Regarding pursuing an MBA from a top-tier B-school in India, two names dominate the conversation: CAT (Common Admission Test) and XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test). Both exams are gateways to prestigious institutes—CAT primarily for the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and XAT for XLRI Jamshedpur and other top B-schools.
As students and parents plan the MBA journey after graduation, a common question arises: “Is CAT more difficult than XAT?”
While both exams are highly competitive, they differ in structure, sections, question types, and evaluation criteria. Understanding these nuances is essential to choosing the right exam (or both) based on a student’s aptitude, strengths, and career goals.
In this blog by Tarkashastra, we’ll break down:
- The exam pattern and syllabus of CAT vs XAT
- The difficulty level of each section
- Real insights from experts and students
- And tips to decide which exam suits your child best
Let’s begin with a quick comparison of both exams at a glance.
CAT vs XAT: At a Glance
Before a detailed comparison, here’s a side-by-side snapshot of the CAT and XAT exams. This table will help parents and students understand how these two MBA entrance tests differ in format, duration, and content.
CAT vs XAT – Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | CAT | XAT |
| Full-Form | Common Admission Test | Xavier Aptitude Test |
| Conducting Body | IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) | XLRI (Xavier School of Management), Jamshedpur |
| Purpose | Admission to IIMs and over 1,200 B-schools | Admission to XLRI and 10 other XAMI, 600+ MBA colleges across India |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Number of Sections | 3 | 4 |
| Total Questions | 68 | 95 |
| Sections | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Decision Making, General Knowledge, Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation Essay Writing (selection round) |
| Scoring Pattern | +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect (MCQs) | +1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect 0.10 marks are deducted for more than eight unanswered consecutive questions |
As you can see, while CAT focuses on core aptitude areas like Quant, Verbal, and DILR, XAT introduces additional layers of complexity through sections like Decision Making and General Knowledge. These unique elements make the XAT exam structure significantly different and more challenging for many.
Exam Pattern: What Makes XAT More Complex?
At first glance, both CAT and XAT may seem like standard aptitude tests, but a closer look reveals that XAT’s structure introduces additional challenges not present in CAT.
Understanding the exam pattern is essential for both preparation and performance strategy.
Section-Wise Exam Pattern Comparison
| CAT | XAT | ||
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Yes (24 Questions) | Verbal and Logical Ability | Yes (26 Questions) |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Yes (22 Questions) | Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | Yes (28 Questions) |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Yes (22 Questions) | ||
| Decision Making | Not included | Decision Making | Yes (21 Questions) – Unique to XAT |
| General Knowledge | Not included | General Knowledge | Yes (20 Questions) |
| Essay Writing | Not included | Essay Writing | Per the latest XAT pattern, essay writing is now part of the selection round, not the main exam. |
| Sectional Time Limit | Yes (40 mins per section) | Sectional Time Limit | No strict sectional timing (except for the essay section) |
Why XAT Feels More Challenging
Here’s what makes XAT more complex compared to CAT:
Decision Making Section:
- Exclusive to XAT, this section includes ethical dilemmas, business situations, and logical reasoning without formulas—purely based on judgment and critical thinking.
Essay Writing:
- While not factored into the XAT percentile, the essay is evaluated during the final selection stage at XLRI and some other colleges, making it a critical filter.
General Knowledge:
- This section includes both static and current affairs and tests awareness beyond academics. While GK doesn’t impact your percentile, it is considered by XLRI and other institutes during final selection rounds.
Longer Duration & Mental Stamina:
- At 3 hours, XAT demands better mental endurance and time management. CAT, at 2 hours, is faster-paced but more focused.
In summary, XAT’s exam pattern is more layered and multidimensional, while CAT focuses on quantitative and verbal aptitude. If a student isn’t comfortable with decision-based reasoning or subjective writing, XAT may feel more demanding.
Next, let’s explore how the syllabus of CAT vs XAT compares—because what’s asked is just as important as how it’s requested.
