XAT and CAT – India’s Top MBA Entrances
If you’re dreaming of getting into a top business school in India, you’ve probably come across two names—CAT VS XAT Exam. These are the biggest MBA entrance exams, opening doors to prestigious institutions like the IIMs and XLRI.
But which one should you choose? How are they different? Which exam leads to better opportunities and packages? Let’s break it all down in this simple and detailed comparison guide.
What is CAT? – Common Admission Test Overview
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level MBA entrance test conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
- Conducted once a year (usually in November).
- Accepted by over 1,000 B-schools in India.
- A computer-based test with a duration of 2 hours.
✅ Key Features:
- Conducted by: One of the IIMs
- Exam Level: National
- Mode: Online
- Frequency: Once a year
- Medium: English
What is XAT? – Xavier Aptitude Test Overview
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, one of India’s top private B-schools.
- Also conducted once a year (usually in January).
- Accepted by 160+ institutes, including XLRI and XAMI members.
✅ Key Features:
- Conducted by: XLRI Jamshedpur
- Exam Level: National
- Mode: Online
- Duration: 3 hours and 10 minutes
- Medium: English
XAT vs CAT: Exam Conducting Bodies
| Feature | CAT | XAT |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted by | One of the IIMs | XLRI Jamshedpur |
| Governing Body | IIM Council | XLRI on behalf of XAMI |
| Frequency | Once a year | Once a year |
CAT vs XAT Exam : Pattern and Format
| Section | CAT | XAT |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | ✅ | ✅ |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | ✅ | ✅ |
| Quantitative Ability | ✅ | ✅ |
| General Knowledge | ❌ | ✅ |
| Essay Writing | ❌ | ✅ (part of XAT) |
- CAT is 2 hours long with 68 questions.
- XAT is 3 hours 10 minutes long with 100+ questions including an essay.
XAT vs CAT Exam: Eligibility Criteria
Both exams are open to graduates, but here’s a quick breakdown:
| Criteria | CAT | XAT |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Bachelor’s degree (50% for general) | Bachelor’s degree (no specific percentage required) |
| Final Year Students | Eligible | Eligible |
| Age Limit | None | None |
XAT vs CAT Exam: Syllabus and Sections
CAT Syllabus:
- Verbal Ability & RC
- Data Interpretation & LR
- Quantitative Aptitude
XAT Syllabus:
- Verbal & Logical Ability
- Decision Making
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
- General Knowledge
- Essay Writing
The Decision Making and Essay sections make XAT a bit unique and often more analytical.
XAT vs CAT: Marking Scheme
| Feature | CAT | XAT |
|---|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +3 | +1 |
| Wrong Answer | -1 | -0.25 |
| No Negative for GK Section | ❌ | ✅ |
| Essay Evaluation | ❌ | ✅ (only evaluated in final stage) |
Difficulty Level Comparison
Most students find CAT to be more quantitative, while XAT challenges your decision-making and essay-writing abilities.
Quick Comparison:
- CAT: Higher focus on speed and accuracy.
- XAT: Tests deep thinking, real-world decision-making.
Top Colleges Accepting CAT
| Institute | Location |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | Gujarat |
| IIM Bangalore | Karnataka |
| IIM Calcutta | West Bengal |
| FMS Delhi | Delhi |
| SPJIMR | Mumbai |
| MDI | Gurgaon |
| IMT | Ghaziabad |
Top Colleges Accepting XAT
| Institute | Location |
|---|---|
| XLRI Jamshedpur | Jharkhand |
| XIM Bhubaneswar | Odisha |
| IMT Ghaziabad | Uttar Pradesh |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management | Chennai |
| TAPMI | Manipal |
| LIBA | Chennai |
| GIM | Goa |
XAT vs CAT: MBA Opportunities & Career Scope
CAT
- Entry into IIMs, FMS, MDI, top government & private B-schools.
- Preferred by companies in consulting, finance, and tech.
- Strong alumni networks in the corporate and public sectors.
XAT
- Opens doors to XLRI, known for HR, BM, and GM programs.
- Recognized by many Jesuit institutes with an ethical leadership focus.
- The decision-making section trains for real-time corporate challenges.
XAT vs CAT: Average Salary Packages
| Institute | Avg. Package via CAT | Avg. Package via XAT |
|---|---|---|
| IIM A, B, C | ₹25–35 LPA | ❌ |
| FMS Delhi | ₹25–30 LPA | ❌ |
| XLRI Jamshedpur | ❌ | ₹27 LPA |
| XIMB | ❌ | ₹12–15 LPA |
| IMT Ghaziabad | ₹12–14 LPA | ₹12–14 LPA |
Note: Salaries depend on institute, specialization, and placement year.
Which One Should You Choose? Expert Insights
Here’s a quick decision guide:
| Goal | Suggested Exam |
|---|---|
| Want to get into IIMs | CAT |
| Interested in HR or ethical leadership | XAT |
| Strong in Quant & Speed | CAT |
| Strong in Reasoning & Essay | XAT |
| Want broader options | Appear for both |
Pro Tip: If you’re serious about your MBA dreams, write both. You’ll double your chances.
FAQs
1. Is XAT easier than CAT?
Not really. XAT is different—not easier. It includes Decision Making and Essay Writing which aren’t in CAT.
2. Can I take both CAT and XAT in the same year?
Yes. Many students do this to increase their chances of admission.
3. Is there negative marking in XAT?
Yes, except for the General Knowledge section and the Essay part.
4. Which exam has a higher ROI?
Both have excellent ROI if you crack top institutes. XLRI and IIMs both offer high packages.
5. Do foreign students appear for these exams?
CAT and XAT are primarily for Indian students, but some colleges accept GMAT for international candidates.
6. Do I need to prepare differently for XAT and CAT?
Yes. Prepare extra for XAT’s Decision Making, Essay, and GK sections.
Conclusion
Both CAT and XAT are excellent gateways to India’s top business schools. While CAT gives access to the prestigious IIMs, XAT opens doors to XLRI and other reputed institutes. Depending on your strengths and goals, you can pick one—or prepare for both!
Don’t limit your opportunities. Evaluate, prepare smartly, and aim high. Your MBA dream is waiting!
External Reference
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