XAT 2026 Last Minute Preparation Tips: Section-wise Revision Plan, PYQs, Toppers Recommendations

Table of Content
1. XAT 2026 Last Minute Preparation Tips: Review XAT Exam Pattern & Syllabus 
2. XAT Last Minute Preparation Tips 2026: Focus on Differences from CAT Exam 
3. XAT Decision Making - Game Changer for Last Minute Preparation
4. XAT GK Section: Not Used for XAT Percentile Calculations (Save Time in Last Few Days)
5. XAT 2026 Last Minute Preparation Tips: Subject-wise Strategy
6. XAT Preparation Tips for Last Few Days: Revision is key 
7. XAT 2026 Last Minute Preparation Strategy: Focus on Strengths, Ignore Weaknesses 
8. XAT Previous Year Question Papers: Most Solve in Last Few Days 
9. XAT Last Minute Preparation Mantras
10. XAT Preparation Guidelines for Last Few Days: Dos and Don’ts 

1. XAT 2026 Last Minute Preparation Tips: Review XAT Exam Pattern & Syllabus 

The first tip from XAT Toppers is that if you are taking the XAT exam, you should be clear about the XAT pattern. And you should who similarities and dissimilarities from the CAT exam (which most students prepare for before the XAT exam). Here is a quick overview of XAT exam pattern.

XAT Exam Pattern 2026 is designed to test your problem-solving, logical thinking, and decision-making skills and is divided into two parts. XAT exam Part 1 consists of 75 questions to be solved in 170 minutes. This part consists of following sections: Decision Making (21 questions), Verbal and Logical Ability (26 questions), Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (28 questions). XAT exam Part 2 consists of 20 questions on General Knowledge (GK) to be solved in 10 minutes. Note that XAT GK section marks are not considered when calculating the XAT percentile, and used only for XLRI Jamshedpur admission process. Check exam pattern in the table below. 

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern 

XAT Syllabus 2026 - Section-Wise Details

After understanding the exam pattern, check the key components of XAT 2026 Exam Syllabus below. 

Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning

• Reading comprehension passages (including poems & cartoons)
• Critical & analytical reasoning
• Para-completion and jumbled sentences
• Vocabulary, analogies, idioms & phrases
• Grammar-based questions and cloze tests

Decision Making

• Ethical dilemmas in workplace situations
• Managerial caselets
• Business decision scenarios
• Situations involving fairness, distribution & prioritization

Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation

• Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Speed, Time & Distance
• Algebra: Equations, Functions, Progressions
• Geometry & Mensuration: Lines, Circles, Polygons, 3D Figures
• Modern Math: Probability, Permutations & Combinations
• Data Interpretation: Graphs, charts, tables requiring insightful analysis

General Knowledge

• Static GK: History, geography, business, economy
• Current Affairs: Indian economy, budget updates, international organizations, awards, books & authors, politics, science

Read complete details on XAT 2026 Exam Pattern and XAT 2026 Syllabus. 

2. XAT Last Minute Preparation Tips 2026: Focus on Differences from CAT Exam 
The next tip from XAT Toppers is that you should know the Differences and Similarities between CAT and XAT exam. XAT exam and CAT exam share several common question types such as Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, and most of Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretations concepts. However, XAT includes unique elements like Decision Making, Poem RCs, Critical Reasoning, Grammar, and higher-level Quant topics such as Trigonometry and Coordinate Geometry. Following are the differences and similarities between CAT and XAT exams. 

XAT Vs CAT: Similarities 

• Reading Comprehension

• Para Jumbles
• Most of QA DI Section

XAT Vs CAT: Differences 

• Decision Making

• Poem RCs

• Cartoons / Memes

• Critical Reasoning

• Grammar and Vocabulary

• Trigonometry and Heights and Distances

• Coordinate Geometry

• PnC, Probability

• Algebraic expressions

These differences make XAT more diverse in question style and require targeted preparation beyond CAT preparation.

3. XAT Decision Making - Game Changer for Last Minute Preparation
XAT topper confirm that XAT Decision Making (DM) Section is unique and sets it apart from CAT and other MBA entrance exams. This section evaluates a candidate’s ability to assess situations objectively, make ethical decisions, and balance conflicting interests. XAT toppers recommend that if you are taking the XAT 2026 exam, you must prepare for Decision Making section very seriously. 

XAT Decision Making Section will have 21 questions (out of total 75 questions), making it a very important part of XAT exam. To qualify for Personal Interview rounds of XLRI and other top XAT colleges like XIMB, IMI Delhi, GIM Goa and others, you must meet the minimum sectional cut off for DM section. Else, even if you sore 100 percentile in other sections, you will not be considered for interview. So, should you prepare for this section? Here are the XAT Decision Making Preparation tips from the toppers.

