XAT Syllabus 2026: Section-wise Topics, Weightage, Books and More

XAT Syllabus 2026 is divided into four key sections: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), Verbal & Logical Ability (VA & LR), Decision Making (DM), and General Knowledge (GK). Among these, the QA & DI section carries the highest weightage, with the maximum number of questions, i.e., 28 questions. It includes topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and pie charts. The Verbal and Logical Reasoning section consists of 26 questions based on basic grammar, passages, and poems. The Decision-making section evaluates a candidate's ability to solve business and ethical scenarios using critical thinking skills. Lastly, the General Knowledge section covers both static and current affairs.

As per XAT Exam Pattern, candidates must attempt 95 multiple-choice questions in 180 minutes. In XAT 2026 Exam, books by Arihant Publications, R.S. Agarwal, Norman Lewis, and MK Pandey can help candidates to score well. Besides solving past years' papers and reading newspapers such as The Economic Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Financial Express, candidates can also boost their preparation. This article contains detailed information about the XAT Syllabus, including section-wise topics, important books, and preparation tips.

XAT Syllabus 2026: Highlights

The QA & DI section contains the highest number of questions in XAT Syllabus 2026, and its question type is based on a 10th-grade level mathematics syllabus. Accordingly, the question type of (VALR) section is based on testing basic grammar and reading comprehension skills of candidates. Candidates can refer to the table below to check the question types of each section, along with the marking scheme.

Also Read: XAT Application Process 2026

XAT Syllabus 2026: Section-wise Details

Each of the four sections of XAT Syllabus 2026 consists of a range of subtopics. For example, the QA & DI section covers topics such as arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and pie charts. The DM section comprises topics related to Business Situations, Business Issues, and Case Studies. Check below to know more about the areas of key sections of XAT Syllabus 2026.

XAT Syllabus 2026: Verbal & Logical Ability Topics

The Verbal and Logical Ability section contains subjects such as logical reasoning and reading comprehension. Logical reasoning consists of key topics such as vocabulary-based questions, correct word usage, jumbled Paragraphs, and puzzles. The reading comprehension portion includes inference-based questions and an explanation of words/phrases. Detailed topics are listed below.

Section-wise Question Types

In the Verbal & Logical Ability section, RC Passages carry the highest weight, as they comprise 15 questions out of 26. Refer below to check the section-wise number of questions.

Check More: XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

XAT Syllabus 2026: Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation Topics

The Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation section of the XAT Syllabus is based on 10th-level maths topics, including algebra, geometry, profit and loss statements, simple and compound interest, and ratios. More important topics are listed below.

Section-wise Question Types

In the Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation section, Geometry carries the highest weight, as it comprises five questions out of 28. Refer below to check the section-wise number of questions.

Know More About: XAT Results 2026

XAT Syllabus 2026: Decision-Making Topics

The decision-making section of the XAT Syllabus 2026 assesses candidates' critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and efficiency in handling ethical dilemmas. In this regard, some problem-based topics are listed below.

Section-wise Question Types

The decision-making section contains a total of 21 questions. The majority of questions are based on problems with Human Resources, sales and marketing, and safety arrangements for employees. Refer below to check the section-wise number of questions.

Check: XAT Cutoff 2026

XAT Syllabus 2026: General Knowledge Topics

There is no specific syllabus for the General Knowledge section. Based on previous year's question papers, important topics are listed, including Business, Finance and Economics, sports, art and culture, entertainment, and famous personalities. Find out the General Knowledge topics for XAT syllabus 2026 India:

Section-wise Question Types

In the General Knowledge section, the history subject carries the highest weightage as it contains three questions out of 20. Other questions are asked about sports, geography, culture, science, and technology etc. The General Knowledge section-wise question types are tabulated below:

Also Read: XAT Admit Card 2026

XAT Syllabus 2026: Important Books

The XAT Exam Authority has recommended several books by RS Agarwal, Arihant Publications, Abhijit Guha, and Disha Publications to enhance quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, and decision-making skills. Refer to the table below to check book suggestions for each section of XAT 2026 Exam.

XAT Syllabus 2026: Preparation Tips

To ace XAT 2026 Exam, candidates must follow a strict study plan and timetable to cover all the topics within 6 months. Besides, solving past year's question papers, mock tests, and reading newspapers will help candidates prepare well for the exam.

• Candidates need to create a study plan for at least six months to cover all the topics of XAT Syllabus 2026.
• Students are encouraged to solve mock tests and previous years' XAT Question Papers to improve time management ability and identify areas of strength and weakness.
• Candidates must practice reading newspapers and journals from reputable sources, such as The Economic Times, Financial Express, Business Today, and The Wall Street Journal, to stay updated with current events.

XAT Exam Pattern 2026

As per XAT Exam Pattern 2026, candidates must attempt 95 questions in 180 minutes. Amongst the four sections, QA & DI contains the highest marks, i.e., 28. Following this, the VALR and DM sections contain 26 and 21 marks, respectively. Each question carries +1 mark, and there is a provision of negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. Candidates can refer to the table below to understand XAT Exam Pattern 2026.

XAT Syllabus 2026 FAQs