CAT sees over 3 lakh registrations and 2.93 lakh test-takers for 66 questions in 120 minutes across VARC, DILR and QA, with fixed 40-minute slots. In CAT Exam, Correct MCQ earns 3 marks, wrong answer loses 1 mark, and TITA questions carry no penalty. XAT logs 1.42 lakh registrations for 95 MCQs in 180 minutes, with core sections under a combined timer and a separate GK slot at the end. XAT grants 1 mark per correct, deducts 0.25 for wrong, and 0.10 after eight skips. This raises the question: Is XAT tougher than CAT?
CAT vs XAT Exam Overview
CAT (Common Admission Test) is the flagship MBA entrance exam administered by the IIMs. It features three sections, VARC, DILR and QA, with a total of 66 questions in 120 minutes.
XLRI Jamshedpur holds XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test). It includes four core sections, VALR, DM, QA & DI, with 95 MCQs over 180 minutes, plus a separate GK slot at the end.
- Registrations: CAT - 3 lakh; XAT - 1.42 lakh
- Test-takers: CAT - 2.93 lakh; XAT - 1 lakh
- MBA seats: CAT for IIMs & 1,200+ institutes; XAT for XLRI & 250+ B-schools
- Role in MBA admission: CAT drives IIM shortlists; XAT opens XLRI and XAMI-member calls
CAT vs XAT: Exam Structure and Timing
Candidates can check the exam structure and exam timing for CAT and XAT exam below.
Exam Structure
- CAT: As per CAT Exam Pattern, A two-hour test with three sections: VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Ability).
- XAT: According to XAT Exam Pattern, A three-hour test with four core sections: VALR (Verbal and Logical Ability), DM (Decision Making), QA & DI (Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation), and a separate GK (General Knowledge) slot.
Time Division and Navigation Rules
- CAT: Each section is allotted a fixed 40 minutes. You cannot move between sections.
- XAT: The four core sections share a combined 170 minutes, allowing you to navigate them freely. The GK section is a separate 10-minute slot that starts after the core sections are completed.
CAT vs XAT: Scoring & Penalties
The marking scheme for both exams are different. Interested candidates can check the scores for correct and incorrect answers for CAT and XAT exams below.
Scoring for Correct and Incorrect Answers
- CAT awards +3 marks for every correct MCQ, while TITA (non-MCQ) questions carry the same reward but come with no penalty for wrong answers.
- XAT assigns +1 mark for each correct MCQ. Non-MCQs are infrequent and typically don’t carry a separate scoring model.
Negative Marking and Unattempted Penalty
- CAT imposes a 1 mark deduction for wrong multiple-choice answers. No marks are deducted for questions left blank.
- In XAT, each incorrect answer results in a 0.25 mark deduction. Additionally, leaving more than 8 questions unanswered in the main sections triggers a –0.10 mark penalty per skipped item. No negative marking applies to the GK section.
CAT vs XAT: Section-Wise Difficulty Analysis
CAT and XAT both are famous exams for admission to MBA colleges. Candidates can check the section-wise difficulty level for CAT and XAT exams below.
Verbal Ability & RC Comparison
- CAT emphasises Reading Comprehension with 16 out of 24 questions from RC passages.
- XAT presents RC questions along with complex verbal reasoning tasks like paragraph jumbles, sentence correction, and critical reasoning, making the section more logic-intensive.
Quantitative Ability & DI Comparison
- CAT QA focuses more on Arithmetic and Algebra with moderate DI sets.
- XAT has tougher QA questions and DI sets that combine reasoning and calculations, often increasing difficulty.
Check XAT Exam Analysis 2025
CAT vs XAT Final Analysis
Before choosing between CAT and XAT, it is helpful to evaluate their core features side by side. The comparison below outlines how each test differs in structure, approach, and level of preparation needed:
XAT adds unique elements not found in CAT, such as Decision Making, a separate GK section, and flexible section navigation. These introduce extra complexity that demands deeper strategy.
On the other hand, CAT’s structured format and high competition make it equally intense.
Difficulty varies based on individual strengths, but XAT often requires broader skill development across non-academic areas.
Also Read CAT Exam Analysis 2025
