As XAT approaches, this is the phase where most aspirants feel confused about what more to do and what to stop doing. If you have prepared for CAT, make a conscious shift in mindset before XAT. XAT is a different exam altogether so it needs a different mindset, a different approach, and a very different way of testing you.
At this stage, the golden rule is simple – don’t try anything new. What you need now is calm revision, confidence, and smart execution.
In this blog, you’ll find some XAT last minute preparation tips 2026 to help you revise effectively and avoid common mistakes before XAT 2026.
Table of Contents
Don’t carry your CAT hangover into XAT
One of the biggest mistakes aspirants make is preparing for XAT the same way they prepared for CAT. XAT is not just about speed or accuracy. It tests how well you can think, decide, and manage time under pressure.
Decision Making, Data Sufficiency, and even the way questions are framed require a very different approach. So consciously remind yourself- this is XAT, not CAT.
Go back to your Bookmarked Questions
This is one of the most underrated yet powerful last-minute strategies. Instead of solving new questions, go back to:
- Questions you got wrong earlier
- Questions you left out
- Questions you marked for review
Pay attention to Decision Making and Data Sufficiency, as these are newer and slightly tricky areas for many aspirants. Revising your own mistakes helps more than solving random new sets. At this stage, revision beats anything new.
It’s time to Revise, Not Explore
Now is the time to consolidate what you already know.
- Revise vocabulary and grammar properly: Those 3-4 questions may look small, but they can actually put you in a safer position overall. These are scoring areas if revised well.
- Revise Decision Making sets: Especially the last 5 years questions. This helps you understand the pattern, the mindset required, and how XAT frames real-life decision scenarios.
Don’t underestimate revision. It brings clarity and confidence.
Also Check: Decision Making for XAT
Avoid Unnecessary Stress on Exam Day Rules
Many students lose marks not because of preparation, but because of avoidable exam-day issues. Make sure you:
- Do not wear any jewellery: No rings, no earrings, no lockets, and even religious jewellery should be avoided. There is usually no place to keep them at the exam centre, and this can create unnecessary trouble.
- Carry a transparent water bottle: A small thing, but very important.
- Bring all your required documents: Your Admit card, a valid photo id, black and blue pen etc.
These small details matter more than you think on exam day.
Also Read: XAT Exam Day Guidelines
Take One Mock, Only if you can
If time permits, you can take one more XAT mock just for alignment. This mock is not for judging yourself. Remember:
- Do not panic if the score is low
- Do not overthink the result
XAT is not about score validation at this stage. It is about the timing, approach and confidence. Use the mock only to get into the XAT mindset.
Handle the “Last Opportunity” Pressure Wisely
For many aspirants, XAT feels like the last big opportunity of the season, and that pressure is real. It’s okay to feel the weight of it, but don’t let it turn into panic.
- If you handle pressure calmly, it helps you focus.
- But once pressure turns into panic, everything starts going wrong.
And panic never helps in XAT. Calm execution is what cracks this exam.
Expand your options with every good question
In XAT, every question you solve well expands your options later in the paper. Good decisions early on give you more confidence and flexibility later. So, you should focus on:
- Questions you can solve well
- Questions where your logic is clear
You don’t need to attempt everything. You need to attempt smartly.
Quick Exam-Day Checklist
Before leaving for the exam centre, make sure you have all the important things with you:
- XAT Admit Card (printed copy, preferably 2)
- Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, Driving Licence, or Voter ID)
- Transparent water bottle (if allowed)
- Clear strategy and exam plan
- Calm and confident mindset
It’s also a good idea to check your XAT exam centre location one day before the exam, if possible. This helps you avoid last-minute confusion and unexpected delays on the exam day.
On the exam day, try to reach the centre at least 30-45 minutes before the reporting time. Early arrival gives you enough time for entry formalities and helps you settle down mentally before the exam begins.
A calm mind and a clear plan matter just as much as preparation on the final day.
All the Best for your XAT exam!
