What’s a Good Score in XAT 2026 for XLRI? Cutoffs & Insights

Introduction

“Some seniors say they cracked CAT after giving just 15 mocks. Another tells you they attempted 100 mocks and hit 99 percentile.”
Sounds familiar? For many CAT and XAT aspirants, this contradictory advice sparks anxiety. The big question remains: How many mocks are truly enough?

With over 2.6 lakh candidates writing CAT every year and thousands appearing for XAT soon after, mock tests are the bridge between preparation and performance. But more isn’t always better. It’s not about cramming in as many mocks as possible, but about consistency, timing, and—most importantly—analysis.

Why Are Mock Tests Important?

Mock tests are more than just “practice papers.” They serve as a mental gym that toughens you for D-Day.

• Simulates exam pressure: Sitting for a 2–3 hour mock conditions your brain for high-stakes performance.
• Time management: CAT and XAT demand split-second decisions on whether to attempt, skip, or move on. Only mocks teach this instinct.
• Identifies strength & weakness: Did you spend 15 minutes cracking one Quant problem you should have skipped? A mock will reveal it instantly.
• Builds endurance: Like running a half-marathon before a full marathon, mocks train your stamina.

Think of mocks like cricket net practice. No player prepares for an international test match by just reading theory—they simulate the match environment again and again. Similarly, mocks train you for the real exam beyond textbooks.

How Many CAT Mocks Are Enough?

This is the question every CAT aspirant has on their mind. The truth: there’s no magic number. Toppers have cracked CAT with 15 mocks and with 70 mocks. The difference lies in analysis and timing.

The Recommended Range

• 20–30 high-quality mocks are generally sufficient for most students.
• More than 40 is only useful if you can analyze deeply—otherwise, it’s wasted effort.

Timeline Approach

• March–June (early phase): 1 mock every 2–3 weeks to build familiarity.
• July–September (core prep): 1 mock per week with deep analysis.
• October–November (final sprint): 2–3 mocks per week to simulate exam-day conditions.

How Many XAT Mocks Should You Take?

XAT is a different beast—longer exam duration, unique Decision Making (DM) section, General Knowledge, and even an essay (reintroduced recently). Relying only on CAT mocks will leave you underprepared.

The Recommended Range

• 15–20 XAT mocks is a solid number.
• For students preparing for CAT too, sectional practice + 7–8 full-length XAT-specific mocks may be enough.

Timeline Approach

• October–November: 1 mock every 2–3 weeks after CAT prep foundation is solid.
• December (post-CAT focus): 2 mocks per week, with special attention to DM and essay.

Why Separate XAT Mocks?

While CAT builds your Quant and Verbal base, XAT requires practice in decision making—which is neither pure logic nor traditional theory. Special exposure through mocks is non-negotiable.

Quality vs Quantity: What Really Matters?

There’s a dangerous trap many students fall into: believing more mocks = better chances.

• One student writes 70 mocks, but skips analysis.
• Another writes 25 mocks, but goes through every error, solves again, and documents mistakes.

Guess who performs better? Almost always the second one.

Because eventually, mocks are diagnostic tests. Taking more without analyzing is like repeating blood tests without consulting the doctor.

Sweet spot for CAT: 20–30 mocks.
Sweet spot for XAT: 15–20 mocks.

Mock Test Analysis: The Real Game-Changer

Writing a mock is just 3 hours, but analyzing it can take 2–3 times longer. Proper analysis involves:

1. Accuracy vs Speed Check: Did you go slow but accurate? Or fast with silly errors? Balance is key.
2. Error Log: Maintain an Excel sheet noting wrong attempts by topic (e.g., Algebra, RC inference). Spot recurring offenders.
3. Question Selection Skill: Check how many unsolvable questions you attempted. Skipping is an art.
4. Re-solving Practice: Go back to wrong/unattempted questions after the mock—without a timer. Learn the “how” not just the “what.”
5. Strategy Tweaks: Adjust section order, question selection, and time splits across successive mocks.

Pro Tip: Spending 3 hours on a mock and 6 hours on analysis may sound inefficient—but that’s the single biggest predictor of percentile improvement.

Common Mistakes Students Make with Mocks

• Taking mocks daily without analysis: Leads to fatigue and zero improvement.
• Getting demotivated by low scores: Remember, mocks are feedback tools, not prophecy.
• Comparing raw scores with others: Percentiles vary across institutes; focus on self-progress.
• Ignoring sectional strategies: Writing full-length mocks but avoiding sectional-specific practice kills balance.

When Should You Start Taking Mocks?

This depends on your preparation timeline.

• Early Starters (March–April): Begin with low-frequency mocks (1 per month), scaling later. Total: 25–30 mocks.
• Mid-prep Starters (June–July): Ramp up to weekly mocks early. Total: 20–25 mocks possible.
• Late Starters (September–October): Even if you manage 12–15 mocks, focus on analysis-heavy learning to maximize efficiency.

Remember: It’s never too late. Even 8–10 mocks with systematic review can transform your score dramatically.

How Career Plan B Helps

At Career Plan B, we understand that mock tests are often the hardest puzzle to solve—When to give? How many? How to analyze? That’s where structured guidance makes all the difference.

Here’s how we help students like you:

• Personalized Mock Planning: Tailored strategies on how many mocks to write for CAT, XAT, and other exams based on your schedule.
• Psycheintel & Career Assessment Tests: Helping you understand your strengths, weaknesses, and exam temperament before designing a mock roadmap.
• Admission-Centric Guidance: Your mock scores aren’t just numbers; they’re tied to percentile goals needed for your dream B-schools.
• Career Roadmapping: Beyond exams, aligning your post-MBA goals with preparation strategy.

FAQs

Q1. Is giving 100 mocks necessary for CAT?
Not at all. Most toppers did 20–30 mocks with deep analysis. It’s about quality, not sheer volume.

Q2. Should I give mocks before finishing my syllabus?
Yes. Start with 1 mock per month even if the syllabus is incomplete; it helps in strategy building.

Q3. Can CAT mocks replace XAT mocks?
Partially. CAT mocks strengthen Quant and Verbal, but XAT requires dedicated practice in Decision Making and GK.

Q4. What if my mock scores aren’t improving?
Go back to basics, analyze mistakes, track error patterns, and adapt test strategies—don’t just write more mocks blindly.

Q5. How late is too late to start mocks?
Even if you start 2–3 months before, 12–15 mocks done with deep analysis can still yield excellent results.

Conclusion

Mocks are not numbers to tick off; they’re tools to sharpen your accuracy, speed, and confidence. The answer to “How many mocks are enough?” isn’t about 100 or 15—it’s about finding your sweet spot of consistent practice plus deep analysis.

To summarize:

• CAT: 20–30 mocks with full review.
• XAT: 15–20 mocks with focus on Decision Making.
• Analysis: Spend double the time on reviews versus writing tests.

Remember, Mocks don’t define your ability—they redefine your strategy. Approach them wisely, and they’ll open the door to an IIM, XLRI, or your dream B-school.

Ready to craft your personalized mock plan? Reach out to Career Plan B today and let’s turn strategy into success.