Is XAT Tougher Than CAT Exam? Know Differences and Similarities & Difficulty Level

MBA aspirants are caught between XAT vs CAT debate every year when it is time for MBA admission. So, is XAT tougher than CAT? Both these MBA entrance exams are similar in many ways but have unique aspects. Check here the differences between CAT and XAT.Is XAT tougher than CAT?

This is a question MBA aspirants often ask while choosing an entrance test. The answer to this is that XAT is neither tougher nor easier than CAT. Both exams are two of the most popular MBA entrance exams in India, thus their difficulty level is high. They are conducted one month apart and have different test pattern so you will need to do exam specific preparation in both cases.

 While CAT has long and dense RC paragraphs, XAT has a poem in the form of RC. In a way, XAT and CAT are entirely different exams and need separate preparation plan.

A major difference between the two are the sections included. XAT has five subjects whereas CAT has three. The Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation topics are the same for both, but XAT has two more subjects – Decision Making and GK. Extra preparation is mainly required for Decision Making and GK. Another major difference between the two is marking scheme. While CAT marking scheme is simple with positive and negative marking, XAT too has the same but with a condition. In this article we’ll discuss XAT vs CAT in detail and cover important aspects such as difficulty level, number of questions, pattern, syllabus, exam timing, etc.

CAT vs XAT: Differences and Similarities

When compared to each other they both are tough but it has often been seen that in CAT, the DILR section is more difficult than other sections and in XAT, the Quantitative Aptitude section is often tougher than the rest of the sections. Let’s take a look at key highlights of CAT and XAT before moving to differences and similarities:

XAT vs CAT: Exam Syllabus

XAT’s Decision Making and General Knowledge sections are absent in CAT syllabus. The table below indicates section-wise subjects in CAT and XAT exams:

Is XAT Easier Than CAT? Pattern and Marking Scheme

Both exams are MCQ type but CAT has TITA questions also. There is sectional time limit and negative marking in both. Check the table below for difference between exam patterns of CAT and XAT:

While there are many similarities between CAT and XAT, the major differences are sectional time-limit and marking scheme, number and types of questions. Candidates preparing for CAT and XAT must focus on solving sample sample papers and mock tests of both these exams. This will help them identify the differences and develop skills to tackle each exam with much each.

Is XAT Easier than CAT? Find Out with Mock Tests

CAT Mock Tests by Shiksha

A very important aspect of MBA exam preparation is mock test. Whether it is CAT or XAT or any other exam, the preparation is not complete unless candidates have practiced a good number of mock tests. Mock test not only help candidates in assessing their preparation level so far but also help them learn time management viz the exam duration. Shiksha has created CAT mock test and XAT mock tests, for aspirants to practice and measure their improvement.