CAT vs XAT is a choice many Indian MBA aspirants face. CAT is the entrance test for the IIMs. XAT is run by XLRI Jamshedpur and used by over 250 institutes. This guide puts the official facts side by side, so you and your parents can pick one exam, or plan for both.
Key takeaways
- CAT 2026 is on Sunday 29 November 2026. XAT 2027 is on Sunday 3 January 2027, from 2 to 5 pm.
- The IIMs use CAT. XLRI uses XAT, and its documents mention no CAT route.
- XAT has four sections, including Decision Making and GK. CAT has three: VARC, DILR and QA.
- XAT gives -0.25 for a wrong answer, and skipping more than 8 questions also costs marks.
- CAT registration closed on 22 September 2026. XAT registration is open till 6 December 2026.
CAT vs XAT: what is the main difference?
Quick answer: CAT is the gateway to the IIMs. XAT is the gateway to XLRI and over 250 other institutes. CAT 2026 is on 29 November 2026 with three sections. XAT 2027 is on 3 January 2027 with four sections, including Decision Making and GK. The right exam depends on the colleges you want.
For full details on each exam, read our CAT 2026 exam guide and our XAT 2027 guide.
CAT 2026 and XAT 2027 at a glance.
- CAT is run by the IIMs, with IIM Indore as convenor. XAT is run by XLRI.
- CAT is on Sunday 29 November 2026. XAT is on Sunday 3 January 2027.
- CAT sections: VARC, DILR, QA. XAT sections: VALR, DM, QA and DI, GK.
- CAT costs Rs 2,700 (Rs 1,350 for SC, ST and PwBD). XAT costs Rs 2,300.
- CAT is used by 22 IIMs and listed schools. XAT by XLRI and 250+ schools.
Both are computer-based. CAT runs in three sessions across about 170 test cities. XAT is a single slot in 100+ cities. XAT also charges Rs 200 for each XLRI programme you apply to.
When are the CAT 2026 and XAT 2027 exam dates?
Key dates for CAT 2026 and XAT 2027.
- Registration: CAT closed on 22 September 2026. XAT is open till 6 December 2026.
- Admit card: CAT from 4 November 2026. XAT from 20 December 2026 (tentative).
- Exam: CAT on 29 November 2026. XAT on 3 January 2027, 2 to 5 pm.
- Result: CAT by the first week of January 2027. XAT in the last week of January 2027.
Official dates are on iimcat.ac.in and xatonline.in.
Can I take both CAT and XAT?
Yes. The dates do not clash. XAT is 35 days after CAT. A simple plan:
- Till 29 November 2026: prepare for CAT.
- By 6 December 2026: finish your XAT form, one week after CAT.
- December 2026: practise Decision Making and GK for XAT.
- 3 January 2027: sit XAT.
- January 2027: get both results.
You will sit XAT before you see your CAT result, so give XAT your full effort.
Which colleges accept CAT and which accept XAT?
The CAT 2026 bulletin lists 22 IIMs. Each IIM sets its own cut-offs and weights. Listed non-IIM institutions also use CAT; that list is on iimcat.ac.in.
The XAT 2027 bulletin says XAT is used by "over 250 institutes". These include XLRI, the other XAMI member schools and many associate members. No IIM is listed among them.
Many non-IIM schools accept CAT, XAT or both. Rules can differ by campus or programme, so check each school's own admission page.
Can I get into XLRI with a CAT score?
Not as things stand. XLRI's documents mention no CAT route. The FAQ says "All Indian candidates must appear for XAT 2027."
Who should take CAT and who should take XAT?
Pick your exam by the college you want.
- If you target an IIM, take CAT.
- If you target XLRI, take XAT.
- For other schools, check each admission page.
- If you sit both, CAT comes in November and XAT in January.
Our SNAP 2026 guide covers one more MBA test. Still unsure about an MBA? Our guide on how to become a data scientist shows a different path.
What is the exam pattern of CAT and XAT?
CAT 2026 has three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The CAT 2026 bulletin does not list question counts, time per section or marking. The IIMs share the format closer to the exam, through the official CAT tutorial.
XAT 2027 follows this official pattern:
| Section | Questions (approx.) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR) | 26 | 170 min for these three together |
| Decision Making (DM) | 21 | (included above) |
| Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA and DI) | 28 | (included above) |
| General Knowledge (GK) | 20 | 10 min |
| Total | 95 | 180 min |
XAT has "no sectional time limits", so you can switch between sections. A scientific calculator is provided on screen. GK has no negative marking and does not count in your percentile, but XLRI uses it in selection.
How does XAT negative marking work?
Each XAT question carries 1 mark. A wrong answer loses 0.25. The first 8 questions you skip are free. After that, each skipped question loses 0.10.
Worked example: blanks are not always free in XAT.
- Take the 75 questions in VALR, DM and QA and DI (26 + 21 + 28).
- You attempt 60: 45 right, 15 wrong. Score: 45 - 15 x 0.25 = 41.25.
- You leave 15 blank. The first 8 are free, so 7 x 0.10 = 0.70 is lost.
