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XAT Quant Preparation 2023: Questions, Syllabus, Pattern, Books, Preparation Tips for XAT QA & DI

XAT Quantitative Aptitude or simply XAT Quant is a part of one section in this 3 hour long entrance exam, and an important part of XAT 2022 syllabus. XAT Quant is known to be the toughest part of this exam.

This section tests the candidate’s ability to solve numerical questions in a limited time without the use of a calculator. Candidates from and engineering background will find it easier to ace the Quant questions compared to aspirants with non engineering or mathematical background. Check XAT 2022 syllabus

  • XAT 2022 will be conducted on Jan, 2021. There are 28 questions from XAT Quant & DI Section of difficult level. Check XAT Exam Analysis
  • Sectional cutoff for XAT 2022 is expected to be 10-12 marks. Check XAT 2022 Cutoff for All Programs
  • 0.5 marks deducted for number of unattempted questions went down from 12 to 8.

Before discussing XAT Quantitative Aptitude in depth, let us understand the sectional breakup of the XAT paper. VARC has 26 questions, DM has 21 questions, QA DI and Data Interpretation has 27 questions, and General Knowledge has 25 questions.

As seen in the above points, the section with the highest number of questions is QA and DI.

Highlights of Quantitative Aptitude in XAT

Some important features of QA and DI section include:

  • QA and DI is considered to be the most difficult section in XAT. 

  • Questions from areas such as numbers, geometry, and mensuration have occurred more frequently than other topics. 

  • Other important topics include chapters such as arithmetic, venn diagrams, and functions. 

  • Despite the fact that the number of questions has reduced, the level of difficulty at the same time is increasing every year. 

  • Candidates who have prepared and solved difficult level questions from CAT Quant will be able to solve XAT QA questions easily. 

  • For 99 percentile, candidates must get 15 out of 27 questions right and the cutoff is 10 - 11 correct attempts. Check previous years XAT Cutoff for an idea of sectional cutoff.

  • Candidates will have approximately 3 mins for each question. While practicing, try to solve each problem in 2 minutes. 


XAT Quant Syllabus

XAT Quant Syllabus 2022

LCM and HCF Percentages Profit and Loss
Interest (Simple and Compound) Speed, Time and Distance Number System
Algebra Geometry including Co-ordinate Geometry Mensuration
Pure Math Venn diagrams Linear Equations
Quadratic Equations Complex Numbers Logarithm
Progressions Binomial Theorem Surds and Indices
Inequalities Permutation and Combination Probability Functions
Set Theory Mixtures and Alligations Trigonometry

Candidates must thoroughly familiarize themselves with the topics from which Quantitative Aptitude questions can come for a better preparation strategy. 

Note: XAT Exam authorities do not release any official syllabus or notice on the syllabus but an idea on all the possible topics can be worked up by looking at the past year papers. 

Also Read: XAT Syllabus 2021 (Updated): Important Topics, Preparation tips


XAT Quant Prep Books

XAT 2022 Quant Preparation Books

Book Name  Author Name ISBN
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations RS Aggarwal 978-9352534029
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic (Arihant) Rajesh Verma 978-9312149836
How to prepare for Data Interpretation Arun Sharma 978-9353167141
Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations Abhijit Guha 978-9352604371
Data Interpretation for the CAT Nishit K Sinha 978-9353946616

Students who depend largely on resources or do not take any external help such as tuitions must choose their resources carefully. 

  • Always go for the latest version while buying books on any competitive exam to keep up with the trends. 

  • Go through reviews of students and teachers before making any purchase. 

  • Choosing books as per section is recommended over one book that covers all sections. 


XAT Quant Exam Pattern

XAT 2022 Quantitative Aptitude Exam Pattern

Quant Chapter 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015
Profit and Loss  - 1  - 1 2 2
Percentages 1 1 1  -  -
Simple and Compound Interest  - 1  -  -  -
Ratio and Proportions 1 2
Time, Speed, and Work 2  - 3 2 2 3
Number System 2 1 6 1 2 2
Algebra 7 8 2 2 3 3
Series  - 1 1 1
Puzzle  -  - 2 1 1
Geometry and Mensuration 6 8 5 4 8 7
Probability 1 1  -
Trigonometry  -  -  - 1 1 1
Functions 1  -  - 1 1 1
Clocks  -  -  - 1 1 -
Set Theory 3  -  - 1 1 1
Caselet  -  -  - 2  -  -
Data Interpretation 6 6 6 8 7 8
Total 28 27 27 27 30 31

Key Highlights of XAT Quantitative Aptitude Exam Pattern:

  • For each correct response, 1 mark will be awarded. 

  • For each incorrect response, 0.25 or ¼ marks will be deducted. 

  • After every 8 unanswered questions, 0.5 marks shall be deducted for not attempting any question.


