Best books for XAT 2025 preparation includes books by RS Aggarwal, Arun Sharma and Wren & Martin. Aspirants must refer to recommended XAT books only. Check here section-wise list of XAT books for exam preparation.
Best books for XAT 2025: Since the XAT is a high difficulty level test, its preparation requires meticulous planning. The most important aspect of a successful preparation plan is selecting the right books for XAT preparation so that you score 99 percentile in the exam. XAT prep material includes books, sample papers, mock test series and previous years’ papers.
Explore popular MBA colleges for you
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.To choose the best books for XAT preparation 2025, candidates must know the topics included in the exam syllabus. The XAT syllabus comprises subjects like Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Logical Ability, Data Interpretation, Decision Making and General Knowledge. Candidates must also check expert recommendation for XAT books. Read below to know the best books for preparation of XAT 2025.
Q: What are some good books for XAT preparation?
Q: Which are the best books for Decision Making section of XAT 2024?
There are several books available for the Decision Making section of XAT. Here are some of the best books that you can refer to for XAT 2025: 1) XAT Decision Making Simplified by Nishit K. Sinha: This book is written by one of the renowned XAT trainers and provides a comprehensive understanding of the Decision Making section. It includes various examples, case studies, and practice questions. 2)How to Prepare for Decision Making for XAT by IMS Learning Resources: This book provides a detailed analysis of the Decision Making section and includes numerous practice questions with explanations. 3) Koncepts of Logical Reasoning for CAT XAT. And Other MBA Examinations by Gajendra Kumar and Abhishek Banerjee: This book is an excellent resource for developing logical reasoning skills, which are essential for the Decision Making section. 4)Decision Making for MBA Entrance Exams by T. I. M.E: This book provides a conceptual understanding of the Decision Making section and includes practice questions with detailed solutions. 5) Wiley's ExamXpert XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) by Wiley India: This book includes a section on Decision Making and provides practice questions along with detailed solutions. In addition to these books, you can also refer to previous year XAT papers to get a better understanding of the types of questions asked in the Decision Making section.
Q: Are the Reading Comprehension passages of the XAT exam tough?
Best Books for XAT Preparation: Expert Recommendation
Every section of the XAT exam has different weightage and cut-off marks, therefore, for an overall good XAT score, candidates need to perform well in each section. XAT exam 2025 will have four sections. Experts suggest that candidates should apply subject specific strategy to prepare every section of XAT, which should include recommended XAT books. We have listed section-wise best books for XAT preparation (recommended by experts) and other study material below. Read on.
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
8 Jan '25
8 Jan '25
26 Aug '24 - 10 Jan '25
5 Jan '25 - 10 Jan '25
25 Nov '24 - 11 Jan '25
17 Jan '25
11 Dec '24 - 21 Jan '25
21 Jan '25
23 Jan '25
25 Dec '24 - 25 Jan '25
Best Books for XAT Preparation 2025: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
Quantitative Ability (QA) and Data Interpretation (DI) questions are grouped in a single section in XAT as they are based on arithmetical problems. Since, the topics of XAT syllabus is same as CAT syllabus, you can refer CAT books for preparation. Given below is the list of XAT books for Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation preparation.
| 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 2025: Decision Making
Since Decision Making section is unique to XAT, the best source of preparation are previous years' XAT question papers and sample papers. You can also take up secondary reading material. Listed below are sample papers and books for XAT Decision Making.
Q: Are Arun Sharma's books enough to prepare for XAT?
| 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 2025: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning
Candidates need to develop reading speed to score well in this section of XAT exam. The XAT VARC section includes tough Reading Comprehension passages as well as a poem, so it is important that candidates have a good control over the language. Additionally, English grammar and vocabulary need focussed preparation. It is best to prepare with the recommended XAT books given below:
| 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 2025: Best Study Material for General Knowledge
Newspapers and Magazines such as Economic Times, Financial Express, Hindu Business Line, Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Business Today, Business World, and Competition Success Review are the best source of increasing general knowledge. This section of XAT mainly has current affairs questions which you can prepare/memories towards the end of the preparation phase.
XAT Study Material: Previous Year XAT Question Papers
Candidates must practice previous years XAT question papers to know the trend of types of questions asked, weightage of topic-wise questions and difficulty level. Shiksha has a repository of XAT question papers of last 10 years which you can download for free. Click here to download XAT question papers
Candidates must start practicing XAT previous year question papers, mock tests and sample papers two months prior to the exam. The strategy must include practicing variety of questions on each topic of XAT 2025 syllabus. This will help candidates in grasping the core knowledge of each concept and one can solve questions with ease on the exam day.
