XAT Syllabus 2026 consists of four sections: Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR), Decision Making (DM), and General Knowledge (GK). The exam tests candidates on mathematical ability, logical thinking, reading comprehension, ethical decision-making, and awareness of current affairs.

XAT QA & DI section covers important topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Interpretation. Candidates need strong problem-solving skills to excel in this section. XAT VA & LR section focuses on reading comprehension, grammar, critical reasoning, and logical patterns. Good vocabulary and analytical thinking help in scoring well. In this article you can learn about the section-wise overall syllabus details and topic-wise syllabus PDF download links.

The Decision Making section in XAT Syllabus evaluates candidates' ability to solve real-life business and ethical scenarios. It requires critical thinking and case study analysis. The General Knowledge section includes current affairs, business news, economy, politics, and static GK. Regular reading of newspapers and magazines is essential for this section.

XAT 2026 exam pattern consists of 95 questions with a structured marking scheme. Each correct response will have +1 mark, while there is negative marking for incorrect answers. Unattempted questions beyond eight also carry a penalty. The General Knowledge section does not have negative marking.

Candidates, preparing for XAT 2026 exam, should focus on XAT important topics in each section and follow a structured study plan. Using recommended books, practicing mock tests, and analysing past papers can improve performance. A strategic preparation approach will help aspirants achieve a high percentile in XAT 2026.

XAT Syllabus 2026: Highlights

XAT 2026 exam consists of different sections that assess candidates on various skills. The table below provides an overview of the sections and the topics covered in each:

XAT Syllabus PDF 2026

XAT syllabus is divided into different sections, covering essential topics to help candidates prepare effectively for the exam. The direct link for free XAT syllabus PDF is given in the following table.

Section-wise XAT Syllabus 2026

XAT syllabus 2026 now includes four sections after recent changes, each designed to test different skills. These sections are Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR), Decision Making (DM), and General Knowledge (GK). Understanding the key topics within each section will help you build a strong preparation strategy and improve your performance in the exam. Let’s explore the detailed XAT 2026 syllabus for each section.

XAT Syllabus 2026: Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)

The Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation section in the XAT 2026 syllabus tests a candidate’s mathematical skills and analytical abilities. A strong understanding of mathematical concepts and data interpretation techniques is essential to excel in this section. The table below outlines the key topics covered:

XAT Syllabus 2026: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR)

The VARC section in XATsyllabus 2026 evaluates a candidate’s ability in English comprehension, grammar, and logical reasoning. A strong grasp of grammar rules, vocabulary, and logical reasoning concepts is essential to perform well in this section. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key topics covered:

XAT Syllabus 2026: Decision Making (DM)

XAT Decision-Making syllabus tests a candidate's ability to analyze complex scenarios and make logical judgements. To perform well, aspirants must develop a strategic approach by practicing case studies and solving real-life business and ethical dilemmas. The table below highlights the key topics covered in this section:

XAT Syllabus 2026: General Knowledge (GK)

The General Knowledge section of XAT 2026 assesses a candidate’s awareness of various subjects, including current affairs, business, economics, politics, and other relevant topics. To excel in this section, it is crucial to stay updated with newspapers, magazines, and online sources. For Static GK, focus on key areas such as important historical events, geography, and basic economics terms. Examples of static topics include significant events like the Battle of Plassey or the Indian Independence Movement, major geographical features (rivers, capitals, mountain ranges), and essential economics terms like GDP, inflation, and fiscal policy. When it comes to Current Affairs, it’s advisable to concentrate on the past 6-12 months to stay relevant with the most recent events. This could include awards and winners, famous personalities, finance and economics trends, national and international affairs, and more. Consistent practice with mock tests and referring to reliable study materials will further enhance your proficiency in this section.Below is the list of key topics covered in this section:

Section-wise XAT 2026 Syllabus PDF

To help aspirants prepare effectively for the XAT exam, we have compiled a section-wise XAT syllabus with direct access to detailed PDFs. This organized format allows you to focus on each subject individually. You can download the section-wise XAT syllabus PDF from the table below:

XAT Exam Pattern 2026

Understanding the exam pattern is crucial before diving into the XAT syllabus. The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) follows a distinctive structure that sets it apart from other MBA entrance exams. Check out the table below for the overview of XAT exam pattern 2026:

For detailed information, check XAT Exam Pattern 2026

XAT Previous Years Weightage

XAT exam has distributed its questions across different sections in recent years. The table below presents a year-wise trend of section-wise weightage from 2020 to 2024, helping you understand which areas are emphasized and how the pattern has evolved over time:

XAT Preparation Tips 2026

A well-structured approach and consistent effort are essential for effective XAT 2026 preparation. The following key strategies can help candidates strengthen their concepts and improve performance. Here are some important preparation tips:

• Start preparing at least six to eight months before the exam to ensure thorough syllabus coverage.
• Understand the entire XAT syllabus and build a strong conceptual foundation before advanced practice.
• Attempt mock tests regularly to analyse strengths, identify weaknesses, and improve time management.
• Solve previous years’ question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and difficulty level.
• Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers, journals, and general knowledge books daily.
• Improve writing skills by focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and structured writing for better verbal ability.
• Practice solving questions within a set time limit to develop accuracy and speed for the actual exam.
• Use reliable books, online resources, and coaching materials to gain a deeper understanding of the exam.

XAT Topper’s Preparation Strategies

The following table outlines the important topics in each section of the XAT exam, along with the preparation strategies that toppers followed to score well in their respective sections: