XAT Books 2026: Section-Wise Best books for XAT Exam Preparation

Overview: The XAT 2026 exam is scheduled on 4th January 2026 across various centres in the country. To ace the exam with a good score, it is essential to prepare with the best XAT books. We have listed them in this blog. Read on to know more!

Download Free Study Material for XAT Exam 2026 by Supergrads

The XAT MBA exam consists of four major sections, including Verbal and logical ability, Quantitative ability, Data interpretation, Decision making and General knowledge.

Preparing for each section with the best study material is also necessary; therefore, to help you, we have provided the list of the best books for each section of the XAT EXAM 2026.

Scroll down to get the list of the best XAT books for 2026!

Also Read | XAT Exam Analysis 2024: Check Difficulty Level

Best XAT Books 2026 for Decision Making 

The XAT Decision Making section is unique to the XAT and, hence, can make or break your percentile as many candidates often come prepared only with the syllabus standard for other entrance examinations.

The XAT decision-making books should help students increase their ability to analyze complex situations and make sound judgments.

XAT Preparation Books should cover scenarios like:

• Ethical dilemmas
• Business decisions
• Situational analyses

Also Read | XAT Exam Pattern 2024 [Marking Scheme & Exam Structure]

Attempt Free XAT Mock Test 2026 for XAT Exam by SuperGrads

The best books for XAT exam preparation for the above topics are listed below:

XAT Decision-Making Books	Author of the XAT Book	Features of the XAT Preparation Books
Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers)	RK Jha	This XAT decision-making book has the following: Has easily understandable Content, including solved papers of the last 15 years Has Content curated in a way that keeps the specific requirements of students in mind
Target XAT (Past papers and mock tests)	Disha Publications	This XAT decision-making book has the following: This includes solved papers from the last 15 years. Has Content curated by 30 experts working in this field
Analytical & Logical Reasoning	Arihant Publications	This XAT decision-making book has the following: It has been divided into Verbal, Analytical, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Two difficulty levels 2000+ Previous Years’ Questions

Also Read | XAT Total Marks 2026: Exam Pattern & Questions

Best XAT Books 2026 for Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning

This XAT section assesses a candidate's English language Grammar, Reading Comprehension, and logical reasoning proficiency.

A comprehensive understanding of grammar rules and logical reasoning principles is imperative to excel in the XAT VA & LR syllabus. Hence, XAT preparation books that help students prepare for this are required.

The best XAT Books for Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning are listed below.

XAT Books for VA & LR	Author	Features of the XAT decision-making books​ for VA & LR
Word Power Made Easy	Norman Lewis	This XAT VA & LR  book has the following features: Helps in improving your vocabulary and understanding of the English language through various tests and word exercises. Has been curated with a student-friendly approach
A New Approach to Reasoning: Verbal & Non-Verbal (Arihant)	B S Sijwali	This XAT 2026 book for VA & LR has the following features: Has Content that students can easily understand. Has enough Practice Questions included
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension	Ajay Singh	This XAT 2026 book for VA & LR has the following features: Guides Students from a basic to an advanced level in English. Includes Mock Papers covering the latest syllabus
High School English Grammar & Composition	Wren & Martin	This XAT 2026 book for VA & LR has the following features: Covers the entire syllabus of English Grammar Includes Practice sessions at the end of each lesson for self-assessment
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning	R.S. Aggarwal	This XAT book for VA & LR has the following features: Includes Smarter and Shorter methods for solving questions Full explanation of each solved example to help students understand concepts in depth Fully solved papers for all competitive exams
Analytical Reasoning	MK Pandey	This XAT book for VA & LR has the following features: Detailed Explanation of Concepts, Focus on New Question Types, Comprehensive Coverage of all major topics, Detailed Explanation of Concepts, Vast Array of Practice Questions

Check | XAT Cut off Marks Expected and Previous Years

XAT Books 2026 for Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation

Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation form the bedrock of analytical prowess in the XAT exam.

XAT decision-making books are indispensable for increasing proficiency in mathematical concepts and adeptness in data interpretation, which are essential for excelling in this section.