XAT Quant Cutoff

XAT Quant 2022 Cutoff

Like the other 2 sections in part 1 of the XAT paper, cutoff marks for quantitative aptitude is published by XLRI every year. Following points must be known by candidates:

  • Candidates who fail to score the minimum required marks will not be qualified for XAT 2021 counselling or interview round.
  • Cutoff depends on gender; separate marks will be published for male and female candidates.
  • Cutoff depends on the program chosen; it is different for HRM, BM, and GM candidates.
  • Previous year cutoff marks will help you get an idea of XAT 2021 QA cutoff.

XAT Quantitative Aptitude Cutoff for Business Management

  • XAT Quantitative Aptitude cutoff for Business Management for male candidates is not expected to cross 90.
  • XAT Quantitative Aptitude cutoff for Business Management has been low for last two years and is not expected to cross 88.
  • XAT Quant cutoff for XIMB was 80 this year.

XAT Quantitative Aptitude Cutoff for Human Resource Management

  • XAT Quant cutoff for male candidates in HRM is not expected to increase more than 75 or decrease less than 65
  • XAT Quant cutoff for female candidates in HRM is not expected to stay in the range 65 to 70
  • XIMB cutoff for quant section for HRM is 45

Check XAT 2021 Cutoff: Expected and Sectional Cutoff for Last 5 Years

XAT 2022 Quant Questions for Practice

Sample questions from previous years helps one get an idea of the type of problems XAT aspirants must be familiar with. Few chapter wise sample questions from QA are given below:

1. Sample XAT quant question on series:

Ques. The sum of series, (-100) + (-95) + (-90) + + 110 + 115 + 120, is: 

  1. 220 

  2. 340

  3. 450

  4. None of the above

Solution: (d) 450 

2. Sample XAT quant question on geometry:

Ques. AB is a chord of a circle. The length of AB is 24 cm. P is the midpoint of AB. Perpendiculars from P on either side of the chord meets the circle at M and N respectively. If PM < PN and PM = 8 cm. then what will be the length of PN? 

  1. 17 cm

  2. 18 cm

  3. 19 cm

  4. 20 cm

  5. 21 cm

Solution: (b) 18 cm

3. Sample XAT quant question on algebra:

Ques. If x and y are real numbers, the least possible value of the expression 4(x - 2)2 + 4(y - 3)2 - 2(x - 3)2 is :

  1. - 8

  2. - 4

  3. - 2 

  4. 2

Solution: (b) - 4

4. Sample XAT quant question on pipes:

Ques. Four two-way pipes A, B, C and D can either fill an empty tank or drain the full tank in 4, 10, 12 and 20 minutes respectively. All four pipes were opened simultaneously when the tank is empty. Under which of the following conditions the tank would be half filled after 30 minutes? 

  1. Pipe A filled and pipes B, C and D drained 

  2. Pipe A drained and pipes B, C and D filled 

  3. Pipes A and D drained and pipes B and C filled 

  4. Pipes A and D filled and pipes B and C drained 

  5. None of the above

Solution: (a) Pipe A filled and pipes B, C and D drained 

5. Sample XAT quant question on Profit and Loss:

Ques. A shop, which sold same marked price shirts, announced an offer - if one buys three shirts then the fourth shirt is sold at a discounted price of fl 00 only. Patel took the offer. He left the shop with 20 shirts after paying 20,000. What is the marked price of a shirt?

  1. 1260

  2. 1300

  3. 1350

  4. 1400

  5. 1500

Solution: (b) 1300

6. Sample XAT quant question on probability:

Ques. A dice is rolled twice. What is the probability that the number in the second roll will be higher than that in the first? 

  1. 5/36 

  2. 8/36 

  3. 15/36 

  4. 21/36 

  5. None of the above 

Solution: (c) 8/36

7. Sample XAT quant question on Speed, time, and distance 

Ques. Arup and Swarup leave point A at 8 AM to point B. To reach B. they have to walk the first 2 km, then travel 4 km by boat and complete the final 20 km by car. Arup and Swarup walk at a constant speed of 4 km/hr and 5 km/hr respectively. Each row his boat for 30 minutes. Arup drives his car at a constant speed of 50 km/hr while Swarup drives at 40 km/hr. If no time is wasted in transit, when will they meet again? 

  1. At 9.15 AM 

  2. At 9.18 AM 

  3. At 9.21 AM

  4. At 9.24 AM 

  5. At 9.30 AM 

Solution: (d) At 9.24 AM 

Suggested Read: XAT 2021 Sample Papers/ Practice Papers, Previous Years' Question Papers

8. Sample XAT quant question on Data Interpretation

Field Name Shape Sixe in meter Height in meter Radius in meter Cost of flooring in INR/sq. meter Cost of fencing in INR/ meter
A  Triangle  16 12 50 20
B Rectangle 10 x 20 30 15
C  Square  15 40 18
D Parallelogram 20 12 60 25
E Circle 45 22

Ques: What is the difference between cost of fencing of C and B?