- Final score: 41.25 - 0.70 = 40.55.
So leaving many XAT questions blank is not a safe choice. See the XAT FAQ for the full rules.
What is the XAT Decision Making section?
Decision Making is XAT's own section. XAT says no extra preparation is needed beyond normal MBA prep, "except for the decision-making section". DM uses "scenarios drawn from both personal and professional lives", including ethical dilemmas. It tests critical thinking, problem-solving and prioritisation. Read each case slowly and test every option against the facts given.
CAT or XAT: which is easier?
Neither the IIMs nor XLRI publish a difficulty comparison, so any "easier" claim is opinion. What differs is structure. XAT has DM and GK, no sectional timers, one slot and a penalty for too many blanks.
How much maths overlaps between CAT and XAT?
Both exams test quant. XAT lists its QA and DI topics as "arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, modern Maths". Strong basics here help in CAT's QA section too. Try this:
Question: A car goes 240 km at 60 km/h and returns at 40 km/h. What is its average speed?
- Total distance = 240 + 240 = 480 km.
- Time going = 240 / 60 = 4 hours.
- Time returning = 240 / 40 = 6 hours.
- Total time = 4 + 6 = 10 hours.
- Average speed = 480 / 10 = 48 km/h.
The trap answer is 50 km/h, the simple average of 60 and 40.
Want a mentor to check your working step by step? Book a free demo class, or see our plans and fees.
What are the eligibility rules for CAT and XAT?
| CAT 2026 | XAT 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Bachelor's with 50% (45% for SC, ST, PwBD), or CA, CS, ICWA (CMA), FIAI | Recognised bachelor's of three years or more, any discipline |
| Minimum % | 50% / 45% | None stated |
| Final-year students | Can apply | Can apply if final exams end by 11 June 2027 |
XLRI's PGDM (General Management) needs three years of managerial or supervisory work by 31 March 2027. It accepts XAT, GMAT or GRE.
What are the routes for NRI and foreign students?
- XLRI: "NRI, Foreign, OCI, and PIO candidates may apply through GMAT", for all programmes. The fee is Rs 5,000. See the XLRI admission prospectus.
- IIM Indore: only foreign passport holders count as "International Applicants". For its 2026-28 batch, they applied with a GMAT score of at least 700. Read the IIM Indore international applicants procedure. Other IIMs set their own rules.
- NRIs with Indian passports are not "international applicants" under IIM Indore's rule. Check the CAT bulletin for your case.
How long are CAT and XAT scores valid?
The CAT 2026 score is valid only till 31 December 2027. XAT states no validity period. The XAT 2027 scorecard can be downloaded from 31 January to 30 June 2027.
What mistakes should I avoid?
- Missing the XAT deadline. It closes on 6 December 2026.
- Trusting unofficial CAT patterns. Wait for the official tutorial.
- Skipping too many XAT questions. After 8 blanks, each costs 0.10.
- Assuming a school takes both. Check its page for your campus and programme.
How 1-on-1 tutoring helps with CAT and XAT prep
- One dedicated mentor, live online 1-on-1. Your Asymptode mentor plans around your own dates: CAT on 29 November and XAT on 3 January.
- Method-first quant. For CAT QA and XAT QA and DI, the mentor watches each step of your working and catches errors like the average-speed trap.
- Planning help for the rest. For VARC, VALR, DM and GK, the mentor helps with planning and method. Personalised homework comes with feedback.
- Clear updates. Parents get short progress updates. Every class is recorded, and the demo class is free.
Facts checked against official sources on 31 October 2026.
FAQ
Is XAT accepted by IIMs?
No IIM is listed as a XAT member or associate member in the XAT 2027 bulletin. The IIMs use CAT. IIM Indore, for example, shortlists using CAT percentiles and sectional scores.
What is the CAT 2026 exam date?
CAT 2026 is on Sunday 29 November 2026, in three sessions. Admit cards are available from 4 November 2026. Results are likely by the first week of January 2027.
What is the XAT 2027 exam date?
XAT 2027 is on Sunday 3 January 2027, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Registration closes on 6 December 2026. Results come in the last week of January 2027.
Does XAT have negative marking?
Yes. A wrong answer loses 0.25 marks. After your first 8 skipped questions, each further blank loses 0.10. GK has no negative marking.
What is the CAT 2026 exam pattern?
CAT has three sections: VARC, DILR and QA. The bulletin does not list question counts, timing or marking. The IIMs share these closer to the exam through the official tutorial.
How much does it cost to take both CAT and XAT?
A General, EWS or NC-OBC candidate pays Rs 2,700 for CAT and Rs 2,300 for XAT, so Rs 5,000 in total. Add Rs 200 for each XLRI programme. SC, ST and PwBD candidates pay Rs 1,350 for CAT.
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Sources
- CAT 2026 official website (iimcat.ac.in)
- XAT 2027 official website
- XAT 2027 Bulletin
- XLRI Admission Prospectus 2027
- XAT FAQ
- IIM Indore Admissions Procedure PGP 2026-28
- IIM Indore Admissions Procedure for International Applicants PGP 2026-28