Some of the important topics that XAT Preparation Books for this section should encompass:

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Set Theory
• Probability
• Charts & Data Analysis
• Data interpretation & Data sufficiency
• To conquer the Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section, practice is crucial.

Check | How to download XAT admit card

The Best Books for XAT for Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

XAT Books for QA & DI	Author	Features of the XAT Preparation Books for QA & DI
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams	R.S. Aggarwal	This XAT QA & DI book has the following features: It is Ideal for all management and engineering competitive exams. It has comprehensive coverage of all essential topics in the XAT syllabus. Has Chapter-wise questions with detailed explanations.
Data Interpretation for the CAT	Nishit K. Sinha	This XAT QA & DI book has the following features: Focuses on strong concept building, helps with the application of problems, and includes the  difficulty level of each topic to help students learn gradually
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation	Arun Sharma	This XAT book for QA & DI has the following features: Covers all types of DI questions. Self-sufficient in itself for preparation
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations	Abhijit Guha	This XAT book for QA & DI has the following features: Covers a wide range of topics. Revised chapters as per the latest pattern. A Huge no. of solved examples, practice papers, exam-level test papers

Try Now | Attempt a Free XAT Mock Test Here!

The Best XAT Books 2026 for General Knowledge

The General Knowledge section of the XAT exam has 2 parts: Static GK and Dynamic GK.

Dynamic XAT GK books evaluate a candidate's awareness of current affairs, business, economics, politics, and other pertinent topics.

Static GK refers to the topics that hold separate importance in the world. XAT Preparation Books for this section should highlight topics like:

• Business, Finance, and Economics
• The Indian Constitution and Laws
• Famous Personalities
• Current Affairs of National and International Importance
• Books and Authors
• Awards and Winners
• History and Geography

Also Read | List of Top Colleges Accepting XAT Score

Some XAT books that can help prepare for this section of XAT are:

XAT GK Books 2026	Author	Features of the XAT 2026 Books for GK
Objective General Knowledge (Lucent's)	Sanjiv Kumar	This XAT book for GK has the following: Articulates all important events taking place Has General knowledge points structured lucidly to make learning easier.
General Knowledge 2024	Manohar Pandey	This XAT GK book  has the following: All current events are given in a compact way Has been divided into sections, with a separate section for current events It is Useful for all management and other government exams.
Manorama Year Book	Malayala Manorama Group	This GK XAT book has the following: Covers a wide range of topics Has a dedicated section for Current Affairs Updated Data and Statistics of the country Content curated with a focus on the Civil Services Examination Separate section for Global Happenings

Check | XAT Previous Year Question Papers

How to Use XAT Books Effectively?

Using your XAT books strategically is crucial for a high score. Here's a breakdown of how to make the most of your study materials:

1. Start with the Basics

Before diving into complex problems, ensure you have a strong grasp of the fundamentals. The right books should provide clear explanations of concepts with solved examples to build your foundation. Don't skip this step, even if you feel confident.

2. Divide and Conquer

The XAT exam has four main sections: Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. Focus on one section at a time, using the books to master each area's specific concepts and question types.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

Your books should be a primary source for practice questions. Solve a wide range of problems, from easy to high difficulty, to get comfortable with the exam format. Don't just solve them; analyze your mistakes. Understand why you got a question wrong and what the correct approach should have been.

4. Simulate Exam Conditions

Many XAT books include previous years' papers and mock tests. Use these to simulate the actual exam experience. Set a timer for the full duration of the test and try to complete the paper without any interruptions. This will help you improve your time management and stamina.

5. Focus on Your Weak Areas

Once you've identified your strengths and weaknesses through practice tests and mock analysis, use your books to target the areas that need improvement. For example, if you struggle with decision-making, spend extra time on the case studies and ethical dilemmas provided in your book.

6. Create a Study Schedule

A well-structured timetable will help you stay on track. Align your goals with your books and focus on topics based on your personal requirements.

Download List of Best Books for CAT & OMETs Prep

Why You Need the Right XAT Books?

