepare for XAT exam in 1 month
- XAT Preparation 2026: Tips to Crack QA and DI
- XAT Preparation 2026: Tips to Crack Decision Making
- XAT Preparation 2026: Tips to Crack Verbal Ability
About the Author
Sidharth Balakrishna is the author of several Pearson books, such as, ‘An Introduction to CAT-Tips from an IIM Alumnus', ‘Reading Comprehension for the CAT- A Winning Approach by an IIM Alumnus', ‘Case Studies in Marketing’-part of the Pearson Case Book series and ‘Vocabulary for the CAT: A Winning Approach by an IIM Alumnus’.
Take Free XAT Mock Test by Shiksha
Shiksha has created an online XAT mock test for aspirants to attempt and assess their preparation level. The mock test has been created on the basis of questions asked in previous years’ XAT exams. Click on the link below to take the free XAT mock test by Shiksha.
| XAT_Mock_Test_1 | XAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| XAT_Mock_Test_2 | XAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 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
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Guide-Level 15
Answered a month 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.
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Guide-Level 15
Answered a month 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
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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
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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
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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
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Contributor-Level 10