Will there be essay writing in XAT 2026?

The AEW part will give three topics, from which applicants will choose one in the XAT exam . Essays should be about 250 words long and must show coherence, logical consistency, and strong argumentation Page 2, functioning as an assessment of the students' analytical ability.

How to practice essay writing for XAT?

In the opening, adopt a broad approach to give the examiner an idea of your understanding of the issue. The Body of the essay should focus on studying the topic from as many various aspects as possible, with arguments or paragraphs well organized.

Can you clear XAT in 2 months?

Ideally, XAT preparation takes six to nine months; however, if applicants have already prepared for the CAT, XAT preparation can be completed in less time because one only needs to focus on Decision-Making and General Knowledge themes. Those who struggle with English comprehension must begin reading exercises early on.

How many hours to study for XAT?

Studying for the XAT normally takes 6 to 8 hours each day, especially if you want to be thoroughly prepared. This includes time for practice, revising concepts, and taking mock exams.

XAT Essay Topics 2026: Previous Years, Essay Writing Tips

XAT Essay Topics 2026 are expected to cover a wide range of themes and current events. Aspirants are encouraged to practice writing on a variety of topics to build confidence and improve their skills. Reviewing essay questions from previous years can also provide valuable insight into the nature and style of topics typically featured in the exam.

Table of Contents

Important XAT Essay Topics 2026
XAT Previous Years’ Essay Topics
XAT Essay Writing Tips

The XAT essay topics 2026 are predominantly abstract and argumentative. XAT essay topics given for the Essay Writing section in the XAT exam are crucial to the merit of candidates and hence should be paid attention to.

The Essay Writing section in XAT exam was scrapped after 2018 and was reintroduced in the XAT 2022 exam pattern. The XAT 2026 exam pattern will have an Essay Writing section and a General Knowledge section in Part 2 of the question paper. Both sections together have an allotted time of 25 minutes.

Important XAT Essay Topics 2026

Knowing the probable areas, the XAT essay topics 2026 might be from will help aspirants have an idea on how to approach the XAT Essay Writing section. The following are the areas of essay topics that might be asked in the XAT 2026 examination.

Democracy will lose meaning without social activism.
GST is no magic band to push faster economic growth
Home buyers remain homeless, and no teeth are given to RERA.
Making business lobbying legal can reduce corruption.
Political interests and the Uniform Civil Code cannot go hand in hand.
Society bears the brunt of terrorism, which has no religion.
The pandemic derailed Economic growth.
Unity in Diversity is more relevant now in India.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a good step
Will Bad Banks Improve the Economy?
Building Central Vista will improve India’s Global image.
Blues of Demonetization still haunt economic growth.
Unless Agriculture is practised as a business, it will not improve the face of Rural India.
The sensitivity of the Sensex has nothing to do with economic growth.

Also Check: How to Prepare for XAT in 6 Months?

XAT Previous Years’ Essay Topics

The XAT essay topics of previous years will help the candidates know the essay topics that are likely to be asked in the XAT exam 2026. It will also enhance the understanding of candidates in approaching the essay topics.

The essay topics of previous years are as follows.

XAT Previous Years’ Essay Topics
XAT Exam Year	XAT Essay Topic
2022 (option to choose one of the two topics)	1) Capitalism and democracy follow different paths. Unequally distributed property rights on the one hand and political rights on the other, hierarchical decision-making by managers and capital owners versus debate, compromise and decision-making within democratic politics. Therefore, they cannot co-exist.
2022 (option to choose one of the two topics)	2) In management, we do not need people who have never experienced a setback. Such people are highly averse to taking risks. Because B-schools majorly focus on stellar academic achievements during admission, the selected students turn out to be average managers.
2018	Ethical Practices and Sustainability: Do they co-exist?
2017	Globalisation and Jingoism always coexist
2016	Technology and Nature are natural enemies
2015	Listening is a dying art. We hardly listen to understand. We only listen to refute or reply.
2014	The most beautiful thing can neither be seen nor be touched but can only be felt
2013	Corruption is the root cause of economic slowdown in India
2012 (option to choose one of the two topics)	1) Government is not addressing the root cause of poverty
2012 (option to choose one of the two topics)	2) Government is not able to implement the policies properly due to the huge magnitude of poverty
2011	The statesman who would attempt to direct private people in what manner they ought to employ their capitals, would not only load himself with a most unnecessary attention, but assume an authority which could safely be trusted to no council and senate whatever, and which would nowhere be so dangerous as in the hands of a man who had folly and presumption enough to fancy himself fit to exercise it.
2010	Earth provides enough to satisfy everybody's needs but not everybody's greed
2009	The Inherent vice of Capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings and the inherent virtue of Socialism is the equal sharing of misery
2008	Gender Imbalance would lead to Third World War
2007	Economic growth without environmental damage – a mirage or a reality
2006	India has one of the largest pools of talented manpower, but few innovations and patented products
2005	More than one billion Indians: A gigantic problem or a sea of opportunities
2004	Asked at the age of 83, as to which of his project would he choose as his masterpiece, Frank Lloyd Wright, the architect answered, "The next one"
2003	To give real service, one needs to add something that cannot be bought or measured, like sincerity and integrity

Also Check: XAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026

XAT Essay Writing Tips

Aspirants can refer to the XAT essay writing tips listed below to understand the ways and areas they can improve to perform well in the exam.

Always write the essay in paragraphs and not points.
Make a draft and structure the essay before beginning to write the essay.
Each essay paragraph must be well constructed with a topic sentence, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence.
Express your thoughts and arguments clearly without any ambiguity.
Do not use jargon, slang and abbreviations.
When quoting, make sure to include the acknowledgements.
Be updated with current affairs to tackle topics with proper updates and arguments.
Make sure to complete the essay in the given time window. Make sure to leave the essay complete with concluding remarks.
The same points should not be repeated throughout the essay.
The statements made by the candidates in the essay must be coherent and support the drive of the essay.

Also Check: What is a Good Score in XAT 2026?

The XAT essay part assesses not only writing ability, but also clarity of ideas, structure, and the ability to offer balanced arguments. Examining prior years' topics reveals a heavy concentration on abstract, sociopolitical, and philosophical concerns. To excel, you must practice logically stating your points of view, backing them up with appropriate examples, and being coherent throughout. Reading editorials, staying informed, and writing regularly can all help to improve performance dramatically