XAT Syllabus 2026 – Section-Wise Topics & PDF Download

Overview: The XAT syllabus 2026 covers four main sections – Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. If you understand the complete XAT exam syllabus clearly, it becomes easier to plan your preparation, prioritise high-weightage topics, and score a strong percentile.

• Latest XAT syllabus 2026 as per the official exam pattern
• Section-wise important topics for VARC, Decision Making, QA & DI, and GK
• Free XAT syllabus 2026 PDF download link
• Changes in XAT syllabus and pattern over the last few years

On this page, you can check the complete XAT 2026 syllabus, download the official-style PDF, and align your preparation with what actually matters in the exam.

Download Free Study Material for XAT Exam 2026 by Supergrads

What's New for XAT 2026?

• There is no sectional time limit in the XAT 2026 exam. You can now move freely between sections during the exam.
• The number of XAT test cities has increased to 109 this year. 
• You can choose two preferred test cities when you fill out your application.
• The application fee for XAT remains the same.

Please continue reading to know the XAT pattern and XAT syllabus 2026 with us!

XAT 2026 Syllabus Overview

The XAT syllabus 2026 is divided into four sections. The table below gives a quick overview of the XAT exam syllabus with section-wise key topics so you know where to focus first.

XAT 2026 Section	Key Topics in XAT Syllabus 2026
Verbal & Logical Ability (VARC)	Reading Comprehension, vocabulary & word usage, grammar & sentence correction, para jumbles, para completion, critical reasoning, inference-based questions.
Decision Making (DM)	Caselets based on ethical dilemmas, business situations, people management, data-driven scenarios, organisational policy issues, resource allocation.
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)	Arithmetic (percentages, ratios, TSD, profit & loss), algebra, geometry & mensuration, number systems, modern maths (permutations, combinations, probability), tables, bar graphs, pie charts, data sufficiency.
General Knowledge (GK)	Business & economy, national & international current affairs, politics, awards & honours, books & authors, sports, geography, Indian Constitution, important organisations.

Download Free XAT Previous Year Papers (2025-2015)

XAT Syllabus 2026 PDF: Section-wise 

The recent changes in the XAT syllabus 2026 reduced the number of sections to four. Each section of the XAT exam syllabus comprises specific topics that are essential to understand to boost your XAT 2026 preparation accordingly.

Let's uncover the detailed  XAT exam syllabus for each section:

XAT Verbal & Logical Ability Syllabus 2026

The Verbal & Logical Ability section in the XAT syllabus 2026 mainly checks your reading skills, critical thinking and basic grammar. Most questions are centred around Reading Comprehension and logical reasoning rather than pure vocabulary cramming.

• Reading Comprehension passages (fact-based, opinion-based, abstract and literary)
• Vocabulary in context, word usage and commonly confused words
• Grammar and sentence correction (tenses, subject–verb agreement, modifiers, prepositions, articles)
• Para jumbles and para completion
• Critical reasoning and inference-based questions
• Logical structure of arguments and assumptions

Focus more on practising RCs and critical reasoning sets from previous XAT papers to get comfortable with the difficulty level and style of questions.

Also Read | XAT Exam Eligibility 2026: Registration & Many More

XAT Decision Making Syllabus 2026

The Decision Making section is unique to XAT and is an important part of the XAT exam syllabus. You are given real-life business and people-management situations and asked to choose the most balanced and ethical course of action.

• Caselets based on business dilemmas and organisational challenges
• Ethical dilemmas involving fairness, transparency and responsibility
• People-management scenarios – conflicts, team issues, employee behaviour
• Policy implementation and resource allocation situations
• Data-driven cases where you must interpret given information before deciding

There is no fixed formula for this part of the XAT syllabus 2026; the best approach is to practise past XAT Decision Making sets and focus on options that balance ethics, practicality and long-term impact.

Also Read | Best Tips to Prepare XAT Exam 

Use Supergrads Free Resources 2026 Strategically

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XAT Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation Syllabus 2026

The Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation part of the XAT syllabus 2026 is dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra, followed by Geometry and Data Interpretation sets. The level is generally moderate but time-consuming if you are not clear with basics.