XAT Decision Making Section Questions can be divided into three main types:

• Ethical Dilemmas: These scenarios test how candidates handle situations involving moral conflicts, such as Caselet-5 (wrongful termination of household help). For example, would you prioritize justice or adhere to organizational rules?

• Business and Organizational Decisions: Caselets like those involving ABC Business School or the IT Firm test candidates on how they manage organizational goals, stakeholder interests, and performance outcomes.

• Analytical and Data-Based Problems: Some caselets, such as those related to sales targets or under water gas safety, require interpreting numerical or operational data to make decisions.

The key to answering these questions is identifying all stakeholders, understanding the context, and choosing an option that is ethical, logical, and practical. 

XAT Topper and XLRI Jamshedpur Student Nipun Garg (XAT 99.95%) told MBAUniverse.com, “For me, the past year papers were the best source for preparation for the exam. I tried to deduce a logically why the given answer was correct. I also relied on few of my friends to discuss the given case studies to gain a different perspective.”

XAT Topper Nandagopal V, 99.99%ile in XAT 2023, XLRI Jamshedpur Student told MBAUniverse.com, “Decision Making is the most important section in XAT. It can make or break your entire score. To prepare for DM, my recommendation would be to practise previous year papers, as many times as you want, specifically the DM section. Each of us has a unique perspective that might give us different yet valid answers for the questions in DM. Unless this perspective matches with the examiner’s, there is no point in our justifications. So, that’s why by practicing previous year papers, the candidate will be able to get into the mindset of the examiner.”

Read this detailed article to understand XAT Decision Making preparation strategy and previous year’s question paper and answers.

4. XAT GK Section: Not Used for XAT Percentile Calculations (Save Time in Last Few Days)
The General Knowledge (GK) section in the XAT question paper requires proper understanding of its role and importance. Candidate should remember that marks in your XAT 2026 GK Section will NOT be used to calculate XAT 2026 percentile. So your XAT percentiles will not be impacted by XAT GK sectional performance. 
So, what is the role of GK section in XAT exam? Well, the XAT 2026 marks will be considered only for XLRI admission selection process. So, if you are targeting XLRI (which requires atleast 95% in XAT), you should not worry too much. Just check the type of GK questions that have appeared in past papers (check detailed below) and do your best with what you already know. Cramming GK questions will not help much as at the last stage.
According to XAT exam pattern, there will be 20 GK questions in the XAT paper, which have to be solved in 10 minutes. GK for XAT Syllabus is divided into two parts: Current Affairs and Static GK. Check question topics for both these sections below. 

XAT Static GK Topics 

• Science

• Economy

• Business 

• Politics

• Static GK

• Sports

• Prize and Award

• World

• Government 

• Constitution of India 

XAT Current Affairs GK Topics 

• Economics & Business

• Personality & Awards

• Science & Technology 

• Sports

• National & International Affairs

• Companies & People

• Nobel Prize

• Entertainment

Read this article for complete GK for XAT 2026 Preparation and to download free PDF previous year papers. 

5. XAT 2026 Last Minute Preparation Tips: Subject-wise Strategy

Now that you know the pattern and syllabus for XAT 2026 exam, and also know how it is different from CAT, you should follow subject-wise XAT last 30 days preparation plan to maximize your preparation in a month. 

5.1 XAT Quant Preparation – Last Minute Tips 

• Week 1: Basics Concepts
  • Revise fundamental concepts in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Focus on formulas and shortcuts.
  • Practice basic problems. Use resources like XAT previous year papers or XAT Mock Test on MBAUniverse.com.
• Week 2: Advanced Topics
  • Study advanced topics like permutations, combinations, and probability.
  • Work on XAT mock tests and identify your weak areas.
• Week 3: Speed and Accuracy
  • Focus on speed and accuracy practice.
  • Take full-length XAT 2025 mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
• Week 4: Revision and Final Practice
  • Revise all concepts. Focus on high-weightage topics.
  • Take last week’s XAT mock tests. Aim for getting into exam day mindset.

5.2 XAT Decision Making Preparation – Last Minute Tips

5.3 Verbal and Logical Reasoning XAT Exam

Week 1: Understand Key Concepts

• Familiarize yourself with the types of decision-making questions.
• Read case studies or sample questions to understand different scenarios.

Week 2: Practice and Application

• Solve practice DM questions from past year XAT papers.

Week 3: Strategy and Analysis

• Learn strategies for quick analysis of situations.
• Take timed topic tests to enhance decision-making speed.

Week 4: Revision and Mock Tests

• Revise concepts and frameworks. Identify common mistakes.
• Take full-length XAT mocks, focusing on the decision-making section.

