Is XAT Tougher Than GMAT? A 360° Comparison for Global and Indian MBA Aspirants
- MBA Entrance Exam Expert
- Oct 7
- 5 min read
Table of Contents
Introduction: Why Compare XAT and GMAT?
For MBA aspirants in India, the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) often represent two very different paths—one toward top Indian B-schools like XLRI, and the other toward global programs like INSEAD, LBS, and even ISB.
But with ISB and several IIMs accepting both GMAT and GRE scores, and XLRI sticking to only XAT, the decision isn't always straightforward.
So, which exam is tougher? This blog breaks down XAT vs GMAT across 10 critical factors—difficulty, content, scoring, strategy, and school fit—to help you choose wisely.
1. Exam Purpose and Global vs Indian Reach
Feature | XAT | GMAT |
Primary Use | Indian MBA entrance (XLRI, XIMB, etc.) | Global MBA and MS admissions |
Accepted In | 160+ Indian B-schools | 2,400+ programs across 110+ countries |
Popularity | ~1 lakh test-takers annually | ~200,000 globally |
Best Fit For | Indian 2-year & 1-year MBAs (XLRI, SPJIMR) | Global MBAs, ISB, IIMs (PGPX/EPGP) |
Verdict: GMAT is globally recognized and accepted by both Indian and international schools. XAT is India-focused, and crucial only for schools like XLRI, IMT, XIMB, and TAPMI.
2. Exam Format and Duration
Parameter | XAT 2026 | GMAT Focus Edition (2024 onwards) |
Sections | Verbal, Quant, Decision Making, GK, Essay | Quant, Verbal, Data Insights |
Duration | 3 hours | 2 hours 15 minutes |
Type | Computer-Based | Computer-Adaptive (section-level) |
Navigation | Free (XAT) | Sequential; adaptive path (GMAT) |
Verdict: XAT is longer and more diversified with GK and Essay. GMAT Focus is more compact but adaptive—meaning harder questions appear as you perform better.
3. Verbal Ability Comparison
XAT Verbal & Logical Ability:
Heavy on reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical reasoning
Includes abstract, poetic, and philosophical passages
More unpredictable in tone and style
GMAT Verbal:
Focuses on Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension
Requires strong command over grammar and logic
More standardized in tone and structure
Verdict: GMAT Verbal is more polished and structured—ideal for candidates with strong English grammar skills. XAT Verbal is more erratic and thus harder to predict or strategize.
4. Quantitative Reasoning Comparison
Both exams test similar concepts: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, word problems, and number properties.
XAT Quantitative Ability:
Slightly more difficult in terms of computation
Longer, DI-heavy sets
No calculator allowed
GMAT Quant (Focus Edition):
Shorter, with integrated reasoning moved to Data Insights
Emphasizes logic over raw calculation
No geometry from 2024 onwards
Calculator allowed in DI section
Verdict: XAT Quant is tougher for traditional test-takers due to its calculation-heavy approach. GMAT is conceptually tricky but now less time-consuming with the Focus format.
5. Decision-Making vs Data Insights
XAT Decision Making:
20–22 questions
Managerial caselets involving ethical dilemmas, trade-offs, business decisions
No formulas—pure logic and judgment
GMAT Data Insights (Focus Edition):
Combines data sufficiency, table analysis, multi-source reasoning
Tests ability to draw conclusions from data
Uses calculator
Verdict: These sections are not directly comparable. XAT’s Decision Making is unique in the world of MBA exams. It tests maturity and strategic thinking, not math or reading speed.
6. Scoring and Penalty Mechanisms
Feature | XAT | GMAT Focus Edition |
Scoring Range | Percentile-based (0–100) | 205–805 scaled score |
Negative Marking | –0.25 for wrong answers, –0.10 after 8 blanks | No negative marking |
Normalization | Not required (single slot) | Adaptive algorithm auto-adjusts |
Verdict: GMAT has no negative marking, which encourages strategic guessing. XAT penalizes both wrong and excessive unattempted questions—adding psychological pressure.
