XAT Syllabus 2026: Download Section-Wise Syllabus and Important Topics here

Overview: The XAT syllabus 2026 pdf comprises all the major topics, covering sections like Verbal and logical ability, Data interpretation, Quantitative ability, and General Knowledge. Scroll down to get the complete XAT exam syllabus for 2026!

Download Free Study Material for XAT Exam 2026 by SuperGrads

• The XAT or Xavier Aptitude Test 2026, will be conducted on January 4th 2026. 
• Covering every topic to get good scores and percentile in XAT 2026 is essential.
• The XAT 2026 exam will last 180 minutes, and there will be "No essay writing section". The GK section will have only 20 questions.

Continue reading to know the XAT pattern and XAT 2026 syllabus with us!

Also Read | XAT Application Form 2026 (Released)

XAT 2026 Syllabus Overview

The XAT syllabus 2026 will comprise four major sections, including verbal and logical ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation and General Knowledge. Check out the table given below mentioning the key topics of the different sections of the XAT 2026 Syllabus:

XAT 2026 Sections	XAT 2026 Topics Covered
Verbal & Logical Reasoning	Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Analogy, Parajumble, Grammar, Critical Reasoning, Fill in the Blanks, etc.
Decision Making	Data Arrangement, Conditioning, Grouping, Complex Arrangement, Caselets, Assumptions, Premises, Conclusions, etc.
Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency	Arithmetic, Geometry, Mensuration, Percentage, Surds and Indices, Algebra, Mensuration, Bar Diagrams, Pie Charts, Tables, Data Interpretation, etc.
General Knowledge	Science, Economy, Business, Politics, Static GK, Sports, Prize and Award, World, Government, Constitution of India, etc.

Try Now | Attempt a Free XAT Mock Test Here!

Also Read | XAT Exam Pattern 2024 [Marking Scheme & Exam Structure]

XAT Syllabus 2026 PDF: Section Wise 

The recent changes in the XAT syllabus 2026 reduced the number of sections to four. Each section of the XAT 2026 syllabus comprises certain topics that are important to understand to boost your XAT 2026 preparation accordingly. Let's uncover the detailed  XAT exam syllabus for each section:

XAT 2026 Syllabus for VARC

This section of the XAT exam syllabus assesses a candidate's English language comprehension, grammar, and logical reasoning proficiency. A comprehensive understanding of grammar rules and logical reasoning principles is imperative to excel in the XAT VARC syllabus.

Key topics include:

• Reading comprehension 
• Grammar 
• Vocabulary 
• Critical Reasoning 
• Inference-based Questions.

Verbal Ability and logical reasoning	Vocabulary & Word Usage Synonyms & Antonyms Sentence Completion Contextual Meaning of Words Jumbled Paragraphs Paragraph Completion Fill in the blanks Error Correction in Sentences
Reading Comprehension	Inferential Skill-based Question Author’s Perspective-Based Question The Main Theme and Message of the Passage Information-Based Question Explanation Of Words/Phrases True/False Statements
Logical Reasoning	Fact, Inference & Judgement Analogy Seating Arrangement: Round Table, Square Table Blood Relations/Family Tree Assumption, Premise & Conclusion Logical Sequences: Words, Alphabets & Numbers Clocks & Calendars

Also Read | XAT Exam Eligibility 2026: Registration & Many more

VARC Daily Study Plan for 2026 by Supergrads 

XAT 2026 Syllabus for Decision Making 

The Decision-Making (DM) section of the XAT syllabus evaluates a candidate's ability to analyse complex situations and make sound judgments. Aspirants must hone their decision-making skills by practising case studies and developing a strategic approach to tackle diverse scenarios effectively. 

Scenarios presented in this section often revolve around

• Ethical dilemmas 
• Business decisions 
• Situational analyses 

Sections	Topics Covered
Decision Making	Analytical Reasoning
	Logical Reasoning
	Complex Arrangement
	Data Arrangement
	Caselets
	Conditions and Grouping
	Situations
	Assumptions
	Decision Making

Also Read | Best Tips to Prepare XAT Exam 

XAT 2026 Syllabus for QA & DI 

Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation form the bedrock of analytical prowess in the XAT exam syllabus and pattern. Proficiency in mathematical concepts coupled with adeptness in data interpretation is indispensable for excelling in this section of the XAT exam syllabus. Topics encompass: 

XAT Syllabus: Quantitative Ability	Algebra Percentages Geometry Number System Simple and Compound Interest Profit and Loss Averages Ratio and Proportion Venn Diagrams Progressions Permutation and Combination Inequalities Trigonometry Speed, Time, and Distance Time and Work Mensuration Linear Equations Logarithm Binomial Theorem Probability Functions Surds and Indices
XAT Syllabus: Data Interpretation	Pie Charts Graphs Bar Diagrams Data Tables Data Analysis and Comparison Data Charts

Also Read | State Wise XAT Exam Centers in India

XAT 2026 Syllabus for GK

The General Knowledge section of the XAT syllabus evaluates a candidate's awareness of current affairs, business, economics, politics, and other pertinent topics.

Regularly reading newspapers, magazines, and online resources is crucial for staying abreast of recent developments and creating a difference by scoring maximum in this section of the XAT exam syllabus.

Additionally, referring to XAT GK syllabus resources and practising mock tests can significantly augment one's GK proficiency. Some of the topics that can be highlighted are as follows: 

• Business, Finance, and Economics 
• The Indian Constitution and Laws 
• Famous Personalities 
• Current Affairs of National and International Importance 
• Books and Authors 
• Awards and Winners 
• History and Geography 

Also Read | XAT Exam Analysis 2024: Check Difficulty Level

XAT Exam Pattern 2026

The XAT exam pattern 2026 has come up with some changes. XAT 2026 will have only four sections this year, and there will be no essay writing test. Also, the GK section will have only 20 questions. Here is the detailed exam pattern of the XAT 2026 exam:

XAT Sections	Number of Questions	Marks Allotted
Decision Making	21	21
Verbal and Logical Ability	26	26
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation	28	28
General Knowledge	20	20
Total	95	95

QA Section Daily Study Plan for 2026 by Supergrads 

XAT 2026 Marking Scheme

• For Part 1, for each correct answer, use a +1 mark.
• For each incorrect answer: -0.25 marks.
• For each un-attempted question after 8 un-attempted questions: -0.10 marks
• For Part 2, In the GK section, for each correct answer, +1 mark General Knowledge (GK) questions are EXEMPT from negative marking. The essay will be evaluated if a candidate is shortlisted for the GD-PI processes at XLRI.

Conclusion

The XAT 2026 exam is scheduled for 5 January 2026. Therefore, familiarity with the XAT syllabus and section-wise topics is essential to preparing and scoring well.  Thus, keep an eye on preparing for XAT 2026 according to the section-wise syllabus to get a high percentile this year.

A thorough understanding of the XAT syllabus is essential to ace the exam. By focusing on each section systematically and practicing rigorously, aspirants can boost their performance and secure admission to top B-schools

Read More: XAT Score vs Percentile