XAT 2025 SYLLABUS
NATIONAL LEVEL ONLINE TEST
Table of Contents
XAT Syllabus 2023: Section-wise Syllabus, Important Topics, Question Papers, Preparation Books
XAT Syllabus 2023 includes 4 major subjects- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, and General Knowledge. Apart from these, the XAT 2023 paper will also have an essay writing section that will be evaluated after the candidate is shortlisted for PI round.
- XAT Verbal & Logical Ability Syllabus comprises topics like grammar, vocabulary, parajumbles, RC passages, and critical reasoning. Last year, 4 RC passages & 2 poem-based comprehension sets comprising 3 MCQs each were asked. Check XAT Previous Year Paper Analysis
- XAT Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation Syllabus includes major topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number system, and DI sets based on graphs, charts, and caselets.
- XAT Decision Making section is designed to judge a candidate’s problem solving abilities and critical thinking skills in different situations. XAT DM question paper will have 7 sets having 3 questions each.
- XAT Exam Pattern has also been revised and as per the updated exam pattern for XAT 2023, the paper will consist of 101 MCQs and 1 Essay to be attempted in 210 minutes.Check XAT Exam Pattern 2023
- XAT GK Syllabus is the most dynamic and covers both static GK and current affairs. Candidates must note that marks obtained in XAT exam GK section are not considered for percentile calculation. These are only considered in the final stage of selection.
- Candidates must be aware of the important changes introduced in XAT 2023 exam pattern and syllabus, important topics in each section of XAT syllabus to devise a proper preparation plan. Check XAT Preparation Strategy & Books
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XAT Syllabus 2023 Highlights
XAT Syllabus 2023 will be divided into 5 sections. The key highlights of these sections of XAT 2023 Syllabus are tabulated below.
| Part | Section | Number of Questions | Topics | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Verbal and Logical Ability | 26 | Critical and Analytical Reasoning, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Logical Deductions | 175 minutes |
| Decision Making | 22 | Caselet study, Data Arrangement, Decision making in a given scenario, Ethical Dilemma | ||
| Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation | 27 | Mensuration, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Arithmetic | ||
| Part 2 | Mock Keyboard Testing | - | - | 5 minutes |
| Part 3 | General Knowledge | 25 | Static GK and Current Affairs | 30 minutes |
| Essay | 1 |
XAT Syllabus 2023: Key Changes
Candidates must note that XLRI Syllabus and XAT Syllabus are the same. XAT Syllabus comprises the topics based on their occurrence in the previous years’ XAT papers. The syllabus for XAT exam 2023 will comprise 5 sections having questions from the major topics defined in the syllabus. Some major changes introduced in XAT exam pattern and Syllabus 2023 are given below:
- The number of sections has been increased from 4 to 5 as the essay writing section has been reintroduced.
- XAT Syllabus will have only these 5 sections:
- Verbal & Logical Ability
- Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation
- Decision Making
- General Awareness
- Essay
- As per the updated XAT exam pattern, the maximum number of questions in XAT 2023 exam has been fixed to 101.
- The Essay will be evaluated only for candidates shortlisted for the PI round.
- 76 Questions in Part 1 will have a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
- 25 GK questions in Part 3 will not have any negative marking.
Quick Links:
| XAT Syllabus for Quant | XAT Syllabus for Decision Making | XAT Syllabus for GK |
XAT Section-wise Syllabus 2023
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI): 28 Questions will be asked from this section from topics like mensuration, algebra, geometry, number system, etc. The difficulty level of this section is usually high, and for this reason, an accuracy of 70% is considered good.
- Verbal & Logical Ability (VA & LR): Questions in this section are mostly from topics like critical and analytical reasoning, vocabulary, reading comprehension, logical deductions, etc. 26 questions of moderate-high level of difficulty will be in XAT Verbal & Logical Ability section.
- Decision Making (DM): 22 questions will be asked from this section. This section is an interesting feature of XAT exam and consists of questions from topics such as caselet study, data arrangement, decision making in a given scenario, ethical dilemma, etc.
- GK: The section is usually of moderate difficulty and there is no negative marking for wrong answers. A total of 25 questions carrying 1 mark each will be asked in this section.
- Essay: 3 topics will be given out of which the candidates will be required to choose 1 and write a short essay of not more than 250 words.