• Arithmetic: percentages, profit & loss, simple & compound interest, ratio & proportion, averages, mixtures & alligation, time–speed–distance, time & work
• Algebra: linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, functions, progressions (AP/GP), logarithms
• Geometry & Mensuration: triangles, circles, polygons, coordinate geometry basics, areas and volumes
• Number Systems: divisibility, remainders, factors, LCM/HCF, basic properties of numbers
• Modern Maths: permutations & combinations, probability, set theory
• Data Interpretation: tables, bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, data comparison and data sufficiency

Start by mastering high-weightage Arithmetic and Algebra topics from the XAT QA syllabus and regularly solve mixed DI sets to improve both speed and accuracy.

Also Read | State Wise XAT Exam Centres in India

XAT General Knowledge Syllabus 2026

The General Knowledge section in the XAT syllabus 2026 checks your awareness of current events as well as static GK. It is not counted in the main percentile calculation, but top B-schools still consider GK in the selection process.

• Current affairs – national and international events of the last 8–12 months
• Business & economy – mergers, acquisitions, important deals, budgets, economic policies
• India and world politics, important government schemes and initiatives
• Awards & honours, books & authors, important days and events
• Sports news and tournaments
• Geography and world organisations
• Indian Constitution, judiciary, fundamental rights and important amendments

Ideally, you should follow a reliable monthly current affairs source and revise static topics through short notes or GK compendiums. For more focused coverage, you can refer to a dedicated XAT GK preparation.

Also Read | XAT Exam Analysis: Check Difficulty Level

XAT 2026 Syllabus for Essay Writing

Since the XAT 2025 exam, the exam pattern has changed. The XAT essay is no longer part of the main exam; it is now asked during the interview session.

While the main XAT 2026 exam does not have a dedicated essay writing section, XLRI and other associated B-schools often use a Writing Ability Test (WAT) or an essay round as part of their final selection process (GD/PI rounds). Therefore, it is still crucial to practice essay writing on a variety of topics.

Here are some good topics for essay writing, categorised by theme, that are frequently seen in B-school admissions processes and align with the kind of themes XAT has historically explored:

1. Abstract/Philosophical Topics

These topics require you to think creatively and present a multi-faceted perspective.

• The journey matters more than the destination.
• Is silence sometimes the loudest scream?
• Perception is more powerful than reality.
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
• Risk is the essential need of the soul.
• Listening is a dying art. We hardly listen to understand; we only listen to refute or reply.

2. Socio-Political and Economic Issues

These topics test your awareness of current events and your ability to form a well-reasoned argument on complex issues.

• Is social media eroding real human connection?
• The paradox of choice in a free world.
• Globalisation vs. Jingoism: Do they always coexist?
• Can ethics survive in a competitive world?
• The growing influence of social media on political discourse.
• Is a universal basic income a sustainable idea?

3. Business & Technology

These topics assess your understanding of modern business challenges and the impact of technology.

• Can artificial intelligence replace human intelligence?
• Technology and nature are natural enemies.
• Ethical practices and sustainability: Do they coexist?
• The gig economy: a boon or a bane for India's youth?
• The role of ethics in business: a trend or a necessity?
• Evaluating Narayana Murthy's proposal for a 70-hour workweek.

