How to Ace Arithmetic Questions in XAT 2026

Scoring good marks in the arithmetic section is a decisive factor for those who want to secure a high percentile in the XAT exam. What makes this section scoring for most students is its focus on fundamental numerical skills. Therefore, it is essential for everyone to first establish a solid conceptual foundation and engage in daily practice questions. As per expert tips to solve arithmetic questions in XAT 2026, you should emphasise more on topics like Ratios & Proportions, Permutations & Combinations, Time, Speed & Distance, Percentages and Simple & Compound Interest. It is also important to note that, unlike other exams, in XAT, the priority or focus will be more on logical reasoning within numerical contexts rather than mere calculation speed.

Also Read: XAT 2026 VA&LR Practice Questions to Boost Your Accuracy

Tips to Solve Arithmetic Questions in XAT 2026

Follow these expert tips to solve arithmetic problems correctly.

• Understand the Nature of XAT Arithmetic - Note that arithmetic questions will be heavy logic based but calculations will be light. Questions will be framed based on short caselets or real-life situations which will require solid conceptual understanding.
• Focus on Application-Based Practice - Questions in XAT exam will be more application based rather than direct substitution or will include heavy calculations or direct formula substitution. Focus on questions that combine two topics. For example, practice questions on ratios with percentages or time–work with efficiency.
• Build Strong Approximation Skills - This exam does not demand heavy calculations nor does it require direct substitution but you must note that approximation plays a key role. It is important to practice rounding off numbers and compare the options available. Approximation skills will be particularly helpful in solving problems in averages and percentages.
• Use Smart Elimination Techniques - One of the most useful techniques to correctly solve questions in the XAT exam is smartly using the elimination technique. You can check extreme values and units and smartly eliminate the incorrect option to save time in the exam.
• Master Core Arithmetic Concepts - A strong conceptual understanding of core arithmetic topics will help you sail through the exam quite comfortably. It is equally important to use formulas correctly but at the same time one must also know which one to use in which situation.

Key Arithmetic Topics for XAT 2026

Check this important arithmetic topics.

Also Read: How Many Questions to Attempt in XAT 2026 to Score 98 Percentile?

Core Arithmetics Formulas for XAT 2026

The core formulas can be checked from this table.

10 Must-Remember Arithmetic shortcuts for XAT 2026

Check these shortcuts from the arithmetic sections for XAT exam.

Also Read: Expert Tips to Crack Logical Puzzles in XAT DILR 2026

Sample Arithmetic Questions of XAT Exam

Check these important questions.

1. The price of an article is first increased by 20% and then decreased by 20%. The net effect on the price is:

A. No change
B. 2% increase
C. 4% decrease
D. 8% decrease

Correct Answer: C (4% decrease)

2. A trader sells two articles at ₹1200 each. On one he gains 20% and on the other he loses 20%. His overall result is:

A. No profit no loss
B. 4% profit
C. 4% loss
D. 8% loss

Correct Answer: C (4% loss)

3. The ratio of boys to girls in a class is 5 : 3. If 10 more girls join the class, the ratio becomes 1 : 1. Total students initially were:

A. 40
B. 48
C. 64
D. 80

Correct Answer: C (64)

4. A can do a piece of work in 12 days and B in 18 days. They work together for 4 days and then A leaves. In how many more days will B finish the remaining work?

A. 6
B. 7
C. 8
D. 9

Correct Answer: C (8 days)

5. The average age of 5 students is 20 years. When a new student joins, the average becomes 21 years. The age of the new student is:

A. 24
B. 25
C. 26
D. 27

Correct Answer: C (26 years)

6. The simple interest on a sum for 3 years at 8% per annum is ₹480. The principal is:

A. ₹1800
B. ₹2000
C. ₹2200
D. ₹2400

Correct Answer: B (₹2000)

7. A train travels 360 km at a speed of 60 km/h and returns at a speed of 90 km/h. The average speed for the entire journey is:

A. 72 km/h
B. 75 km/h
C. 80 km/h
D. 84 km/h

Correct Answer: B (75 km/h)

8. In what ratio must milk be mixed with water so that the mixture can be sold at no profit no loss, if milk costs ₹60 per litre and water is free, while the mixture is sold at ₹40 per litre?

A. 1 : 1
B. 2 : 1
C. 1 : 2
D. 3 : 2

Correct Answer: A (1 : 1)

9. Pipe A can fill a tank in 20 hours and Pipe B can empty it in 30 hours. If both pipes are opened together, how long will it take to fill the tank?

A. 40 hours
B. 50 hours
C. 60 hours
D. 120 hours

Correct Answer: C (60 hours)

10. A shopkeeper marks an article 40% above cost price and gives a discount of 20%. His profit percentage is:

A. 10%
B. 12%
C. 15%
D. 20%

Correct Answer: B (12%)

11. A and B can do a work in 12 days and 18 days respectively. They work together for some days and then A leaves. B finishes the remaining work in 6 days. For how many days did they work together?

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5

Correct Answer: B (3 days)

12. The ratio of salaries of A and B is 4 : 5. If A’s salary is increased by 25% and B’s salary is increased by 20%, the new ratio of their salaries is:

A. 5 : 6
B. 6 : 7
C. 8 : 9
D. 10 : 11

Correct Answer: B (6 : 7)

13. The average age of a family of 4 members is 30 years. When a child is born, the average age becomes 25 years. The age of the child is:

A. 0 years
B. 1 year
C. 2 years
D. 3 years

Correct Answer: A (0 years)

14. A vessel contains 40 litres of milk. 10 litres are taken out and replaced by water. This process is repeated once more. The quantity of milk left in the vessel is:

A. 20.5 L
B. 22.5 L
C. 25 L
D. 30 L

Correct Answer: B (22.5 L)

15. Pipe A can fill a tank in 15 hours and Pipe B in 20 hours. Both are opened together but Pipe A is closed after 5 hours. In how many more hours will the tank be filled by Pipe B?

A. 6
B. 7
C. 8
D. 9

Correct Answer: C (8 hours)

For more detailed information about the XAT 2026 exam you can directly speak to our experts. For one on one call you can dial our toll free number 1800-572-9877. In case you have any queries, reach out to us by filling our Common Application Form or directly post them on our QnA zone .

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