XAT Syllabus 2024

XAT Syllabus 2024

Candidates can access the official XAT syllabus and question paper format for 2024 on the website xatonline.in. The syllabus covers various subjects including Verbal and Logical Ability, Analytical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. Additionally, the XAT syllabus includes unique sectional topics on decision-making and an essay. The XAT 2024 exam will be conducted on January 7 in computer-based test (CBT) mode.

What is the syllabus of XAT?

The XAT syllabus for MBA consists of three parts. The official XLRI syllabus notification for XAT 2024 includes the following five sections:

  • Part 1 for 175 minutes: Questions on VA & LR, Decision Making, and QA & DI
  • Part 2 for 5 minutes: Testing of the keyboard
  • Part 3 for 30 minutes: GK and one essay writing question on any of the given three topics
XAT Syllabus 2024 - Overview and Important Topics
  • Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR): This section includes critical and analytical reasoning, reading comprehensions (including poems and passages), vocabulary, and English grammar.

  • Decision Making (DM): This section focuses on critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and informed decision making.

  • Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI): This section covers quantitative aptitude, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, and modern maths.

  • Mock Keyboard Testing: Candidates will be asked to type the sentence, “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”

  • General Knowledge (GK): This section consists of 10 questions from static GK and 15 questions from current affairs.

  • Analytical Essay Writing (AEW): Candidates will have to write one essay of 250 words. Three topics will be given, and candidates need to choose one.

Is XAT exam tougher than CAT?

Both the XAT and CAT exams are of moderate to difficult level and the difficulty level depends on the preparation of the candidates. The syllabus for both exams is mostly similar. Therefore, candidates who prepare for CAT can easily attempt the XAT exam as well. It is recommended to follow a timetable that combines preparation for both exams to effectively prepare for them.

Is there Maths in XAT?

Yes, there are sections in the XAT exam syllabus that include Maths. However, if we look at the syllabus in detail, we can see that the Maths sections are at a high school level and can be easily practiced.

XAT Syllabus 2024 in Detail

The XAT exam consists of 5 sections, each with a different syllabus. Candidates can find the section-wise syllabus for the XAT exam below.

XLRI XAT Syllabus 2024 (VA & LR)
XAT Syllabus 2024
Analogy-based on Vocabulary Fill in the blanks Critical Reasoning/ Inference
Sentence Correction Reading Comprehension Para Jumble
Vocabulary Completion of paragraphs/ sentences Grammar
Correct Usage of Words Poem Paragraph Formation
Cloze Test Synonyms/ Antonyms Contextual Meaning of Words
XAT Reading Comprehension - Types of Questions
  1. Information based
  2. Inference based
  3. Author’s view
  4. True/False statements
  5. Explanation of words and phrases
  6. Purpose and main idea
XAT Syllabus 2024 - Logical Ability Topics
  • Clocks & Calendars
  • Analogy
  • Fact, Inference and Judgment
  • Binary Logic
  • Seating Arrangement
  • Blood Relations
  • Logical Sequences
  • Assumption, Premise and Conclusion

The best books to cover XAT exam syllabus for the Verbal and Logical Ability section, as recommended by experts, are:

Books Author
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Ajay singh
Analytical Reasoning MK Pandey
High School English Grammar & Composition Wren & Martin
Word Power Made Easy Norman Lewis
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning RS Aggarwal
XAT Syllabus for Decision-Making

In the Decision-making XAT portion, candidates will have to answer about 22 questions in the Decision-Making section of XAT 2024. Their presence of mind and ability to analyse a situation is tested along with their problem solving skills. Questions that come in this section cover the following topics

  • Complex Arrangement
  • Conditioning and Grouping
  • Data Arrangement
  • Case Lets
  • Decision Making
Some common topics that may be asked in the XAT DM section
  • Moonlighting
  • Leave policy
  • Recruitment
  • Opening a tea shop
  • Sexual harassment
  • Free food centre
  • Hiring visually impaired
  • Quantitative DM
Best Books for XAT Decision Making

The following books have been recommended by toppers to prepare for the Decision-Making section of XAT 2024 exam. In addition, past XAT question papers would also help in preparing for this section.

Name Author
Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers) RK Jha
Target XAT (Past papers and mock tests) Disha Publication
Analytical and Logical Reasoning Arihant Publications
XAT Syllabus for QA
Syllabus for QA
LCM and HCF Quadratic Equations
Percentages Complex Numbers
Profit and Loss Logarithm
Interest (Simple and Compound) Progressions
Speed, Time and Distance Binomial Theorem
Number System Surds and Indices
Algebra Inequalities
Geometry Permutation and Combination
Mensuration Probability Functions
Pure Math Set Theory
Venn diagrams Mixtures and Alligations
Linear Equations Trigonometry
Time and Work Ratio and Proportion
Averages Co-ordinate Geometry
XAT 2024 Syllabus for DI
Syllabus for DI
Data Tables Pie charts
Data charts Graphs
Bar diagrams Data analysis and comparison
Books Author
Quantitative Aptitude for competitive examination Abhijit Guha
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examination RS Aggarwal
Data Interpretation for the CAT Nishit K Sinha
How to prepare for Data Interpretation Arun Sharma
XAT GK syllabus 2024
Static GK Topics
Science & Technology Economics
Important dates Ecosystem and Diversity
Currencies Constitution of India and Laws
Films Capitals
Books & Authors Famous Personalities
Culture Geography
History Heritage, monuments
XAT syllabus for Current Affairs
syllabus for Current Affairs
Current Affairs Film & Television
National Issues Politics
Sports Business
XAT 2024 Question Paper Pattern
2024 Question Paper Pattern
XAT exam mode Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration 3 hours and 30 minutes
Medium of language English
Total sections in XAT 5 Sections, Mock Keyboard Testing, Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR), Decision-making (DM), Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI), General Knowledge (GK), Analytical Essay Writing (AEW)
XAT questions from VA & LR 26
DM question in XAT 22
XAT 2024 QA & DI questions 28
GK Questions in XAT 2024 25
Essay Questions 1
Sectional limits None
XAT exam part 1 marking scheme 1 mark for correct answer, -0.25 marks for wrong answer, -0.10 marks for every answer after 8 unattempted questions
Marking scheme of XAT part 2 GK section: 1 mark for each correct answer. No negative marking, Essay evaluation will only be for shortlisted candidates