Here are some topics you can prepare for essay writing in the XAT 2026 exam

XAT Syllabus 2026: Changes Over the Years

Here are the changes observed over the years 

Exam Year	Total Number of Questions	Section-wise number of questions	XAT Marking Scheme
XAT 2025	95	VARC: 26 DM: 21 QA & DI: 28 GK: 20	+1 for each correct answer -0.25 for each wrong answer -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions
XAT 2024	101	VARC: 26 DM: 21 QA & DI: 28 GK: 25 Essay: 1	+1 mark for a correct answer - 0.25 marks for incorrect answer - 0.10 marks for more than 8 un-attempted consecutive questions No XAT negative marking scheme in the GK section
XAT 2023	100	VARC: 26 DM: 21 QA & DI: 28 GK: 25 Essay: 1 (to be evaluated upon shortlisting)	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions
XAT 2022	100	VARC: 26 DM: 21 QA & DI: 28 GK: 25 Essay: 1 (to be evaluated upon shortlisting)	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions
XAT 2021	100	VARC: 26 DM: 21 QA & DI: 28 GK: 25	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions
XAT 2020	100	VARC: 26 DM: 21 QA & DI: 28 GK: 25	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer -0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions
XAT 2019	99	VARC: 26 DM: 21 QA & DI: 27 GK: 25	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer -0.5 for more than 8 unanswered questions
XAT 2018	97	VARC: 24 DM: 21 QA & DI: 27 GK: 25 One essay topic	+1 for each right answer -0.25 for each wrong answer; -0.5 for more than 12 unanswered questions

Preparation Tips for XAT Syllabus 2026

Cracking the XAT exam requires an innovative, month-by-month strategic approach, as its structure and syllabus differ from those of other MBA entrance tests. The key is to dedicate sufficient time to each of the four sections while also focusing on your strengths and weaknesses.

Section-wise Preparation Tips

1. Verbal & Logical Ability (VLA)

This section blends verbal and logical skills. A significant portion of this section is dedicated to Reading Comprehension (RC), which may include passages and even poems. To excel here, you should:

• Read regularly: Cultivate a habit of reading newspapers, magazines, and various forms of literature to improve your reading speed, vocabulary, and comprehension. This will also help you with the Critical Reasoning questions that are a significant part of this section.
• Strengthen fundamentals: Brush up on your grammar and vocabulary. Tools like "Word Power Made Easy" are often recommended for building a strong vocabulary.
• Practice with past papers: Logical Reasoning questions in XAT often involve critical reasoning, so practising with XAT previous years' questions is crucial to familiarise yourself with the question types.

2. Decision Making (DM)

This section is unique to XAT and is considered its most challenging part. It tests your ability to make logical and ethical decisions in various business and personal scenarios. There's no specific textbook for this section, so your preparation should focus on:

• Case study analysis: Solve as many caselets and decision-making scenarios as possible from past papers and mock tests. This will help you develop a framework for thinking through complex situations.
• Apply ethical reasoning: The questions often present moral dilemmas, and you need to choose the most sound and well-reasoned option.
• Look for premises and conclusions: Practice identifying the underlying assumptions, premises, and conclusions in a given situation to arrive at the most logical answer.

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

This section is designed to test your mathematical and analytical skills. The topics are similar to those of other management entrance exams, but are often more difficult.

• Focus on core concepts: Prioritise topics like Arithmetic (percentages, profit & loss, time and work), Algebra, and Geometry. These topics usually have a higher weightage.
• Improve calculation speed: Practice shortcut methods and Vedic math to boost your speed and accuracy, as this section often involves lengthy calculations.
• Practice DI sets: Data Interpretation questions are usually presented in sets of 3-4 questions, each based on graphs, charts, or tables. Practice with a variety of these to get comfortable with interpreting and analysing data under time pressure.

4. General Knowledge (GK)

The GK section doesn't contribute to your overall percentile, but your score is considered during the final selection process. The questions are a mix of static GK and current affairs.

• Stay updated: Regularly read newspapers and business magazines to stay informed about national and international current affairs, especially those related to business and economics.
• Study static GK: Brush up on topics like history, geography, science, and politics.
• Take quizzes: Regularly taking online quizzes can be an effective way to revise and retain information.

Best books for XAT Syllabus Coverage: Quantitative Aptitude

The XAT 2026 aspirants should refer to the essential books and resources to boost their preparation for the XAT 2026 exam.

