Which Exam Is Tougher: CAT or XAT? A Detailed Comparison for MBA Aspirants
- MBA Entrance Exam Expert
- Aug 20
- 5 min read
Table of Contents
Introduction: Why CAT vs XAT is the Ultimate Dilemma
Every year, over 2.5 lakh aspirants prepare for MBA entrance exams in India. While the CAT (Common Admission Test) is the most popular, the XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) remains the second-most widely taken exam due to its acceptance by elite institutes like XLRI, XIMB, IMT, and more than 160 other B-schools.
If you’re wondering which is tougher—CAT or XAT—you’re not alone. The answer isn’t straightforward, because each exam tests a different blend of logic, language, and strategic thinking.
In this blog, we’ll break down each exam’s design, difficulty, and ideal fit so you can make an informed decision about where to focus your preparation.
Section 1: Overview of CAT and XAT
Exam Parameter | CAT 2025 | XAT 2026 |
Conducting Body | IIMs (on rotation) | XLRI Jamshedpur |
Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
Sections | 3 (VARC, DILR, QA) | 4 (Verbal, DM, Quant, GK) |
Total Questions | ~66 | ~100 |
Unique Feature | Sectional Time Limits | Decision-Making Section, GK, Essay |
Scoring Pattern | –1 for incorrect MCQ | –0.25 MCQ, –0.10 for 8+ blanks (XAT) |
Exam Window | One day | One day |
Section 2: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
CAT VARC (Verbal Ability & RC)
Focuses heavily on inference, logic, and summary-based reading
RCs are typically 4–5 passages, 450–550 words
Mix of MCQs and non-MCQs (TITA questions)
XAT Verbal & Logical Ability
More vocabulary-heavy and abstract
RCs include philosophical, psychological, and literary texts
Grammar and vocabulary-based questions are more common
Verdict: XAT is more unpredictable in verbal reasoning. CAT is more logic-driven. If you’re strong in abstract comprehension and vocab, XAT may feel more manageable.
Section 3: Quantitative Aptitude
Both CAT and XAT cover similar topics in Quant: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, and Modern Math.
CAT QA Section
Moderate to difficult difficulty
~22 questions with a mix of MCQ and TITA
Known for tight sectional timing (40 minutes)
XAT QA Section
Slightly tougher questions in terms of computation
More emphasis on Algebra and Geometry
Less time pressure due to no sectional timer
Verdict: XAT Quant feels tougher due to lengthier calculations, even though you get more time overall. CAT tests your speed under pressure.
Section 4: Decision-Making — XAT’s Game-Changer
This section makes XAT fundamentally different from CAT.
Contains 21–24 questions
Case-study format: ethical dilemmas, organizational decisions, stakeholder analysis
No formulas or rules—pure judgment and logic
CAT has no comparable section, which makes XAT tougher for candidates not used to subjective reasoning or case-based analysis.
Verdict: The Decision-Making section is often the deal-breaker for CAT toppers who attempt XAT. It requires a very different mindset.
Section 5: DILR vs Decision Making
Many candidates ask: Is XAT’s Decision Making similar to CAT’s Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)?
The answer is: No.
CAT DILR involves number puzzles, grids, games, and complex data sets
XAT DM focuses on managerial reasoning, weighing trade-offs in people-centered scenarios
Both are tough in their own way. However, CAT DILR is more calculation-based, while XAT DM is more judgment-based.
Section 6: General Knowledge and Essay
Another key differentiator:
Feature | CAT | XAT |
General Knowledge | Not Included | 25 Questions (No percentile impact) |
Essay | No | 1 Essay, assessed post-interview |
Impact:
XLRI, IMT, and others use GK and Essay to evaluate maturity and awareness
If you’re targeting XLRI or top XAMI colleges, preparing for these is non-negotiable
Verdict: CAT does not test general awareness, making it slightly “cleaner” from a prep standpoint.
Section 7: Navigation, Time Management & Psychological Load
CAT:
Sectional time limits: You cannot move back and forth
40 minutes per section
High psychological pressure due to fixed pacing
XAT:
No sectional timing for Part 1
More freedom in switching sections
Less pressure, but more questions and more diversity of topics
Verdict: XAT offers more freedom but also demands better judgment on how to distribute your time.
Section 8: Score Conversion and Percentiles
CAT:
99 percentile typically requires ~110–120 raw score
Scaled score used for IIM shortlists
Normalization applies across slots
XAT:
35–40 raw marks out of ~75 in Part 1 can get 95+ percentile
No normalization needed due to single slot
Cutoffs vary significantly across programs (BM vs HRM)
Verdict: XAT’s percentile system is less volatile but can be brutal if you miss sectional cutoffs—especially in DM.
CAT vs XAT - Which Exam Suits Which Type of Aspirant?
Candidate Profile | Better Fit |
Speed-based solver | CAT |
Strong in abstract and ethics-based logic | XAT |
Prefers defined time segments | CAT |
Values freedom in navigation | XAT |
Targeting IIMs | CAT |
Targeting XLRI, XIMB, TAPMI, IMT | XAT |
Note: Many serious aspirants take both CAT and XAT to maximize their options.
Section 10: Final Verdict – CAT vs XAT Difficulty
So, which exam is tougher?
XAT is harder content-wise—especially due to Decision Making and abstract verbal content
CAT is harder time-wise—sectional limits and tight pacing create psychological stress
If you’re targeting IIMs, you must take CAT.
If you value ethical reasoning, strategic thinking, and managerial casework, XAT gives you a competitive edge—especially for programs like XLRI BM or HRM
Want to see how your strengths align with each test? Take our Free XAT vs CAT Mock Diagnostic Test and get personalized insights.
Or explore our complete XAT 2026 Guide for syllabus, cutoff, and college lists.
FAQs
Which colleges accept XAT exam scores?
Over 160+ institutes across India accept XAT scores. The most notable ones include:
XLRI Jamshedpur – BM, HRM, FPM, GMP
XIM Bhubaneswar (XIMB)
IMT Ghaziabad
SPJIMR Mumbai (for PGPM)
TAPMI Manipal
FORE School of Management
Great Lakes (Chennai & Gurgaon)
IRMA Anand
LIBA Chennai
GIM Goa
These B-schools use XAT as an alternative to CAT or CMAT. Some programs may require additional forms or SOPs, especially for XLRI and SPJIMR.
Which MBA colleges accept the XAT exam?
Here are top-tier MBA/PGDM programs accepting XAT scores:
College | Location | Programs |
XLRI | Jamshedpur | BM, HRM, GMP |
XIMB | Bhubaneswar | MBA-BM |
IMT | Ghaziabad | PGDM |
TAPMI | Manipal | PGDM |
FORE | Delhi | PGDM |
GIM | Goa | PGDM |
LIBA | Chennai | PGDM |
IRMA | Anand | PGDRM |
These programs span general management, rural management, and human resources, offering diverse post-MBA career paths.
Which university accepts the XAT exam?
Unlike IIMs which operate under the CAT umbrella, XLRI Jamshedpur is the key institute affiliated with XAT. It is not a university per se but a top-ranked autonomous B-school.
Additionally, several private universities and autonomous institutions accept XAT scores, including:
Xavier University Bhubaneswar (XUB)
Alliance University
Amity Business School
IFMR GSB at Krea University
Jindal Global Business School (JGBS)
Each may have its own cutoffs and application process, even if XAT is the common gateway.
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