CAT vs XAT: Is XAT Tougher than CAT?

Mahima Gupta

Updated On: July 18, 2024 01:33 PM | CAT

CAT vs XAT analysis is an excellent tool for MBA aspirants to find out which of these two exams is better suited for them. Both CAT and XAT have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to MBA admission. Find out more about both CAT and XAT right here!

CAT Vs XAT: Is XAT tougher than CAT?

CAT vs XAT: CAT and XAT are two of the most popular and important MBA entrance exams in India and every year numerous aspirants appear for these exams to secure admission to some of the best MBA colleges across the country. However, candidates must be well aware of all the aspects associated with these exams to correctly decide if they should appear for CAT, XAT, or both. The comparison between CAT and XAT will help students understand how these exams are similar and different from each other. Questions like Is XAT tougher than CAT? Does CAT have a tougher syllabus than XAT? And other important queries can be answered using the CAT vs XAT analysis below.

Also Read:

CAT 2024 Syllabus

XAT 2025 Syllabus

CAT 2024 Exam Pattern

XAT 2025 Exam Pattern

XAT vs CAT Overview

Although the two management exams are relatively similar, it is important for applicants to comprehend certain minute variations between the two in order to develop an effective study plan.
  • The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) administer the CAT exam as a criterion for admission to their different management programs.
  • For admission to their MBA programs, a number of other non-IIM member institutions also accept the CAT score.
  • To choose the best candidates for management education, XLRI (Xavier School of Management) administers the XAT exam at the national level.
  • More than 160 colleges utilize XAT scores to admit students to their MBA programs.

Students aspiring for careers in the management domain often appear for various entrance exams such as CAT, IIFT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, etc. The candidate's ultimate aim is to get admission into the top B-schools and for that, a good percentile in the entrance exams is required. Is XAT tougher than CAT? To answer this, we will look at the similarities and differences between both.

XAT and CAT are both immensely popular but the key difference is that CAT is accepted by the 20 IIMs and over 1220+ B-schools while XAT is accepted by 850+ B-schools. XAT 2024 will be held on January 7, 2024, while the CAT 2023 will be conducted on November 26, 2023. Unlike CAT, XAT has General knowledge and a Decision-Making section that needs extra effort and preparation. Aspirants must note that both entrance exams require a good strategy and preparation plan.

Also Read : CAT vs CMAT, NMAT, XAT, SNAP, IIFT & Other MBA Entrance Exams

Key Differences and Similarities Between XAT & CAT

Both CAT (Common Admission Test) and XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) share a similar syllabus, excluding the Decision Making and General Knowledge (GK) sections. However, their distinctions become apparent in question types and difficulty levels. In terms of difficulty, CAT and XAT both stand out as more challenging than many other MBA entrance exams. When compared to each other, CAT's Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section is typically considered tougher than its other sections, while XAT's Quantitative Aptitude section tends to be more challenging than its counterparts.

XAT reintroduced the Essay Writing section in 2022, making the exam somewhat longer. In contrast, CAT does not feature subjective or essay-writing questions. CAT's exam pattern has remained consistent over the past five years, with a significant change occurring in the total number of questions, reducing from 76 to 66 two years ago. For some candidates, this modification makes CAT appear easier than XAT.

To assess which exam is more demanding, it's essential to understand the distinctions between the two. Check out the major differences and similarities between the two most popular management entrance exams prescribed in the tabular format below.

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 (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 (General Category)

INR 1,200 (Reserved Category)

INR 2,100

Registration Process

Online

Online

This table offers a clear overview of the key differences and similarities between CAT and XAT, aiding prospective MBA candidates in making informed decisions.

CAT Exam Syllabus vs XAT Exam Syllabus

In comparing CAT and XAT, it's important to note that XAT includes sections for Decision Making and General Knowledge that are not part of the CAT syllabus. Below is a section-wise breakdown of the subjects covered in both the CAT and XAT exams:

CAT Syllabus

XAT Syllabus

- Quantitative Aptitude

- Decision Making

- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

- Verbal and Logical Ability

- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

- -

- General Knowledge

Also Read: Colleges in India Accepting XAT Scores

XAT Sectional Weightage vs CAT Sectional Weightage

Exam patterns are different for the XAT and CAT exams. Candidates should be aware of the sectional weightage of these exams. The sectional weightage for both the XAT and CAT exams is highlighted in the table below.

XAT Exam Pattern

Below mentioned is XAT Exam Pattern for your reference -

Part

Sections

No.of Questions

Time

Part 1

Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning

26

175 mins

Decision Making

21

Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation

28

Par 2

Mock Keyboard Testing

- 5 mins

Part 3

General Knowledge

25

30 mins

Essay

1

Total

101

210 mins

CAT Exam Pattern

According to the CAT exam pattern, the sectional weightage for the CAT exam is as follows:

Sections

No.of Questions

Time

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

24

40 mins

Quantitative Ability

22

40 mins

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

20

40 mins

Total

66

120 mins

What After XAT vs What After CAT

Aspirants must also compare both XAT and CAT in terms of the scope. Here is the tabular comparison of the career scope between both the entrance exams.

Particulars

XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

CAT (Common Admission Test)

Career Scope

XAT is the prestigious entrance exam taken by aspirants to get admission to the top MBA institutions. The career scope of XAT is a little less as compared to that of CAT. The exam is accepted by over 850 top B-schools in India.

CAT is the most popular management entrance exam in India. The career scope of CAT is immensely wide. The exam is accepted by the prominent IIMs and B-Schools in our country.

Institutes Accepting the Test

Is XAT Tougher than CAT?

