When deciding between the Common Admission Test (CAT) and the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) for pursuing an MBA in India, the CAT is ideal if your goal is to get into one of the IIMs or other top B-schools that accept CAT scores. It is also widely accepted across numerous institutions in India. Whereas XAT is essential if you are aiming for XLRI or other B-schools that specifically accept XAT scores. It offers a slightly different format and additional sections that may appeal to students looking for a different type of challenge. It’s important to understand the differences and similarities between these two entrance exams. Both XAT and CAT are known to be more challenging than other MBA entrance exams. When compared to each other, they are both tough, but it’s often observed that in CAT, the DILR section tends to be more difficult than the other sections, and in XAT, the Quantitative Aptitude section is often considered tougher than the rest. Here is a detailed comparison of CAT and XAT based on various parameters
|
CAT vs XAT: Differences |
||
|
Particulars |
CAT |
XAT |
|
Full form |
Common Admission Test |
Xavier Aptitude Test |
|
Conducting Body |
IIM |
XLRI, Jamshedpur |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
Graduate with 50% aggregate (45% for reserved category candidates) from a recognized university |
Graduate in any stream from a recognized university |
|
Sections |
3 |
4 |
|
Exam mode |
Online |
Online |
|
Exam duration |
120 minutes |
210 minutes |
|
Difficulty level |
Moderate to Difficult |
Moderate to Difficult |
|
Exam fee |
INR 2,400 (INR 1,200 for Reserved category students) |
INR 2,100 |
|
Registration process |
Online |
Online |
- Conducting Body
|
CAT |
Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. |
|
XAT |
Conducted by Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur. |
- Acceptance
|
CAT |
Accepted by all 20 IIMs and over 1,200 B-schools across India. |
|
XAT |
Accepted by XLRI and over 150 B schools in India. |
- Exam Pattern
|
CAT |
|
|
Sections |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). |
|
Number of Questions |
66 questions. |
|
Duration |
2 hours (40 minutes per section). |
|
Negative Marking |
Yes, 1 mark for each wrong answer (except non-MCQs). |
|
Exam Type |
Computer-based test. |
|
XAT |
|
|
Sections |
Verbal and Logical Ability (VLA), Decision Making (DM), Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QADI), and General Knowledge (GK). |
|
Number of Questions |
100 questions (excluding essay writing, if applicable). |
|
Duration |
3 hours. |
|
Negative Marking |
Yes, 0.25 marks for each wrong answer (for some sections) and 0.10 marks for more than 8 unattempt questions. |
|
Exam Type |
Computer-based test. |
- Syllabus
|
Focuses on VARC, DILR, and QA. The questions are designed to test the analytical, verbal, and mathematical skills of the candidates. |
|
|
Includes sections similar to CAT but adds a Decision-Making section, which is unique to XAT and assesses the candidates' ability to make decisions in challenging scenarios. Additionally, the GK section is included but does not affect the overall percentile. |
- Difficulty Level
|
CAT |
Considered moderately difficult with a strong emphasis on QA and VARC. |
|
XAT |
Often perceived as slightly tougher due to the decision-making section and the inclusion of a broader range of question types. |
- Application Process and Fees
|
CAT |
Application fees for the general category is approximately ?2,400, and for SC/ST/PwD category, it is around ?1,200. |
|
XAT |
Application fees are generally around ?2,000. |
- Exam Frequency
|
CAT |
Conducted once a year, typically in November. |
|
XAT |
Also conducted once a year, typically in January. |
- Preparation Strategy
|
CAT |
Requires strong preparation in three sections with a focus on speed and accuracy. |
|
XAT |
Preparation includes all areas covered by CAT plus an additional focus on Decision Making and GK. |
- Top Colleges Accepting CAT and XAT
|
CAT |
IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, and many others. |
|
XAT |
XLRI Jamshedpur, XIM Bhubaneswar, SPJIMR Mumbai (accepts both CAT and XAT), TAPMI Manipal, and others. |
Both CAT and XAT follow a speed-based testing format, necessitating candidates to efficiently solve calculation-intensive and inference-based questions within a restricted time frame. The difficulty level for both exams is considered moderate to difficult, positioning them as more challenging than other MBA entrance exams.
|
CAT vs XAT Similarities |
||
|
Aspect |
CAT |
XAT |
|
Sections |
Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude |
Verbal Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Aptitude, General Knowledge, Essay |
|
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, -1 for Incorrect |
+1 for Correct, -0.25 for Incorrect (No negative marking for unattempted questions) |
|
Time Duration |
120 minutes |
190 minutes |
|
Speed-based Test |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Difficulty Level |
Moderate to Difficult |
Moderate to Difficult |
|
Comparison Highlights |
Both test analytical ability, logical reasoning, and English communication skills. While similar to the syllabus, CAT has 3 sections, XAT has 5 sections (including General Knowledge and Essay). Both are speed-based, and difficulty is moderate to difficult. Major differences include sectional time limit, marking scheme, and number/types of questions. |
|
CAT comprises three sections – VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude, while XAT has four sections – Decision-making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. XAT includes two extra sections, with one being a distinctive section named Decision-Making
|
CAT vs XAT Exam Syllabus Difference |
||
|
Aspect |
CAT |
XAT |
|
Sections |
VARC, DILR, Quantitative Aptitude |
Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge |
|
Number of Sections |
3 |
4 (including Decision Making) |
|
Additional Sections in XAT |
– |
Decision Making, General Knowledge, Essay |
|
Syllabus Similarity |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Marking Scheme |
Similar |
Similar |
|
Time Duration |
Similar |
Similar |
|
Difficulty Level |
Challenging |
Challenging |
|
Specific Difficulty Areas |
The DILR section is often challenging |
The decision-making section is unique and challenging |
Frequently Asked Questions:(FAQs)
Ques. What are the main differences between the CAT and XAT exams?