  1. Rs 120
  2. Rs 480
  3. Rs 240
  4. Rs 180

Answer: Rs 180

Must Read Articles on XAT:

XAT Quantitative Aptitude Previous Year Analysis

Year  Decision Making Section Difficulty Number of Questions
2020 Mix of easy, moderate, and difficult 28
2019 Mix of easy, moderate, and difficult 27
2018 Easy to moderate 27
2017 Easy to moderate with few difficult 25
2016 Easy to moderate with few difficult 29
2015 Mix of easy, moderate, and difficult 33

Download Free XAT Practice Papers

XAT 2021 QA & DI Analysis

  • This year, the Quant & DI section was difficult as per students.
  • 28 Questions were asked in total. Sectional cutoff is expected to be 10-12 marks.
  • Good score for is 78-90 for males and 65-70 females.
  • There were 22 Questions from Quant. Most questions were from Arithmetic followed by DI.
  • 20 Quant questions were standalone questions

XAT 2020 QA & DI Analysis:

  • Quantitative ability in 2020 was slightly easier than 2019. 

  • Overall difficulty level of the 2020 paper was moderate. 

  • A total of 20 questions from QA and 8 from DA.

  • Most QA questions were from chapters such as geometry and algebra. 

  • In data interpretation, there were 3 sets with a total of 8 questions. 

  • About 4 -5 DI and 13 - 15 Quant questions could have been attempted in about 65 - 70 minutes. 

XAT 2019 QA & DI Analysis:

  • QA and DI in 2019 was difficult compared to 2018. Overall, it was of moderate level difficult. 

  • Only one set in data interpretation was tricky. 

  • Quantitative aptitude had 21 questions with most questions from geometry and algebra.

  •  While arithmetic questions were of moderate level, geometry questions were difficult. 

  • Few DI questions were incorrect. 

  • 2-3 DI questions and 13-15 Quant questions could have been attempted in about 65-70 minutes

XAT 2018 QA & DI Analysis:

  • Quant and DI was slightly easier than 2017. 

  • Most of the 19 QA questions were from geometry and algebra. 

  • While arithmetic questions were of moderate level, geometry questions were difficult. 

  • Few DI questions were ambiguous in nature. 

  • In about 65 - 70 minutes, one could have attempted 4 - 6 DI and 14 - 16 QA questions. 

XAT 2017 QA & DI Analysis:

  • Quant and DI in 2017 was slightly easier than 2016 with the exception one DI set which was a little tricky. 

  • Most of the 17 QA questions were from geometry and algebra. 

  • While arithmetic questions were of moderate level, geometry questions were difficult.

  • Few DI questions were ambiguous in nature. 

  • There were 2 DI sets with 8 questions. 

  • In about 55 minutes, one could have attempted 4 - 6 DI and 14 - 16 QA questions. 

XAT 2016 QA & DI Analysis:

  • Quant and DI in 2017 was easier compared to 2015.

  • There were 22 QA questions mostly from chapters like geometry, algebra, arithmetic, and number systems. 

  • While arithmetic questions were of moderate level, geometry and algebra questions were difficult.

  • Few data interpretation questions were ambiguous in nature. 

  • Candidates could have attempted 2 - 4 DI questions in about 20 - 25 minutes. 

XAT 2015 QA & DI Analysis:

  • Quantitative Analysis and Data Interpretation section was moderately difficult in 2015.

  • This year QA and DI was slightly more difficult than 2014.

  • There were 22 QA questions mostly from chapters like geometry, algebra, arithmetic, and number systems. 

  • While arithmetic questions were of moderate level, geometry and algebra questions were difficult.

  • There were 2 DI sets with 4 questions. 

  • Candidates could have attempted 3 - 5 DI questions in about 20 - 25 minutes. 

Read: XAT 2021 Top Coaching Institutes


XAT Quant Prep Tips

XAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation Tips

It is extremely important to have a preparation strategy that works best for you. 

  • If you are taking tuition, make sure that your tuition provides all the necessary materials and gives individual attention when needed.

  • Do not forget to go through the papers of previous years to get an idea of the types of questions generally asked. 

  • Use your reading time; 15 minutes wisely. Do not spend much time on the questions that appear hard or unknown.

  • Quant covers syllabus that students have already done in their 10th standards. So brushing up on the basics will prove to be very helpful.

  • For solving calculation based problems faster, do learn the tricks and shortcuts. Try to maintain a separate notebook for all the new formulas. 

  • Practice solving quant questions in 2 - 2.5 minutes at home as in exam hall you will get about 3 minutes per problem. 

