XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) syllabus is prescribed by XLRI Jamshedpur. The XAT exam syllabus 2026 includes Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation and General Knowledge. The topics included in these subjects are same as that of other MBA entrance exams, except Decision Making. To score good marks in XAT 2026, candidates must cover every topic of the XAT syllabus. Take a look at the complete XAT 2026 syllabus along with best books and study material required to prepare for XAT exam.

Key Highlights:

• Decision Making: This section is unique to XAT.

The Quantitative Aptitude section of XAT is usually moderate to high in terms of difficulty level. Arithmetic dominates this section with about 8-9 questions. The questions can be calculation intensive. The key topics of Quantitative Aptitude (QA) & Data Interpretation (DI) section of XAT exam syllabus are listed below:

The XAT English section is on par with the CAT exam, however thr number of RC passages are less. There are 2-3 RC passages, including a poem. Overall, there are about 10 questions on RC passages. Key topics included in Verbal Ability section of XAT exam syllabus are given below:

There is no specific syllabus of XAT Decision Making. This section is similar to Logical Reasoning wherein one has to choose the best solution to a given business situation. Candidates have to choose the closest option as the right answer. The Decision Making passages pertain to ethical decisions taken for larger good. Key topics of Decision Making section of XAT exam syllabus 2026 are given below:

General Knowledge section of XAT may seem easier but it is not as there is vast area to cover. You need to read a lot about events from various fields- both historical as well as current events. When preparing for General Knowledge section of XAT, study the following topics included in the syllabus.

XAT is one of the toughest MBA entrance exams and candidates should refer to recommended books only. Apart from XAT books, they should practice sample test series, mock tests, and XAT previous years question papers for complete preparation. Shiksha has compiled a list of best books for XAT preparation for the benefit of candidates. Many CAT books are recommended for XAT too as both exams have same topics.

Best books for XAT Syllabus Coverage: Quantitative Aptitude

To cover the XAT 2026 syllabus for QA & DI, candidates must refer to the books listed below. These XAT preparation books are easily available online as well

Mentioned below is the latest XAT exam pattern, including the number of questions in each section and marks allotted to them. While studying for the XAT exam 2026, candidates must make a plan as per sectional weightage. It can be seen in the table below that there is not much difference in the weightage of several sections, so one needs to focus on all four of the equally. Sectional cut offs as they play a crucial role in XLRI shortlisting, so one should not be ill prepared for any section.