Week 1: Basics of Verbal Ability

• Revise grammar rules, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies.
• Read newspapers, articles to enhance comprehension and critical thinking.

Week 2: Practice Logical Reasoning

• Focus on syllogisms, assumptions, and conclusions.
• Solve LR problems from previous XATs and other resources.

Week 3: Advanced Verbal Skills

• Work on reading comprehension passages, focusing on speed and retention.
• Mix practice sessions for verbal and logical reasoning to build stamina.

Week 4: Mock Tests and Revision

• Take timed verbal and logical reasoning tests. Analyze your performance.
• Revise important concepts and do focused practice on weak areas.

6. XAT Preparation Tips for Last Few Days: Revision is key 
In the last two weeks to XAT exam should focus on revising concepts effectively. Toppers recommend following XAT 2026 last minute revision tips:

• Create a Revision Schedule: Integrate regular revision sessions into your study plan. For instance, dedicate an hour or two each day to revisiting old topics.

• Summarize Key Concepts on Notes and Flashcards: Create concise notes or flashcards highlighting key formulas, concepts, and shortcuts. This makes quick reviews easier. 

• Mind Maps: Use mind maps to visualize connections between different topics, which can help in understanding and recalling concepts better.

• Daily Practice: Solve a few questions from different sections (Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) daily to keep all topics fresh. 

• Mock Test Revision: Go back to your old mock tests, and revise your mistakes. Revise why you made them and how to avoid them. 

7. XAT 2026 Last Minute Preparation Strategy: Focus on Strengths, Ignore Weaknesses 
The next XAT 2026 preparation tips is obvious but very important! XAT toppers stress the importance of planning their last-minute XAT preparation based on individual strengths. Another related XAT last minute preparation strategy is that you should avoid focusing on your weaknesses in the last minute XAT preparation phase. Shreyasee Sarkar, IIM Calcutta student of MBA 2023-25 who also did well in other exams said, “Closer to the exam, I ignored my weak area in the exam. I had the target of solving 2 out of 4 problems which constituted 10 questions because that was enough to get a good percentile in DILR as this was my weakest Section.”

8. XAT Previous Year Question Papers: Most Solve in Last Few Days 
This XAT last minute preparation tips from several XAT Toppers stresses the vital role of MAT mock tests and previous year question paper in their preparation. They highlight the significance of these tests in identifying weaknesses, refining strategies, and enhancing problem-solving speed. 

XAT Topper and XLRI Jamshedpur Student Nipun Garg (XAT 99.95%) told MBAUniverse.com, “Mocks played a very important role in my final preparation. Especially after covering the syllabus once, I mainly relied on mock for strategizing how to attempt the exam and manage the time.” 

You can take XAT 2026 Mock Test and XAT Previous Year Papers online on MBAUniverse.com. 

9. XAT Last Minute Preparation Mantras

Successful XAT candidates emphasize the importance of strategic planning for the last few days leading up to the exam. XAT Topper and XLRI Jamshedpur student Tanish Jain (XAT 99.99%) told MBAUniverse.com, “Purposefully I did not have any last-minute preparation. My strategy for the XAT day was to have a calm pre-XAT morning.”

XAT toppers stress the importance of maintaining composure on the exam day. Strategies include ensuring adequate sleep, engaging in calming activities like listening to soothing music, watching motivational movies and consciously avoiding excessive stress to prevent making avoidable mistakes. 

XAT Topper and XLRI Jamshedpur Student Nipun Garg (XAT 99.95%) said: “My main emphasis during the exam day was getting a proper full night sleep as well as not worrying about the exam a lot. Also, during the last week I avoided studying anything new and tried to revise whatever I had already done.”

10. XAT Preparation Guidelines for Last Few Days: Dos and Don’ts 
To take XAT exam without stress and last-minute hiccups, it is very important to follow the exam day guidelines and dos and don’ts. Create a checklist and keep it handy to refer to it a few days before the exam. XAT Topper Amit Chakraborty (XAT 99.55%ile) told MBAUniverse.com, “The mantra for the XAT Day is keeping calm. Although it is easier said than done, it is quite natural to have some anxiousness for the exam that we have been preparing for months. Yet, I tried to keep my cool. On the day before the exam, I just spent some time revising the formulas for QA. The rest of the day I spent my time watching TV and listening to music.”

Read this detailed article on XAT Exam Day Guideline, Do’s and Don’ts. 

In summary, XAT 2026 Last Minute Preparation Tips can be completed by following these 10 effective strategies from XAT toppers. For XAT Preparation in one month, you should start by understanding the similarities and differences between XAT and CAT exam pattern and syllabus. This comparison will reveal that XAT Decision Making (DM) Section is the game changer, and taking last 10 year’s XAT previous years’ question paper is key.