Ans. The key differences lie in the number of sections, marking scheme, exam duration, and focus areas:
- Sections: CAT has 3 sections (VARC, DILR, Quant) while XAT has 5 (Decision-making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, and Essay Writing).
- Marking Scheme: Both have negative markings for incorrect answers. XAT penalizes for not attempting a question as well. CAT has a fixed sectional time limit, while XAT allows you to manage your time across sections.
- Duration: CAT is a 120-minute exam, while XAT provides 190 minutes for completion.
- Focus: CAT emphasizes Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation. XAT adds Decision Making and General Knowledge to the mix.
Ques. Which exam should I take for MBA admissions in India?
Ans. It depends on your target B-schools and strengths:
- Target B-schools: Apply for CAT if targeting IIMs and FMS. Apply for XAT if targeting XLRI, XIMB, MICA etc. Some institutes accept both scores.
- Strengths & Weaknesses: Choose CAT if strong in Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation. Choose XAT if comfortable with Decision Making and General Knowledge.
- Time Management: Prefer fixed time limits? Choose CAT. Prefer flexibility? Choose XAT.
Ques. Can I take both CAT and XAT?
Ans. Yes, If you have a strong preparation base and time management skills, you can attempt both exams to increase your chances of admission to your dream B-school.
Ques. Where can I find resources to prepare for CAT and XAT?
Ans. Numerous resources are available online and in coaching centres. Look for mock tests to identify your strengths, and weaknesses, and practice time management.
Register Now To Apply
Get details and latest updates
Related News
View AllRelated Articles
View AllTrending Articles
View All-
NIMCET Counselling 2025 के पहले राउंड का सीट आवंटन परिणाम जारी, 11 जुलाई तक लेना होगा प्रवेश
Jul, 09, 2025 Read More -
PTET Result 2025: Rajasthan PTET रिजल्ट ऑफिसियल वेबसाइट पर होगा घोषित, यहां मिलेगा स्कोरकार्ड लिंक
Jul, 01, 2025 Read More -
DU LLB Seat Allotment 2025 Out – Check Round-Wise Allotment Results Here
Jun, 24, 2025 Read More -
SAT Exam Dates 2025 in India – Month-Wise Schedule & Test Centers
Jun, 23, 2025 Read More -
IPU BTech Admission 2025: Registration Open – Apply Now, Check Fees & Counselling Details
Jun, 19, 2025 Read More -
GATE 2025 Cutoff: Opening and Closing Cutoff Marks 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 of NITs, Cutoff Factors
Jun, 14, 2025 Read More -
TS LAWCET 2025 Provisional Answer Key Released – Raise Objections & Download PDFs
Jun, 12, 2025 Read More -
IISER Counselling 2025: Dates, Registration, Seat Allotment & Verification Details
Jun, 12, 2025 Read More -
JoSAA Participating Institutes 2025 – Check Top Engineering Colleges List
Jun, 11, 2025 Read More -
DAIICT MDes Admission 2025: Exam Date, Pattern, Admit Card & Process
Jun, 10, 2025 Read More
Trending News
View All-
Guntur Shines in CMA Dec 2025 Results with 23 Toppers
Feb, 11, 2026 Read More -
UP BEd JEE Registration 2026: Check Steps to Apply, Eligibility & Application Deadline Here
Feb, 11, 2026 Read More -
AIBE 21 Registration 2026: Link to Apply, Last Date & Bar Exam Fees
Feb, 11, 2026 Read More -
NEET SS 2025 Counselling Schedule Soon; Check Eligibility, Registration Process
Feb, 11, 2026 Read More -
JEE Main 2026 Result Soon: Final Answer Key PDF Likely Today, Session 1 Scorecard Link & Cutoff
Feb, 11, 2026 Read More -
CMA Dec 2025 Results OUT; ICMAI Inter, Final Pass Percentage & Toppers List
Feb, 11, 2026 Read More -
CMAT 2026 Result: Scorecard Release Date, Link and Download Process
Feb, 10, 2026 Read More -
SLAT 2026 1st Merit List: Download Category-wise SLAT First Seat Allotment & SLSs Cutoff
Feb, 10, 2026 Read More -
CUET Form Correction 2026: Last Date (Tomorrow); How to Edit CUET Application
Feb, 10, 2026 Read More -
Goa HSSC Exam 2026 Begins Today; Check Goa Board Class 12 Time Table
Feb, 10, 2026 Read More
back