The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a prominent national-level entrance examination for MBA admissions, primarily conducted by the Xavier Labor Relations Institute (XLRI) in Jamshedpur. Established in 1949, XAT serves as a standardized assessment tool for evaluating candidates’ suitability for management programs across various institutions in India.
One of the most important resources for XAT preparation is books. In this article, we will guide you through the best XAT books that can help you crack the exam with flying colours.
Recommended Books for XAT Preparation
Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR)
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Ajay Singh
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Nishit Sinha
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma
- How to Prepare for Data Interpretation by Arun Sharma
- Data Interpretation for the CAT by N.K. Sinha
- Koncepts of Numbers in Quantitative Aptitude for XAT and Other Quantitative Exams by Gajendra Kumar
Decision Making (DM)
- Analytical and Logical Reasoning by Arihant Publications
- Target XAT (Past papers & mock tests) by Disha Experts
- Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers) by R.K. Jha
General Knowledge (GK)
- General Knowledge 2025 by Manohar Pandey
- Lucent’s General Knowledge 2025 by Dr Binay Karna
- Objective General Knowledge (Lucent’s)
- General Knowledge by Arihant Experts
- Manorama Year Book by Mammen Mathew
In addition to these books, aspirants should refer to magazines like Business Line, Business Today, Competition Success Review, and newspapers such as The Hindu, and Economics Times to stay updated on current affairs for the GK section.
For the Essay Writing section, candidates can refer to Mastering Essay & Answer Writing for UPSC Civil Services IAS/ IPS & State PSC Main Exam by Arihant Experts.
Solving previous year question papers and attempting mock tests are crucial for understanding the exam pattern and improving time management skills
Exam Structure
The XAT consists of multiple sections designed to assess different skill sets:
- Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR): This section evaluates candidates’ proficiency in English, including grammar, comprehension, and reasoning skills.
- Decision Making (DM): Candidates are presented with real-world scenarios requiring critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI): This part tests mathematical skills and the ability to interpret data effectively.
- General Knowledge (GK): This section includes questions on current affairs and static general knowledge.
- Analytical Essay Writing (AEW): Candidates must write an essay on a given topic, showcasing their analytical and writing skills.
Exam Format
- Duration: The total time allotted for the exam is 180 minutes, with no sectional time limits for most sections, except for GK and AEW.
- Number of Questions: The exam typically includes around 100 multiple-choice questions.
- Marking Scheme: Each correct answer earns 1 mark, while incorrect answers incur a penalty of 0.25 marks. Unattempted questions beyond eight attract a penalty of 0.10 marks each.
How to Choose the Right XAT Books
When it comes to choosing the right XAT books, you need to keep in mind several factors. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:
- Check the Author: The first thing you need to do when selecting XAT books is to check the author’s credentials. Make sure the author is reputable and has a proven track record in producing quality study material.
- Look for the Latest Edition: XAT syllabus undergoes periodic updates, and it’s essential to choose books that cover the latest exam pattern and syllabus. Make sure to check the publication date and choose the latest edition available in the market.
- Read Reviews: Before purchasing any XAT book, it’s a good idea to read reviews from other aspirants who have used the book. Online forums and review sites are great places to get an idea of the book’s quality and usefulness.
- Compare and Contrast: Don’t just settle for one XAT book. Compare and contrast multiple books and choose the ones that suit your learning style and exam strategy the best.
Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)
Xavier Admission Test (XAT) is a national-level entrance exam, for admission into the postgraduate management programs at Xavier Institutes, conducted by Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI), Jamshedpur. Besides XLRI and other Xavier Institutes, hosts of other reputed Top B-Schools in India also accept XAT scores including Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Chennai and Goa Institutes of Management, Indian Institute of Finance, New Delhi and S P Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai.
Quick Links:
- Syllabus
- XAT Books
- XAT Question Papers
- Colleges accepting XAT score
- Application Form
- Admit Card
- Answer Key
- Result
- Cut Off
XAT Books – An Overview
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | XAT |
| Full Form of XAT | Xavier Aptitude Test |
| Event Here | Books of XAT |
| Similar Exams and Their Admit Card | MBA Entrance Exams |
| Official Body for Exam and Hall Ticket | XLRI |
| Full Form of XLRI | Xavier School of Management (XLRI or formerly Xavier Labour Relations Institute) |
| Scale Of This Exam | National Level |
| Places of Admitting Colleges | India |
| Official Website for This Admit Card | xatonline.in |
| Programs Where Admission Is Through This Test | MBA, PGDM, and other Management Programs offered in accepting colleges |
| Institutes Where Admission Is Through This Test | XLRI and other XAT Associates |
FAQs
It’s not necessary to buy all the XAT books available in the market. You should choose the ones that suit your learning style and exam strategy the best. It’s better to have a few good quality XAT books than many mediocre ones.
While XAT books are an essential part of your exam preparation, it’s not enough to rely solely on them. You should also supplement your preparation with other resources such as online courses, mock tests, and coaching institutes. Additionally, it’s crucial to practice regularly and revise the concepts you learn.
Yes, most XAT books cover topics that are common to other MBA entrance exams such as CAT, NMAT, and SNAP. However, you should also use resources that are specific to each exam to ensure comprehensive preparation.
Yes, e-books are just as effective as print books for XAT preparation. E-books offer the advantage of portability and cost-effectiveness, and you can carry hundreds of books in your pocket. However, some students prefer print books as they offer a better reading experience and reduce screen time.
Online resources can be helpful, but they should be used in conjunction with books and offline preparation. A balanced approach using both online and offline resources is recommended for comprehensive XAT preparation.