If you wish to pursue an MBA in India, two of the most frequently mentioned exams you will hear about are the CAT (Common Admission Test) and the XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test). Both concepts are national-level management exams that can provide entry into some of the top B-schools in the country. Knowing which exam to pursue can be quite confusing.
In this article, we will compare the CAT and XAT in terms of difficulty levels, exam patterns, and which exam may align better with your goals.
Table of Contents
CAT Vs XAT Exam Overview
The CAT exam is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. It is the gateway to 21 IIMs and over 1,200 B-schools across India, including SPJIMR, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, and IMT Ghaziabad.
The XAT, on the other hand, is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur. It is accepted by XLRI and more than 1,000 other B-schools, including XIMB, IMT, TAPMI, and Great Lakes Institute of Management.
CAT Vs XAT Exam Pattern Comparison
CAT Vs XAT Exam Level of Difficulty
- CAT 2025: The difficulty lies in the timing and accuracy. The concepts may be moderate, but handling 68 high-intensity questions in 2 hours will test you. DILR, in particular, can be unpredictable.
- XAT 2026: Aside from the speed, you are tested on judgment, decision-making, and writing (essay). The decision-making section is very distinctive, and one must think clearly under pressure while remaining calm. The Quant and Verbal sections can also be harder and broader.
Therefore, if you are a fast solver and have very strong basics, you may find CAT easier and more comfortable. If you're reasonable and can make decisions and don't mind the long test, XAT would be better for you.
CAT Vs XAT Exam Acceptance and ROI
Colleges accepting CAT and XAT
Based on NIRF (by the Ministry of Education) – Management category
For CAT:
- IIM Ahmedabad (1)
- IIM Bangalore (2)
- IIM Calcutta (7)
- IIM Lucknow (5)
- IIM Kozhikode (3)
- IIM Raipur (15)
- IIM Udaipur(21)
- IIM Rohtak (19)
For XAT:
- XLRI Jamshedpur (10)
- XIM University, Bhubaneshwar (45)
- IMT Ghaziabad (30)
- IRMA, Anand (54)
- Fore School of Management (59)
- Goa Institute of Management (43)
- T. A. Pai Management Institute Manipal (39)
- IMT, Nagpur (99)
ROI (Return on Investment) Comparison
Conclusion
There is no universal answer to whether one exam is better than the other; it depends on individual strengths, style preferences, and specific institutions you are targeting.
- If your goal is to go to the IIMs and you are comfortable with timed accuracy and speed, take the CAT 2025.
- If you are targeting XLRI, or a strong non-IIM B-school, or if you have stronger decision-making skills, then the XAT 2026 is in your favour.
Regardless of your choice, the ultimate factor in success is consistent preparation and clear focus. Get going and keep it steady, and your goal will become possible.
