XAT 2026 Preparation Books and Mock Test Reviews — Your Complete Strategy Guide
Cracking XAT 2026 — especially for top B-schools like XLRI — requires not just hard work but smart planning. A strong foundation of right books plus consistent practice with mock tests is the proven recipe for success. In this guide, we review the best preparation books, mock test series, and how to use them effectively.
Best Books for XAT 2026 Preparation
While XAT shares similarities with other MBA entrance exams, its unique Decision Making (DM) and General Knowledge (GK) sections mean you should choose study material carefully.
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
These books help build your numerical and analytical foundation:
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations — R.S. Aggarwal
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT — Arun Sharma
- Data Interpretation for the CAT — Arun Sharma / Nishit K. Sinha
These titles cover arithmetic, algebra, geometry, DI sets and data sufficiency — all key areas in XAT.
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
Strong verbal skills can boost your score in VARC:
- Word Power Made Easy — Norman Lewis
- High School English Grammar & Composition — Wren & Martin
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT/XAT — Nishit K. Sinha
- Verbal Ability & RC for XAT — Gautam Puri
These books help with vocabulary, comprehension and grammar, which are tested extensively.
Decision Making (DM)
XAT’s Decision Making section is unique and needs focused practice:
- Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers) — R.K. Jha
- Target XAT (with past papers & walkthroughs) — Disha Publications
- Analytical & Logical Reasoning — Arihant Publications
These books include caselets and scenario-based questions that match the XAT style.
Previous Years’ Papers & Solved Sets
Solving past tests teaches you pattern, time management, and topic trends:
- 20 Year-wise XAT Solved Papers (2005–2024) — Disha Experts
- XAT XLRI — MBA Entrance Solved Papers — Career Launcher
- XAT practice question books with 5–10 full sets
Practising PYQs is one of the single most effective prep activities.
Mock Test Series & Practice Tests
Books alone won’t make you exam-ready. Mock tests train your speed, accuracy, and strategy, mimicking the real XAT environment.
Top Mock Test Providers
Several credible mock series help you benchmark your preparation:
- TIME / IMS SimCAT — Good analytic feedback
- Career Launcher Mocks — Strong in Verbal + Decision Making
- Oliveboard / Cracku / PracticeMock — Budget-friendly options
- Guide Me Education Free Mocks — For weekly practice
These mock test series provide performance analytics to correct your weak spots.
Specialised Mock Offers
- Tarkashastra XAT Mocks — Various packages from beginner to advanced with video solutions and sectional analysis.
- Manoeuvre XAT Mock Booster — Focused 2 full-length mocks designed on real exam pattern.
How to Use Books + Mocks Effectively
Just owning resources isn’t enough — what matters is how you use them:
1. Start with Concept Books
Build basics from Quant, DI/LS, VARC and DM books.
2. Solve Section-wise Sets
Use previous papers and topic-wise books to cover weak areas.
3. Begin Mock Tests Early
Start with 1 mock per week, then increase frequency closer to exam day.
4. Analyze Every Mock
Track where you lose time, which questions you miss, and why — learning from mistakes is key.
Quick Community Tip
Many toppers recommend focusing on mock analysis and PYQs as your primary prep tool for XAT strategy and confidence.
Final Words
XAT 2026 demands a balanced preparation plan:
- Books for concepts and question exposure
- Mocks for time management and real-test strategy
Together, they help you maximise accuracy, pace, and confidence on D-Day.
FAQs
Q1. Which books are best for XAT Decision Making?
Jabbing the XAT by R.K. Jha and Target XAT by Disha Publications are highly recommended for DM practice.
Q2. Are CAT books useful for XAT 2026?
Yes. Quant and verbal books like those by Arun Sharma and Norman Lewis build foundational strength useful for XAT.
Q3. How many mock tests should I take?
Start early with weekly mocks and ramp up to 2–3 per week closer to the exam.
Q4. Do mock tests help improve decision-making skills?
Definitely — they help improve speed, accuracy, time management, and strategic skipping.
