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

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

Also read: Group Discussion(GD)

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

Also Read: Expected Cutoffs for XAT 2026

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)

XAT 2026 Difficulty Level (Analysis)

Also Read: How to Download XAT 2026 Admit Card

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

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.