While XAT and CAT are both the most favored exams among the management aspirants, there are some similarities and differences between both. It is important that candidates have a clear understanding of both to ace the exams. Aspirants often look for XAT Vs CAT, as they are often in a dilemma to appear for which exam. Both these national-level exams ensure admission to the aspiring candidates to the Top B Schools. XAT Vs CAT differences and similarities should be known to candidates in case they want to prepare simultaneously for both the exams.

In this article,

XAT Vs CAT – Overview

XAT and CAT exams are conducted annually for management aspirants seeking admission into Top B Schools. An overview of both the exams is given below

Particulars	XAT	CAT
Conducting Body	XLRI Jamshedpur	IIMs on rotational basis
Exam Frequency	Once a year	Once a year
Exam Mode	Online	Online
Total Sections	5	3
Duration	190 minutes	120 minutes

XAT vs CAT Exam Pattern

Both XAT and CAT have some similarities and differences. For candidates aiming to prepare for both the exams, it is important to understand the XAT Vs CAT exam pattern. The complete overview of the exam pattern of both the exams is given below:

Particulars	XAT	CAT
Total number of Questions	101	66
Total Sections	Part 1 Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning Decision Making Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation Part 2 General Knowledge Essay	Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Quantitative Ability Data Interpretation and Logical
Types of Questions	MCQs+ 1 Essay	MCQs and TITA
Total Marks	100 marks	198 marks
Marking Pattern	+1 for every Correct Answer -0.25 for every negative answer Negative marking for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions Negative marking does not apply to GK section	+3 for every Correct Answer -1 for every negative answer No negative marking for TITA questions

XAT Vs CAT Syllabus

It is important for candidates preparing for the XAT exam to have a clear understanding of the syllabus. XAT and CAT differ in terms of the syllabus. XAT has two time-bound Parts- Part 1 and 2 consisting of a total of 5 sections while CAT has 3 sections. The table below gives an overview of the XAT vs CAT Syllabus:

Particulars	XAT	CAT
Number of sections	5	3
Sections	Part 1 Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning Decision Making Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation Part 2 General Knowledge Essay	Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Quantitative Ability Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Sectional Time	Part 1-165 minutes Part 2- 25 minutes	4o minutes per section

XAT has additional sections namely Decision Making, General Knowledge and Essay as a part of its syllabus. However, the CAT exam does not have these sections. The Decision-making section is unique to the XAT exam.

XAT Vs CAT Sectional Weightage

XAT and CAT exams both differ in terms of exam pattern. It is important that candidates are aware of the sectional weightage of these exams. The table given below highlights the sectional weightage of both XAT and CAT exams.

Part	Sections	No.of Questions	Time
Part 1	Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning	26	165 mins
	Decision Making	21
	Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation	28
Part 2	General Knowledge	25	25 mins
Part 2	Essay	1	25 mins
Total		101	190 mins

The Sectional Weightage of CAT exam, based on CAT 2021 pattern is given below:

Sections	No.of Questions	Time
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension	24	40 mins
Quantitative Ability	22	40 mins
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning	20	40 mins
Total	66	120 mins

XAT and CAT Preparation

After having gone through the exam patterns and syllabus of both the exams, candidates need to assess themselves in terms of the strengths and weaknesses. Candidates can prepare for both the exams simultaneously as XAT and CAT have similar sections like VARC, Quantitative Aptitude, and Data Interpretation and Reasoning. However, candidates aiming for XAT Exam should prepare additionally for Decision Making, General Knowledge, and the Essay section. Candidates should attempt previous year’s papers and mock tests available on BYJU’S website.