Best Books For XAT 2026 Preparation

2 minute read

Shreya Panagria

Update on Jul 29 2025, 08:23 PM IST

Preparing for XAT 2026 becomes easier with the right books and study materials for all key sections. For Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, books by R.S. Aggarwal and Arun Sharma help build strong problem-solving skills. Decision-making can be improved using solved papers and practice questions from recommended authors. Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning skills are strengthened with books by Norman Lewis, M.K. Pandey, and others. Reading newspapers like Economic Times and magazines such as Business Today is useful for staying updated with current affairs for the General Knowledge section.

 

The XAT 2026 syllabus covers four main sections: Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge, with important topics listed for each. The exam pattern includes 95 multiple-choice questions, with specific numbers of questions in each section, a total duration of 3 hours, and a marking scheme with negative marking. Knowing the syllabus & exam pattern helps students manage their time and prepare effectively, leading to better performance & confidence on exam day.

 

Table of Contents

  1. Best Books for XAT Preparation 2026: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
  2. Best Books for XAT Preparation 2026: Decision Making
  3. Best Books for XAT Preparation 2026: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning
  4. XAT Preparation 2026: Best Study Material for General Knowledge
  5. XAT 2026 Syllabus
  6. XAT 2026 Exam Pattern
  7. Wrapping Up

 

Best Books for XAT Preparation 2026: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

This section lists some of the best books for preparing Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation for XAT 2026. These books are written by expert authors and cover important topics, practice questions, and strategies to help students understand concepts better and improve their problem-solving skills. Using these resources can make your preparation more effective and boost your confidence for the exam.

XAT Books for Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

Author Name

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

RS Aggarwal

How to prepare for Data Interpretation

Arun Sharma

Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations

Abhijit Guha

Data Interpretation for the CAT

Nishit K Sinha

 

Best Books for XAT Preparation 2026: Decision Making

This section provides a list of the best books for preparing for the Decision Making section of XAT 2026. These books include solved papers, practice questions, and mock tests designed to help students develop strong analytical and logical reasoning skills, which are crucial for tackling decision-making problems effectively in the exam. Utilising these books can enhance understanding and improve exam performance.

XAT Books for Decision Making

Author Name

Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers)

RK Jha

Analytical and Logical Reasoning

Arihant Publications

Target XAT (Past papers & mock tests)

Disha Publication

 

Best Books for XAT Preparation 2026: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning

This section lists the best books for preparing the Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning sections of XAT 2026. These books cover important topics like vocabulary, grammar, reasoning, and reading comprehension. Using these trusted resources will help students strengthen their language skills and improve their ability to solve verbal and logical reasoning questions confidently in the exam.

XAT Books for Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning

Author Name

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

Analytical Reasoning

MK Pandey

A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning

RS Aggarwal

High School English Grammar & Composition

Wren & Martin

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

Ajay Singh

 

XAT Preparation 2026: Best Study Material for General Knowledge

This section lists the best study materials for General Knowledge preparation for XAT 2026. Reading newspapers and magazines regularly helps candidates stay updated with current affairs and important business news. These sources improve overall awareness, which is essential for answering the General Knowledge questions confidently in the exam, especially during the final stages of preparation.

Source Type

Examples

Purpose

Newspapers

Economic Times, Financial Express, Hindu Business Line, Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times

To increase general knowledge and stay updated with current affairs

Magazines

Business Today, Business World, Competition Success Review

To enhance awareness of business and current events relevant to XAT

 

XAT 2026 Syllabus

This section provides a clear overview of the XAT 2026 Syllabus, covering all important sections and key topics. It includes Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. Understanding this syllabus helps candidates focus their preparation on the right subjects and ensures they are ready to tackle all types of questions in the exam.

XAT sections

Important topics

Verbal and Logical Ability

Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary, Analogy based on vocabulary, Para Jumble, Grammar, Critical Reasoning and Inference, Para Completion, etc.

Decision Making

Decision Making, Analogy, Seating Arrangement, Logical Sequence, Assumption, Premise, Conclusion, etc.

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

Tables and Caselets, Percentage, Surds and Indices, Algebra, Mensuration, Bar Diagrams, Pie Charts, etc.

General Knowledge

Science, Economy, Business, Politics, Static GK, Sports, Prize and Award, World, Government Policies, Constitution of India, etc

 

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern

This section explains the XAT 2026 Exam Pattern, detailing the number of questions, sections, duration, and marking scheme. The exam is computer-based with 95 multiple-choice questions across four sections. It also highlights important rules like negative marking and the essay writing component for XLRI selection. Understanding the pattern helps candidates plan their time and strategy effectively during the exam.

XAT Exam Features

Details

Test mode

Computer-Based Test

Duration of exam

3 hours

Total questions

95 questions

Type of questions

Multiple choice questions

Sections

Four

Number of questions per section

Decision Making

21 questions

Verbal and Logical Ability

26 questions

Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation

28 questions

General Knowledge

20 questions

Marking Scheme

  • Each question carries one mark
  • Negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong attempt, except for the General Knowledge section
  • Deduction of 0.10 marks if eight or more questions are left unanswered/unlocked.

 

Wrapping Up

Preparing well for XAT 2026 with the right books, a clear understanding of the syllabus & familiarity with the exam pattern can boost confidence and enhance performance. Consistent practice and smart study help tackle all sections effectively, increasing the chances of success.

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