The XAT 2026 Exam date has been announced, and the XAT exam 2026 will be conducted on January 04, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The XAT registrations have begun on July 10, 2025, and as per the official notification the last date for XAT registration is December 5, 2025. Additionally, the XAT 2026 admit card is expected to be out on 20th December 2025.
XLRI Jamshedpur has also released the XAT 2026 exam pattern, and according to that new exam pattern, the essay section has been canceled this year. Candidates must note that the essay writing will now be administered during the GD/PI round and not in the main exam. Also, the GK questions have reduced from 25 to 20, resulting in an overall reduced time limit of the exam.
XAT 2026 will be conducted in a single shift in over 72 cities across India. The exam will be conducted as an online computer based test for a duration of 3 hours i.e. from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Those who clear the exam will then be eligible to sit for the GD/PI rounds and the shortlisted candidates from that round will then get admitted to various XAT Accepting Colleges. The GD/PI round will be conducted in February and March 2026 and the admissions will last until May - June 2026. Is XAT tougher than CAT? Check Here
XAT Exam - An Overview
The full form of XAT is the Xavier Aptitude Test. XAT is an annual national entrance exam conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur for admission to various MBA/PGDM programs. Apart from XLRI and 10 other XAMI member colleges, over 1000 B-Schools accept the XAT Score for admission to their post-graduate courses like MBA, PGDM, and Executive MBA.
The XAT Question Paper will consist of 95 MCQ type questions to be solved over a duration of 3 hours and consists questions from Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. The XAT Cutoff for MBA and PGDM programs is usually around 95 percentile for males and 92 percentile for females.
In how many months can I prepare for XAT exam?
To prepare for an exam like XAT it will ideally take six to eight months. XAT is one of the toughest MBA exams after CAT. So to cover the complete syllabus, practice mocks, and revise the entire syllabus, a minimum of six months preparation time is required. This will be the ideal timeline to be well prepared and score well in the exam.
Which colleges are available with XAT 85 percentile cutoff and above?
A XAT cutoff of 85 percent and above opens doors to several great colleges. These colleges can be divided into Tier 1 and Tier 2 categories. Tier 1 Colleges - (Above 85 range) - XLRI Jamshedpur, IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore, etc.), SPJIMR Mumbai, XIMB Bhubaneswar, MICA Ahmedabad Tier 2 Colleges - (Between 85 - 90 range) - IMT Ghaziabad, GIM Goa, TAPMI Manipal, IRMA Anand, Great Lakes Institute of Management, LIBA Chennai, KJ Somaiya Mumbai, Institute of Public Enterprise, Hyderabad, Institute of Finance and International Management, Bangalore.
XAT 2026 Exam Dates
Check the upcoming XAT 2026 Exam Dates below. The XAT Exam is scheduled for 5th January 2026.
Procedure | Dates |
Registration opens | July 10, 2025 |
Registration closes | December 05, 2025 |
Admit card download | December 20, 2025 (Tentative) |
XAT Exam date | January 04 , 2026, 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm |
When is the XAT exam typically held?
The XAT exam is usually conducted in early January each year. Mainly, the first Sunday of January. The exact date may vary, so it's important to check the official XAT website for the most current information. This year the exam is being held on January 4, 2026.
What is the last date to apply for XAT 2026?
XAT 2026 Registration is live on the official website i.e.xatonline.in. The registration window opened on July 10, 2025 and the last date to fill XAT Application Form is December 5, 2025.
What is the duration of the XAT Exam?
The XAT Exam Duration is 3 hours. It is divided into sections which means there is a sectional time limit to each section in the question paper and candidates need to manage their time effectively.
Is there a possibility of rescheduling the XAT exam date?
Generally, the XAT exam date is fixed and cannot be rescheduled. If you have a genuine reason for missing the exam, you can reach out to the examination conducting authorities and ask them the same, though rescheduling is unlikely.
XAT Exam Highlights
XAT Exam is a popular choice among students for admission to MBA and PGDM Programs. Below mentioned are the basic and key highlights of the exam.