7. Essay and GK Sections
XAT:
Essay evaluated post-interview shortlist
GK not counted in percentile but often used in final rounds
GMAT:
No essay in Focus Edition
No GK—pure aptitude test
Verdict: If you're poor in general awareness or essay writing, GMAT is more favorable. XAT needs prep across more diverse areas.
8. Difficulty Level: Which One is Tougher?
Area | XAT Difficulty | GMAT Difficulty |
Verbal | Moderate–High (abstract) | High (standardized logic) |
Quant | High (calculation-heavy) | Moderate–High (adaptive) |
Strategy | High (freedom = complexity) | High (adaptive difficulty) |
Stress Factor | High due to length and penalties | High due to pressure of performance curve |
Summary Verdict: XAT is tougher on test day fatigue, calculation load, and ambiguity. GMAT is tougher for precision, stamina, and score maximization.
9. Which Exam Is Better For You?
Career Goal | Better Exam |
XLRI BM or HRM | XAT |
MBA abroad (INSEAD, LBS, Wharton) | GMAT |
ISB, IIM PGPX, IIM EPGP | GMAT |
Indian MBA (non-IIM, top-tier) | XAT |
Strong in ethical reasoning | XAT |
Strong in grammar and logic | GMAT |
Note: Some Indian B-schools accept both. ISB, IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX), IIM Bangalore (EPGP), and SPJIMR accept GMAT. XLRI does not accept GMAT.
10. Final Thoughts: XAT or GMAT?
If you want a globally portable score, or you’re applying to both Indian and international MBA programs, GMAT is the better investment.
If you’re focused on XLRI, TAPMI, Great Lakes, or other XAMI schools, XAT is mandatory and comes with unique challenges you must prepare for—especially Decision Making and GK.
Both exams reward clarity, calmness, and consistency—but test them in very different ways.
Bonus Tip:
If unsure, try a diagnostic mock of both. You may discover that you naturally perform better in one format. This will save months of misaligned preparation.
FAQs
✅ Which course is under the XAT exam?
The XAT is primarily used for admission into postgraduate management courses such as:
MBA in Business Management (BM)
MBA in Human Resource Management (HRM)
Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)
Executive MBA
Fellow Program in Management (FPM)
Each institute accepting XAT may offer different specializations such as finance, marketing, operations, analytics, and more. At XLRI, the most sought-after courses are the BM and HRM full-time residential programs.
✅ Where is the XAT exam conducted?
The XAT exam is conducted in over 70+ cities across India, covering tier 1, 2, and 3 cities to ensure national reach. Major locations include:
Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Bhopal, and others.
XLRI provides a detailed list of test cities each year during registration. Candidates choose their preferred test center city while filling out the XAT application form. The actual test center within the city is allocated on the admit card.
Note: XAT is not conducted internationally. NRIs/foreign applicants must apply via GMAT scores.
✅ Where is the XAT exam held?
XAT is held at designated exam centers across India. These are typically:
Engineering colleges
Business schools
Private testing centers
Government or university-affiliated institutions
The exact address and location of the exam center are available on the XAT admit card, which is released in the final week of December. Applicants must appear at the assigned center; changes are not permitted once the admit card is issued.
✅ Where is the XAT exam center?
Your specific XAT exam center address will be printed on your admit card, which you can download from the official portal (xatonline.in) a few weeks before the exam.
Centers are typically located in easily accessible areas within the selected city. Candidates are advised to:
Visit the center a day before to avoid confusion on exam day.
Reach the venue at least 90 minutes prior to the exam start time.
There is no option to change your center once it’s allocated.
✅ Where to fill the XAT exam form?
The XAT exam form must be filled online only on the official website: www.xatonline.in
Steps:
Register using a valid email and mobile number.
Log in to fill academic, personal, and contact details.
Select programs (e.g., XLRI BM or HRM).
Upload scanned photograph and signature.
Pay the application fee online via debit/credit/net banking/UPI.
Note: The form is not available offline, and no hard copy submission is needed.
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