About XAT
XAV (Xavier Aptitude Test) is one of the most desired MBA entry tests which is administered annually by the XLRI (Xavier School of Management) on behalf of XAMI (Xavier Association of management institutes). The exam is regarded as the second biggest MBA entrance exam that opens the way to admission in some of the best B-schools in the country. There are over 150 good MBA colleges in the country which accept XAT scores. It is a single very tricky entrance test and is undertaken by over 90,000 applicants annually. To make your life easier, we have listed the key dates of XAT 2026 below:
XAT Important Dates 2026
Events |
Dates |
Registration Opens |
July 10, 2025 |
Registration Ends |
December 05, 2025 |
Admit Card Release Date |
December 20, 2025 (Tentative) |
XAT Exam Date |
January 04, 2026 (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM) |
XAT Answer Key 2026 |
Last Week of January 2026 (Tentative) |
XAT Result 2026 |
First Week of February 2026 (Tentative) |
Decision-making is the most scoring section of XAT. It is essential to learn problem-solving and decision-making techniques to gain expertise in this section. The above-mentioned XAT books for Decision-making also include
xat previous year papers and practice tests that will let you understand the section well.
The first step to cracking XAT is to pick up the right books for in-depth conceptual clarity of all important topics. Since there is no dearth of XAT preparation books, choosing the right ones becomes critical. After reviewing the most popular books available online and offline, our experts have shortlisted the best books for XAT aspirants.
It is important that you purchase only the latest edition of these books so as to keep up with the current exam pattern and difficulty level.
Best books for XAT Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation:
- Hitbullseye’s MBA Math- 1 & 2
Hitbullseye’s MBA Math- 1 & 2
These books are a good source of XAT exam preparation. This is a book on XAT that explains clearly most of the practice questions available and also details how the solution can be achieved. The XAT book is both entry level and advanced. It contains tips, tricks, traps, and time management techniques that increase the problem-solving ability and confidence. The practice questions also mark the new trends in MBA Exam, and that is very extensive coverage against any type of question. It also focuses on clarity of conception, which makes it very strong in basic concepts. Examples and practice exercises support learning and help you remember. The book is accompanied by online support and other resources that add so much value. This is the best study material according to MBA and this is what MBA aspirants must possess in order to take the QA part with confidence and competence.
- Hitbullseye’s Math Formulae & Concept Revision
These books can help in the preparation of XAT exam. It is a book on XAT giving a clear explanation on a vast number of practice questions and also gives detailed strategy of solution. The XAT book is friendly to both the beginner and the sophisticated student. It includes tips, tricks, common pitfalls, time management techniques that help to improve problem solving skills and confidence. The practice questions are based on the current trends in the MBA Exam and are an excellent source of training on any type of question. It focuses on the clarity of concepts and develops a solid background on core concept. Examples and practice exercises support learning and help in retention. Support and other resources that come along with the book in an online format are invaluable. It is rated as the most suitable study material in MBA, required by MBA aspirants in order to conquer the QA section with confidence and competence.
- Data interpretation For CAT & Management exams Preparation
The DI book series has provided full coverage of all the basic concepts, the book divides complex concepts into digestible bits and introduces these bits step by step with progressively harder examples until the understanding is completed. The book is a complete training ground to aspirants with a rich choice of practice questions covering the scope and breadth of XAT exam questions. The Data Interpretation is not an easy part and it must be done a couple of times prior to the real examination day to be perfected.
The above-mentioned are the most preferred books for XAT Quant and DI. These will help you get a good grasp over the fundamental and advanced concepts along with expert tricks to tackle complex questions. You will also find solved questions and practice exercises from past papers of XAT exam to get a better idea and prepare ahead.
Best books for XAT Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning:
- Hitbullseye’s XAT VA Series
VA book series provides a detailed coverage of most of MBA exams such as XAT, GRE and GMAT. These books have specific material on key areas Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Verbal skills. Concentrate on selecting a strategic learning framework which involves theory, strategic planning, and specific practice, students are able to learn systematically and methodically with the aim of producing the best results. The series further guarantees comprehensive explanations and variety of question types to ensure that the students are prepared perfectly to answer examination questions. The focus on critical thinking and planning helps to create a more prepared student who has a greater likelihood of passing competitive exams.
XAT books for verbal ability are devised to enhance your grammatical knowledge and language skills in a comprehensive manner. Additionally, you will be able to build a good vocabulary base and learn to ace questions with high accuracy. To improve and practice choose from these online mock tests to know the level of your preparation.
- Hitbullseye’s LR 1 & 2
The proposed book on XAT exam preparation, and in particular the section on logical reasoning (LR), gives a step-by-step and comprehensive approach to solving such kinds of problems. It breaks down the complexities of concepts into simple steps and presents them in stages of difficulty and with clear examples in order to ensure that they are clearly understood. The book is an all-inclusive training resource with a diverse array of practice questions representing the breadth and depth of XAT exam questions.
Logical Reasoning is a tricky section which needs to be attempted several times before the actual exam day for practice. This will help in the better set-selection and avoiding any surprises on the day of the exam. Also managing the time and attempting the questions within 40 mins is a crucial skill for this section.
To improve and practice choose from these online mock tests to know the level of your preparation.
Best books for XAT Decision Making:
- Analytical and Logical Reasoning by Arihant Publications
- Target XAT 2026 (Past papers & mock tests); by Disha experts
- Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers); by R.K. Jha
Best books for XAT General Knowledge:
- General Knowledge 2026 by Manohar Pandey
- Lucent's General Knowledge 2026 by Dr. Binay Karna
Apart from the above-listed XAT preparation books for GK, you should refer to good magazines (Business Line, Business Today, Competition Success Review, etc.) and newspapers (The Hindu, Economics Times, etc.) to gain expertise in this section.
Best books for XAT Essay:
- Mastering Essay & Answer Writing - Disha Experts
- 151 Essays by S.C. Gupta
Alongside studying the essay structure and going through the essays given in these books, you must practice writing on the latest topics/ issues within a specific time restraint.
Finally, it is advised that you take regular mock tests to evaluate your progress for XAT exam.
XAT eBooks by Hitbullseye
We have special XAT books on key topics by our best mentors and faculty members. The aim of these books is both to offer conceptual clarity and to ready you with high-level shortcuts to exam-specific questions. Besides the fundamental concepts, these have the required number of practice questions according to the actual exam pattern. In addition, you will also receive some strategic tips and tricks to take into consideration during the exam. Get all these in eBook form and study towards XAT.