Choosing the right study material is a critical first step in your XAT preparation. Here’s why it's so important:

1. For Conceptual Clarity

The best XAT books provide in-depth, topic-wise explanations. They break down complex concepts into manageable parts, building a strong foundation that is essential for tackling the high difficulty level of the XAT exam.

2. For Comprehensive Coverage

The right books cover the entire XAT syllabus, including the unique Decision Making section, which is not found in other management entrance exams. This ensures you don't miss out on any crucial topics.

3. For Quality Practice Questions

Good books offer a vast array of practice questions that mirror the type and difficulty level of questions asked in the actual XAT exam. They also provide detailed solutions and strategies, helping you learn the correct approach to problem-solving.

4. To Get Familiar with the Exam Pattern

Using books that contain previous years' papers and mock tests allows you to become familiar with the exam format, marking scheme, and types of questions. This reduces anxiety and helps you develop effective test-taking strategies.

5. Expert Recommendations

Many recommended books for XAT preparation are written by reputable authors or are based on the advice of successful candidates and mentors. These resources are known for their quality and effectiveness, giving you a competitive edge.

6. For Targeted Approach

A good book for XAT helps you apply a subject-specific strategy for each section. For instance, a dedicated decision-making book will help you analyze ethical and situational dilemmas, a skill crucial for the XAT but not a focus of other exams like the CAT.

Common Mistakes in Choosing XAT Preparation Books

Choosing the right books for XAT preparation is a critical step, but it's easy to make mistakes that can hinder your progress. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Mistake #1: Using Only CAT-Prep Books

While many topics in XAT's Quantitative Ability and Verbal & Logical Ability sections overlap with the CAT exam, XAT has a unique structure. The Decision Making section is a prime example; it is entirely different and requires specific, scenario-based preparation that general CAT books don't provide.

How to avoid: Always use a book specifically for XAT Decision Making, such as "Jabbing the XAT" by R.K. Jha or "Analytical and Logical Reasoning" by M.K. Pandey. These books will give you the necessary practice with the ethical dilemmas and business situations unique to XAT.

Mistake #2: Relying Solely on Books

Books are excellent for building a strong conceptual foundation, but they are not enough for a comprehensive XAT preparation. The exam is about application, time management, and strategy, which you can only develop through practice.

How to avoid: Supplement your book study with previous years' XAT papers and a variety of mock tests. This will help you understand the actual exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level.

Mistake #3: Neglecting the General Knowledge (GK) Section

The GK section does not affect your XAT percentile, but it is an important component for final selection at some top colleges, especially XLRI. Many aspirants make the mistake of ignoring this section entirely.

How to avoid: Make GK a part of your daily routine. Don't rely solely on books for this section. Read newspapers like The Hindu or The Economic Times and follow monthly current affairs compilations. A good book like Lucent's or a Manorama Yearbook can help with static GK, but staying updated on current affairs is a must.

Mistake #4: Buying Too Many Books

Having too many resources can lead to confusion and a lack of focus. Instead of mastering a few good books, you end up skimming through many, resulting in a weak foundation.

How to avoid: Be selective. Stick to one or two reliable books for each section. Once you've completed them, focus on practicing with mock tests and previous papers to improve your speed and accuracy.

Mistake #5: Not Checking for Updated Editions

The XAT exam pattern and question types can change slightly from year to year. Using an outdated book might mean you miss out on new trends or recent changes to the syllabus.

How to avoid: Always buy the latest edition of any XAT preparation book. This ensures that the content, solved papers, and practice questions are up-to-date with the most recent exam trends.

Conclusion

Choosing the right XAT books for XAT preparation is crucial for acing the exam. Whether it's decision-making, verbal and logical reasoning, quantitative ability, or general knowledge, having the best resources can significantly enhance your performance. 

The recommended books in this blog offer comprehensive coverage of the syllabus, practice questions, and strategies to tackle each section effectively. 

Start your preparation early, stay consistent, and make the most of these valuable resources to achieve a high score in the XAT 2026 exam. Good luck!

Check | List of XAT Exam Centres