Syllabus Comparison: CAT vs XAT
While both CAT and XAT assess a candidate’s aptitude in Quantitative, Verbal, and Logical areas, XAT includes additional subjects that significantly change the scope and preparation strategy. Let’s break down the syllabus’s similarities and differences.
CAT vs XAT Syllabus Overview
| Section | CAT Syllabus | Section | XAT Syllabus |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Probability Mensuration, Surds, Equations LCM & HCF Profit & Loss Work & Time | Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Profit & Loss Ratio & Proportion, Time-Speed-Distance Graphs, Pie Charts, Data Analysis Inequalities, Equations, SI & CI, Percentages Somewhat same as CAT but often include slightly higher difficulty levels. |
| Verbal Ability & RC (VARC) | Jumbled paragraphs Reading comprehension (science, politics, mythology, etc.)Sentence completion & correctionGrammarPara jumblesSynonyms & antonymsAnalogiesIdioms and phrasesSyllogisms | Verbal and Logical Ability | Antonyms and SynonymsJumbled paragraphsSentence completionWord usagesEditing and omittingDense RCs including poemsLogical reasoning elements Similar to CAT, but XAT places more weight on vocabulary and inference-based questions |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Data tables, graphs, puzzles, arrangements | — | XAT does not have a DILR section per se; reasoning is tested under Decision Making |
| Decision Making | Not Included | Decision Making | Decision Making: Logical reasoning, grouping, assumptions, data arrangement, arithmetic conditions Emphasis on real-life decision-based scenarios Unique to XAT – Ethical scenarios, analytical reasoning, business situations. |
| General Knowledge (GK) | Not included | General Knowledge (GK) | National & international current affairs Static GK (history, polity, economy, etc.) No negative marking in this section |
| Essay Writing | Not Included | Essay Writing | A short essay (150–300 words) on abstract or social topics. |
Key Differences in Syllabus
- Decision Making (XAT Only):
- Tests judgment, integrity, and problem-solving in professional scenarios.
- No formulas or set syllabus—answers are subjective and logic-based.
- General Knowledge (XAT Only):
- It’s not part of CAT at all.
- Includes static topics (history, geography, science) and current affairs (business, politics, international events).
- Essay Writing (XAT Only):
- Introduced back in 2022 after a short break.
- Topics usually test articulation, critical thinking, and writing clarity.
Overlap & Differences Summary Table
| Feature | CAT | XAT |
| Overlap in Syllabus | QA, VARC | QA, VARC |
| Unique to XAT | Decision Making, GK, Essay | Not present in CAT |
| GK Topics | Not applicable | Static + Current Affairs |
| Essay Evaluation | Not applicable | Evaluated during final interview rounds |
| Syllabus Difficulty | Focused and compact | Broader and more diverse |
Takeaway for Parents & Students
If your child is already preparing for CAT, that preparation covers about 70% of XAT. However, the remaining 30% (Decision Making, GK, Essay) can be a game-changer. These sections are less predictable and require separate focused preparation—making XAT arguably more demanding overall.
Which Exam is Tougher: Student & Expert Opinions
While data helps set expectations, real insights from students and mentors give us a practical lens to understand how CAT and XAT differ in difficulty. Here’s what past aspirants and experts across platforms have shared:
Student Experiences
| Insight | CAT | AspirantsXAT Aspirants |
| “Most time-pressured section” | DILR – very tricky and time-consuming | Decision Making – difficult to judge correctness |
| “Biggest surprise in the exam hall” | Unpredictable DILR sets | Complex Decision Making and lengthy paper |
| “Easiest to score” | Quant (if strong in math) | VARC (if comfortable with vocabulary) |
| “Most ignored section” | TITA questions – many skips due to time | GK – often neglected but essential for XLRI |
| “What I would do differently” | Practice more DILR mocks | Prepare better for DM and write mock essays |
Coaching Expert Opinions
| Expert Viewpoint | Explanation |
| XAT is broader; CAT is deeper. | CAT focuses on aptitude; XAT tests personality traits, too. |
| XAT is better for students with logical clarity. | Decision-making favours those with balanced judgment over memorized concepts. |
| Essay writing can tip the scale at XLRI. | A good essay + GK section performance can influence final admission. |
| CAT demands consistency; XAT demands adaptability. | CAT favours formulaic problem-solving; XAT throws in curveballs. |
Common Consensus
- CAT is seen as tougher in terms of time-bound problem-solving, especially DILR.
