Both XAT and CAT are difficult management entrance exams with different exam format and syllabus. However, students often ask is XAT tougher than CAT as because of the vast syllabus and sectional cut offs.
Both XAT and CAT exams are conducted separately on different dates and sessions. However, if you are attempting the CAT exam,you often wonder if, Is XAT tougher than CAT? However, one must note that the syllabus, exam pattern, normalisation, and other steps are all different in both exams.
XAT Exam is competitive as the number of sections is more than the CAT Exam. MBA aspirants searching for the answer to if XAT is tougher than the CAT exam, often wonder about the differences between the XAT and CAT exams.
When it comes to the difficulty level, the simple answer to this question is that it depends on your preparation. Find the similarities and differences in XAT and CAT exam is the sections below.
Is XAT Easier Than CAT Exam?
XAT and CAT both are competitive national-level management examinations. Each year thousands of candidates appear for both exams.
Besides, it depends on the candidate and how they prepare. XAT is the Xavier Aptitude Test, and CAT is the Common Admission Test.
Similarities and Differences of XAT vs CAT
Here we have detailed the similarities and differences between both exams. Go through the specifications to know the details of the exam and know is XAT tougher than CAT.
| Details | XAT | CAT |
| Full Form | Xavier Aptitude Test | Common Admission Test |
| Conducting Body | Xavier School of Management (XLRI) | Indian Institutes of Management for admissions into (IIM) |
| Category | PG | PG |
| Frequency | Annually | Annually |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test | Computer-Based Test |
| Exam Pattern | MCQ | MCQ |
| Exam Level | High | Moderate to High |
| Examination Type | National | National |
| Paper Medium | English | English |
| Official Website | xatonline.in | iimcat.ac.in |
Check Other Entrance Exams Comparison Here:
XAT vs CAT Syllabus
Let us now see the detailed syllabus of both exams. There are three sections in the CAT exam and four sections in XAT. CAT exam has both MCQ and non-MCQs, but XAT concentrates on MCQs. You can check the XAT syllabus 2025 and CAT syllabus 2025 in the table below.
| XAT Syllabus | CAT Syllabus |
|
Verbal and Logical Ability
|
Verbal and Logical Ability
|
|
Decision Making/ Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
|
Decision Making/ Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
|
|
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
|
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
|
|
General Knowledge
|
The CAT syllabus has no General Knowledge section |
Q. Is XAT Quant easier than CAT?
Ans. The difficulty level of the Quant section for both the management exams is similar. The topics included in the Quant section remain the same however, the level of the questions differ.
You May Find This Helpful for Both the Management Exams:
XAT vs CAT Exam Pattern
Let us see the XAT Exam Pattern 2025 and CAT Exam Pattern 2025 along with the marks distribution to know the competitive nature of XAT vs CAT. There are fewer questions in CAT than in XAT, but the marking scheme differs. If you check here, you will find the total marks of XAT is 100 whereas CAT is 198.
| Particulars | XAT Exam Details | CAT Exam Details |
| Number of Sections | 4 | 3 |
| Type of Questions | 100 MCQs | 70% Objective (Multiple Choice) |
| - | 30% Non-objective | |
| Marking Scheme | +1 mark for every right answer | +1 mark for every right answer |
| 1/4 mark will be deducted | -1 for every wrong answer in certain sections | |
| No negative marking for GK questions | - | |
| Duration | 180 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Total Marks | 100 | 198 |
XAT is generally considered tougher than CAT due to its unique sections like Decision Making, General Knowledge, and Essay Writing. While CAT focuses more on speed and data interpretation, XAT tests ethical reasoning and broader thinking. The difficulty level can vary by individual, but XAT is often seen as more unpredictable and diverse in question types.