XAT 2023 Syllabus for each section has been mentioned in the table given below.
| Sections | Topics |
|---|---|
| Decision Making | Ethical Dilemma, Business Decision Making, Complex Arrangement, Caselets, Arrangement of data, Grouping, Assumptions, Premises, Conclusions |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | Arithmetic, Algebra, Mensuration, Number System, Geometry, Mensuration, Percentage, Surds and Indices, Bar Diagrams, Pie Charts, Tables, Data Interpretation. |
| Verbal and Logical Ability | Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Analogy, Para jumbles, Verbal reasoning, Critical Reasoning, Error Detection, Fill in the Blanks |
| General Knowledge | Management, History, Important personalities, Science & Technology, Economy, Politics, Static GK, Sports, Prizes and Awards, World, Government, Constitution of India, etc |
| Essay | Essay topics include current affairs, social & economic issues, business & management-oriented topics, abstract topics, etc. |
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XAT Syllabus 2023: Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
XAT Syllabus for Quant & DI is vast and covers almost all the topics of maths. Candidates need to give more attention and extra effort while preparing for this section. Topics covered are from that of the 10th standard syllabus.
- Quantitative Ability: XLRI has brought significant changes in this section. Numbers, Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry questions have become more prominent and around 50% of the Quant questions are based on these areas. Mensuration, Venn diagrams, Numbers are other favorite topics on which questions are formed in XAT.
- Data Interpretation: Data tables, graphs, charts, bar diagrams, data analysis & comparison are the major topics for DI, and the questions are majorly asked in sets.
- XAT Quant & DI section is meant to test the student’s calculation and implementation power.
- 28 questions will be asked from this section and candidates are advised to spend not more than 2 minutes and 17 seconds to solve each question.
- QA and DI section is considered to be of the highest difficulty level among all sections.
- For DI, 4- 5 questions and for QA, 13-15 questions would ideally be considered a good attempt.
Check XAT Preparation Tips for Quant & DI
Important topics for XAT Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (Quant & DI)
| Geometry | Mensuration – 2D and 3D |
| Probability | Algebra Functions |
| Profit and Loss | Speed & Distance |
| Quadratic Equations | Linear Equations |
| Logarithm | Surds and Indices |
| Statistics | Table |
| Trigonometry | Graphs |
| Arithmetic | Heights & Distance |
| Direction Sense & Time | Clocks |
| Data Interpretation – Table, Combination | Complex Numbers |
XAT Syllabus 2023: Verbal and Logical Ability
Verbal & Logical Ability Syllabus for XAT 2023 has been divided into 3 parts viz. Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Logical Reasoning.
- Verbal Ability: XAT syllabus you need to cover in this part includes questions based on English vocabulary like fill in the blanks, synonyms, antonyms, correction of sentences, use of right words, etc.
- Reading Comprehension: RC forms about 50% of the VALR paper. This part will take more time to attempt as it involves more concentration and good reading and analytical skills. The topics for RC could be politics, economics, social awareness, literature, or abstract.
- 4-5 questions will be based on critical reasoning and will involve analytical reasoning.
- 26 questions of the objective type will come from this section.
- Since there is no sectional time limit, candidates must on an avaerage spend around 50 minutes on this section.
- The section can have moderate to high difficulty level questions.
- 18-20 questions would ideally be considered to be a good attempt from this section.
Check XAT Preparation Tips for Verbal & Logical Ability
Important Topics for XAT Verbal & Logical Ability
| English Usage Topics | Reading Comprehension Topics |
| Grammar | Culture |
| The contextual meaning of words | Economy |
| Para completion and para jumble | Psychology and social issues |
| Error correction | Literature and fiction |
| Vocabulary (Antonyms and Synonyms) | Science |
| Critical Reasoning | Narration of Incidents |
| Arguments | - |
People Also Ask
Ques. Does XLRI provide detailed XAT Syllabus?
Ans. No, XLRI does not explicitly release any detailed XAT syllabus. It only defines the sections that will form a part of the exam. However, questions asked in previous year papers act as a guide in providing insights on the important topics in each section and the type of questions asked.
Ques. Is XAT Syllabus similar to that of CAT exam?
Ans. XAT Syllabus for QA, DI, and VARC is similar to that of CAT exam syllabus. XAT has 2 other sections that do not form part of CAT syllabus. These are Decision Making and GK.
Ques. What is the best source to prepare for XAT Decision Making?
Ans. XAT Decision Making section does not have a definite syllabus and is unique to XAT exam. Hence, the best way is to solve as many questions from sample papers, mock tests, and previous year question papers.
