How to Prepare for XAT 2026 in One Month: Section-wise Tips & 30-Day Study Plan
XAT Admit Card Date:20 Dec' 25 - 04 Jan' 26
How to Prepare for XAT 2026 in One Month? XLRI Jamshedpur stands as one of India's top business schools, attracting thousands of students who aspire to study there alongside the renowned IIMs. The gateway to this prestigious institution is the XAT exam, known for being extremely challenging and considered one of the toughest management entrance tests after CAT. With the XAT 2026 scheduled for January in computer-based format, students have limited time to prepare appropriately. This detailed Careers360 article serves as a complete roadmap for XAT 2026 aspirants. The article also provides essential tips, a one-month XAT preparation schedule, and important topics for XAT 2026 that every serious candidate should be aware of.
This Story also Contains
- XAT 2026 Preparation in One Month
- Important Topics for XAT 2026
- Tips to be Followed on How to Prepare for XAT in One Month
Students can apply directly through the official registration portal for popular courses, including PGDM in Human Resource Management, Business Management, and General Management. Thoughtful preparation begins with thoroughly understanding the XAT exam pattern and its unique characteristics. The test evaluates candidates across four distinct areas, each requiring a specific preparation approach. The following sections will unveil comprehensive preparation strategies, section-wise essential topics, and time-tested techniques that have consistently helped students achieve their dreams at XLRI.
XAT 2026 Preparation in One Month
XAT preparation in one month is difficult but not impossible. An effective strategy and good preparation can achieve it. Begin by revising fundamental concepts and practising key areas where you feel less confident. Alternate between mock tests and section-wise practice to gauge your progress and identify areas for improvement. Dedicate regular time to current affairs and GK to stay updated. Set aside time for revision and review of previous test mistakes.
Day | XAT Preparation Schedule for One Month |
1 | Critical Reasoning : Decision making, conclusion derivation, and theme detection : Ethical Dilemma; Data Interpretation: Approximation Techniques, Ratio and Proportion ,Mixture and Alligation |
2 | Approach to Reading Comprehension: Informative Reading Comprehensions; Data Interpretation Basics; Profit and Loss |
3 | Percentage : Successive Percentage Change; Faulty Balances; Profit and Loss; Pipe and Cistern Time and Work |
4 | Time Work; Decision Making: Operations/Strategic Decisions, HR/Organizational/Policy Decisions; Negative Tone RC; Selection with Conditions |
5 | Time, Speed and Distance ; Relative Velocity; Identifying the Central Idea of the Passage; Main Idea/Purpose of the Passage; Linear Races and Circular Races |
6 | Races and Headstarts; Relative Velocity; Clock ; Races and Boats; Simple Interest |
7 | ;Average Einstein’s Puzzle; Inferences; RCs Having Close Options |
8 | Inferences from Passage; Decision Making: Behavioral/Personal Decisions; Linear Arrangement; Seating Arrangement Arrangement Across Levels |
9 | Seating Arrangement: People Facing Different Directions; Parallel Lines and Angles; Introduction to Triangles; Area of Triangles |
10 | Incenter; Internal and External Angle Bisector Theorem; Congruency and Similarity of Triangles; Apollonius Theorem; Author’s Opinion |
11 | Number of Triangles; Basics of Trigonometry; Applications of Trigonometry; Heights and Distances; Introduction to Geometry: Triangles; Chords and Tangents; Circumference and Area of Circle |
12 | Alternate Segment Theorem; Geometry: Circles; Pie Charts; Plan of Action |
13 | Ordering Facts; Quadrilaterals; Identify Title of a Passage; Tone of Passage |
14 | Coordinate Geometry; Integral Points Inside a Circle; Data Interpretation: Tables with Missing Values |
15 | Mensuration of Solids; Graphs and Statistics; Linear Equations in One Variables ; Linear Equations in 3 Variables; Determinant Method of Solving Linear Equations; Special Linear Equations |
16 | Introduction to Quadratic Equations;Quadratic Equations : Relations Between Equations; Range of Possible Values of Quadratic Coefficients; Maxima and Minima; Progressions: Common Terms in Progressions, Arithmetic Progression Geometric Progression |
17 | Introduction to Progressions and Series; Arithmetic Mean; Sum of Convergent Series; Progressions and Series; Remainders with a Series |
18 | Introduction to Para Jumbles; Identifying Links Using Transition Words; Identifying Connectors in Para Jumbles; Data Interpretation: Data Over Years; Data Interpretation with Connecting Data Sets |
19 | Data Interpretation: Bar; Quantitative-Based Data Interpretation; Factorizing Polynomials; Introduction to Functions |
20 | Approach to Para Completion; Types of Para Completion Questions; Para Completion (Sentence Insertion); Functions; Shifting of Graphs; Data Interpretation: Rate of Growth |
