Both XAT and CAT are difficult management entrance exams with different exam format and syllabus. However, students often ask if XAT is tougher than CAT as because of the vast syllabus and sectional cut offs.
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Candidates attempting the CAT exam often wonder that Is XAT tougher than CAT? However, one must note that the syllabus, exam pattern, normalization, and other steps are all different in both exams.
XAT is competitive as the number of sections is more than CAT. MBA aspirants searching for the answer to if XAT is tougher than CAT exam, often wonder about the differences between XAT and CAT exams.
When it comes to the difficulty level, the simple answer to this question is that it depends on your preparation. Find the similarities and differences in XAT and CAT exam is the sections below.
Is XAT tougher than CAT?
XAT and CAT both are competitive national-level management examinations. Each year thousands of candidates appear for both exams.
Besides, it depends on the candidate and how they prepare. XAT is Xavier Aptitude Test, and CAT is the Common Admission Test.
XAT vs CAT: Similarities and Differences
Here we have detailed the similarities and differences between both exams. Go through the specifications to know the details of the exam and know is XAT tougher than CAT.
| Details | XAT | CAT |
| Full Form | Xavier Aptitude Test | Common Admission Test |
| Conducting Body | Xavier School of Management (XLRI) | Indian Institutes of Management for admissions into (IIM) |
| Catgory | PG | PG |
| Frequency | Annually | Annually |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test | Computer-Based Test |
| Exam Pattern | MCQ | MCQ |
| Exam Level | High | Moderate to High |
| Examination Type | National | National |
| Paper Medium | English | English |
| Official Website | xatonline.in | iimcat.ac.in |
Check Other Entrance Exams Comparison Here:
XAT vs CAT: Detailed Syllabus
Let us now see the detailed syllabus of both exams. There are three sections in the CAT exam and four sections in XAT. CAT exam has both MCQ and non-MCQs, but XAT concentrates on MCQs.
XAT Syllabus
The students can check the XAT syllabus based on each topic mentioned below.
Verbal and Logical Ability
- English vocabulary-based questions
- Critical Reasoning
- Correction of errors in sentences, correct use of words
- Completion of sentences
- Narration of Incidents
- Literature and fiction
Decision Making/ Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Conditions and Grouping Test
- Data Arrangement Test
- Decision Making in a situation
- Case Lets
- Analytical Reasoning
- Situational Questions
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
- Arithmetic: HCF, LCM, Ratio & Proportion, Simplification, Average, Age Calculation, Time & Work, Distances, Number Systems
- Algebra: Hypothesis of Equations, Quadratic Equation, Permutation, Combination, Sequence and Series
- Mensuration-Areas and Volumes – Rectangles, Squares, Triangles, Circles, Cubes, Cones, Spheres, Pipes, and Cistern.
- Geometry
- Probability
- Profit and Loss
- Quadratic Equations
- Logarithm
- Statistics
- Linear Equations
- Trigonometry
General Knowledge
- Conventional GK
- Constitution of India
- Business & Economy
- Books & Authors
- Capitals & Currencies
- International Relations
- Merger & Acquisitions
- Nation and States
- Literature
- Awards and Recognitions
- Economics
CAT Syllabus
The students can check the CAT syllabus based on each topic mentioned below.
Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary-Based (Synonyms/ Antonyms)
- Usage of Grammar
- Critical Reasoning (and its numerous applications)
- Idioms
- Sentence Correction
- Analogies or Reverse Analogies
- Para Completion
- Facts Interference Judgment
- Fill in the Blanks
Decision Making/ Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Charts/ Tables (Bar Chart, Pie Chart, Caselets, Line Charts)
- Column Graphs
- Venn Diagrams
- Pie Chart
- Direction Sense
- Puzzles
- Series
- Clocks and Calendars
- Data Structures
- Blood Relations
- Arrangements
- Coding-Decoding
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
- Arithmetic: HCF, LCM, Ratio & Proportion, Simplification, Average, Age Calculation, Time & Work, Distances, Number Systems
- Algebra: Hypothesis of Equations, Quadratic Equation, Permutation, Combination, Sequence and Series
- Mensuration: Areas and Volumes – Rectangles, Squares, Triangles, Circles, Cubes, Cones, Spheres, Pipes, and Cistern.
- Percentage
- Logarithm
- Set Theory & Function
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Trigonometry
- Calculus
- Geometry
You May Find This Helpful for Both the Management Exams:
XAT vs CAT: Exam Pattern
Is XAT tougher than CAT? Let us see the exam pattern and marks distribution to know a competitive nature. There are fewer questions in CAT than in XAT, but the marking scheme differs.
If you check here, you will find the total marks of XAT is 100 whereas CAT is 198.
| Particulars | XAT Exam Details | CAT Exam Details |
| Number of Sections | 4 | 3 |
| Type of Questions | 100 MCQs | 70% Objective (Multiple Choice) |
| - | 30% Non-objective | |
| Marking Scheme | +1 mark for every right answer | +1 mark for every right answer |
| 1/4 mark will be deducted | -1 for every wrong answer in certain sections | |
| No negative marking for GK questions | - | |
| Duration | 180 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Total Marks | 100 | 198 |
Check the XAT vs CAT exam pattern in the links below:
XAT vs CAT: Scope
The scope after qualifying for XAT or CAT is many. You can be admitted to top management colleges in India. More than 100 top colleges and B-schools in India accept XAT scores.
Besides, all the top IIMs and B-schools in the country accept CAT scores. It depends on the students where they want admission and their target.
Read in Detail Comparison: XAT vs CAT
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