August 29, 2024
Overview: Preparing the best XAT books for the 2025 XAT exam can help you ace it with a good XAT score and percentile. The XAT entrance exam will be conducted on 5th January 2025; thus, read on to speed up your preparation with the XAT exam preparation books!
The XAT MBA exam asks 101 questions from the four major sections: Verbal and logical ability, Quantitative ability and Data interpretation, Decision making and General knowledge.
Getting deep insights into the XAT exam syllabus and preparing it with XAT preparation books will help you improve your overall performance.
Scroll down to get the list of the best XAT books for 2025!
Also Read | XAT Exam Analysis 2024: Check Difficulty Level
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is an all-India level management entrance examination to enter the prestigious Xavier School of Management (XLRI) and other associated management institutes.
For more than 74 years, XLRI has conducted the XAT exam at all India levels to select the most appropriate candidate for management education.
XAT Exam Application Dates 2025 | |
XAT Application Form Start Date | 15th July 2024 |
XAT Application Form Last Date | 30th November 2024 |
XAT Application form 2025 Correction Window | Last week of November to the first week of December 2024 |
XAT Exam Admit Card Download | Third week of December (Tentatively) |
XAT Exam Date 2025 | 5th January 2025 |
XAT Response Sheet + Provisional Answer Key | January – Week 2 (Tentatively) |
XAT Exam Result Date | Last week of January (Tentatively) |
Also Read | XAT Exam Pattern 2024 [Marking Scheme & Exam Structure]
The XAT Decision Making section is unique to the XAT and, hence, can make or break your percentile as many candidates often come prepared only with the syllabus standard to other entrance examinations.
The XAT books should help students increase their ability to analyse complex situations and make sound judgments.
XAT Preparation Books should cover scenarios like:
The best books for XAT exam preparation for the above topics are listed below:
XAT Decision-Making Books | Author of the XAT Book | Features of the XAT Preparation Books |
Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers) | RK Jha | This XAT decision-making book has the following: Has Easily understandable Content Includes solved papers of the last 15 years Has Content curated in a way that keeps the specific requirements of students in mind |
Target XAT (Past papers and mock tests) | Disha Publications | This XAT decision making book has the following: This includes solved papers from the last 15 years. Has Content curated by 30 experts working in this field |
Analytical & Logical Reasoning | Arihant Publications | This XAT decision making book has the following: It has been divided into Verbal, Analytical, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Two difficulty levels 2000+ Previous Years’ Questions |
Also Read | XAT Total Marks 2025: Exam Pattern & Questions
This XAT section assesses a candidate's English language Grammar, Reading Comprehension, and logical reasoning proficiency.
A comprehensive understanding of grammar rules and logical reasoning principles is imperative to excel in the XAT VA & LR syllabus, and hence, XAT preparation books that help students prepare for this are required.
Key topics include:
The best XAT Preparation Books for Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning are listed below.
XAT Books for VA & LR | Author | Features of the XAT Books for VA & LR |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | This XAT book for VA & LR has the following features: Helps in improving your vocabulary and understanding of the English language through various tests and word exercises. Has been curated with a student-friendly approach |
A New Approach to Reasoning: Verbal & Non-Verbal (Arihant) | B S Sijwali | This XAT book for VA & LR has the following features: Has Content that students can easily understand Has enough no. of Practice Questions included |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Ajay Singh | This XAT book for VA & LR has the following features: Guides Students from a basic to advanced level in English. Includes Mock Papers covering the latest syllabus |
High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin | This XAT book for VA & LR has the following features: Covers the entire syllabus of English Grammar Includes Practice sessions at the end of each lesson for self-assessment |
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | This XAT book for VA & LR has the following features: Includes Smarter and Shorter methods for solving questions Full explanation of each solved example to help students understand concepts in depth Fully solved papers for all competitive exams |
Analytical Reasoning | MK Pandey | This XAT book for VA & LR has the following features: Detailed Explanation of Concepts Focus on New Question Types Comprehensive Coverage of all major topics Detailed Explanation of Concepts Vast Array of Practice Questions |
Also Read | XAT Admission: Dates, Registration, & Syllabus 2025
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation form the bedrock of analytical prowess in the XAT exam.
XAT Books' increasing proficiency in mathematical concepts and adeptness in data interpretation are indispensable for excelling in this section.
Some of the important topics that XAT Preparation Books for this section should encompass:
XAT Books for QA & DI | Author | Features of the XAT Preparation Books for QA & DI |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams | R.S. Aggarwal | This XAT book for QA & DI has the following features: Is Ideal for all management and engineering competitive exams. It has comprehensive coverage of all important topics in the XAT syllabus. Has Chapter-wise questions with detailed explanations. |
Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | This XAT book for QA & DI has the following features: Focuses on strong concept building Helps with the application of problems Includes difficulty level of each topic to help students learn gradually |
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation | Arun Sharma | This XAT book for QA & DI has the following features: Covers all types of DI questions Self-sufficient in itself for preparation |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha | This XAT book for QA & DI has the following features: Covers a wide range of topics Revised chapters as per the latest pattern Huge no. of solved examples, practice papers, exam-level test papers |
Also Read | List of Top Colleges Accepting XAT Score
The General Knowledge section of the XAT exam has 2 parts: Static GK and Dynamic GK.
Dynamic GK evaluates a candidate's awareness of current affairs, business, economics, politics, and other pertinent topics.
Static GK refers to the topics that hold separate importance in the world. XAT Preparation Books for this section should be highlighting topics like:
Some XAT books that can help prepare for this section of XAT are:
XAT Books for GK | Author | Features of the XAT Books for GK |
Objective General Knowledge (Lucent's) | Sanjiv Kumar | This XAT book for GK has the following: Articulates all important events taking place Has General knowledge points structured lucidly to make learning easier. |
General Knowledge 2024 | Manohar Pandey | This XAT book for GK has the following: All current events are given in a compact way Has been divided according to sections, with a separate section for current events Is Useful for all management and other government exams. |
Manorama Year Book | Malayala Manorama Group | This XAT book for GK has the following: Covers a wide range of topics Has a dedicated section for Current Affairs Updated Data and Statistics of the country Content curated with a focus on the Civil Services Examination Separate section for Global Happenings |
Choosing the right books for XAT preparation is crucial for acing the exam. Whether it's decision-making, verbal and logical reasoning, quantitative ability, or general knowledge, having the best resources can significantly enhance your performance.
The recommended books in this blog offer comprehensive coverage of the syllabus, practice questions, and strategies to tackle each section effectively.
Start your preparation early, stay consistent, and make the most of these valuable resources to achieve a high score in the XAT 2025 exam. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CAT preparation enough for XAT, or do I need separate study materials and strategies for both exams?
How similar are the CAT and XAT syllabus?
Should I prioritize CAT preparation and then focus on XAT, or can I prepare for both simultaneously?
Can I use CAT study materials for XAT preparation?
What is the Decision Making section in XAT?
How many questions are there in the Decision Making section?
Is there negative marking in the Decision Making section?
What types of questions are asked in this section?