XAT 2025 Syllabus
Comprehensive section-wise breakdown of the XAT exam syllabus with detailed topics, weightage analysis, and preparation strategy.
XAT Exam Pattern 2025
| Section | Questions | Time | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal & Logical Ability | 26 | 165 mins (total) | 26% |
| Decision Making | 21 | 165 mins (total) | 21% |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 | 165 mins (total) | 28% |
| General Knowledge | 25 | 15 mins | 25% |
Important: XAT has a unique Decision Making section and includes General Knowledge which is not part of CAT. Essay writing was removed in 2022.
Verbal & Logical Ability
Verbal Ability
- • Reading Comprehension (Long & Critical Passages)
- • Grammar (Error Spotting, Sentence Correction)
- • Vocabulary (Fill in the blanks, Synonyms/Antonyms)
- • Para-jumbles & Para-completion
Weightage: ~60% of section
Logical Ability
- • Critical Reasoning (Arguments, Assumptions)
- • Statement Conclusions
- • Logical Puzzles
- • Strong/Weak Arguments
Weightage: ~40% of section
Preparation Strategy
- ✓ Read editorials from The Hindu, Economic Times daily
- ✓ Practice 3-4 RCs daily with philosophical/business topics
- ✓ Solve previous year XAT papers (different from CAT pattern)
Decision Making
Question Types
- • Ethical Dilemmas
- • Business Decisions
- • Data-based Decisions
- • Situational Judgement
- • Case-lets with multiple stakeholders
Approach
- • Focus on ethical business practices
- • Consider all stakeholders' perspectives
- • Balance short-term vs long-term impacts
- • Look for win-win solutions
Unique to XAT
Preparation Strategy
- ✓ Practice previous XAT DM questions (pattern is unique)
- ✓ Read business case studies (Harvard Business Review)
- ✓ Develop ethical decision-making framework
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
Quantitative Ability
- • Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit/Loss, TSD, T&W)
- • Algebra (Equations, Inequalities, Functions)
- • Geometry & Mensuration
- • Number Systems
- • Modern Math (P&C, Probability)
Weightage: ~70% of section
Data Interpretation
- • Tables, Charts, Graphs
- • Caselets (Paragraph based data)
- • Data Sufficiency
- • Data Comparison
Weightage: ~30% of section
Preparation Strategy
- ✓ Focus on arithmetic and algebra (higher weightage)
- ✓ Practice calculation-intensive DI sets
- ✓ Solve XAT previous papers (different difficulty than CAT)
General Knowledge
Static GK
- • Awards & Honors
- • Books & Authors
- • Important Dates
- • Countries & Capitals
Current Affairs (Last 1 Year)
- • Business & Economy
- • Politics & Government
- • Science & Technology
- • Sports & Entertainment
15 minutes section
Preparation Strategy
- ✓ Read newspaper daily (Economic Times recommended)
- ✓ Follow monthly current affairs compilations
- ✓ Practice GK quizzes regularly
Most Important Topics for XAT 2025
Verbal & Logical Ability
- • Reading Comprehension (Philosophical/Business)
- • Critical Reasoning
- • Grammar & Vocabulary
Decision Making
- • Ethical Dilemmas
- • Business Case Studies
QA & DI
- • Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit/Loss)
- • Algebra
- • Data Interpretation
General Knowledge
- • Business & Economy Current Affairs
- • Awards & Honors
Recommended Preparation Resources
Books
- • XAT Previous Year Papers (Last 10 years)
- • Decision Making for XAT by Arun Sharma
- • Manorama Yearbook for GK
Online Resources
- • Official XAT website (xatonline.in)
- • GKToday for current affairs
- • Business news websites (Livemint, Economic Times)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is XAT different from CAT?
XAT has Decision Making section, includes GK, and has different question patterns in VARC and QA. The difficulty level is generally higher.
Is there negative marking in XAT?
Yes, -0.25 for wrong answers in MCQs. No negative marking for unattempted questions beyond 8 in first 3 sections.
How important is GK for XAT?
GK is used for cutoff by XLRI and other XAT colleges. You need to score minimum marks in GK to qualify.
How to prepare for Decision Making?
Practice previous XAT papers, read business case studies, and develop ethical decision-making frameworks.