XAT vs CAT: Which Is Tougher and Why? 2025

Introduction

Every MBA aspirant in India, at some point, faces one inevitable question: Should I focus on CAT or also prepare for XAT? With both exams serving as gateways to India’s top B-schools, understanding their relative difficulty becomes critical.

Here’s an interesting statistic: while over 3.5 lakh students register for CAT each year, XAT sees close to 1 lakh aspirants. Yet, despite fewer takers, XAT is often branded the more “elusive” exam. But why?

This blog explores XAT vs CAT in 2025, breaking down their structure, difficulty levels, preparation requirements, and the big question  which test is tougher, and for whom?

Exam Overview

Before debating “which is tougher,” let’s establish the basics.

CAT 2025 At a Glance

• • Conducted by: IIMs (this year, likely IIM Calcutta or IIM Indore)
  • Duration: 2 hours

• Sections:

• • VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)
  • DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)
  • QA (Quantitative Aptitude)
• Total Questions: ~66 (varies by year)
• Mode: Computer-based, all MCQs plus TITA (Type in the Answer)
• Scoring: +3 for correct, -1 for wrong in MCQs
• For detailed Information [Click here]

XAT 2025 At a Glance

• • Conducted by: XLRI Jamshedpur
  • Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

• Sections:
• • Verbal & Logical Ability
  • Decision Making
  • Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation
  • GK (General Knowledge – not used in percentile but in XLRI final shortlisting)
  • Essay (evaluated post-interview calls)
• Total Questions: ~100-105
• Mode: Computer-based
• Scoring: +1 for correct, -0.25 negative marking, + unique penalty of -0.1 for >8 unattempted questions
• For more detailed information [Click here]

Key Differences Between CAT and XAT

Here’s a direct comparison:

Which Exam Is Tougher in 2025?

CAT’s Challenge: The Competition Factor

• CAT has a massive test-taking base (3 lakh+), making cutoff percentiles sky-high.
• For general category students, securing admission into old IIMs requires ~99 percentile+.
• DILR sets are notoriously unpredictable. Even toppers say cracking one complete set often decides success.
• Time pressure is intense with just 120 minutes.

CAT’s difficulty lies less in the questions themselves and more in the competition and time management.

XAT’s Challenge: The Exam Structure

• The Decision Making section is XAT’s unique roadblock. It presents ambiguous, real-life business scenarios with no single correct answer. Many CAT-toppers struggle here.
• The Quantitative section is more focused on higher mathematics (geometry, number systems, algebra-heavy), often rated tougher than CAT QA.
• Essay + GK adds fatigue, as candidates must sustain concentration for 3.5 hours.
• The penalty for leaving too many questions unanswered forces students out of their comfort zone.

XAT’s toughness stems from its content and endurance factor, not just competition size.

How Should You Decide Which Exam to Focus On?

Ask Yourself:

• Do you perform better on speed-based exams? Then CAT could suit you.
• Are you comfortable with critical thinking, abstract judgment, and lengthy tests? Then XAT might be your friend.

College Aspirations Matter

• If your dream colleges are IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta, CAT is non-negotiable.
• If you aim specifically for XLRI Jamshedpur (HR or BM programs), XAT is your gateway.
• Many aspirants write both exams to maximize chances.

Preparation Strategy Insights (CAT vs XAT)

CAT Prep Calls For:

• High mock frequency (one per week from July onwards).
• Mastering time allocation for DILR.
• Sharpening reading speed for VARC passages.

XAT Prep Calls For:

• Separate practice for Decision Making, using previous 10-year papers.
• Strengthening higher-level Quant fundamentals (especially Geometry and Arithmetic).
• Regular GK updates — business news, awards, politics, static GK.
• Practicing essay writing within time limits.

How Career Plan B Can Transform Your Journey

Career Plan B offers comprehensive services to support your journey:

• Personalized Career Counselling: Tailored guidance to align your career goals with academic aspirations.
• Psycheintel and Career Assessment Tests: Understand your strengths and areas for improvement.
• Admission & Profile Guidance:  Expert advice on selecting the right B-schools and crafting standout applications.
• Customized Career Roadmapping: Develop a clear plan to achieve your career objectives.

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FAQs on XAT vs CAT 2025

1. Is CAT easier than XAT?
   CAT is shorter and more speed-based whereas XAT feels tougher due to Decision Making, longer duration, and tougher QA.
2. Do I need to prepare separately for XAT if I prepared for CAT?
   Yes. Overlap exists in QA and Verbal, but Decision Making, GK, and Essay need dedicated preparation.
3. Can I crack XAT without coaching?
   Absolutely. Many toppers rely on self-study with focus on past papers, mock tests, and decision-making practice.
4. Which exam gives more opportunities if I don’t score well?
   CAT provides access to 100+ institutes, while XAT is comparatively limited. CAT offers broader fallback options.
5. What percentile is needed for XLRI Jamshedpur?
   Usually 95 percentile+ for BM and 93 percentile+ for HR in XAT for general category candidates.

Conclusion

So, which is tougher – XAT or CAT in 2025?

• CAT feels tougher due to competition and high percentiles needed.
• XAT feels tougher due to content and test endurance.

In truth, neither is “objectively harder.” Your strengths, preparation strategy, and dream B-school define which exam will challenge you more.

If you’re serious about maximizing your MBA admission chances, writing both exams is a smart bet. Career Plan B often advises students to think of XAT as a complementary backup to CAT, a way to keep elite schools like XLRI within reach.