Ques. What is the weightage of Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation section in XAT?
Ans. XAT Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation section will have 28 MCQs carrying 1 mark each. It has the highest weightage in XAT exam. Candidates are advised to prepare well for this section as this is also the toughest section in XAT exam. Although there is no sectional time limit, it is advisable to devote at least 60 minutes to this section out of 165 minutes.
Ques. What is the overall and sectional time limit in XAT exam?
Ans. Overall XAT exam duration is 210 minutes. For part 1, the comprehensive time limit is 175 minutes and there is no sectional division of time among the 3 sections of part 1. Similarly, the time allotted to attempt both GK and essay sections in part 3 is 30 minutes.
Ques. Will XLRI release official XAT 2023 mock tests?
Ans. Yes, XLRI releases official mock tests every year before the exam. XAT 2023 mock test has been released by XLRI. The mock test is a replica of the actual XAT exam and helps the candidates in getting familiar with the actual exam environment.
XAT Syllabus 2023: Decision Making (DM)
XAT Decision Making section is unique to XAT exam because this section is not included in most of the MBA entrance exams. But there is no need to worry as this section is not going to be very difficult.
Salient features of XAT 2023 Syllabus for Decision Making are mentioned below:
- The syllabus for this section is decision making in a situation, data arrangement tests, etc.
- There will be 22 questions in this section.
- The difficulty level of the DM section is moderate.
- XAT Decision Making section has negative marking. Answering 16 – 17 questions will be a good attempt.
Check Preparation Tips for XAT Decision Making
Important Topics for XAT Decision Making
| Arithmetic | Analytical Reasoning |
| Situational | Conditions and Grouping Test |
| Data Arrangement Test | Reading Comprehension |
| Case lets | Decision Making in a situation |
XAT Syllabus 2023 for General Knowledge (GK)
To score in this section, a candidate needs to remain in constant touch with GK on a daily basis. Important features of General Knowledge XAT Syllabus 2023 are mentioned below:
- Topics to be covered in this section are history, politics, author names, business, economy, current affairs (national and international), etc.
- 25 questions will be asked in total. You will be given 30 minutes to complete this section and the essay writing section.
- The difficulty level is moderate. Most questions are on current affairs and some on GK.
- 60:40 breakup is expected for GK and Current Affairs.
- Candidates can go for guesswork as negative marking is not applicable in this section.
- 12 – 14 questions would ideally be considered to be a good attempt.
Check Preparation Tips for XAT GK
Important Topics for XAT General Knowledge
| Politics | Nation and States |
| History | Literature |
| Sports | Awards and Recognitions |
| Business | Economics |
| International Relations | Society |
| Merger & Acquisitions | -- |
Previously asked questions in XAT General Knowledge section
Although, questions in the general knowledge section hold no bounds to a particular topic as per XAT Syllabus. Still, we have mentioned some of the sample questions to have an understanding of the type of questions been asked in the GK section.
- Who acquired Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Healthcare?
- Which of the following is not part of VIACOM 18
- Highest import to India
- Which Indian bank was the first to issue “Green Bonds” for financing renewable and clean energy projects?
- Giga fiber to be launched by which company
- Who is the SBI Chairman?
- What are the names of Parliament Budget Sessions
- Name of Liquid for dissolving Gold
- Name of Rajasthan Snake Dance
Quick Links:
| Top XAT Coaching Institutes to Boost your Preparation | Complete list of Best XAT Books with Features and ISBN |
XAT Exam Pattern 2023
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| XAT 2023 Exam Date | January 8, 2023 |
| XAT Exam Duration | 210 minutes |
| Total No. of Questions | 105 |
| Type of Questions | 101 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) + Essay |
| Number of Answer Choices | 5 |
| Sections in XAT 2023 exam |
|
| XAT 2023 Marking Scheme |
|
| Negative Marking | Yes |
Best Books for XAT 2023 Preparation
Books play an important role in preparation for any competitive exam as they provide the latest syllabus for the exam. It is very important to choose the right XAT books which have been updated as per the revised XAT exam syllabus for comprehensive preparation. Given below are some section-wise recommended books for candidates preparing forXAT 2023:
| Book name | Section | Publisher / Author |
|---|---|---|
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation | Arun Sharma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation | Nitish K. Sinha |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation | Gautam Puri |
| Wiley's ExamXpert XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) | Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation | Wiley India (Author) |
| Jabbing the XAT Mock Tests & Solved Papers | Comprehensive | R K Jha |
| Verbal Ability Comprehension for CAT/ XAT/ IIFT/ CMAT/ MAT | Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning | Bharta Patodi and Aditya Choudhary |
| How to Prepare for VARC for CAT | Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning | Arun Sharma |
| Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning | R S Aggarwal |
| Target XAT (Past Papers + 5 Mock Tests) | Comprehensive | Disha Experts |
| Objective General Knowledge | General Knowledge | Lucent’s |
| General knowledge | General Knowledge | Arihant |
XAT 2023 Preparation Strategy
XAT Syllabus has no defined boundary, candidates appearing for it are suggested to practice as many sample papers and previous years' question papers as possible. Listed below are major takeaways for XAT Preparations:
- Before starting the preparations, it is advised to go through all the previous years’ papers to get an idea about all the questions asked in the exam. Doing this will help a candidate to know about the level of questions that are asked from XAT Syllabus.
