XKRI will release the official XAT mock test 2026 on 30th August on the official website at 5 p.m. Candidates who have completed their XAT registration till 27th August 2025 will be eligible to give the XAT mock test. The last date to give this mock test is 31st August till 5 p.m.
The XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) is a management entrance exam conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur. It is one of the most competitive exams in India, with over 1 lakh candidates appearing for it every year. One of the best ways to prepare for the XAT is to take mock tests. Mock tests help you assess your strengths and weaknesses, identify areas where you need to improve, and get used to the format of the exam.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of taking XAT mock tests, how to choose the right mock test, and how to prepare for them. The candidates must also analyse their mock test performance to improve their overall XAT scores.
What is XAT Exam?
The Xavier Aptitude Test prominently known as XAT is a National Level Entrance Test conducted by Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur on account of Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI). XAT is conducted every year to select potential students for management programs offered by top business schools, associated with the institution as part of XAMI.
XAT Mock Test Dates 2026
Candidates can check the details here to stay up to date on the latest upcoming events related to the XAT mock test and the XAT entrance exam. The following are the key dates for XAT 2026.
Events | Dates |
Availability of XAT free mock test | August 30 - 31, 2025 |
XAT 2026 exam date | January 5, 2026 |
Why take XAT Mock Tests?
There are many reasons why you should take XAT mock tests. Here are a few of the most important ones:
- To assess your readiness for the exam: Mock tests give you a realistic idea of how well you are prepared for the XAT. They can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, so that you can focus your preparation on the areas where you need the most help.
- To identify areas where you need to improve: Mock tests can help you identify the areas where you need to improve your skills. This information can be used to tailor your preparation to focus on the areas where you need the most help.
- To get used to the format of the exam: The XAT is a timed exam, so it is important to get used to the time pressure. Mock tests can help you get used to the time pressure and pacing of the exam.
- To gain confidence: Taking mock tests can help you gain confidence in your ability to succeed on the XAT. When you see that you are able to answer the questions correctly, it can give you the confidence you need to do well on the actual exam.
How to access the Free XAT Mock Test Online?
The steps to access the official XAT mocks are given below:
- Navigate to the XAT official website by visiting their website directly or clicking the provided link.
- Locate and select the "Mock Test" tab situated at the top of the webpage.
- This selection will redirect you to the XAT free mock test login page.
- Click on the "Sign In" button.
- A new pop-up window will emerge, presenting general instructions related to the XAT mock test for 2026.
- Subsequently, click the "Next" button, which will display the XAT question paper.
- Finally, click the "I am ready to begin" button to commence the online XAT mock test.
How to Choose the Right Mock Test?
There are many different XAT mock tests available, so it can be difficult to choose the right one. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a mock test:
- The level of difficulty: The mock test should be challenging enough to test your skills, but not so difficult that it discourages you.
- The format: The mock test should be similar to the actual XAT in terms of the format, question types, and time pressure.
- The scoring: The mock test should provide detailed score reports so that you can identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- The cost: The mock test should be affordable and accessible.
How to Prepare for XAT Mock Tests?
Here are a few tips for preparing for XAT mock tests:
- Take the test under timed conditions: The XAT is a timed exam, so it is important to get used to taking the test under timed conditions. Set a timer for each section of the mock test and stick to the time limit.
- Review your answers: After you take the mock test, review your answers carefully. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and see where you need to improve.
- Get feedback: If possible, get feedback on your mock test results from a qualified tutor or instructor. This feedback can help you identify areas where you need to improve and develop a plan to address those areas.
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the better you will become at taking the XAT. Make sure to practice regularly and simulate the actual exam environment as much as possible.
How to analyse your XAT Mock Test Performance?
Giving and attempting the XAT mock tests is one thing, but analysing those mock tests is more important. Below are some pointers on how to analyse these mock tests and improve the XAT score.
Review Overall Performance
- Check total score and percentile (if available).
- Compare with your previous mocks to see progress.
- Note unattempted questions: beyond 8 skipped, you get a -0.10 penalty.
a) Verbal & Logical Ability
- Identify RC or CR question types you got wrong.
- Check accuracy: if below 60%, reduce attempts and focus on precision.
b) Decision Making
- Revisit all caselets you got wrong.
- Check if you selected ethical, balanced, and practical options or got trapped in extremes.
- Note recurring decision-making principles (fairness, business ethics, stakeholder balance).
c) Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
- Classify errors
- Conceptual error (don’t know the topic)
- Calculation error (silly mistake)
- Time management issue (spent too long)
- Track strong vs. weak topics.
d) General Knowledge
- Separate static GK and current affairs.
- Note repeated weak areas for focused revision.
e) Essay Writing
- Check structure: introduction, body, conclusion.
- Ensure balanced viewpoints, clarity, and within time limit.
Create an Error Log
- Maintain a record of wrong questions with reason (concept gap, misread, time pressure).
- Write down the correct approach for each.
- Review before your next mocks.
Time Management Review
- Check if you spent too much time in QA/DI and rushed DM or VA.
- See how many questions you left unattempted (avoid the -0.10 penalty).
- Experiment with different attempt orders across mocks.
Action Plan After Each Mock
- Revise weak areas.
- Practice decision-making caselets separately.
- Solve previous XAT papers.
- Re-attempt the same mock after a week to check improvement.
Golden Rule → One mock should take 3–4 hours of analysis. Taking fewer mocks with deep analysis is better than taking many without learning.
