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When comparing the CAT and XAT exams, comprehending the differences in their syllabi can help determine which exam is tougher. Both exams are crucial for MBA aspirants in India as they decide which college they will go to in the future. The XAT exam includes General Knowledge, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability, Verbal and Logical Ability. While, the CAT exam emphasises Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Quantitative Ability, and Verbal Ability. If you want to learn more about both exams, then make sure you continue reading this blog.
Table of Contents
| Particulars | CAT | XAT |
| Full form | Common Admission Test | Xavier Aptitude Test |
| Conducting Body | IIM | XLRI, Jamshedpur |
| Registration process | Online | Online |
| Exam mode | Online | Online |
| Sections | 3 | 5 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Graduate with 50% aggregate (45% for reserved category candidates) from a recognised university | Graduate in any stream from a recognised university |
| Difficulty level | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult |
| Exam duration | 120 minutes | 210 minutes |
| Exam fee | INR 2,400 (INR 1,200 for Reserved category students) | INR 2,200 |
Also Read: CAT, XAT, MAT Exams: Which One is Easier?
Difference Between CAT and XAT Exam
Refer to the table mentioned below to get a clear picture of the CAT and XAT exams:
| Details | CAT | XAT |
| Eligibility Criteria | Graduate with a minimum 50% aggregate (45% for Reserved category candidates) from a recognised university | Graduate in any stream from a recognised university |
| Registration Process | Online | Online |
| Exam Fee | INR 2,400 (INR 1,200 for Reserved category students) | INR 2,100 |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult |
| Exam Mode | Online | Online |
Must Read: Is CAT Necessary for MBA? Evaluate and Check MBA Options without CAT
Difference Between Syllabus of CAT and XAT
The CAT and XAT exams largely cover the same syllabus, but they differ in sections such as marking schemes, question types, and time limits. Both exams are tougher compared to other MBA entrance tests. Below is a table outlining the syllabus differences:
| Details | XAT Exam | CAT Exam |
| Number of Sections | 5 | 3 |
| Name of the Sections | Decision MakingVerbal and Logical AbilityQuantitative Ability and Data InterpretationGeneral KnowledgeEssay Writing (to be evaluated during PI shortlisting) | Verbal Ability and Reading ComprehensionData Interpretation and Logical ReasoningQuantitative Ability |
| Exam Duration | 210 minutes | 120 minutes |
Quick Reads on CAT and XAT Syllabus
| CAT Syllabus: Subject-Wise List, Important Topics, Preparation Tips | XAT Exam Syllabus (2024): Subject-Wise Syllabus |
CAT Syllabus Overview
The CAT exam is divided into three sections, each section focusing on a different type of question and topic. Here is a breakdown of each one of them:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: This section includes 10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) where candidates have to choose any one correct answer from all the options. The questions are based on jumbled paragraphs, comprehension passages, verbal reasoning, sentence completion, fill-in-the-blanks, syllogisms, sentence correction, idioms, phrases, grammar, antonyms, synonyms, parajumbles, and analogies. This section also includes another set of 14 questions based on reading comprehension passages that may cover history, science, economics, politics, environment, society, literature, and mythology, often requiring inference.
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: This section consists of 20 questions, both MCQs and non-MCQs. The questions are based on logical reasoning, blood relations, propositions, puzzles, data interpretation, direction sense, tables, data arrangement, graphs, clocks, data structure, calendars, and binary logic.
- Quantitative Ability: The final section features 22 questions, a mix of MCQs and non-MCQs, focusing on mathematics. The questions are based on LCM and HCF, algebra, profit and loss, geometry, mensuration, probability, surds equations, indices, work and time and so on.
XAT Syllabus Overview
The XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) syllabus covers a variety of topics designed to test different skills. Preparing well for each of these sections is necessary to crack the XAT exam.
- Decision Making: The first section of the XAT exam is the most challenging. To do well, focus on topics like Logical Reasoning, Arithmetic, Conditions and Grouping, Assumptions, and Data Arrangement.
- Verbal and Logical Ability: The next section, VA-LR, covers Antonyms and Synonyms, Jumbled Paragraphs, Sentence Completion, Word Usage, Editing and Omitting, and more. The Reading Comprehension passages in XAT are often complex, including 2-3 passages with one usually being a short poem.
- Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation: To excel in this section, you need to know all the Mathematics formulas, tricks, and theorems by heart. This section includes topics such as Percentages, Profit and Loss, Geometry, Probability, Averages and Partnerships, Algebra, Simple and Compound Interest, LCM and HCF, Graphs, Pie Charts, Data Analysis, Mensuration, Time, Speed and Distance, Ratio and Proportions, Inequalities, and Linear and Quadratic Equations.
- General Knowledge: The best way to do well in this section is by regularly reading newspapers. Keeping up with national and international news and current affairs will help you succeed. There is no negative marking for this section.
Read more: Which is the Most Preferable Option Among CAT, MAT, CMAT, XAT & GMAT?
CAT vs XAT: Exam Pattern
The CAT and XAT exams are both popular MBA entrance tests in India, but they have some key differences in its exam patterns. Refer to the below table to learn about all of them which will help you decide which one you should take.
| Details | CAT | XAT |
| Marking scheme | +3 marks for correct answer -1 mark for an incorrect answer | +1 mark for correct answer – 0.25 mark for incorrect answer. No negative marking for the GK section |
| Sectional time-limit | Yes | Yes |
| Total marks | 198 | 100 |
| Time required for preparation | 6-9 months | 6-9 months |
| Number of questions | 66 | 100 |
| Type of questions | MCQs and non-MCQs | MCQs |
| Number of choices in MCQs | 4 | 4 |
Also Read: What is the Difference Between XAT and MAT?
CAT vs XAT Similarities
Both the CAT and XAT are speed-based exams, where candidates have to solve complex calculations and make inferences within a limited time. These exams generally fall under the moderately to highly difficult category, meaning candidates must be fully prepared to ace the exam.
| Aspect | CAT | XAT |
| Sections | Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude | Verbal Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Aptitude, General Knowledge, Essay |
| Time Duration | 120 minutes | 190 minutes |
| Number of Sections | 3 | 5 (including General Knowledge and Essay) |
| Types of Questions | Analytical Ability, Logical Reasoning, English Communication Skills | Analytical Ability, Logical Reasoning, English Communication Skills, Decision Making, General Knowledge, Essay |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for correct answer -1 for incorrect answer | 1 mark for every correct answer -0.25 mark for every incorrect answer |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult |
| Speed-based Test | Yes | Yes |
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FAQs
XAT is often viewed as more difficult than CAT in a few areas. Firstly, the exam structure of XAT is more diverse. Unlike CAT, XAT includes sections on General Knowledge, Essay Writing, and Decision Making, which demand a different set of skills.
While the Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA and DI) sections of CAT can provide a solid foundation, it’s crucial to recognize the unique aspects of the XAT exam, particularly if you’re aiming for XLRI. If you find Data Interpretation challenging, focus on maximizing your accuracy in the Quantitative questions to boost your overall score.
The XAT exam is known for its high level of difficulty and is considered the toughest among MBA entrance exams. Over 100 colleges use XAT scores for their admission processes. Therefore, having a solid strategy is crucial to succeed. Read on to discover the top 10 tips for cracking the XAT exam.
This was all about the Differences Between CAT and XAT Syllabus. For more informative blogs, check out our Management Exams Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page of Leverage Edu.