Physics Wallah

XAT 2026 Preparation Tips and Section-Wise Preparation Strategy

XAT 2026 Preparation tips help aspiring candidates to appear for XAT 2026 with a strategic approach. Check here for section-wise strategies for XAT 2026 Preparation.
authorImageSubham Sahoo11 Jul, 2025
Share

Share

XAT 2026 Preparation

XAT 2026 Preparation: XAT stands as one of the most challenging MBA entrance exams. XAT exam preparation demands a significant investment of time, effort, and consistency. The exam comprises around 100 questions covering sections like English, Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Decision Making, and Essay writing.

To complete each section, candidates get a specific time limit. Therefore, it is essential for candidates to improve their problem-solving and time management skills to score well in XAT. Here we have provided a section-wise XAT preparation tips to excel in the XAT 2026 exam.

XAT 2026 Preparation: Section-Wise Syllabus Overview

The XAT entrance exam includes a varied distribution of questions across its sections. Unlike other MBA entrance exams, XAT comprises essay-writing questions in addition to MCQs. Below is the detailed sectional breakdown of the XAT question paper:

XAT 2026 Section-Wise Breakdown Overview

XAT Exam Part

Section

No. of Questions

Duration (minutes)

Part 1

Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR)

26

175 minutes

Decision Making (DM)

22

Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)

28

Part 2

Mock Keyboard Testing

NA

5 minutes

Part 3

General Knowledge (GK)

25

30 minutes

Analytical Essay Writing (AEW)

1

XAT 2026 Preparation Strategy for Verbal Ability

Verbal Ability is the first section of the XAT exam. Know how to prepare for XAT 2026, then read the complete page for a better understanding of the XAT 2026 Exam. The VA section in XAT includes questions from two parts, namely English Usage and Reading Comprehension. To score well in the XAT VA section, candidates should adhere to the following preparation strategies:

  • Aim to improve reading skills by solving at least two comprehension passages daily.

  • To strengthen grammar and vocabulary, candidates must practise using sample papers and PYPs.

  • Candidates should develop the habit of reading books, journals, and newspapers regularly.

  • Success in the verbal section largely hinges on candidates' proficiency in understanding and using the English language.

Strategy for XAT 2026 Preparation Decision Making

Excelling in the decision-making section is crucial for boosting candidates’ overall XAT score. To prepare effectively, candidates must follow the strategies mentioned below:

  • Practice Decision Making questions from past year XAT papers and study sample cases.

  • Understand the fundamental concept of each topic before solving related questions.

  • Participate in sectional mock tests or attempt sample questions in a timed manner to enhance speed and accuracy.

  • Analyse performance to identify weak areas and work on strengthening them.

XAT 2026 Preparation Strategy for Quantitative Ability

The QA section of the XAT is known for its high level of difficulty. To perform well in this section, candidates must become well-acquainted with the types of questions that come in XAT. Additionally, candidates must carefully select XAT QA questions to accurately solve them and avoid negative marking. Here are the XAT QA preparation strategies to score good marks:

  • Get familiar with the XAT exam pattern and syllabus topics to create an effective study plan.

  • Understand the concept of each topic. In case a topic seems difficult, seek guidance from experts to resolve doubts.

  • Practice by solving actual XAT question papers from the past five years and thoroughly analysing performance in each paper.

  • Take online XAT mock tests, seek performance analysis from experts, and focus on enhancing weak areas.

  • Understand the specific types of questions asked in XAT, improve time management, and understand how the time constraint affects the difficulty level.

XAT 2026 Preparation Strategy for General Knowledge

The General Knowledge section in XAT comprises a variety of topics, such as International Relations, Business,  National and State Politics, Sports, Economy, Science, Commerce, Geography, and History. To excel in this area, candidates should follow the following preparation strategies:

  • Stay updated on current affairs by following news channels, internet content,  books, journals, and magazines.

  • Engage in group discussions with peers and teachers to enhance knowledge.

  • Study different topics to gain a comprehensive understanding and perform well in this section of the exam.

XAT 2026 Preparation Strategy for Essay Writing

The essay writing section of XAT distinguishes it from other MBA entrance exams. To score well in this section, candidates must ensure their writing is both significant and original, as recommended by experts. Here are the strategies to write a compelling essay and score well in XAT:

  • Begin the essay with an introductory paragraph that communicates the essay topic.

  • Structure the essay into multiple paragraphs, with each paragraph discussing a distinct idea that supports the main topic.

  • Avoid using technical jargon or informal slang words.

  • Make speculative remarks rather than definitive conclusions to leave room for further discussion.

 

To enter the top MBA institutes, it is crucial that candidates follow a strategic preparation plan. PW MBA Online Coaching provides expert guidance through regular live classes. Join PW MBA Classes to strengthen fundamental knowledge, attempt multiple test series, get performance analysis report, and streamline preparation to clear MBA entrance exams with commendable scores.

XAT 2026 Preparation FAQs

How to prepare for the XAT 2026 Exam?

For XAT 2026 Preparation, candidates must initially understand the exam pattern and syllabus. Further, they should focus on gaining comprehension of each topic and solving sample questions to improve problem-solving skills.

How much time is allotted to each section in the XAT Exam?

For XAT 2026 Preparation, candidates must initially understand the exam pattern and syllabus. Further, they should focus on gaining comprehension of each topic and solving sample questions to improve problem-solving skills.

Which section of the XAT 2026 Exam is tough?

Quantitative Aptitude is considered the toughest section in the XAT exam.

Is the sectional cut-off important in the XAT Exam?

Yes, it is crucial for candidates to meet the sectional cut off in XAT along with the overall cut off for admission to XLRI.

Is Essay-score counted in the XAT Exam?

A candidates’ essay score is considered only after candidates are shortlisted for the interview round. For creating the first merit list, the Essay score is not counted.
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.