exam-image

XAT 2026 Syllabus PDF: Download Section wise Syllabus with Important Topics

Exam Level: NationalAdmit Card Release Date: Dec 19, 2024

Last Updated on 8th December 2025

Xavier Aptitude Test

XAT Syllabus 2026 Overview

The XAT syllabus 2026 does not have a fixed or official list of topics, but it is structured around key areas that have been consistently tested in previous years. Adequate understanding of these regions is likely to make the aspirants plan their training without challenges and pass the examination easily. The XAT Entrance exam syllabus consists of 2 parts altogether. The first section will include Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Ability, and the second section will include Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and the third part will be General Knowledge. A quick idea about the XAT syllabus will allow the students to become acquainted with the test pattern and its level of effort.


Xavier Aptitude Test

Downoad Section-wise Syllabus for Verbal, Decision Making, Quant & GK

The XAT Syllabus 2026 focuses on analytical reasoning, decision-making, and conceptual clarity. Decision-making is another specific and important part of XAT, unlike other MBA exams. The following table is the list of the detailed topics of each subject under the XAT exam 2026.

Section

Sub-Topics 

Detailed Topics for XAT 2026 Preparation

1. Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR)

Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Critical Reasoning, Sentence Structure

  • Reading Comprehension Passages (RCs) which are factual, inferential, abstract, and analytical. 
  • Para Jumbles & Para Completion 
  • Grammar Correction & Error Spotting 
  • Fill in the Blanks 
  • (Vocabulary/Grammar-based) - Word Usage & Analogies
  • Synonyms & Antonyms
  • Sentence Rearrangement
  • Critical Reasoning (Assumptions, Inferences, Strengthen/Weaken)
  • Cloze Test 
  • Logical Consistency Questions

2. Decision Making (DM)

Analytical and Situational Reasoning, Case-based Scenarios

  • Business & Ethical Decision
  • Making Scenarios 
  • Situations Involving Team Management, Corporate Ethics, or Conflicts
  • Data-driven Situational Sets
  • Logical Sequencing of Events
  • Weighing Pros & Cons of Actions
  • Identifying Assumptions and Implications 
  • Cause and Effect Relationship
  • Selecting the Most Appropriate Decision
  • Critical Evaluation of Business Cases

3. Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)

Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis

  • Arithmetic: Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, Averages, Simple & Compound Interest, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Mixtures & Alligations, Pipes & Cisterns. 
  • Algebra: Linear & Quadratic Equations, Logarithms, Progressions (AP, GP, HP), Inequalities, Functions, Surds & Indices. 
  • Geometry & Mensuration: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Surface Area & Volume. 
  • Number System: Divisibility, LCM & HCF, Remainders, Factorials, Unit Digit, Base System. 
  • Modern Math: Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory, Venn Diagrams. 
  • Data Interpretation: Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Pie Charts, Case-lets, Data Tables, Scatter Plots, Mixed Graphs.

4. General Knowledge (GK)

Static GK & Current Affairs

  • Static GK: Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Constitution, Science & Technology, Environment, Awards, Sports, Books & Authors. 
  • Current Affairs: Business & Economy, National & International News, Government Policies, Sports Events, Summits & Conferences, Appointments, Acquisitions & Mergers, Important Dates & Reports.

5. Essay Writing (for XLRI Shortlisted Candidates) 

Analytical Writing on Abstract or Current Topics

  • Topics related to Business, Economics, Social Issues, and Current Events
  • Writing Skills: Coherence, Logical Flow, Grammar, and Presentation
  • Argument-based Essays (for or against a statement)
  • Analytical Opinion Pieces or Critical Essays
Subject
Syllabus

FAQS

No, XLRI does not issue a fixed syllabus. However, the XAT syllabus 2026 is based on previous year trends and question patterns across sections such as Decision Making, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, and General Knowledge.


Only XAT has the Decision Making section. It tests the potential of a candidate to think without being influenced by the circumstances, think ethically, logically, and make judgments, something that the other MBA entry tests, like the CAT and SNAP tests.


Yes, the negative marking of both wrong answers and mark deduction against greater than 8 un-attempted questions are 0.25 marks and 0.10 marks, respectively.


The essay writing section involves analytical or opinionated problems of the issues at hand, social debates, or business trends. It puts the candidates to the test on their ability to think logically, their argument structure, grammar, and logic.


AcronymXavier Aptitude Test
Conducting BodyOther
Mode and TypeOnline (Computer Based Test (CBT))
Application ModeOnline
Frequency1 in a year
LanguagesEnglish
Test Takers135000
Duration210
Total Marks100
Marking Scheme1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect
Application Fee2100
Not sure what you are looking for? Connect with our counsellors.

Not sure what you are looking for? Connect with our counsellors.

Login helps you find curated results for your requirement.