Here are the essential books that cover the XAT 2026 syllabus for QA and DI:

Books for XAT Preparation	Author/Publisher
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT	Arun Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests For Admission into IIMs	Sarvesh K Verma
Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations	Guha Abhijit
Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency	Ananta Ashisha/Arihant

Best Books for XAT Syllabus Coverage: Verbal Ability

Verbal ability is another important section that can help you achieve good scores. To ace this section in XAT 2026 exam, here are the following books covering the XAT 2026 syllabus for Verbal ability:

Books for XAT Preparation	Author/Publisher
Word Power Made Easy	Norman Lewis
Objective General English	Dr RS Agarwal and Vikas Agarwal
High School English Grammar	Wren & Martin
The Students' Companion Book	D Best

Best books for XAT Syllabus Coverage: Decision Making

To improve XAT decision-making skills in the XAT 2026 exam, the aspirants can refer to the following books:

Books for XAT Preparation	Author Name/Publisher
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning	Gautam Puri
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT	Nishit K. Sinha
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency	Ananta Ashisha
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT	Arun Sharma

Best XAT Study Material for General Knowledge

Here are the important books covering the XAT 2026 syllabus for general knowledge:

Newspapers and Journals
The Hindu	Economic Times
Financial Express	Hindu Business Line
Wall Street Journal	The Financial Times
Business Today	Business World
Competition Success Review	Management Compass Career Launcher

Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for XAT Syllabus

XAT is known for its challenging questions and unique sections. To ace it, you need to be strategic in your preparation and, more importantly, avoid common mistakes that can cost you valuable marks. Here are some key errors to steer clear of:

1. XAT 2026 General Preparation Mistakes

✅Not having a structured study plan

Many aspirants study topics randomly without a proper schedule. A disorganised plan can lead to overlooking essential topics and poor time management. Create a detailed timetable that allocates sufficient time to each section.

✅Neglecting the Decision-Making section

Since this section is exclusive to XAT, it's easy to dismiss or underestimate its importance. However, the decision-making section is a crucial differentiator and can significantly impact your percentile.

✅Ignoring General Knowledge

While the GK section doesn't count towards your final percentile, it is considered during the final selection process at XLRI. Neglecting it can be a critical mistake. Make it a habit to read newspapers and stay updated on current affairs.

✅Over-Relying on a Single Source

No single book or study material can cover everything perfectly for an exam like XAT. Using multiple resources and practising with a variety of questions will give you a more comprehensive understanding.

2. XAT 2026 Mocks and Time Management Mistakes

✅Not Taking Enough Mock Tests

Mock tests are essential for understanding the exam pattern, improving time management, and building stamina for the long, three-hour exam. Skipping them means you miss out on a crucial part of your preparation.

✅Not Analysing Mock Tests

Simply taking mocks isn't enough. You must analyse your performance to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on understanding why you got a question wrong, not just the correct answer. This will help you pinpoint repetitive errors.

✅Prioritising Speed Over Accuracy

XAT has negative marking, so careless errors can significantly reduce your score. It's better to solve fewer questions with high accuracy than to attempt many questions with a low success rate.

3. XAT 2026 Exam-Day Mistakes

✅Spending too much time on one question

If you get stuck on a difficult question, don't waste precious time on it. The XAT exam has a negative marking for questions you skip consecutively, so it’s essential to strike a balance. It's better to move on and come back later if time permits.

✅Panicking after skipping questions

Many students start to panic when they have to skip a few questions in a row. Remember, XAT is designed to be tough, and it's perfectly normal to skip questions. Stay calm and focus on the next question.

✅Misreading questions or data

In the rush to solve questions, candidates often misread the question or misinterpret data in the Verbal Ability and Data Interpretation sections. Read every question carefully and highlight key details.

Conclusion

The XAT 2026 exam is scheduled for 4 January 2026 (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM). Therefore, familiarity with the XAT exam syllabus and section-wise topics is essential to preparing and scoring well. Make sure you cover the XAT syllabus 2026 in a structured way, revise regularly, and practise enough mocks to aim for a high percentile this year.

A thorough understanding of the XAT syllabus is essential to ace the exam. By focusing on each section systematically and practising rigorously, aspirants can boost their performance and secure admission to top B-schools.

Read More: XAT Score vs Percentile