XAT vs GMAT: Which Exam is Harder and Why?
- MBA Entrance Exam Expert
- Oct 27
- 5 min read
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Why Compare XAT and GMAT?
While XAT is primarily for MBA admissions in India, and the GMAT is globally recognized, many Indian candidates preparing for top schools like XLRI, ISB, and INSEAD often compare the two.
So the real question isn’t just “Which is harder?” — it’s:
“Which exam is better for the type of MBA you want?”
This blog offers a head-to-head comparison of XAT vs GMAT, covering difficulty level, section types, career impact, and prep strategies to help you decide the best fit.
2. XAT vs GMAT – Quick Comparison Table
Feature | XAT | GMAT |
Conducted By | XLRI Jamshedpur | GMAC (Global) |
Mode | Online (at test center) | Online & Test Center (adaptive version) |
Duration | 180 minutes | ~3 hours 7 minutes |
Scoring | Percentile (out of ~75 marks) | 200–800 score scale |
Sectional Time Limit | No | Yes |
Unique Sections | Decision Making, GK, Essay | Integrated Reasoning, AWA |
Colleges Accepting | XLRI + 1,000 Indian B-schools | 7,000+ programs worldwide |
Validity | 1 year (XAT score) | 5 years (GMAT score) |
Fee | ₹2,100 (approx.) | $275 (~₹23,000) |
3. Exam Format & Duration
XAT is more linear, with fixed sections:
Verbal & Logical Ability
Quantitative Ability & DI
Decision Making
General Knowledge (not percentile-linked)
Essay (evaluated during PI)
GMAT is sectionally adaptive:
Quantitative
Verbal
Integrated Reasoning
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
🕒 GMAT is tighter in format but allows flexibility in section order, unlike XAT.
4. Section-by-Section Difficulty Comparison
✅ Quantitative Ability
GMAT Quant emphasizes data sufficiency and number properties.
XAT Quant includes NATs, Geometry, and Algebra with a conceptual tilt.
📊 Verdict: XAT Quant is more traditional but longer and more conceptual, while GMAT Quant requires precision and adaptability.
✅ Verbal Ability
GMAT Verbal focuses on sentence correction, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning.
XAT Verbal adds para jumbles, abstract RCs, and vocabulary-in-context.
📚 Verdict: GMAT Verbal is cleaner and rule-based, whereas XAT Verbal is more unpredictable and philosophical.
5. Decision Making vs Integrated Reasoning
XAT’s Decision Making section is unique in Indian exams. It tests ethical reasoning, business logic, and stakeholder management via caselets.
GMAT’s Integrated Reasoning tests your ability to interpret data across tables, graphs, and multi-source reasoning prompts.
🧠 Verdict:
XAT DM is subjective, often the most unfamiliar section for test-takers.
GMAT IR is objective, but data-heavy.
Both require structured thinking but test very different skill sets.
6. Scoring Systems: GMAT 800 vs XAT Percentile
Exam | Score Type | Max Score | Used For |
GMAT | Scaled Score | 800 | Global MBA, MiM, MS programs |
XAT | Raw + Percentile | ~75 raw score | Indian MBA schools like XLRI, IMT, XIMB |
🔍 XAT Percentiles:
95%ile ~ 35–40 raw marks
Percentile not influenced by GK/Essay
🔍 GMAT:
Scoring is based on adaptive difficulty
Verbal and Quant combined into final scaled score
📈 GMAT scores are portable and accepted by 100+ Indian and 7,000+ global schools.
7. Target Colleges & Global Opportunities
College Type | Accepts XAT? | Accepts GMAT? |
IIMs (main PGP) | ❌ | Only some (e.g., IIMA PGPX) |
XLRI | ✅ | GMAT (only for foreign citizens) |
ISB (India) | ❌ | ✅ |
INSEAD, LBS, Oxford, NUS, etc. | ❌ | ✅ |
SPJIMR, MDI, IMT, TAPMI (India) | ✅ | ✅ |
🎓 Verdict:
Choose GMAT if you want flexibility across global + Indian one-year MBA programs.