- The importance of solving papers cannot be stressed enough. Go through free XAT Mock Tests for advanced preparation.
- Candidates must make sure to give equal importance to all the sections in order to fetch maximum marks to clear the sectional cut-off set by the conducting authority.
- As the level of exam is difficult, so managing the time in an efficient way will prove to be an asset.
- For the GK section, it is important to keep oneself updated with both static and current happenings around the world. As per the trends, knowing about the past 6 months' news will be sufficient for XAT preparation for this section.
- Due to the coronavirus pandemic which resulted in a lockdown, it is recommended that candidates consider online coaching for XAT which is as helpful as the traditional coaching centers.
Read more XAT 2023 Preparation Tips
XAT Syllabus 2023 FAQs
Ques. Is the calculator allowed in XAT exam?
Ans. No, calculators are not allowed in XAT exam. Candidates need to do calculations manually for QADI questions. Also, any type of electronic devices are not allowed in the exam center.
Ques. If I opt for a 100-day study plan, what are my chances of getting selected in XAT 2023?
Ans. Well, a 100-day study plan, if followed precisely, will ensure that your study would be completed within time. But your dedication and commitment will make all the difference.
Ques. Can you give me a list of all the topics that are added to XAT 2023 syllabus over XAT 2022 syllabus?
Ans. Well, there are no additions that are officially announced in the XAT 2023 syllabus. However, the weightage of topics may change every year. Candidates must go through the paper analysis of previous years to get insights into the questions asked.
Ques. Is switching between the sections not allowed in XAT online test?
Ans. No, there are no such rules on switching between the sections in XAT part 1- QADI, VALR, and DM. However, candidates cannot switch from part 1 paper to part 2 or 3 and vice versa.Also, it would be best for you to complete 1 section and then move on to the next section.
Ques. I want to do prepare online for completing XAT syllabus 2023. Can you give me the name of some websites that I can refer to?
Ans. You can join top coaching institutes- Careerlauncher, T.I.M.E, Unacademy, Gradeup, MBAGuru, cracku. Also, along with the preparation of other management entrance exams, preparation for XAT can be done. You can also refer to some popular youtube channels to get short tricks and tips.
Ques. Is CAT exam preparation enough for XAT 2023 exam?
Ans. The syllabus for CAT and XAT is almost similar, hence candidates can revise the same preparation material for XAT 2023 preparation. The only additional sections in XAT are Decision Making and GK for which candidates need extra preparation.
Ques. How many sections form part of XAT 2023 Syllabus?
Ans. XAT 2023 Syllabus is divided into 5 sections- Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Decision Making, and General Knowledge. Part 1 of the paper will consist of 3 sections to be attempted in 175 minutes, and Part 3 will consist of the GK & essay sections to be attempted in 30 minutes. Part 2 will just be a mock keyboard test.
