XAT Preparation 2026
Some of the XAT Preparation tips:
- Make it a priority to get 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to keep your mind sharp and refreshed.
- A well-structured routine is essential for XAT preparation. Consistency is the key to success, so follow a fixed study schedule.
- Identify and prioritize the sections that require extra attention to improve your overall score.
- Regularly solving mock tests will help improve your time management and build confidence for exam day.
- Collect all necessary study materials in advance, including notes, reference books, mock papers, and formula sheets.
XAT Cut Off:
- The cut off percentage are different for BM or Business Management, GM or General Management and HRM or Human Resource Management.
- Based on the cut-offs candidates are called for the GD, PI round. It also varies from institutes to institutes.
- For 2026, the results will be announced on January 17, 2026.
- The shortlisted candidates can book their interview city and interview slot on https://acad.xlri.ac.in/results/
This exam has no age limits which is conducted online annually like CAT but with less time duration. The exam is divided into four sections:
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
- Verbal & Logical Ability
- Decision Making & Analytical Reasoning
- General Knowledge
Part I
- Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR)
- Decision Making (DM)
- Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
Part II
To ace the exam, candidates need to understand the exam pattern first. The exam will consists of MCQs from the above four sections. For 2026, XAT Mock Test will be released by XLRI on its official website on last week of September 2025.
Important notes to remember:
By taking the XAT 2026 mock test, candidates will gain a comprehensive understanding of the new exam structure and question patterns. This will not only help familiarize them with the format but also allow them to practice under timed conditions, enhancing their ability to manage time effectively during the actual exam. The mock test simulates the exact conditions of the XAT, providing a true-to-exam experience that will help candidates build confidence and reduce exam-day anxiety.
Furthermore, it enables them to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, allowing them to fine-tune their preparation and focus on critical topics. It is important to stay updated and adapt your preparation strategy accordingly, and the official mock test offers the perfect opportunity to do just that.
XAT 2026 Registration Date is from July 10, 2025 to December 05, 2025.
Why mock test is important?
- First the test follows real exam pattern and thus help to condition candidates for stress free performance during the actual exam
- It also help to improve time management skills
- To do well in the exam, it is very important to improve accuracy and identify the right type of questions to attempt.
- By practising mocks, candidates will have practice to crack the decision making section in the main exam
The preparation material for the exam includes study material, coaching, online sources, mock tests, etc. some of the XAT Preparation Books are:
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning
- Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis
- High School English Grammar & Composition – Wren & Martin
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension – Ajay Singh
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R.S. Aggarwal
- Analytical Reasoning – M.K. Pandey
Decision Making
- Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers) – R.K. Jha
- Analytical and Logical Reasoning – Arihant Publications
- Target XAT – Disha Experts
Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations – R.S. Aggarwal
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT – Arun Sharma
- Data Interpretation for the CAT – Nishit K. Sinha
- Quantitative Aptitude – Abhijit Guha
General Knowledge
- Lucent’s General Knowledge – Binay Karna
- General Knowledge 2024 – Manohar Pandey
- Manorama Yearbook – Malayala Manorama Group
- Daily reading of The Hindu, Indian Express, and Business Today is also highly recommended.