XAT Mock Tests
As XAT is a computer based test, it is best that candidates practice online mock tests. This will not only help them in familiarising themselves with the actual exam atmosphere but also help them in improving speed, accuracy and time management skill. Candidates must practice at least 30-40 XAT mock tests for best results. The mock tests should be of various difficulty levels too, so that one is prepared for any type of XAT exam - easy, moderate or tough. Shiksha has created free XAT mock test for aspirants. Click on the links below for Shiksha's free XAT mock test.
| XAT_Mock_Test_1 | XAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| XAT_Mock_Test_2 | XAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
XAT Syllabus 2025
When selecting XAT books, do check whether they have comprehensive chapters on the topics of XAT syllabus or not. Listed below are some important topics of XAT syllabus:
| XAT sections |
Important topics |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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 |
Also Read:
- How to Prepare for XAT Decision Making
- How to prepare for XAT Verbal & Logical Ability
- How to prepare for XAT Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
XAT Exam Pattern 2025
The XAT question paper 2025 will have five sections - Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, General Knowledge and Essay Writing. The essay writing too of 250 words will be assessed upon candidate's selection for PI round of XLRI Jamshedpur. Given below is the brief overview of XAT exam pattern 2025:
| XAT Exam Features |
Details |
|
|---|---|---|
| Test mode |
Computer Based Test |
|
| Duration of exam |
3 hours |
|
| Total questions |
100 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 |
25 questions |
|
| Marking Scheme |
|
|
Read More:
| XAT Preparation Articles |
|
|---|---|
| XAT 205 Preparation in Three Months | |
| How to Prepare for XAT 2025 in One Month | |
Vipra is a massive Breaking Bad fan. When not watching crime drama series, she spends time in updating the list of places she wants to visit and people she wants to meet, but she is happiest in the company of dogs. ... Read Full Bio
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
8 Jan '25 | SNAP 2024 result announcement |
21 Dec '24 | SNAP 2024 session 3 |
25 Dec '24 - 25 Jan '25 | MAH CET 20245 registration pro... |
Mar '25 | MAH MBA CET 2025 |
5 Jan '25 - 10 Jan '25 | NMAT 2024 Scheduling Window (s... |
5 Jan '25 - 10 Jan '25 | NMAT 2024 Registration Window ... |
17 Jan '25 | CMAT 2025 city intimation slip |
20 Jan '25 | CMAT 2025 admit card download |
24 Dec '24 - 2 Mar '25 | MAT 2024 Registration Process ... |
24 Dec '24 - 9 Mar '25 | MAT 2024 Registration Process ... |
19 Dec '24 | CAT 2024 result announcement |
3 Dec '24 - 5 Dec '24 | CAT 2024 answer key challenge |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
19 Jan '25 | Publication of TANCET Notifica... |
Jan '25 | TANCET Registration Dates |
Feb '25 | IBSAT 2024 Selection Process (... |
28 Dec '24 - 29 Dec '24 | IBSAT 2024 Exam |
Jan '25 | IRMASAT 2025 Last Date of Appl... |
Feb '25 | IRMASAT Personal Interviews |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 days ago
Hello Sudhanshu,
If you're aiming for MBA colleges that accept XAT scores up to the 90th percentile and require separate registration before the exam, here are some options:
XLRI Jamshedpur
XAT Cutoff: 94-95 percentile Fees: ?24.80 Lacs Average Salary: ?32.70 LPA Registration: Separate registration re
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days ago
For the General AI category students, the Manipal University XAT cutoff 2023 was 85 percentile for admission to the MBA in Banking and Financial Services, MBA in Human Resources Management, MBA in Marketing, and MBA in International Business courses. For Master of Business Administration (MBA), the
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
Yes, Osmania University does accept XAT scores for admission to their MBA program. However, the cutoff for XAT scores can vary each year based on the number of applicants and the competition. For the academic year 2024-25, the cutoff for XAT scores is around 25-27 percentile.
It's always a good idea
A
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
EMPI Business School accepts multiple national-level management exams, including XAT, for admitting students to its PGDM courses. In 2024, the XAT cutoff percentile for admission to the PGDM in International Business course was 60 for the students belonging to the General AI quota. So, candidates se
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The expected CAT/XAT percentile for GLIM G is about 80+.
Scholar-Level 18
Answered 3 weeks ago
Top MBA colleges offering average CTCs above 12 LPA, with ST out-of-state reservations and accepting CMAT or XAT scores, include XLRI Jamshedpur (32 LPA, XAT), XIM Bhubaneswar (20 LPA, XAT), Great Lakes Institute of Management (15–17 LPA, CMAT/XAT), Goa Institute of Management (14–15 LPA, CMAT/XAT),
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Hii, The difficulty of XAT, CAT, or CMAT depends on individual aptitude and preparation, but generally:
- CAT: Considered the toughest, with high competition and emphasis on VARC, DILR, and Quant.
- XAT: Moderate, with an additional Decision-Making section and essay writing, testing analytical thinking.
- CM
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
No, a college ID card is not considered valid for identity verification in the XAT 2025 exam. Acceptable documents typically include a government-issued photo ID such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, passport, or driving license. Ensure your ID is original, valid, and matches the name on your
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade) admits students through XAT and GMAT scores other than the CAT scores for their MBA (International Business) program. Here are the respective :-
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test):
The candidate using XAT can apply at IIFT for the MBA (IB). XAT is one of the tests
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
Sandip University accepts various national-level exams for MBA admissions, including XAT. The XAT 2025 dates have been released. As per that, the exam is scheduled to be held on 5 Jan, 2025. Moreover, the applications for the same are expected to be released in the middle of December 2024.
S
Contributor-Level 10
i need the colleges name through XAT exam upto 90 percentile which need to be separately registered before exam?