Particulars | XAT Details |
XAT Full Form | Xavier Aptitude Test |
Conducting Body | XLRI, Jamshedpur |
XAT 2026 exam date | 04-Jan-2026 |
Exam Level | National |
Exam Frequency | Once a year |
Exam Mode | Online |
Exam Duration | 3 hours |
Exam Syllabus |
|
Exam Pattern | 95 questions in MCQ format |
Language | English |
Exam Fees | INR 2,200 (all categories) |
Exam Purpose | Admission to 1,000+ MBA colleges |
Course Offered | MBA/PGDM |
No. of applicants | 1.35 lakh (for 2024) |
No. of Test Cities | 72 |
Exam Helpdesk No. | 18002674008 |
Exam Website | https://xatonline.in/ |
XAT Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the XAT Exam, candidates must be aware of the XAT Eligibility Criteria. The eligibility criteria includes details like the age limit, nationality criteria, educational qualification and attempts allowed. Check the complete eligibility criteria below.
XAT Age Limit Criteria: To appear for the XAT Exam there is no specific age limit. Any candidate can apply for the exam. However the candidate must be a graduate since XAT is a post graduate exam. Working professionals can also apply for the exam.
XAT Educational Qualification Criteria: The candidates must hold a 3-year bachelor degree from a recognized institute and candidates in their last year of graduation or awaiting results can also apply.
Minimum Marks Criteria: There is no minimum marks requirement to appear for the XAT Exam. However, candidates should have passing marks in their graduation.
Number of Attempts: There is no limit to the number of attempts in XAT. Student can take exam any number of times.
What is the minimum educational qualification required to apply for the XAT exam?
To be eligible for XAT 2026, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree of at least three years' duration from a recognized university. Final-year students of such programs are also eligible to apply, provided they complete their degree requirements before the start of the academic session.
What is the XAT Age Limit for XAT 2026 Exam?
There is no specific age limit for the XAT exam. Candidates of any age can apply as long as they meet the already defined eligibility criteria of XAT Exam.
Can candidates from any stream apply for the XAT exam?
Yes, candidates with any degree in any field whether Science, Commerce, or Humanities—are eligible to apply, as long as they meet the educational requirements. For this, candidates must go through the minimum eligibility defined on the official website of XAT - xatonline.in.
Do I need work experience to apply for XAT?
No, there is no need to possess any work experience while applying for the XAT Exam 2026. Both fresh graduates and those with work experience can fill the XAT Application Form 2026.
How to complete the XAT Registration Process? A step-by-step guide
The XAT Application Form 2026 is now available on the official website and candidates can apply online. The XAT Exam is the first step towards admission to XLRI and every year the XAT Registration begins in the month of July and August. Candidates also need to pay a nominal amount as the XAT Application Fee. The XAT registration started from 10th July and the last date to apply is 5th December 2025.
The XAT Application Form involves a three to four step procedure including registration, filling out the application form, uploading the documents, and paying the XAT Exam fees. It must be noted that a candidate can choose upto 4 exam centres. In case the first city listed as the test preference is not available the next preferred city will be allotted. Let us understand these steps in detail.
What are the documents required to fill the XAT Application Form?
To fill out the XAT Application Form, candidates will require their 10th and 12 marksheets and certificates, graduation marksheet or proof of appearing in the final semester or exam, date of birth and address proof, email and phone number, passport-sized scanned photograph and scanned signature, and the debit/credit card, or UPI details for the payment process.
Step 1: Registration
The first step to apply for XAT is to register for the XAT Exam. Below are the steps to register for the XAT 2026 exam.
- Visit and login to the official XAT website
- Click on the 'New Registration' link on the homepage and enter the required details
- A unique XAT ID and Registration link will then be shared to the candidate's registered email ID
- Click on the link to verify the registration
Step 2: Filling out the XAT Application Form 2026
Once the registration is completed, the candidates will proceed to fill out the XAT Application. Follow the below procedure to fill out the form.
- Login using the credentials shared on the registered email ID
- Fill in the mandatory details like personal details, academic details, work experience details, XLRI program and Exam City Preference details
- Once done, the candidate needs to upload their documents - Photograph and Signature as per the specifications given
Document | File Size | Dimensions | Format |
Photograph | 20 kb - 50 kb | 200 x 230 pixels | JPG/JPEG |
Signature | 20 kb - 50 kb | 140 x 60 pixels | JPG/JPEG on a white paper and black ink |
- Once the form is completed candidates will review the application and click on submit
Step 3: Payment & Final Form Submission
The final step is to pay the XAT application fees. Once the fees is submitted, the application is considered complete. Candidates will download and take a printout of the application form for further use. Given below is the XAT examination fees.
