To prepare for XAT verbal ability 2026, it is advised that you start by reviewing the syllabus topics and prepare accordingly. Practicing mock tests for the verbal ability section can be helpful for the aspirants at the time of examination.
Rigorous preparation is required for the XAT exam, particularly for the Verbal Ability or VA section, which is very important as the Reading Comprehension (RC) passages are difficult to crack. XAT 2026 will be conducted on January 4, 2026.
However, with an effective preparation strategy and hard work, candidates should be able to crack the XAT examination with three months of solid preparation to cover the entire XAT syllabus. The article will brief you on how to prepare for XAT verbal ability 2026.
How to Prepare for XAT Verbal Ability 2026?
XAT is a national-level entrance examination that facilitates admission in MBA/PGDM offered by 11 XAMI member institutes, 83 associate institutes, and 600+ other B-schools.
The sectional cutoff for VA in XAT is expected to be around 10 to 11 marks. Aspirants are advised to attempt 17 to 19 questions to obtain an 80-85% accuracy level.
Candidates worried about how to prepare for XAT Verbal Ability 2026 can follow the preparation strategy given below to crack the XAT 2026 Verbal Ability and Logical Ability paper:
- For self-study, give priority to the recommended books for VA: Candidates are advised by the experts to learn from the recommended books published as per the latest XAT 2026 syllabus and exam pattern.
Learning from multiple books from different authors and various publications on the same topic will only add to the confusion and be time-consuming.
- Take online XAT mock tests regularly: XAT aspirants need to regularly solve online mock test papers to understand the XAT 2022-23 paper-solving strategy.
Solving XAT online mock test papers improve your speed and also helps you in understanding the weaker sections and improving upon them.
- Refer to the XAT syllabus for VA before starting preparation: Before starting with the XAT exam preparation, candidates are advised to refer to the complete Verbal Ability syllabus and form a strategy to complete the XAT syllabus within a stipulated time frame.
The XAT exam conducting body is known to make changes in the syllabus from time to time. Keeping a tab on the latest XAT syllabus will keep the applicants updated regarding the changes.
- Make a study plan: All XAT aspirants are advised to make a study plan as per the syllabus of the XAT Verbal Ability and Logical Ability section.
Also take into consideration the weightage and difficulty level of individual topics in the XAT exam. Keeping track of time while studying or while attempting mock tests is crucial as it helps the candidates to improve their time management skills.
- Understand the strategy followed in XAT previous year papers: Candidates can estimate the number of questions that will be asked in the upcoming exam as well as the weightage of topics by understanding the strategy followed in the XAT previous year’s question papers.
- Analyse your strengths and weaknesses: One of the best ways to prepare for XAT smartly is to take note of your strengths and weaknesses. One should devote enough time to fixing their weaker areas which can help them in scoring well in the weak sections.
- Join online classes for difficult topics: Several online classes are available for the verbal and logical ability sections. These online classes are a time-saving option if you have doubts about a particular topic.
Also Check: What is a Good Score in XAT 2026?
Overview of XAT Verbal Ability and Logical Ability
While searching for ways on how to prepare for XAT Verbal Ability 2026, candidates must know the syllabus concentrates on English Grammar, Verbal Ability, and Reading Comprehension (VARC).
Form a habit of reading books and newspapers online. Shown below is the sectional composition of XAT 2026 Verbal and Logical Ability:
| Particular | Details |
| Total Number of Questions | 26 MCQs |
| Time Duration | No sectional time limit for the verbal ability and logical ability section |
| Marking Scheme | 1 mark for each correct answer |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 mark for each wrong answer. A penalty of -0.10 if one does not attempt the first 8 VARC questions in the XAT 2026 question paper |
| Types of Questions | MCQs |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
Also Check: How to Prepare for XAT in 6 Months?
XAT Verbal Ability Section-wise Number of Questions
The Verbal Ability section of the XAT is divided into several topics as shown below. Therefore, candidates know how to divide and prepare for the exam.
| VA Topics | Number of Questions |
| Reading Comprehension | 12 |
| Critical Reasoning | 4 |
| Poem Comprehension | 3 |
| Grammar- Correct the Sentence | 3 |
| Para jumble- 5 Sentences | 2 |
| Fill in the blanks- 3 Sentences | 2 |
Also Check: XAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026
XAT Verbal Ability 2026 Syllabus
The topics considered in the syllabus of XAT 2026 Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning part are as follows:
| Reading Comprehension | Fill in the Blanks |
| Jumbled Paragraphs | Contextual Usage of Vocabulary |
| Word Usage | Sentence Completion |
| Antonyms/Synonyms | Correction of Errors in a Sentence |
| Paragraph Completion | - |
Also Check: XAT Essay Topics 2026
Best Books for XAT Verbal Ability 2026
Listed below are some of the best XAT books 2026 recommended by the experts to prepare for the verbal ability and logical ability section:
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Ajay Singh
- New Approach to Reasoning, Verbal, Non-Verbal and Analytical Arihant Publication by BS Sijwali and Indu Sijwali
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Arun Sharma
- A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning By R S Aggarwal
- MBA Study Guide (XAT, IIFT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT) by Gautam Puri
- High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
- Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey.
Also Check: XAT Preparation without Coaching
Conclusion
How to Prepare for XAT Verbal Ability 2026? Focus on enhancing reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar skills. Read newspapers, novels, and editorials daily. Practice para jumbles, critical reasoning, and RC passages regularly. Solve previous year papers and take mock tests to understand the pattern and improve speed and accuracy.