XAT 2025 : 8 Answered QuestionsView All
Ans. If your profile is suitable for the specialization that you have opted for and you didn’t get a call based on your profile, then a CAT score of 95-96 can get you a call. But it is not necessarily true that everyone with a score of around 96+ will get a score-based call. They evaluate profiles too for shortlisting. 96-97 is a decent score for XAT. A score above 98 in either of these two should get you a call. Read more
Ans. Some XAT aspirants might have already been receiving calls from IIMs before they write XAT. While the others who did not will be all the more determined to qualify XAT. Yes, it will be an advantage to all students appearing for XAT because they will know where they stand. Most of the people who get really good scores in CAT rarely sit for XAT. Read more
Ans. Yes, as the questions are a bit more difficult than CAT in both quant and English. VARC can be a bit difficult, if you have not focussed on topics of critical reasoning and decision making in your class. Quant sees a number of questions from inequality, progression, boolean algebra, PnC and the general level is higher than CAT. The percentile-score balance and cut-offs for top 5 colleges which accept XAT scores, have low requirements. People aren't able to get those scores also because the exam is tough. XAT is easier because it is largely predictable. CAT is famous for being very unpredictable. So XAT is tougher than CAT by the level of questions asked. But as their paper is largely predictable it makes it comparatively easier to attempt. Read more
Ans. JBIMS is a well-known management institute located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The cut-off for JBIMS through CAT, XAT, and CET for Maharashtra people varies each year and depends on various factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, the number of applicants, etc. Here are some approximate cut-off scores for JBIMS through CAT, XAT, and CET for Maharashtra people: CAT: The approximate cut-off percentile for JBIMS through CAT for Maharashtra candidates is 95+ percentile. XAT: The approximate cut-off percentile for JBIMS through XAT for Maharashtra candidates is 85+ percentile. CET: The approximate cut-off score for JBIMS through CET for Maharashtra candidates is 135+ out of 200. These are approximate cut-offs, and the actual cut-offs may vary from year to year. Also, meeting the cut-off is just the first step towards getting into JBIMS, and the selection process involves several other factors such as academic performance, work experience, group discussion, and personal interviews. It is advisable to prepare well and aim for a high percentile or score to increase your chances of getting admission to JBIMS. Read more
Ans. SPJIMR According to the information available, the expected cutoff for SP Jain Institute of Management for both profile-based and normal calls through CAT and XAT is not released yet. So I will base the answer on last year's cutoff XAT: 93.5 percentile CAT: 85 percentile However it’s important to note that for more certainty of admission, one must score around 93-95%ile score and a 680-690 min on GMAT. XIMB The XLRI admission cut-off is directly influenced by the difficulty level of the XAT question paper. XAT 2023 exam was held on January 8, 2023. The question paper was of moderate difficulty level, the same as last year. Given below are the section-wise XAT cut-off for XLRI admission 2023: General Engineers (BM) 95 Male 92 Female General Non Engineer (BM) 95 Male 92 Female General Engineers (HRM) 93 Male 91 Female General Non Engineers (HRM) 90 Male 88 Female XIMB CAT cutoff for the previous year was 91 percentile for Business Management and HRM cutoff hasn’t been released yet. Read more
Ans. JBIMS, Mumbai is a highly respected management institute in India that offers a variety of programs including MHRD, MMS, M.Sc Finance, and Part-time MBA. Admissions to JBIMS MMS are divided into two categories: "Maharashtra State Candidates" and "Other than Maharashtra State Candidates." For candidates from Maharashtra, the MAH CET score is considered, while for candidates from outside Maharashtra, JBIMS accepts CAT/MAH CET/CMAT/GMAT scores. Shortlisted candidates are required to attend the CAP conducted by the Maharashtra State CET Cell. JBIMS only accepts valid MAH-CET scores for admission to its full-time MMS course, which is affiliated with Mumbai University. In the previous year, the highest cutoff for MAH-CET 2021 was 99.97%, recorded by JBIMS. For round 2 of MAH-CET, the score was recorded as 99.95%. MAH-CET releases cutoffs with merit lists for two distinct categories, the Maharashtra State (MH) category and the All India (AI) category, following a normalization method. Read more
Ans. IMI Delhi accepts only CAT/GMAT scores. The expected XAT cutoff for the rest of colleges are as follows: B-School Expected XAT cutoff IMI Kolkata 60 Fore Delhi 86.5 KJ Somaiya 70-73 TAPMI 85 Read more
Ans. There are no such qualifying marks for XAT. You need to clear the required cutoff of the particular institutes to be shortlisted. Here is the XAT cutoff 2022 for various institutes. Institute XAT cutoff percentile XLRI BM- 90-93 HRM - 87-92 XIMB 90-93 SPJIMR Mumbai 93-95 KJ Somaiya 85-90 IMT Ghaziabad 90-92 TAPMI Manipal 80-85 GIM Goa 85-90 MICA Ahmedabad 80-85 Grate Lakes Institute of Management 80-85 These are the expected cutoff based on last years cutoff trends. Read more
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College
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