XAT 2026 Preparation: 5-Month Study Plan to Crack the Exam

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“Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.” ― Thomas A. Edison. Let us begin by establishing the fact that nothing is impossible. Now, to make and live out the next statement, yes, it is possible to crack XAT in 5 months. Hard work pays. Nothing is unachievable if you work hard to turn your dreams into reality. By the time you are done reading this article, "How to crack XAT in 5 months?" will no longer be a question but your next aim!

Preparing for any entrance exam requires prior knowledge about the exam and the pattern it follows. Be it a time span of 5 months or 8, you’ll need to know your weaknesses, the pattern of the examination, and the area in which you need to work the most. The best way to begin with your preparation is to go through the previous year’s question paper once. This gives you a rough idea of what the exam will be like.

What is XAT?

XAT, also known as Xavier Aptitude Test, is recognized as one of the largest national-level entrance exams for MBA. Approximately 1 lakh students take the XAT every year. Unlike other MBA entrance exams, XAT also assesses decision-making, general knowledge, and essay writing, in addition to the other sections that include Quantitative Ability and Verbal Ability.

General Knowledge

With general knowledge included in XAT, it becomes necessary to have knowledge of the happenings around the globe. You must be well-versed with the basics and inculcate a habit of reading newspapers to catch up with news every day. In times when you’re free, Google: “what’s new” and give it a quick read. By the time your exam comes into view, you’ll have a basic understanding of what’s happening in and around the world.

Decision Making

Another section that you need to focus on is decision-making. This section, often ignored by XAT aspirants, plays an important role in the examination. To master this, you must solve as many mock tests and papers as possible. The more cases you solve, the better your approach will be. Being a unique section, decision-making is the key to cracking this examination. You must read the case carefully, collect the required facts, and then identify the impacted parties. This will help you in forming the problem statement and coming to an optimal decision.

Verbal Ability

One more section that you need to lay emphasis on is the reading ability. This section is comparatively tougher in XAT with respect to other MBA entrance exams. Read as much as possible to improve your vocabulary. Work on your writing skills to score well in the essay writing section. Maximise your attempt in para jumbles, vocabulary, and non-RC questions to increase your overall score. The reading comprehension questions, or RCs, in XAT can be challenging. Make sure you go through them thoroughly before answering them.

Quantitative Ability

This section is a lot similar to the one in CAT. If you’ve prepared for CAT already, you’ll benefit here as well. XAT does not have a specific section for LR/DI. However, a few DI (data interpretation) questions may appear under the Quant section.

Conclusion

In other words, how to crack XAT in 5 months is an achievable aim to set. All you need to do is focus your attention entirely on the examination and work accordingly. Dedicate yourself to it and never run away from working hard for it. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said: “If four things are followed - having a great aim, acquiring knowledge, hard work, and perseverance - then anything can be achieved”.

With this, we wish you all the best! May you shine bright and accomplish everything you set your heart on.