- XAT is more mentally exhausting due to its length and variety of sections, especially Decision Making and Essay.
- Students strong in math and structured thinking usually prefer CAT.
- Those with a balanced mix of aptitude and judgment often perform better in XAT.
Pro Tip for Parents:
- If your child is good with numbers but struggles with abstract reasoning or writing, CAT may suit them better.
- XAT could be the better shot if they are well-rounded, thoughtful, and articulate.
Which One Should You Choose? (CAT vs XAT Decision Guide)
Choosing between CAT and XAT—or deciding to appear for both—should depend on a student’s aptitude, target colleges, and preparation style. This section offers a decision-making guide to help parents and students find the right fit.
Decision-Making Checklist
| Criteria | Opt for CAT if… | Opt for XAT if… |
| Target Colleges | Your goal is IIMs or colleges like FMS, MDI | Your goal is XLRI, XIMB, IMT, or top non-IIM B-schools |
| Aptitude Strength | Strong in Quant, DILR | Strong in Reasoning, Ethics, and Overall Thinking |
| Comfort with English Vocabulary | Moderate | High – as XAT VARC leans on vocabulary-heavy RCs |
| Prepared for Essay Writing | Not required | Yes – if your child can express clearly and critically |
| Reading Habits / Current Affairs | Not important for CAT | Important for XAT (GK section) |
| Mental Endurance | Comfortable with 2-hour tests | Can manage 3.5-hour long-form exams |
| Exam Strategy | Prefer clear pattern and predictable sections | Can adapt to surprises and unconventional sections |
When to Choose Both CAT and XAT
Appearing for both exams is a smart strategy for students to widen their options. Many top-tier B-schools in India accept CAT or XAT, and overlapping syllabus (70%+) allows for efficient dual preparation.
Examples of Colleges Accepting Both:
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- IMT Ghaziabad
- TAPMI
- Great Lakes
- GIM Goa
- LIBA Chennai
Tip from Tarkashastra Mentors
“Even if your child’s first preference is IIMs, preparing for XAT is like a backup with a twist—because some of the best managerial minds come from XLRI, too.”
Advice for Parents
- Don’t push based only on brand names—IIMs vs XLRI is not a battle of prestige but of fitment.
- Focus on your child’s strengths: analytical vs judgmental thinking, endurance vs speed.
- Consider mental health and preparation bandwidth before committing to multiple exams.
Preparation Strategy: If You’re Targeting Both
Since CAT and XAT have around 70% syllabus overlap, students can prepare for both efficiently with a smartly structured plan. The key lies in focusing on shared sections first, then branching out to XAT-specific areas like decision-making, GK, and Essay Writing.
Step-by-Step Preparation Plan
1. Build a Common Foundation (CAT + XAT)
Focus on shared topics:
- Quantitative Aptitude: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Numbers
- VARC: Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Grammar
- Logical Reasoning: Puzzles, Arrangements, Data Interpretation (for CAT)
Suggested Timeline: April to September
Ideal Strategy: Use CAT study material as the core
2. Add XAT-Specific Layers (October Onward)
| Section | Preparation Tips |
| Decision-Making | Practice past year XAT DM questions; analyze options based on logic, fairness, and business ethics |
| General Knowledge | Read daily current affairs (esp. business, economy); revise static GK from compendiums |
| Essay Writing | Practice 1 essay/week on abstract/social/business topics; focus on structure and clarity |
Suggested Timeline: October to December
Ideal Strategy: 1 hour/day extra for XAT topics from mid-October
Mock Tests: The Game Changer
| Test Type | Frequency | Benefit |
| CAT Full Mocks | 1/week (July–Nov) | Builds speed, accuracy, and test temperament |
| XAT Full Mocks | 1/week (Nov–Jan) | Builds endurance, DM logic, and essay planning |
| Sectional Tests | 2–3/week (ongoing) | Focused improvement in weak areas |
Pro Tip: Use mocks for scoring and improving decision-making under pressure.
