As of November 18, 2025, aspirants targeting the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 must adopt a highly focused, expert-driven plan for the final 45 days. Given the officially confirmed pattern of XAT 2026 containing 95 questions across four sections in a computer-based test mode with standard penalties, this guide offers a structured countdown 45-day strategy to optimise performance.
Table of Contents
XAT 2026 Exam Structure
Before launching into the 45-Day plan, it is essential to understand the structure of XAT 2026 to ensure alignment. XAT 2026 will be conducted in online (CBT) mode. The total number of questions is 95, covering four sections.
Expert strategy dictates dividing the last 45 days into 3 phases, each of 15 days, allowing progressive intensification and adaptation.
Check Here: XAT Exam Pattern
45-Day Timeline: 3 Phases of 15 Days Each
Phase One (Days 1-15)
Focus: Review all major topics across sections, revisit prior mistakes, and begin light mock tests. Key actions:
- Quick full revision of syllabus topics (especially VALR & DM, which often differ).Catalogue weak chapters or question-types in each section (e.g., long RC, complex caselet in DM, tricky DI set).
- Start taking one sectional timed test per subject to build baseline data.
- Keep an error log of frequent mistakes and topics where speed is low.
- Daily GK revision: static + current affairs.
Phase Two (Days 16-30)
Focus: Begin full-length mocks, ramp up difficulty, sharpen speed and accuracy. Key actions:
- Take one full-length mock every three to four days, simulating Part-1 + GK under timed conditions.
- After each mock: deep analysis of error-log, update error-notebook, isolate recurring patterns (e.g., skipping too many QA questions, time-loss in DM).
- Alternate days: one subject deep-dive (VALR or DM or QA/DI) with targeted timed sets of ~20-25 questions.
- Continue GK practice, but limit it to 10-15 minutes daily, and avoid letting it dominate.
- In QA/DI during this phase, emphasise solving multi-concept sets, heavy DI, and timed shorts (<2.5 minutes per question).
Phase Three (Days 31-45)
Focus: Build strong exam temperament, consistent high performance, and final polish. Key actions:
- Full-length mocks twice each week under strict simulation: same start time, minimal breaks, Part-1 + GK.
- Use the last five days of this phase (days 41-45) for light revision only: formulae, error-notebook review, shortcut review, and mindset readiness.
- Review and refine skipping/attempt strategy: decide realistic attempts per section based on previous mocks.
- Maintain physical and mental readiness: ensure sleep, reduce late-night study, short relaxation breaks.
- On days 43-45: reduce new problem solving; focus on revision charts, sheet of key strategies (how to approach DM caselets, how to triage QA vs DI), and mock performance reflection.Section-Wise Focus in the Last 45 Days
Section-Wise Strategy for XAT 2026 in the Last 45 Days
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR)
In this final phase, attention should be on reading speed, inference accuracy, and elimination techniques.
- Daily: one passage (complex RC or cartoon/poem) and one timed set of ~10 questions.
- Weekly: one 26-question full module under timed conditions for track improvement.
- Error-log focus: wrong inferences, grammar mistakes, and vocabulary misuse.
- Strategy practice: decide whether to attempt or skip para-jumbles or grammar sets based on past accuracy.
Decision Making (DM)
DM often becomes the section that distinguishes good candidates, so in the last forty-five days:
- Solve two caselets per session, minimum 3 sessions per week; each caselet accompanied by 2-3 questions.
- Review skipping policy: if one question set is taking too long, learn to triage and move on.
- Analyse wrong decisions: identify reasoning flaws, bias in assumptions, and weak understanding of the scenario.
- In the final week, simulate DM under fatigue (after other sections) because in the actual exam, DM comes mid-paper.
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
This is high-weight and high-difficulty; the last phase must focus on speed & accuracy.
- Daily QA practice: one block of ~20 questions with a mix of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and modern maths. Time-cap each question at ~2.5 minutes.
- DI practice: twice a week, sets focused solely on tables/graphs/charts requiring insight and speed; aim to finish each set under 12-15 minutes.
- Weekly one full QA+DI timed test ~28 questions, track how many in first 20 minutes, next 40 minutes, last 10 minutes.
- Last week: practise quick elimination techniques, skip these if above time-limit, decide strategy for moderate vs difficult questions.
General Knowledge (GK)
Though not counted for percentile, many institutes use GK for final shortlisting, especially for XLRI Jamshedpur. In the last 45 days:
- Daily 10 minutes current affairs: economy, business, major international events, and awards.
- Twice weekly static GK revision: sports records, business mergers, and Indian polity basics.
- Last week: timed GK mock of ~20 questions in 10 minutes; practise full focus for that short chunk.
Check Here: Analysing XAT Previous Year Papers: Insights for 2026 Aspirants
Mock Test Strategy & Time-Management Formula
Mock tests become non-negotiable in this final phase. Experts recommend:
Build confidence by increasing consistent scores in mocks; final week focus must be on performance stability rather than last-minute topic cramming.
Final Five Days: Exam Day Readiness
In the last five days:
- Stop introducing new topics: limit to reviewing notes, formulae, and error log.
- Light mocks only: one full mock three days before the exam, and one short half-mock two days before.
- Sleep and health care are critical: ensure a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep, healthy meals, and short physical activity to maintain alertness.
- Exam day strategy: Arrive early, avoid last-minute anxiety, begin with the section you are most confident in (many toppers start with QA & DI), monitor time, do not get stuck on any one question.
On exam day: Follow your tried plan for question selection, skipping, and time per section – this is not the time for improvisation.
Check Here: XAT Exam Mock Test
Key Takeaways
To summarise, during the final 45 days before XAT 2026, aspirants should:
- Align their preparation tightly with the officially confirmed pattern of 95 questions, four sections, skip penalty, etc.
- Divide the time into three phases: rapid revision, intensive testing, and final consolidation.
- Maintain section-wise balance: VALR, DM, QA & DI and GK each receive focused attention.
- Emphasise mock-tests under actual exam conditions, rigorous error-analysis and fine-tuning of attempt strategy.
- Use the last five days for calm consolidation and exam-day readiness rather than heavy studying.
- Preserve health and stamina: mental sharpness often becomes the differentiator in these final days.
