Vipra
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on Sep 10, 2024 17:12 IST

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.

XAT books

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

Ahmedabad
#1 NIRF
₹12 L - 25 L
Bangalore
#2 NIRF
₹12.5 L - 24.5 L
Pune
#13 NIRF
₹17.2 L - 24.2 L
Jamshedpur
#9 NIRF
₹4 L - 58.84 L

Want better recommendations?

There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
Kozhikode
#3 NIRF
₹20.5 L - 22.5 L
Kolkata
#5 NIRF
₹25 L
Delhi
#4 NIRF
₹12 L
Lucknow
#7 NIRF
₹7.6 L - 12.6 L
Mumbai
#6 NIRF
₹14 L
Indore
#8 NIRF
₹17.25 L - 35 L
View allCollections

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?

A:
Books for XAT Decision Making 1- Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers) by RK Jha 2- Analytical and Logical Reasoning by Arihant Publications 3- Target XAT (Past papers & mock tests) by Odisha Publication Books for XAT Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation 1- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Aggarwal 2- How to prepare for Data Interpretation by Arun Sharma 3- Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha 4- Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha Books for XAT Verbal & Logical Ability 1- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis 2- Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey 3- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal 4- High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin 5- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Ajay Singh 6- Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation by Nishit K Sinha For more information, you may visit the Shiksha XAT exam page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/xat-exam-books). I hope this will help you.

Q:   Which are the best books for Decision Making section of XAT 2024?

A:

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?

A:
The level of difficulty of Reading Comprehension (RC) passages in the XAT exam can vary from year to year. However, in general, the RC passages in the XAT exam are known to be challenging and require a high level of comprehension skills and analytical ability. The passages in the XAT exam are usually taken from diverse fields such as Science, economics, history, philosophy, and literature, and they may be relatively longer than those in other management entrance exams. Additionally, the questions based on the passages are often designed to test the candidate's critical thinking, inference-making, and analytical abilities. To perform well in the RC section of the XAT exam, candidates need to have a good command of the English language, an understanding of the context and tone of the passage, and the ability to quickly and accurately comprehend the information provided. Moreover, candidates need to practice reading and comprehending passages from various fields to improve their RC skills and perform well in the XAT exam.

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

ATMA 2025 Last date of applica...

11 Feb '25

GE & PI Shortlist Declaration

14 Feb '25

SRMJEEM 2025 Phase 1

15 Feb '25

IRMASAT Personal Interviews

20 Feb '25

SRCC GBO 2025

22 Feb '25

IBSAT 2024 Selection Process (...

15 Feb '25 - 24 Feb '25

Amrita CAT 2025: Last date of ...

28 Feb '25

Issuance of Admission Order (v...

28 Feb '25

MAH CET 20245 registration process

25 Dec '24 - 10 Feb '25

JET 2025 Registration

20 Nov '24 - 28 Feb '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?

A:
Yes, author Arun Sharma's books on Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude are recommended for all Master of Business Administration entrance exams including the Xavier Aptitude Test. The applicants can refer to his books. The applicants must also refer to Xavier Aptitude Test Preparation by Arun Sharma for practice. Practice and mock tests are key to scoring well in the Xavier Aptitude Test exam. For more details, you may visit the Shiksha Xavier Aptitude Test exam Book page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/xat-exam-books). I hope this will help you.

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

Verbal and Logical Ability

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.

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

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:

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

  • Each question carry one mark
  • Negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong attempt except for General Knowledge section
  • Deduction of 0.10 marks if 8 or more question left unanswered/unlocked.

Read More:

XAT Preparation Articles

How To Prepare for XAT 2025: Tips from Toppers

XAT 205 Preparation in Three Months

XAT 2025 Preparation in Six Months

How to Prepare for XAT 2025 in One Month

Check XAT cut offs and predict calls from XLRI and other colleges accepting XAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all XAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict XAT Admission Calls
About the Author
author-image
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content

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

Download Important Dates for MBA/PGDM Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

8 Jan '25

SNAP 2024 result announcement

21 Dec '24

SNAP 2024 session 3

25 Dec '24 -

25 Feb '25

MAH CET 20245 registration pro...

Mar '25

MAH MBA CET 2025

13 Jan '25 -

17 Jan '25

NMAT 2024 Exam Window (second ...

5 Jan '25 -

10 Jan '25

NMAT 2024 Scheduling Window (s...

31 Jan '25 -

2 Feb '25

CMAT 2025 Answer Key Release a...

25 Jan '25

CMAT 2025 exam date

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...

24 Jan '25 -

21 Feb '25

TANCET 2025 Registration

Feb '25

TANCET Admit Card Download

Feb '25

IBSAT 2024 Selection Process (...

28 Dec '24 -

29 Dec '24

IBSAT 2024 Exam

Feb '25

IRMASAT Personal Interviews

Mar '25

IRMASAT 2025 Final Result Anno...

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 3 days ago

PGPM admissions at IBS Mumbai are entrance-based. For admission, the institute accepts various national-level tests, including XAT. It is one of the prestigious national-level MBA entrance examinations conducted by the distinguished Xavier Labour Relations Institute. This exam is generally conducted

...Read more

S

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

With a percentile range of 65-70 in the XAT exam, you have several good options for pursuing an MBA. Here are some colleges that typically accept candidates within this percentile range:

 

Top Colleges

1. Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore: Known for its comprehensive

...Read more

A

ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Surely! Several MBA colleges in India take XAT scores and charge minimal fee structures. Here are some you might want to look into:

Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Technology and Management Offers MBA and PGDM courses with a total fee between INR 1,10,000 and INR 1,80,000. 

Abasaheb Garware Institute

...Read more

T

Tanya Tomar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Yes,  XAT is required for MBA at Shanti Business School.

S

Satyendra Tyagi

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

Yes, XAT is among teh emultiple national-level entrance exams accepted for admission to the PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) courses at Shanti Business School. In addition to XAT, the school also accepts other entrance exams such as CAT, MAT, CXAT, and ATMA for admission to its PGDM progra

...Read more

N

Nitesh Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

With a percentile score of 65.5 in the XAT, you have several good options for pursuing an MBA. Here are some top colleges that typically accept candidates within this percentile range:

 

1. Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB): Known for its excellent faculty and strong industry connecti

...Read more

A

ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 weeks ago

Jiwaji University PGDM admissions are granted based on various national-level exam scores, including XAT. As per the institute's cutoff data for 2023, the XAT cutoff percentile for General All India category students stood at 50. 

Students must note that this cutoff can vary depending upon the diffic

...Read more

S

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

XAT 2025 exam had only 2 sections in the question paper, Part 1 had Quantitative Aptitude, Decision Making and Verbal Ability. Part 2 consisted of General Knowledge section. Essay Writing has been removed from the entrance test. It is a part of XLRI PI selection process. The total time duration of X

...Read more

P

Pallavi Gupta

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 2 weeks ago

XAT 2025 exam was of moderate difficulty level. The students who had appeared for the exam last year, said the XAT 2025 question paper was not much different. Section wise, Quantitative Aptitude questions were on the tougher side, Verbal Ability and Decision Making were easy to moderate and GK was e

...Read more

S

Sreetama Tyagi

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 3 weeks ago

 

A XAT percentile of 7.2471 is approximately equivalent to a score of 17-18 out of 100. This score is below the typical cutoff for most top MBA colleges that accept XAT scores. For instance, institutions like XLRI Jamshedpur and MICA Ahmedabad generally require a minimum percentile of 85-90 for cons

...Read more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9