Particulars | Application Fee |
Registration Fee | INR 2200 (+200 for candidates interested in XLRI programs) |
Indian Candidates applying for GMP through GMAT | INR 2500 |
NRI/Foreign Candidates applying for one or more programs through GMAT | INR 5000 |
XAT Registration - Documents Required
For XAT registration, candidates need to be ready with certain documents to verify the details provided. Candidates need to note that apart from the Scanned Photograph, Signature, and a Photo ID proof no other document needs to be uploaded in the application form. Candidates should keep the below list of documents handy to ensure that they enter the correct details in the application form, as once entered and submitted, these details cannot be edited.
- Class 10 marksheet
- Class 12 marksheet
- Graduation marksheet
- Email ID and mobile phone number
- Date of Birth proof
- Address proof
- Aadhaar card
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Scanned digital photograph of less than 1 MB
- Scanned signature of less than 1 MB
- Debit/credit card for application fee payment
How can I fill out the XAT Application Form?
You can register for the XAT exam by visiting the XAT official website and filling out the online XAT Application Form. Candidates must enter personal and educational details, upload scanned copy of passport sized photograph & Signature, pay the XAT Application Fee while filling the XAT form. Only after these steps are completed, the xat registration will be considered successful.
What are the documents required for XAT registration?
The documents required for XAT Registration are, 1. a recent passport-sized photograph 2. A scanned signature and 3. Proof of educational qualifications. Make sure to check the specific requirements on the official XAT website.
What is the XAT Application Fees?
The registration fee for the XAT 2026 Exam is INR 2200. If candidates apply for multiple programs then an additional fee of INR 200 each needs to be paid at the time of XAT Registration 2026. Indian candidates applying for PGDM (GM) through GMAT/GRE will have to pay INR 2500.
Can I apply for more than one program or institute using the same XAT application form?
Yes, candidates can apply for multiple programs and institutes in the same XAT application form. There will be the option to select the programs and institutes of your choice during the application process of XAT exam.
XAT Admit Card
XAT Admit Card is an important document that must be carried to the exam hall. No examinee will be allowed to enter the exam hall without an admit card and a valid photo ID. Candidates can download the XAT Admit Card by following the below instructions. Also, it is advised that the candidates preserve the XAT Admit Card until the admission process is completed.
- Visit the official website
- Click on the XAT Admit Card download link
- Enter the requested credentials like application number and DOB
- The admit card will be displayed on the screen. Download and take a printout for further use.
What are the details mentioned on the XAT Admit Card?
The XAT Admit Card has details like the candidate name, roll number, exam date and time, venue, gender, and other exam day guidelines, along with a route map of the exam center.
XAT Exam Pattern
Refer to the table to check the XAT Marking Scheme and other Exam Pattern Highlights.
XAT Exam Structure | XAT Exam Details |
Number of sections | 4 (Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation and General Knowledge) |
XAT time limit | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
Number of questions | 95 |
Total marks | 95 |
Number of answer choices | Five |
Mode of examination | Online |
XAT marking scheme |
|
XAT Exam Pattern - section-wise breakdown of questions
XAT is conducted as an online computer based test and the paper has 95 questions as per the new test structure. Candidates need to solve them in a duration of 3 hours and all questions are MCQ based. Candidates are therefore advised to maintain adequate speed in all the sections to finish the paper within the given time limit. Check the XAT Exam Pattern below including the sections covered, number of questions, marking scheme, and the marks each section carries.
Check out the XAT Mock Test Series Here
XAT Sections | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
Decision Making | 21 | 21 |
Verbal and Logical Ability | 26 | 26 |
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA - DI) | 28 | 28 |
General Knowledge | 20 | 20 |
XAT Syllabus
When applying for the XAT Exam candidates must be fully aware about the XAT Syllabus. It includes various topics in Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, and even General Knowledge. The detailed XAT Syllabus 2026 has been tabulated below for reference.
Learn How to Prepare for XAT exam in 3 Months
Sections | Topics Covered |
QA-DI | Number System, Work & Time, Probability, Geometry, Mensuration, Modern Maths, Permutation & Combination, Percentage & Ratios, Mixtures & Alligation, Arithmetic, Algebra, Profit and Loss, Speed & Distance, Quadratic Equations, Logarithm, Surds & Indices, Statistics, Trigonometry, DI Graphs, Tables & Charts. |
Decision Making (DM) | Business Decisions, Analytical Reasoning, Ethical Dilemma, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving skills, Prioritization, Situational Conditions, Grouping Test, Data Arrangement Test, Decision Making in a situation. |
Verbal & Logical Ability | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Completion, Vocabulary, Grammar, Error Detection, Sentence Completion, Synonyms & Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, Odd One Out, etc. |
GK | Static GK and Current Affairs: Politics, Economics, History, Geography, Sports, Business Affairs, National & International Affairs, and States, etc. |
XAT Previous Year Question Papers
Solving the XAT previous years' question papers can be extremely beneficial for the students. They can help them gain insights about the exam including the kind of questions asked in the exam, topics included, and more. Click on the links mentioned below to solve XAT previous year question papers.