21 | Exponent and Surds and Indices;Inequality ; Inequalities with Modulus; Divisibility Rules |
22 | Introduction to Factors; Cyclicity of Factors; HCF and LCM ; Divisions Leaving Same Remainders; Highest Power of a Number in a Factorial; Number Systems: Factors; Number of Integral Solutions; Base Systems |
23 | Remainder theorem ; Fermat Theorem; Wilson’s Theorem; Euler’s Theorem; Remainder Theorems; Chinese Remainder Theorem |
24 | Truth-Lie Concept;Probability ; Derangement; Circular Arrangement; Selection with Repetitions; Probability; Binomial Theorem |
25 | Directions; Finding Assumptions; Identifying Conclusions; Identifying Components in Critical Reasoning; Flaw in Argument; Strengthen or Weaken Conclusion; Probability on Partitioning |
26 | Evaluating Extra Information; Parallel Reasoning; Probability: Dice; Advanced Probability; Bayes Theorem |
27 | Poem RC; Commonly Confused Words; Venn Diagrams Basics; 4-Group Venn Diagrams;Venn Diagram : Maxima-Minima |
28 | Data Sufficiency; Data Interpretation LR: Maxima, Minima; General Knowledge: Awards, Static GK: History & Polity, Famous Organizations, Companies & Brands, Geography, Business & Corporate News |
29 | XAT Static GK: Important Dates, Cryptocurrencies & Market; Parts of Speech; Articles; Prepositions; Errors; Tenses and Tense Consistency; Subject-Verb Agreement; Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement |
30 | Revision and Practice Tests: Full-length mock tests covering all sections (Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge); Review incorrect answers and focus on weak areas |
Important Topics for XAT 2026
It is necessary to be aware of the various important XAT topics while preparing for the XAT examination. With the help of previous year's XAT question papers, Careers360 have designed a set of XAT topics that the candidates must focus on to better their XAT 2026 performance and score better in the XAT 2026 examination, which is scheduled to be conducted in January 2026.
Category | Subtopics |
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Averages, Ratios & Proportions, Time & Work, Speed & Distance Algebra: Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities Geometry: Triangles, Circles, Area & Perimeter Data Interpretation: Tables, Charts, Graphs |
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning | Reading Comprehension: Analyzing passages, identifying main ideas, drawing inferences, understanding author's tone Critical Reasoning: Analyzing arguments, identifying assumptions, drawing conclusions, evaluating reasoning Verbal Ability: Grammar, Sentence Correction, Vocabulary, Para Jumbles, Fill in the Blanks |
Decision Making | Scenario-based Decision Making: Analyzing complex situations, identifying key issues, evaluating options, making informed decisions Ethical Decision Making: Understanding ethical dilemmas, applying ethical principles, making responsible choices |
General Knowledge | Current Affairs: Recent events, national and international news, major happenings Business & Economy: Key economic indicators, major business trends, industry developments History & Culture: Important historical events, Indian culture and heritage Science & Technology: Major scientific discoveries, technological advancements |
Tips to be Followed on How to Prepare for XAT in One Month
Candidates will have to solve four sections namely Verbal & Logical Reasoning , Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Decision Making, and General Knowledge. The challenge here would be to manage the time and still answer questions accurately as there would be negative marking as well. Hence, candidates who are at the edge are slightly confused about how to prepare for XAT in one month. Given below tips on cracking XAT in one month can be followed by candidates to get good XAT result.
Make a Daily Planner
Focus on Strong Areas
Take More Mock Tests
Improve Accuracy by Practice
Solve Previous Question Papers
Make a Daily Planner
A famous proverb says, “well begun is half done”. Hence, no matter a month is left for XAT, candidates who preplan things to be done are considered to have covered halfway round. To start with, first and foremost candidates need to make a daily planner. Check the XAT syllabus and divide the topics to be covered. Set a time schedule of devoting two hours each to all four sections. By doing this, candidates will be able to make a justified and equalized plan without bias. Candidates should try to take breaks of 15-30 minutes between sections to re-energize themselves. Try to look for some of the best books for XAT.
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Focus on Strong Areas
Since only one month is left for XAT 2026, candidates should not make haste in studying the whole syllabus. They should calmly go through the XAT syllabus and highlight the topics they are familiar with. Mark the strong topics and emphasize them. Do not cram the sub-topics/ methods/ equations/ formulas just for the sake of giving the exam.
