XAT 2026 Syllabus – Section-Wise Topics, Pattern Changes & Preparation Plan

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The XAT 2026 syllabus tests your aptitude for management education through four core sections: Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. The exam evaluates a mix of analytical thinking, language skills, ethical judgment, and awareness of current events.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the updated syllabus and what to expect in each section.


Section-Wise XAT 2026 Syllabus

1. Verbal and Logical Ability (VALA)

This section checks your reading comprehension, reasoning ability, and command of the English language.


Reading Comprehension

  1. Long passages (400–500 words): 4–5 questions
  2. Short passages (200–300 words): 2–3 questions
  3. Topics: Business, philosophy, economics, society, science
  4. Skills tested: Main idea, tone, inference, contextual meaning


Vocabulary

  1. Synonyms, antonyms
  2. Usage-based questions
  3. Idioms, phrases, word analogies


Grammar & Language Usage

  1. Sentence correction
  2. Para jumbles
  3. Fill in the blanks
  4. Sentence completion


Logical Reasoning

  1. Syllogisms
  2. Blood relations
  3. Seating arrangements
  4. Logical sequences
  5. Coding-decoding


Critical Reasoning

  1. Assumptions
  2. Strengthening/weakening arguments
  3. Drawing conclusions
  4. Cause-effect scenarios


2. Decision Making (DM)

Unique to XAT, this section assesses judgment, ethics, and real-life problem-solving.

Ethical Dilemmas

  1. Questions on moral judgment
  2. Business ethics
  3. Stakeholder viewpoints


Situational Judgment

  1. Conflict management
  2. Team leadership
  3. Workplace scenarios


Decision Analysis

  1. Multi-criteria decisions
  2. Risk evaluation
  3. Resource distribution


Case-Based Business Scenarios

  1. Strategic choices
  2. Managerial reasoning
  3. Organization behavior


3. Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI)

Focuses on numerical ability and interpreting complex data.

Arithmetic

  1. Percentages, ratios
  2. Time, speed, distance
  3. Profit & loss, interest
  4. Number properties


Algebra

  1. Equations, inequalities
  2. Functions, sequences
  3. Logarithms


Geometry & Mensuration

  1. Triangles, quadrilaterals
  2. Coordinate geometry
  3. Trigonometry basics


Data Interpretation

  1. Bar/line graphs
  2. Tables, pie charts
  3. Data sufficiency
  4. Logical data puzzles


Modern Math

  1. Probability
  2. Permutations & combinations
  3. Set theory, Venn diagrams
  4. Game theory basics


4. General Knowledge (GK)

Tests awareness of current events, business affairs, and static GK.

Current Affairs

  1. National and global news
  2. Politics, economy, sports
  3. Awards and recognitions


Business Awareness

  1. Financial markets
  2. Corporate updates
  3. Economic policies


Static GK

  1. History, geography
  2. Science & tech
  3. Literature, arts
  4. Environment, social issues


XAT 2026 Section-Wise Weightage (Expected)


SectionQuestionsApprox. Weightage
Verbal & Logical Ability26–2835–40%
Decision Making20–2225–30%
Quantitative Aptitude & DI28–3030–35%
General Knowledge22–2520–25%


XAT 2026 Difficulty Level (Analysis)


Difficulty LevelShare of QuestionsNature of Questions
Easy30–35%Basic concepts, direct questions
Moderate45–50%Multi-step reasoning, application-based
Difficult15–20%Tricky logic, deep comprehension, complex math


Topic-Wise Distribution

VALA

  1. RC: 10–12
  2. Vocabulary: 4–5
  3. Grammar: 3–4
  4. Logical Reasoning: 8–10


DM

  1. Ethics-based: 8–10
  2. Situational: 6–8
  3. Business cases: 6–8


QADI

  1. Quantitative Aptitude: 18–20
  2. Data Interpretation: 10–12


GK

  1. Current Affairs: 12–15
  2. Static GK: 8–10
  3. Business Awareness: 5–7


XAT 2026 Pattern Changes

What’s New in 2026

  1. Better integration of reasoning across sections
  2. More business-focused case studies in DM
  3. Enhanced focus on data-heavy questions
  4. Updated question mix in GK


Marking Scheme

  1. Negative marking in Part A
  2. No negative marking in GK section
  3. Sectional cutoffs apply (except GK)
  4. Percentile-based scoring


Books & Resources for XAT Preparation


SectionRecommended Books
VALAWord Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis
Wren & Martin Grammar
Logical Reasoning – Arun Sharma
Reading Comprehension – Sujit Kumar
Decision MakingPrevious year papers
Case studies
Business ethics handbooks
Situational judgment practice sets
QADIQuantitative Aptitude – Arun Sharma
Data Interpretation – Arun Sharma
Maths for MBA – R.S. Aggarwal
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic – Rajesh Verma
GKManorama Yearbook
Lucent’s GK
The Hindu, Economic Times
Pratiyogita Darpan, CSR


Online Prep Tools

  1. XAT official website (xatonline.in)
  2. Mock tests and previous year papers
  3. YouTube concept videos
  4. Mobile apps and study forums


XAT 2026 Preparation Strategy

6-Month Study Plan

Months 1–2:

  1. Cover all topics from scratch
  2. Build conceptual clarity
  3. Attempt beginner-level mocks


Months 3–4:

  1. Solve advanced-level problems
  2. Start sectional mock tests
  3. Build speed and accuracy


Months 5–6:

  1. Focus on full-length mocks
  2. Revise weak areas
  3. Stay updated with current affairs


Mock Test Strategy

  1. Attempt 2–3 mocks per week
  2. Track accuracy and speed
  3. Analyze each test deeply
  4. Fine-tune time management


Conclusion

XAT 2026 demands a unique blend of aptitude, ethics, and awareness. With the updated syllabus and emphasis on decision making and data interpretation, consistent preparation and smart strategy are key to securing a top percentile.

Let your prep align with the exam’s evolving expectations, and stay ahead.