XAT Books for Preparation 2026 give clear topic coverage and realistic practice. Picking section-wise books saves study time and boosts scores. Each book builds skills in QA & DI, Decision Making, VARC and GK. Interested candidates can check the subject-wise best books for XAT 2026 exam preparation in this article.
XAT Books for Preparation 2026: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
These books cover all QA and DI topics, featuring over 2,000 practice questions that mirror XAT difficulty.
- RS Aggarwal, Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive ExaminationsCovers arithmetic, algebra, number systems and geometry. Includes over 2,000 practice questions sorted by topic.
- Arun Sharma, How to Prepare for Data InterpretationOffers 300+ DI sets with step-by-step solutions. Exercises span easy, medium and high difficulty levels.
- Nishit K. Sinha, Data Interpretation for the CATEmphasizes advanced DI caselets, charts and tables. Contains 350 unique questions featuring varied question styles.
Also Read XAT 2026 Preparation Plan for Decision Making
XAT Books for Preparation 2026: Decision Making
These titles focus on XAT’s Decision Making section through solved past papers and targeted practice, building managerial judgment with real XAT caselets and supplemental reasoning exercises.
- R.K. Jha, Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers)Contains every official XAT Decision Making paper from 2009 through the latest edition, each solved in detail. This ensures exposure to authentic caselets and the exact reasoning style XAT employs.
- Disha Publication, Target XATProvides multiple past DM papers plus sectional mock tests (usually 8–10), each accompanied by thorough answer walkthroughs. Ideal for honing time management and decision-strategy under exam conditions.
- Arihant Publications, Analytical & Logical ReasoningServes as a supplementary logical-reasoning workbook with 250+ puzzles on arrangements, sequencing, and assumptions. Useful for sharpening foundational reasoning skills, but lacks the XAT-specific ethics and business scenario caselets.
Prioritise Jha’s and Disha’s books for core XAT-DM practice; use Arihant to reinforce general analytical ability.
Also Read XAT 2026 Time Management
XAT Books for Preparation 2026: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning
These titles target specific VARC components, RC, critical reasoning, grammar, and vocabulary, to match XAT’s question mix.
- Ajay Singh, Verbal Ability and Reading ComprehensionCovers 24 reading passages (poetry, business, fiction) with 120 questions on inference, vocabulary, para-jumbles, and critical reasoning. Primary resource for RC practice.
- Wren & Martin, High School English Grammar & CompositionOffers 900+ exercises in error spotting, sentence correction, fill-in-the-blanks, and para-completion. Core for mastering XAT’s grammar items.
- Norman Lewis, Word Power Made EasyProvides 1,200+ vocabulary entries with root-based drills, synonyms/antonyms exercises, and usage practice. Essential for building the strong word power XAT demands.
- R.S. Aggarwal, A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal ReasoningContains 160 puzzles on analogies, series, seating arrangements, and logical sequences. Useful as a supplementary source for specific reasoning topics, but not a primary VARC guide.
XAT Books for Preparation 2026: General Knowledge
These resources combine comprehensive static GK coverage with monthly updates on current affairs, ensuring aspirants stay informed on polity, economy, awards, sports, and global events.
- Binay Karna, Lucent’s General Knowledge 2026 – 1,500+ static topics across history, geography, polity, economics, and awards.
- Manohar Pandey, General Knowledge 2026 – 400+ pages of current affairs summaries, national and international news, and economy updates.
- Magazine Subscriptions & Compendiums:- Competition Success Review, The Hindu Business Line, Business Today for monthly news analysis.- Arihant’s GK Yearbook and Manohar Pandey’s Current Affairs Yearbook for annual static and current affairs consolidation
Check XAT 2025 Toppers Interview
How to Choose the Right XAT Books for Preparation?
Students can refer to the points below when selecting the right XAT books for preparation.
Evaluate Syllabus CoverageSelect books that map directly to the official XAT syllabus. Verify each chapter addresses specific topics and includes a mix of basic, intermediate and advanced questions.
Match to Strengths and WeaknessesIdentify personal weak areas. Use detailed theory books for complex topics and practice-focused guides for sections you already understand. Allocate study time based on this gap analysis.
Balance Theory vs. PracticeCombine one in-depth concept book with one high-question bank for each section. Aim for a 40:60 split, 40 per cent theory review, 60 per cent timed practice, to build both clarity and speed.