The XAT exam has a sectional time limit, just like the CAT exam, however, the marking scheme is different. On the other side, unlike the XAT, the CAT exam lacks the Decision Making and GK components, which call for additional preparation. Although both exams have the same syllabus (apart from Decision Making and GK), the variation is in the types of questions asked and the degree of difficulty. Both the XAT and the CAT are significantly more difficult than other MBA entrance examinations. Both of them are challenging when compared to one another, although in CAT, the DILR section is typically more challenging than other sections, and in XAT, the Quantitative Aptitude component is usually more difficult than other sections. However, the level of difficulty for both exams is considered to be moderate to difficult.

Due to two components on the question paper—the Decision-Making section and the Verbal section—many students feel the XAT to be more challenging than the CAT. The passages in the XAT's Verbal section are longer than those in the CAT. The Decision-Making component of the XAT is essentially the deciding factor of the exam. The following are some preparation strategies for the XAT's Decision Making section:

  • Instead of using an emotional approach to respond to the questions in this section, candidates will be required to follow a logical approach.
  • Due to the similarity of the majority of the answer choices, the applicant will frequently be perplexed about the right answer. The elimination process can be applied to these questions to determine the best answer.
  • Solving last year's question papers and mock tests might help you prepare effectively for the XAT exam because it will give you an idea of the types of questions that will be asked. Candidates will have a solid understanding of the Decision-Making component of the XAT exam if they are able to successfully answer the questions in the mock exams.

As per past trends, it has been observed that aspirants appear for various competitive exams simultaneously. One question which is frequently asked by applicants is whether preparation for CAT will be sufficient to crack XAT as well. So mentioned below is the answer to your question.

  • Aspirant's key concepts and foundation must be strong in both cases.

  • As mentioned above, there are certain differences in terms of the sections and exam pattern. Therefore, XAT requires a different approach and strategy in terms of preparation.

While some parts of the XAT may be seen to be trickier than those in the CAT, the degree of competition in the CAT makes it more difficult. Thus, everything comes down to the preparation plan that must be carefully developed in accordance with the exam's requirements. Ultimately, it depends on the applicant's choices and preferences. The CAT is a far better choice if you wish to seek admission to the IIMs. However, XAT is a fantastic choice if you wish to apply for admission to other top B-schools.

Related Articles:

Top MBA Colleges Accepting XAT 2025 Score and Cut-Off

XAT 2025 Predicted Question Paper

IIM CAT Cutoff

CAT 2024 Preparation Tips for Beginners

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FAQs

Is work experience considered during admissions through XAT?

Work experience requirements for MBA admissions through the XAT exam vary depending on the course and institution. Candidates must provide their work experience details during the XAT registration process. For example, XLRI's Executive PGDM program requires a minimum of five years of post-graduation work experience.

What is the CAT score required for admission to IIMs?

To gain admission to top IIMs in India, candidates must achieve CAT cutoff scores. The 90th percentile is generally the minimum requirement, while some prestigious IIMs like IIM-A, IIM-B, and IIM-C set their final cutoff significantly higher, often above the 95th percentile.

How many colleges in India accept CAT scores?

For admission to any of the 21 IIMs in India, a Tier 1 chain of management institutes, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) conducts the CAT exam. More than 1000 reputable B-schools across the nation, including some of the top management institutions like FMS Delhi, IMT Ghaziabad, MDI Gurgaon, and IITs, accept the CAT in addition to the IIMs.
 

Which are the best XAT-accepting colleges in India?

In India, many esteemed institutions accept the XAT cut off 2024. Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneshwar, International Management Institute, Institute of Management Technology, Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship, Institute of Rural Management Anand, Gujarat, Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad, TAPMI, Great Lakes, FORE, LIBA, and BIMTECH are some other well-known MBA schools accepting XAT scores 2024 in addition to XLRI, Jamshedpur. 

Does XLRI Jamshedpur consider CAT score?

No, XLRI does not accept CAT scores as a requirement for admission. To be admitted to XLRI, applicants must take the XAT exam rather than the CAT. CAT scores are used by IIMs and other B-Schools.

What are the similarities between the XAT and CAT syllabi?

With the exception of Decision Making and GK, both tests have the same syllabus; the difference is in the types of questions and level of difficulty. The XAT and the CAT are both more challenging than other MBA entrance exams in terms of difficulty.

Is securing a 99+ percentile in CAT tough?

Securing a 99+ percentile score on the CAT exam is one of the toughest tasks for management aspirants. It takes a good preparation strategy, a strong work ethic, and resolve to achieve a 99+ percentile score on the CAT exam. Candidates need to pay more attention to time management during their final phase of preparation because they will only have 120 minutes to complete the CAT exam. 

Is CAT the toughest MBA entrance exam?

One of the most difficult exams in India, the CAT has three main sections. These three sections of the CAT exam are the verbal aptitude, data interpretation and reasoning, and quantitative aptitude sections. While the Verbal Aptitude section is typically moderate in terms of difficulty, the Data Interpretation and Reasoning section and the Quantitative Aptitude section can be challenging for candidates, especially those students who do not have a background in Mathematics. This makes the CAT exam one of toughest entrance exams in India, if not the toughest.

What is the acceptance of XAT?

Since XAT is a national-level MBA entrance exam in India, XAT results can be used to gain admission to the 11 member institutions of XLRI, Jamshedpur as well as the hundreds of colleges across the country that will accept XAT scores in 2024. The results of the XAT 2024 exam will be accepted by more than 160 MBA universities, including many of the top MBA colleges, for admission in 2023.

Is XAT tougher than CAT?

The CAT and XAT exams are considered two of India's toughest MBA entrance exams due to their different test formats and scoring methods. While it is challenging to determine which exam is more difficult, there are key differences between them. XAT includes additional components like Decision Making and GK, not present in CAT. Many aspirants and experts perceive XAT to be slightly more difficult than CAT.

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