Year | XAT Question Paper PDF link |
2018 | |
2019 | |
2020 | |
2021 | |
2022 | |
2023 | |
2024 |
XAT Preparation Tips
XAT preparation requires at least six to nine months. Being one of the most popular, recognized, and the toughest MBA exams, XAT requires full dedication and devoted timelines to prepare. There are four sections in the XAT exam - Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, and General Knowledge.
To ace the XAT exam, it is important to pay equal attention to all the sections as the XAT Sectional cutoff plays a major role in the overall result. Candidates should start by gaining conceptual clarity in each subject, and make a list of topics that are familiar and unfamiliar to them. Based on this analysis, the candidates should start preparing and try to cover the difficult topics first since they take time. Below are a few key tips to help the candidates prepare for the XAT exam.
- Join study groups on Facebook, WhatsApp or other social media platforms that you may be aware of
- Try referring to only the best XAT books for the exam, and avoid using too many books for a single subject
- Focus on covering the XAT syllabus first and then start solving the mock tests
- Start preparing with familiar chapters first that you may find easy to attempt
- Once completed, solve a few questions from the topic to analyse if you understood the topic or not
Also Read: XAT Exam Preparation Tips| XAT Study Material
XAT Answer Key
XAT Answer Key is released on the form of a response sheet. The preliminary answer key allows students to check the answers at first and then the students can raise objections if any. Below is how to download the XAT Preliminary Answer Key:
- Visit the official website
- Click on the Response Sheet tab
- Enter the XAT User ID and Password
- Click on 'candidate response to generate answer key and response sheet'
- The answer key will be displayed on the screen
- Click on the download button and save as PDF
To raise objections to the answer key candidates need to fill an online form and pay a fee for each question objected to. If the objections are accepted, the revised answer key will be published.
XAT Result 2026
The XAT 2026 Result is published as the final answer key and response sheet. The result is declared 15-20 days after the exam and the candidates can download the XAT Scorecard from the XAT or XLRI official websites. Follow the below steps to download the XAT Result.
- Open the XAT website - xatonline.org
- Click the XAT result tab
- Enter the XAT user ID and Date of Birth (DOB) and click on the login button
- The result will be displayed on the screen
- Download and take a printout. Preserve the copy till the XAT Selection Procedure is completed
It must be noted that the XAT Exam score is valid only for the current academic year and cannot be use again. In case the candidate decides to drop their admission plan after giving the exam, they will need to re-appear for the exam in the next academic session. The XAT Scorecard is available for a limited time only and must be downloaded as soon as possible to avoid any fatal issues ahead.
Read What to do After XAT Result?
XAT Cutoff For XLRI
The XAT Cutoff is released by XLRI Jamshedpur after the exam is concluded. Candidates who clear this cutoff criteria are then eligible to be called for the personal Interview and Group Discussion rounds as the next step in the XAT admission process. The XAT cutoff is released for males and females in the engineer and non-engineer category. Check the detailed XAT Cutoff analysis for top colleges and programs below.
XAT Cutoff HRM
Category | Overall XAT percentile | QA percentile | VALR percentile | DM percentile |
Engineer Male | 95 | 80 | 90 | 85 |
Engineer Female | 90 | 73 | 85 | 78 |
Non-engineer Male | 93 | 75 | 90 | 85 |
Non-engineer Female | 88 | 68 | 85 | 78 |
XAT Cutoff BM
Category | Overall XAT percentile | QA percentile | VALR percentile | DM percentile |
Engineer Male | 96 | 86 | 83 | 85 |
Engineer Female | 91 | 81 | 80 | 80 |
Non-engineer Male | 95 | 85 | 83 | 86 |
Non-engineer Female | 90 | 80 | 80 | 81 |
XLRI Selection Process through XAT
The XLRI XAT Selection Procedure includes 3 stages - Shortlisting of candidates, Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI), and the Final Selection. Now let us understand these in detail.