Choose XAT if you're focused on XLRI, XIMB, or top-tier Indian B-schools.
8. Preparation Strategy Differences
Focus Area | XAT | GMAT |
Reading RCs | Abstract, dense | Business, science, technical |
Decision Making | Ethics, caselets | Not tested |
Critical Reasoning | Moderate (Verbal) | Strong focus in Verbal |
Grammar | Medium (less rules-based) | High (GMAT SC is rule-intensive) |
Mock Practice | More predictable; fewer test platforms | Adaptive mocks; use GMATPrep/Manhattan |
💡 XAT prep suits those who’ve taken CAT, while GMAT prep needs more rule-driven training.
9. Cost, Validity & Flexibility
Factor | XAT | GMAT |
Cost | ~₹2,100 | ~$275 (₹22,000–₹23,000) |
Validity | 1 year | 5 years |
Retake Option | No (once per year) | Yes (up to 5 times/year) |
Test Window | Fixed (1 day/year) | Flexible (year-round) |
Rescheduling | Not possible | Available (fees apply) |
✅ If flexibility, retries, and long-term use matter—GMAT is clearly better. ✅ If you're cost-sensitive and focused on India—XAT is more economical.
10. Final Verdict: Which Exam Should You Take?
Take XAT if:
You're focused on XLRI, XIMB, or Indian PGDM programs
You’re strong in reading, logic, and decision-making
You’re not targeting global MBAs
You’re already preparing for CAT
Take GMAT if:
You want to apply to global MBA, MiM, or Executive MBA programs
You need flexible dates, retry options, and 5-year score use
You’re targeting ISB, INSEAD, Wharton, etc.
You prefer a modular, analytical exam with adaptive scoring
📍Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, prepare for CAT/XAT first, and take the GMAT later for global options. Many top applicants take both to maximize their choices.
📖 Also read: Is XAT Tougher Than CAT? A Deep Dive
📘 Related: Good Score in XAT 2026 – Score vs Percentile Guide
FAQs
✅What is the XAT exam date?
The XAT 2026 exam will likely be held on the first Sunday of January 2026, following the historical trend. For reference:
XAT 2025 was conducted on January 5, 2025
XAT 2024 was on January 7, 2024
The official XAT 2026 notification is expected around July or August 2025, with registrations opening soon after. Typically, the important dates follow this timeline:
Event | Tentative Date |
Registration Opens | July/August 2025 |
Registration Closes | November 2025 |
Admit Card Release | December 2025 |
XAT Exam Date | January 4 or 11, 2026 |
Result Declaration | Third week of January 2026 |
Candidates should track the official XAT website xatonline.in to stay updated on the confirmed date.
✅ What is the XAT exam syllabus?
XAT doesn’t have a prescribed syllabus issued by XLRI, but based on past year trends, we can outline the topics typically tested across four sections:
1. Verbal & Logical Ability
Reading Comprehension
Para jumbles
Grammar-based questions
Sentence completion
Critical reasoning
2. Decision Making (Unique to XAT)
Situational judgment cases
Ethical dilemmas
Business decision cases
3. Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
Arithmetic (Time-Speed, Percentages, Profit & Loss)
Algebra and Equations
Geometry and Mensuration
Data Tables and Charts
Numbers and Series
4. General Knowledge
Current Affairs (Business, Economy, Politics)
Static GK (Books, Geography, History)
Not considered in percentile calculation
5. Essay Writing
A single argumentative or abstract topic
Evaluated at the interview shortlisting stage for XLRI
✅ What is the XAT exam eligibility?
The eligibility criteria for XAT 2026 are simple and inclusive:
A Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) in any stream from a recognized university is required.
Final year students can also apply.
There is no minimum percentage requirement in graduation.
No age limit to take the XAT.
Indian nationals must apply via XAT; NRIs/foreign nationals can apply to select programs through GMAT.
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