Know what experts suggest on XAT
Take More XAT Mock Tests
The best way to prepare and gauge the preparation level is by taking XAT mock tests. Candidates who are to take XAT 2026 are advised to attempt the XAT mock tests before as well as after their preparation. XAT 2026 mock test will not only provide a simulated environment to understand the exam day pressure but will also help in finding the type of questions that may come up on D-Day. Aiswarya Padma B Who Scored 96.986 Percentile in XAT told Careers360 that the mock of XAT helped her a lot. XLRI Jamshedpur will activate the XAT mock test link on the official website.
Improve Accuracy by Practice
Practice even if you don’t like it is a common phrase used nowadays as it can make you good to go. Since there is a negative marking scheme in XAT exam, candidates need to be very careful in solving the questions. Candidates should attempt questions and not leave the question unanswered. As per the XAT pattern, - 0.10 marks will be deducted for more than 8 un-attempted consecutive questions in the XAT exam. However, avoid going with gut feeling and answering randomly as it is better than answering wrong and losing marks.
Solve Previous Question Papers
One of the major tips on how to prepare for XAT in one month is to solve the previous question papers. Experts suggest that solving more and more previous year question papers of XAT will help candidates know different types of questions in XAT exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Clearing the XAT in one month is challenging but possible with focused preparation. You'll need to quickly identify your strengths and weaknesses, then create a study plan that covers all key areas like quantitative ability, logical reasoning, and general knowledge. Consistent practice, especially with previous years' papers and mock tests, can help you gauge your progress and improve your performance. Stay disciplined and make the most of your study time.
Preparing for the XAT usually takes about 6 to 9 months if you're aiming for a thorough preparation. This duration allows you to cover all the essential topics, practice extensively, and take multiple mock tests to understand your progress. It also gives you time to focus on improving weaker areas and refining your test-taking strategies. However, the exact time needed can vary depending on your starting point and how much time you can dedicate to studying each week.
The XAT is generally considered challenging due to its comprehensive syllabus and the level of competition. It tests not just knowledge but also your analytical and decision-making skills under time pressure. The questions are designed to be tricky and require a deep understanding of concepts. With rigorous preparation and practice, you can improve your chances and crack the XAT examination.
In the XAT, the Quantitative Ability (QA) and Data Interpretation (DI) sections are often considered tough by many candidates. These sections require a strong grasp of mathematical concepts and quick problem-solving skills. The questions can be complex and are designed to test both accuracy and speed, making them challenging. Consistent practice and a strategic approach to tackling different types of problems can help manage the difficulty.
For XLRI, the cutoff for the XAT is usually around the 95th percentile or higher. This means that to be competitive for admission, you generally need to score well above average, often in the top 5% of all test-takers. The exact cutoff can vary each year based on the overall difficulty of the exam and the performance of candidates, so it's good to aim as high as possible to increase your chances.
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Questions related to XAT
On Question asked by student community
XAT scores are valid for 2 years hence you can easily download it again Visit the official website of XAT 2025 i.e xatonline.in. and then Click on 'scorecard' tab.login with your credentials XAT ID and password type the security text shown on screen. Click on candidate scorecard and download a PDF copy of the same hope it helps.
Hello
Here is the list of colleges you can get with 68%ile
JIMS Rohini Delhi
IMT Hyderabad
SOIL Institute of Management
Jaipuria Institute of Management Jaipur
Jaypee Business School
Dayananda Sagar Business School Bangalore
NSB Academy Bangalore
NDIM New Delhi
Hello Aspirant
Seeing your marks, it is evident you are good in academics. Thus, you can get into a good MBA college but mind you, it won't be easy because there are thousands of students who are as good as you, if not better. MBA colleges do not choose candidates solely based on academic performance, although it has a big weightage in their selection process. They test your presence of mind, intellect, and communication skills through Group Discussions and Interviews.
The safest way to get into a good MBA college is to score 96-97+ percentile and do really well in GD and PI. Top MBA colleges in India are IIMs, XISS (Ranchi), TISS, Delhi School of Business, and Symbiosis.
Hope this helps
Hello Aspirant
Congratulations on your score, There are many good B schools at 80-85%ile in CAT and XAT
1)Great Lakes, Chennai
2)IRMA
3) Goa Institute of Management
4) NIBM
5) TAPMI
Do your research about these colleges as to what is their average package, the roles offered.
Colleges like NIBM specialize in Finance, and IRMA has a lot of sales marketing Roles. So ultimately the choice is yours which specialization you want to pursue.
Hello aspirant,
Here below are the names of the colleges that you can target:
- Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education, Mumbai
- Bharathidasan Institute of Management, Trichy
- University Business School, Panjab University, Chandigarh
- Delhi School of Management, Delhi Technical University, Delhi
- Institute of Rural Management, Anand
Thank you
Hope it helps you.