Is XAT Tougher Than CAT? Know XAT vs CAT Differences and Similarities & Difficulty Level
Is XAT tougher than CAT? Both these MBA entrance exams are similar in many ways but have unique aspects. Check here the differences between CAT and XAT.
Is XAT easier than CAT? This is the most common question an MBA aspirant asks when he/she plan to prepare for admission. Both CAT and XAT are top tier MBA entrance exams and most popular among management aspirants. The answer to this question cannot be either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as despite being being similar in several aspects, both XAT and CAT have unique features.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.Q: Is the CAT syllabus difficult?
Yes, the difficulty level of CAT syllabus is very high as compared to other MBA entrance exams. However, if you prepare well and follow the CAT exam pattern well, you will be able to score well. Besides having an understanding of the CAT syllabus 2025, candidates also need to be well aware of the CAT exam pattern before they start preparing for the exam. The CAT exam pattern was revised in 2021 and the number of questions were reduced from 76 to 66. The structure of CAT 2023 and CAT 2024 was the same. The syllabus is still tougher than other exams.
The most important things to keep in mind are:
- CAT exam mode is online
- Each question carries three marks
- There is negative marking of minus one mark for wrong attempts
The section-wise distribution of questions and difficulty levels as per the latest CAT exam pattern are listed below:
- Quantitative Ability (QA) - 24 questions, difficulty level - moderate to high
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) - 20 questions, difficulty level - moderate
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) - 22 questions, difficulty level - moderate. to high
Q: Is CAT exam tough for an average student?
CAT is a speed based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Q: Are six months enough to prepare for CAT?
On the other hand, CAT exam doesn’t have Essay Writing, Decision Making and GK sections which require extra preparation. Both the exams are conducted in a gap of one month. The CAT is held in the last week of November and XAT is held in the first week of January. Those who appear in CAT, find XAT manageable, as most of the preparation is already done by the time latter's exam day arrived. Extra preparation is mainly required for Decision Making and Essay Writing. However, for
XAT 2025, candidates do not have to prepare essay writing. Yes, as per the latest XAT exam pattern, the essay writing has been removed from the test and added in selection process round.
Also Read: XAT 2025 on January 5, Check Latest Changes in XAT Exam Pattern
In this article we'll discuss XAT vs CAT in detail and cover important aspects such as difficulty level, number of questions, pattern, syllabus, exam timing, etc.
Also Read: XAT vs CAT- What Expert Says
CAT vs XAT: Differences and Similarities
Although, the syllabus of both exams are same (apart from Decision Making and GK) the difference lies in the types of questions and difficulty levels. In terms of the difficulty level, both XAT and CAT are more difficult than other MBA entrance exams. When compared to each other they both are tough but it has often been seen that in CAT, the DILR section is more difficult than other sections and in XAT, the Quantitative Aptitude section is often tougher than the rest of the sections.
To determine which exam is tougher, one needs to know the difference between the two. Let’s take a look at key highlights of CAT and XAT before moving to differences and similarities:
| Particulars |
CAT |
XAT |
|---|---|---|
| Full form |
Common Admission Test |
Xavier Aptitude Test |
| Conducting Body |
||
| Eligibility Criteria |
Graduate with 50% aggregate (45% for reserved category candidates) from a recognized university |
Graduate in any stream from a recognized university |
| Sections |
3 |
5 |
| Exam mode |
Online |
Online |
| Exam duration |
120 minutes |
180 minutes |
| Difficulty level |
Moderate to Difficult |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Exam fee |
INR 2,500 (INR 1,250 for Reserved category students) |
INR 2,200 |
| Registration process |
Online |
Online |
Also Read:
- List of Colleges Accepting XAT score
- List of Colleges Accepting CAT score
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
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Q: In how many months can I prepare for XAT 2025?
Ideally, XAT preparation takes six to nine months, but if candidates have prepared for CAT too, XAT preparation can be done in lesser time as one will have to only work on Decision Making and General Knowledge topics. Those who are weak in English Comprehension must start reading practice early on. The ideal time to start XAT preparation is May, so you can cover the whole syllabus by October and dedicate two months to mock test practice.
If you start studying for XAT late, by July or so, make sure you complete the syllabus by October only. Remember that XAT syllabus is tough, so you’ll need to study at least 6-8 hours daily from start until the end. Give ample time to yourself to complete the XAT syllabus.