  • Spend more time on chapters from which the maximum number of questions come such as geometry, algebra, and arithmetic. 


XAT Quant FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How many questions will come in XAT quant and DI section?

Ans. Candidates can expect around 27 - 30 questions from XAT quant and DI section. 

Question: Is XAT Quantitative Aptitude and DI section harder than that of CAT?

Ans. XAT is overall tougher than CAT paper. So Quantitative Aptitude and DI is also tougher. 

Question: What are some good books for XAT quant and DI?

Ans. Some good books you can follow to ace XAT Quantitative Aptitude and DI are Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Aggarwal, Fast Track Objective Arithmetic (Arihant) by Rajesh Verma, How to prepare for Data Interpretation by Arun Sharma, Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha, Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha. 

Question: What are some tips to crack Quantitative Aptitude section in XAT?

Ans. Use your reading time wisely, Do not spend much time on the questions that appear hard or unknown, brush up on the basics, tricks and shortcuts, and spend more time on chapters from which the maximum number of questions come such as geometry, algebra, and arithmetic. 

Question: What are the best coaching centres for XAT?

Ans. Go through city wise XAT 2021 Top Coaching Institutes for best coaching for XAT. 

Question: What is the maximum number of times I can appear for XAT?

Ans. There is no restriction set by XAT on the number of attempts a candidate can give so can appear as many times as you want. 

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

XAT 2023 : 8 answered questions

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Ques. Will aspirants be at a certain advantage this time around with the CAT results being announced before the XAT?

● Top Answer By Vishesh Thapa on 07 Dec 21

Some XAT aspirants might have already been receiving calls from IIMs before they write XAT. While the others who did not will be all the more determined to qualify XAT.  Yes, it will be an advantage to all students appearing for XAT because they will know where they stand. Most of the people who get really good scores in CAT rarely sit for XAT....Read more

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Ques. Is the XAT exam tougher than the CAT exam?

● Top Answer By Manali Tomar on 13 Dec 21

Yes, as the questions are a bit more difficult than CAT in both quant and English.  VARC can be a bit difficult, if you have not focussed on topics of critical reasoning and decision making in your class. Quant sees a number of questions from inequality, progression, boolean algebra, PnC and the general level is higher than CAT.  The percentile-score balance and cut-offs for top 5 colleges which accept XAT scores, have low requirements.  People aren't able to get those scores also because the exam is tough.  XAT is easier because it is largely predictable.  CAT is famous for being very unpredictable.  So XAT is tougher than CAT by the level of questions asked. But as their paper is largely predictable it makes it comparatively easier to attempt....Read more

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Ques. What is the cut off for JBIMS through CAT, XAT, CET for Maharashtra people?

● Top Answer By Chirag Mishra on 11 Apr 23

JBIMS is a well-known management institute located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The cut-off for JBIMS through CAT, XAT, and CET for Maharashtra people varies each year and depends on various factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, the number of applicants, etc. Here are some approximate cut-off scores for JBIMS through CAT, XAT, and CET for Maharashtra people: CAT: The approximate cut-off percentile for JBIMS through CAT for Maharashtra candidates is 95+ percentile. XAT: The approximate cut-off percentile for JBIMS through XAT for Maharashtra candidates is 85+ percentile. CET: The approximate cut-off score for JBIMS through CET for Maharashtra candidates is 135+ out of 200. These are approximate cut-offs, and the actual cut-offs may vary from year to year. Also, meeting the cut-off is just the first step towards getting into JBIMS, and the selection process involves several other factors such as academic performance, work experience, group discussion, and personal interviews. It is advisable to prepare well and aim for a high percentile or score to increase your chances of getting admission to JBIMS....Read more

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Ques. What is the expected cutoff for SPJain (both profile based calls and normal calls) and XIMB (BM and HR) through CAT and XAT?

● Top Answer By Ishant Jain on 13 Mar 23

SPJIMR According to the information available, the expected cutoff for SP Jain Institute of Management for both profile-based and normal calls through CAT and XAT is not released yet. So  I will base the answer on last year's cutoff XAT : 93.5 percentile  CAT : 85 percentile  However it’s important to note that for more certainty of admission, one must score around 93-95%ile score and a 680-690 min on GMAT. XIMB The XLRI admission cut-off is directly influenced by the difficulty level of the XAT question paper. XAT 2023 exam was held on January 8, 2023. The question paper was of moderate difficulty level, the same as last year. Given below are the section-wise XAT cut-off for XLRI admission 2023: General Engineers (BM) 95 Male 92 Female General Non Engineer (BM) 95 Male 92 Female General Engineers (HRM) 93 Male 91 Female General Non Engineers (HRM) 90 Male 88 Female XIMB CAT cutoff for the previous year was 91 percentile for Business Management and HRM cutoff hasn’t been released yet....Read more

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