Best for low fees MBA colleges in India after XAT 2026: Proven Tips for MBA Preparation

Staff Writer: Sweata Maiti

Last Updated: December 30, 2025

Synopsis: With the XAT 2026 exam scheduled for 4 January 2026, aspirants must familiarize themselves with the latest exam pattern, key sections and high-weightage topics for low fees MBA colleges in India. The test comprises 95 questions across four main sections — Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge — to be completed in 180 minutes in computer-based mode. Understanding this structure and focus areas can help candidates plan effective preparation.

Exam Pattern Overview For XAT 2026

The XAT 2026 exam is structured into two parts, totaling 95 multiple-choice questions to be solved in 180 minutes (3 hours) in computer-based mode. Part 1 consists of three core sections — Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR), Decision Making (DM) and Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) — while Part 2 covers General Knowledge (GK). Each correct answer earns +1 mark, with –0.25 marks for incorrect responses and –0.10 marks for unattempt questions beyond eight in Part 1; there is no negative marking in GK. If you are willing to take admission in a low fees MBA colleges in India, create your own strategies.

Important Topics by Section for XAT 2026

Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning: Reading comprehension passages, para jumbles, fill-in-the-blanks, sentence correction, inference and analytical reasoning remain focal areas for aspirants.
Decision Making: Questions are based on real-life scenarios requiring ethical judgment, analytical thinking and prioritization skills.
Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation: Core topics include arithmetic (such as ratios, percentages and averages), algebra, geometry, mensuration and data interpretation involving charts and tables.
General Knowledge: This section tests current affairs and static GK across areas like economics, politics, awards, sports, science and business developments to secure a safe place in low fees MBA colleges in India.

Weightage Insights for low fees MBA colleges in India

While exact sectional marks can vary, QA & DI often carries a significant portion of questions, followed closely by VA & LR and Decision Making. GK typically includes around 20 questions and does not affect the percentile calculation but is considered during final selection rounds.

Preparation Strategy Tips

Experts recommend prioritizing high-weightage topics and practicing past papers to gain familiarity with question trends. Focusing on speed and accuracy — especially in sections like Decision Making and Quantitative Aptitude — can significantly improve overall performance. Combining mock tests with topic-wise revision helps build confidence and identify weaker areas well ahead of the exam date.
With less than a fortnight to go for XAT 2026, candidates should finalize their preparation plans, revise high-impact topics and simulate real exam conditions to scale their performance on test day.

Examples of low-fees MBA colleges in India after XAT 2026 include Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Technology and Management and Abasaheb Garware Institute of Management Studies, offering programmes at substantially lower costs. In key cities, options such as Dayananda Sagar University and Acharya Bangalore B-School in Bangalore provide affordable MBA pathways, while in Kolkata, institutions like IISWBM (University of Calcutta’s business school) and Globsyn Business School are recognised for delivering value-oriented management education.