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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.
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 should focus on XAT important topics in each section and follow a structured study plan. Using recommended books, practicing mock tests, and analyzing past papers can improve performance. A strategic preparation approach will help aspirants achieve a high percentile in XAT 2026.
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 2026 Sections | XAT 2026 Topics Covered |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | Algebra, Percentage, Bar Diagrams, Surds and Indices, Geometry, Pie Charts, Mensuration, Arithmetic, Tables, Data Interpretation, etc. |
| Verbal & Logical Reasoning | Analogy, Critical Reasoning, Grammar, Verbal Reasoning, Parajumble, Reading Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks, etc. |
| Decision Making | Caselets, Premises, Grouping, Complex Arrangement, Data Arrangement, Assumptions, Conditioning, Conclusions, etc. |
| General Knowledge | Sports, Economy, Prize and Award, Government, Business, Politics, World, Science, Constitution of India, Static GK, etc. |
XAT syllabus is divided into different sections, covering essential topics to help candidates prepare effectively for the exam. The direct link for XAT syllabus 2026 is given here. Do visit here for further updates.
XAT 2026 syllabus 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.
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 Section | XAT Topics Covered |
| Quantitative Ability | Probability Functions, Speed, Time, and Distance, Trigonometry, Permutation and Combination, Ratio and Proportion, Progressions, Algebra, Linear Equations, Number System, Profit and Loss, Surds and Indices, Binomial Theorem, Percentages, Logarithm, Averages, Simple and Compound Interest, Inequalities, Time and Work, Venn Diagrams, Geometry, Mensuration. |
| Data Interpretation | Data Charts, Graphs, Data Analysis and Comparison, Pie Charts, Bar Diagrams, Data Tables. |
Check: XAT QA & DI Syllabus 2026
The VARC section in XAT 2026 syllabus 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 Section | XAT Topics Covered |
| Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning | Error Correction in Sentences, Synonyms & Antonyms, Paragraph Completion, Vocabulary & Word Usage, Jumbled Paragraphs, Fill in the Blanks, Contextual Meaning of Words, Sentence Completion. |
| Reading Comprehension | True/False Statements, Main Theme and Message of the Passage, Explanation of Words/Phrases, Author’s Perspective-Based Questions, Inferential Skill-Based Questions, Information-Based Questions. |
| Logical Reasoning | Logical Sequences (Words, Alphabets & Numbers), Seating Arrangement (Round Table, Square Table), Blood Relations/Family Tree, Clocks & Calendars, Assumption, Premise & Conclusion, Fact, Inference & Judgment, Analogy. |
XAT Decision-Making syllabus tests a candidate's ability to analyze complex scenarios and make logical judgments. 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 Section | XAT Topics Covered |
| Decision Making | Situations, Assumptions, Logical Reasoning, Caselets (Ethical Dilemmas, Resource Allocation Problems, Team Conflicts, Leadership Challenges, Organizational Dilemmas, Time Management Issues, Financial Crisis Scenarios, Moral Dilemmas, Policy Decisions, Customer Service Issues), Complex Arrangement, Data Arrangement, Analytical Reasoning, Conditions and Grouping. |
Also Check: XAT DM Syllabus 2026
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:
| XAT Section | XAT Topics Covered |
| General Knowledge | Awards and Winners, Famous Personalities, Finance and Economics, The Indian Constitution and Laws, History and Geography, Books and Authors, Business, Current Affairs of National and International Importance. |
Candidates looking for detailed information about XAT exam pattern, can check the link: XAT Exam Pattern 2026. This will give you the most accurate and up-to-date details about the exam structure, including sections, number of questions, and marking scheme.
Focusing on key topics in the XAT 2026 syllabus can help you prepare more effectively. Here are the important areas to prioritize:
Check: XAT Essay Writing Syllabus 2026
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:
| Year | Verbal & Logical Ability | Decision Making | Quantitative Aptitude & DI | General Knowledge | Essay | Total Questions |
| 2024 | 26 | 22 | 28 | 25 | 1 (evaluated later) | 102 (excluding essay) |
| 2023 | 26 | 22 | 28 | 25 | 1 (evaluated later) | 102 (excluding essay) |
| 2022 | 26 | 21 | 27 | 25 | 1 (evaluated later) | 99 (excluding essay) |
| 2021 | 26 | 21 | 27 | 25 | Not Included | 99 |
| 2020 | 26 | 21 | 27 | 25 | Not Included | 99 |
A well-structured approach and consistent effort are essential for effective XAT 2026 preparation. Following key strategies can help candidates strengthen their concepts and improve performance. Here are some important preparation tips:
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:
| Section | Key Topics | Preparation Tips |
| Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR) | Reading Comprehension (RC), Critical Reasoning, Para Jumbles, Grammar & Vocabulary | Start with RC to build speed and comprehension. Focus on understanding logic in Critical Reasoning. Practice Para Jumbles daily. |
| Decision Making (DM) | Ethical Dilemmas, Resource Allocation, Team Conflicts, Business Scenarios | Read caselets thoroughly and understand the full context. Focus on logical flow and practical aspects of decisions. Solve previous year caselets. |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) | Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit-Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Averages), Algebra, Geometry, DI (Tables, Graphs) | Start with Arithmetic (easiest and most frequently tested). Master DI through practice with charts and data sets. Focus on quick tricks for Algebra. |
| General Knowledge (GK) | Current Affairs, Static GK (History, Geography, Economics), Business Awareness | Read 1-2 newspapers daily. Spend 70% of time on current affairs and 30% on static GK. Focus on business and economic terms. |
| Essay Writing | Abstract Topics (Philosophical ideas), Current Affairs (Social, Political, Environmental issues) | Write 1 essay every 2-3 days. Structure essays with a clear introduction, arguments, and a strong conclusion. Keep essays concise and focused. |
Ans: 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). QA & DI covers Arithmetic, Algebra, and Data Sufficiency, VA & LR includes Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning, DM focuses on case studies and ethical scenarios, while GK covers current affairs, business news, and history.
Ans: XAT Syllabus 2026 remains largely the same, but the exam now consists of four sections, with Analytical Essay Writing excluded from Part 1. Candidates should stay updated with official notifications for any further modifications.
Ans: The Decision-Making section in XAT Syllabus 2026 evaluates a candidate’s ability to solve business and ethical dilemmas through case studies, while Logical Reasoning (part of VA & LR) focuses on pattern recognition, sequences, and logical arguments.
Ans: The QA & DI section in XAT Syllabus 2026 covers Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work), Algebra (Equations, Inequalities), Geometry, and Number Systems. For DI, candidates should practice graph-based and table-based data interpretation questions.
Ans: The GK section in XAT Syllabus 2026 includes current affairs, business news, economic policies, and history. Reading newspapers like The Hindu and Economic Times, along with magazines like Business Today, is recommended for better preparation.
Ans: Some recommended books for XAT Syllabus 2026 include How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma, Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis for Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation by Nishit K. Sinha. Practicing previous years' papers and mock tests is also crucial.
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