Q: What is the difficulty level of the XAT exam?
XAT is one of the tougher MBA entrance exams. The difficulty level of the XAT question paper is usually moderate to high. The XAT 2024 question paper was of moderate difficulty level. The Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation section is usually tougher than other sections. Verbal and Logical Reasoning section is usually moderate. However, some candidates find the Verbal Ability section tough as it has questions based on Reading Comprehension passages and poem. Decision Making and General Knowledge sections are moderate to easy.
Out of 100 questions, about 70-75 attempts with 70 to 80 per cent accuracy is considered a good attempt in the XAT exam. The test takers must strive to attempt 2/3 rd of the total questions in each section for a decent overall score. If a candidate scores 95 percentile, they will be in a position to get a good college.
Q: When should I start preparing for CAT exam?
Aspirants should start preparing for CAT exam at least nine months in before the test date. CAT preparation requires long-term planning thus one must start early. The best time to start CAT preparation is in March. Starting early will also help you assess that whether you need to join a coaching institute or not.
Divide your preparation into two phases -
- Covering the CAT syllabus
- Practicing mock tests, sample questions and revision.
The CAT syllabus includes the following topics:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: Parajumbles, Parasummary, Sentence Completion and Inferences, Questions based on passages, para meaning, order of sentences
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Caselets and Syllogism
- Quantitative Aptitude: Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Arithmetic, Mensuration.
You can read the following CAT books for exam preparation:
- CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
- Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha
- How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
- 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis/ Simon and Schuster
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Sharma and Upadhyay
- High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha
- Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha.
Q: When is the best time to begin XAT preparation?
Q: Is XAT tough for candidates from non-Engineering background?
Yes, XAT is slightly tougher for candidates with non-Engineering background as the Quantitative Aptitude section is of higher difficulty level. However, they can crack it if they work on the fundamentals of Math and practice questions of all difficulty levels. It will take time but they will be able to crack XAT's quant section if they dedicate extra hours to it. Aspirants can find XAT study material online in various online study groups. Students’ groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. share study material with each other. One can also download MBA exam preparation apps to get relevant and useful study material.
The good part about XAT is that, it has different cut offs for candidates belonging to different academic backgrounds. As part of its commitment to academic diversity, the institute has lower cut offs for candidates from non-engineering background than candidates from engineering background.
CAT vs XAT: Exam Syllabus
XAT's Decision Making and General Knowledge sections are absent in CAT syllabus. The table below indicates section-wise subjects in CAT and XAT exams:
| CAT Syllabus |
XAT Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Decision Making |
|
| Verbal and Logical Ability |
|
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation |
|
| - |
General Knowledge |
| - |
Essay Writing (a part of PI round for 2025 admission) |
Check Topic wise CAT exam syllabus
Check Topic wise XAT exam syllabus
CAT vs XAT: Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The test patterns of both the exams are similar. Both the exams contain MCQs with four options to choose the right answer from. However, the marking schemes of both the exams are different. Check the table below for difference between exam patterns of CAT and XAT:
| Details |
CAT Marking Scheme |
XAT Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Questions |
68 |
95 |
| Total Marks |
204 |
95 |
| Negative Marking |
Yes. 3 marks for correct answer -1 mark for incorrect answer No negative marking for non-MCQs |
Yes. 1 marks for correct answer – 0.25 mark for incorrect answer. 0.10 marks will be deducted for more than 8 un-attempted questions. No negative marking in GK section |
| Number of choices in MCQs |
4 |
5 |
| Sectional Time limit |
Yes (40 minutes for each section) |
170 minutes for Part 1 (VA, QA, DM), 10 minutes for Part 2 (GK) |
Check CAT exam pattern 2024
Check XAT exam pattern 2025
Download XAT Previous Year Papers
Download CAT Previous Year Papers
Download Free Question Banks
| Free VARC Questions with Answers for Practice | Free DILR Questions with Answers for Practice | Free Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers for Practice |
While there are many similarities between CAT and XAT, the major differences are sectional time-limit and marking scheme, number and types of questions. Candidates preparing for CAT and XAT must focus on solving sample sample papers and mock tests of both these exams. This will help them identify the differences and develop skills to tackle each exam with much each.
