The Xavier Aptitude Test, conducted in January every year, is considered to be one of the toughest management exams. The exam is known for its lengthy duration [185 minutes] and its high difficulty level.
But with the right strategy, you too can ace this notorious management exam. Discover how in our 30 day XAT preparation guide, featuring exam pattern, section wise tips & more.
About XAT
During January, XLRI - Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, conducts the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), a well-known national-level MBA entrance exam in India. The upcoming XAT 2026 exam will take place on January 4, 2026, in computer-based mode across over 100 test cities.
Exam Pattern of XAT 2026
The XAT 2026 will consist of 95 multiple-choice questions divided into four sections: verbal and logical ability, decision making, quantitative ability and data interpretation, and general knowledge. The test will last three hours. Furthermore, during the personal interview stage, XLRI and other participating institutes will examine candidates' essay writing skills.
The marking scheme is straightforward: each correct answer carries +1 mark, and each bad response generates a penalty of -0.25 marks. To discourage guessing and skipping, XAT contains a unique rule – leaving more than 8 questions unattempted results in a -0.10 mark penalty per question. Strategic response and time management are therefore critical for success.
Week by Week Study Plan
Here’s what your week by week study plan should be like for XAT 2026:
Week 1: Build Your Study Plan
In week 1, begin by reviewing the principles of quantitative ability and practising language and vocabulary for verbal ability. Begin practising decisions. Make caselets to get acquainted with the distinctive XAT style. Spend time each day reading newspapers and GK capsules to increase awareness for the GK part and essay writing. This week is about creating a solid foundation and identifying your weak points.
Week 2: Enhance Core Skills
For week 2, concentrate on the concepts that provide the most difficulty in Quant and DI, while maintaining daily RC and Critical Reasoning work. Take sectional tests for Decision Making to improve your judgement and logical thinking. Continue to revise general knowledge, covering both current and static topics. By the end of this week, you should feel more confident in your weaker areas and start balancing accuracy with speed.
Week 3: Mock Tests & Practice
In week 3, take 2-3 full-length mock tests under exam conditions to mirror the real experience. Spend equal time analysing mistakes, determining why things went wrong, and fine-tuning your strategy. Pacing across parts will help you avoid spending too much time in one location. Start practising essay outlines to improve clarity and structure. This week focuses on assessing your readiness and improving your approach.
Week 4: Final Revision
Use this final week for short corrections, including formula sheets for Quant, GK capsules for last-minute recall, and light mocks to boost confidence. Practice essay writing under time constraints to ensure fluency on exam day. The purpose here is not to learn new things, but to polish what you already know so that you can approach the exam with calm assurance.
Section Wise Tips
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation: Review formulas and shortcuts for arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and current mathematics. Use mixed DI sets to enhance calculation speed and accuracy. Prioritise accuracy above attempting every question, as negative marking might lower results. A formula sheet and timed practice sessions are really helpful.
Decision Making: This is generally the most difficult section to crack. Practise previous caselets to comprehend the pattern, and concentrate on logical, ethical, and practical reasoning rather than quantitative shortcuts. Aim for balanced, well-reasoned answers that reflect managerial judgement, rather than extreme responses.
General Knowledge: Cover current events & affairs from the last 6–8 months, notably business, economics, politics, and international events. Balance this with static GK themes like geography, history, and Indian polity. GK is not counted in the percentile calculation but is crucial for XLRI’s selection process, so don’t neglect it.
Verbal & Logical Ability: Daily practice of reading comprehension passages is necessary, as are grammar, vocabulary, and critical reasoning activities. Focus on recognising the author's tone and intent in RCs, and use puzzles and argument evaluation to hone your logical thinking skills. Consistency here increases accuracy and speed