Study Materials & Resources
| Section | Recommended Resources |
| Quant + VARC + LR | CAT prep books |
| Decision Making | Previous year XAT DM papers, coaching institute modules |
| General Knowledge | AffairsCloud, GKToday, The Hindu/Business Standard |
| Essay Writing | Editorials + writing practice on past XAT topics |
Avoiding Burnout: Smart Scheduling
- Balance CAT and XAT prep by allocating alternate weeks to mocks
- Take short breaks to refresh the mind
- Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and mental health
- Keep weekends light or revision-focused as exams approach
Tarkashastra Tip:
If your child is already on a CAT-focused routine, a slight 20% shift in prep post-November can lead to a strong XAT performance without additional pressure.
Conclusion
So, is CAT more difficult than XAT? The answer depends on your child’s strengths, preparation style, and career goals.
CAT vs XAT – Final Takeaways
| Criteria | CAT | XAT |
| Focus Areas | Quant, DILR, Reading Comprehension | Decision Making, Verbal, GK, Essay |
| Style of Exam | Speed, logic, time management | Versatility, judgment, critical thinking |
| Mental Intensity | High (compact, 2 hours) | Very High (3.5 hours, broad syllabus) |
| Ideal for Students Who… | Are analytical and good at time-bound puzzles | Are logical, articulate, and ethically grounded |
| Top Institutes | IIMs, FMS, MDI, etc. | XLRI, XIMB, IMT, TAPMI, etc. |
In essence:
- CAT is their exam if your child is great at number crunching and structured reasoning and prefers a faster-paced test.
- XAT could be their winning bet if they’re more balanced, adaptable, and strong in decision-making and writing.
Your Next Step as a Parent
Supporting your child’s MBA dream isn’t just about encouraging hard work—it’s about helping them choose the right path and strategy.
Whether they go for CAT, XAT, or both, Tarkashastra’s expert mentors are here to guide them with:
- Personalized prep plans
- Mock analysis and feedback
- Exclusive sessions on Decision Making, Essays, and GK
Book a free counselling session today to understand what suits your child best.
Explore Our CAT & XAT Coaching Programs.
FAQs: CAT vs XAT – What Parents & Students Commonly Ask
Q1. Can I prepare for CAT and XAT together?
Yes. About 70% of the syllabus overlaps. Start with CAT preparation (Quant, VARC, DILR), and add Decision Making, GK, and Essay practice from October onwards to tackle XAT effectively.
Q2. Is the Decision-Making section in XAT really that tough?
It’s different, but not difficult. Decision-making requires logical reasoning and ethical judgment—no formulas, just clear thinking. With practice from previous years’ questions, students can master it.
Q3. Does the General Knowledge section in XAT impact the final result?
Yes, but indirectly. GK is not used in calculating the XAT percentile, but it plays a role in XLRI’s final selection process and the essay and interview performance.
Q4. Is the XAT Essay Writing section evaluated?
Yes. The essay is not part of the initial shortlist but is assessed during the interview rounds by XLRI and some other colleges. A well-structured essay can significantly boost a candidate’s profile.
Q5. Which colleges accept both CAT and XAT scores?
Several top B-schools accept both exams. These include:
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- IMT Ghaziabad
- XIM Bhubaneswar
- TAPMI
- GIM Goa
- KJ Somaiya
- LIBA Chennai
Applying to both tests widens your child’s chances of getting into a premier B-school.
Q6. Is CAT more competitive than XAT?
Yes, in terms of sheer volume. Over 3 lakh students take the CAT annually, while XAT sees around 1 lakh. However, XAT has more components and a longer format, which makes it more challenging in other ways.