A very important aspect of MBA exam preparation is mock test. Whether it is CAT or XAT or any other exam, the preparation is not complete unless candidates have practiced a good number of mock tests. Mock test not only help candidates in assessing their preparation level so far but also help them learn time management viz the exam duration. Shiksha has created CAT mock test and XAT mock tests, for aspirants to practice and measure their improvement.
CAT Mock Test 2024
| CAT_Mock_Test_1 | CAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| CAT_Mock_Test_2 | CAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
XAT Mock Test 2024
| XAT_Mock_Test_1 | XAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| XAT_Mock_Test_2 | XAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
CAT Preparation 2024
Check out Shiksha's most read articles on CAT preparation and learn key tips and tricks:
| CAT 2024: Preparation Plan for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning |
XAT Preparation 2025
Check out Shiksha's most read articles on XAT preparation and learn key tips and tricks:
| How to prepare for XAT Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation |
|
Read More:
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- Difference between CAT and GMAT
- Difference between CAT and IIFT exam
- Difference between CAT and NMAT
- Difference between CAT and MAT
FAQs on CAT and XAT Exams
Q: How many colleges accept XAT score for MBA admission?
A: Apart from XLRI Jamshedpur, at least 800 MBA colleges in India accept XAT. Some of the popular institutes include XIMB, XISS, LIBA, GIM-Goa, GLIM, TAPMI, KIITSOM, IMT Ghaziabad and Birla Institute of Management Technology.
Q: What is the XAT cut off for admission to XLRI, Jamshedpur?
A: For admission to XLRI, Jamshedpur’s PGDM Business Management, Human Resource Management and General Management programmes, XAT cut off is usually between 92 to 95 percentile. Candidates who shall score around 92 to 95 percentile, they stand a chance of getting shortlisted for GD-PI round of XLRI, Jamshedpur.
Q: What is the CAT cut off for admission to IIMs?
A: CAT cut off for admission to top IIMs is 99-100 percentile, for new IIMs, it is 95-99 percentile and for baby IIMs it is 90 to 95 percentile. For reserved category students, the cut off is lesser. The final selection is based on candidate's academic record, performance in PI and work experience if any.
Q: What is the main difference between CAT and XAT?
A: The main difference between CAT and XAT is the total number of sections. While CAT has three sections – VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude; XAT has four sections – Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation and General Knowledge. XAT has two extra sections than CAT and one of them is a unique section called Decision Making. For this section candidates have to prepare separately.
Q: What is the marking scheme of XAT and CAT?
A: CAT marking scheme is as follows:
- 3 marks for correct answer
- -1 mark for incorrect answer
- No negative marking for non-MCQs
XAT marking scheme is as follow:
- 1 marks for correct answer
- - 0.25 mark for incorrect answer
- Deduction of 0.5 marks for more than 8 un-attempted questions
- No negative marking in GK section
Q: What is the difficulty level of CAT and XAT?
A: The difficulty level of both CAT and XAT is moderate to high. Both the exams are considered the toughest among all the MBA entrance exams in India. Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning sections for both the exams are usually of high difficulty level.
Q: Which exam is more scoring? XAT or CAT?
A: XAT is highly scoring in Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section and so is CAT. The Verbal Ability and Decision Making questions of XAT are difficult and similarly the VARC and LR questions of CAT are tough. Thus, it is slightly more difficult to score in these sections of CAT and XAT.
Q: Can I give XAT by preparing only for CAT?
A: No, one needs to prepare for XAT separately as the question paper, question type and test structure of XAT is totally different from CAT. Without XAT specific preparation, it will be difficult to score high percentile.
Q: How many mock tests should I solve to score 99 per cent in CAT?
A: As per experts and previous years toppers, one must solve about 30-40 full-length CAT mock tests to be able to score 99 percentile. However, one must not stick to the said number. If one has reached a stage where he/she is constantly scoring 99 in mock tests they can stop practicing. Then they must solve the mock tests and sample papers for revision purpose only.
Q: What is Decision Making in XAT?
A: Decision Making is the first section of XAT and carries a weightage of 21 questions and 21 marks. The questions are inference based. In this section, candidates have to answer a set of questions per passage. The passages could be mathematical in nature or behavioral in nature. The Mathematical questions are based on Data Interpretation or Logical Reasoning sets. The behavioral questions are situation based where candidates have to choose the most appropriate solution to the given question.
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