Step 1: Shortlisting of Candidates
The first step is the selection of candidates for the Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI)round at XLRI, Jamshedpur, based on the scores and the XAT result
Step 2:Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI)
XLRI, Jamshedpur is expected to announce the Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI) dates by the end of January 2026 for the shortlisted candidates. The GD and Pi will be conducted in various cities and the candidates will have to confirm their preference via the official website within the set time limit.
Step 3: Final Selection
Once the GD and PI is over, the candidates will be selected based on their performance in the interview rounds, academic records, and other valuable achievements. Those who will get the final call letter will then proceed to complete their admission process at XLRI by paying the course and college fees.
Selection procedure for Other Institutes Accepting XAT Score
For other institutes that accept the XAT scores for admission to their MBA/PGDM program, the selection process may vary. Some institutes conduct their own interview rounds, while some just accept admissions based on the XAT score. Few institutes open their admission registration window much before the XAT exam is conducted, while few of them prefer to wait for the XAT results.
XAT Course, Fees and Seat Intake
Candidates can check the XAT courses, fees, and seat intake from the table below.
XLRI Program | Program Fee (in INR lakhs) | Seats |
2 years Full-Time Flagship PGDM (Business Management) | 23.6 | 180 |
2 years Full-Time PGDM (Human Resource Management) | 23.6 | 180 |
PGDM (GMP) | 20.95 | 120 |
Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) | - | 15 |
Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EXEC-FPM) | 10.18 | 30 |
Part-time & VIL (Virtual Interactive Learning) (Certificate Program) | 1.60 | - |
XAT Accepting Colleges
XAT is the most popular MBA exam and the XAT score is accepted by 1000+ MBA colleges and members of the Xavier Association Management Institutes. The selection process for all these colleges also include GD/PI round. Check the Top XAT accepting MBA colleges listed below.
XAT Quick Links -
XAT Exam Day Guidelines
XAT applicants must follow the exam rules and regulations set by XLRI for a hassle free exam-day. Below are the key guidelines that the candidates must follow on the XAT Exam Day.
- XAT Admit Card is a mandatory document to be carried to the exam center. Candidates therefore must carry at least 2 copies of the same with a coloured passport-sized photo affixed on the admit card
- No digital copy of the XAT Admit Card will be accepted. candidates should only carry the hard copy or physical copy (printout) of the admit card.
- Along with the admit card candidates should carry one valid Photo ID proof like Aadhar or PAN Card, passport, Driver's License or any other document. Student ID Card is also acceptable.
- Reach the exam center well in advance to avoid the last minute rush
- Do not carry any gadget like phone, smartwatch, calculator, or iPads to the exam hall
- No stationary except a ball pen (blue or black) is permitted in the exam hall
XAT 2026 Exam Centers
The List of all the XAT centres for 2026 has been presented below. Candidates can check their preferred states and the allotted centres below.
Centre 1 | Centre 2 | Centre 3 | Centre 4 | Centre 5 | Centre 6 |
Agra | Ahmedabad | Ajmer | Aligarh | Allahabad | Ambala |
Amravati | Amritsar | Anantapur | Arrah | Aurangabad (MH) | Baddi |
Balasore | Bareilly | Bhatinda | Bhagalpur | Bhilai Nagar | Bhopal |
Bhubaneswar | Bikaner | Bilaspur | Bengaluru | Berhampur | Chandigarh/Mohali |
Chennai | Chikkaballapur | Coimbatore | Cuttack | Darbhanga | Davanagere |
Dehradun | Delhi-NCR | Dhanbad | Dhenkanal | Dibrugarh | Durgapur/Asansol |
Ernakulam | Gandhinagar | Goa | Gorakhpur | Guwahati | Gwalior |
Haldwani | Hazaribagh | Hisar | Hooghly | Hubballi (Hubli) | Hyderabad |
Indore | Jabalpur | Jaipur | Jalandhar | Jammu | Jamshedpur |
Jodhpur | Jorhat | Kalaburagi | Kalyani | Kannur | Kanpur |
Karimnagar | Kolhapur | Kolkata | Kota | Kottayam | Kurnool |
Kurukshetra | Lucknow | Madurai | Mangalore | Mehsana | Moradabad |
Muzaffarnagar | Muzaffarpur | Mumbai | Mysuru (Mysore) | Nagpur | Naharlagun |
Nanded | Nashik | Patiala | Patna | Pune | Raipur |
Rajahmundry | Rajkot | Ranchi | Roorkee | Rourkela | Salem |
Sambalpur | Shimla | Shillong | Sikar | Siliguri | Surat |
Tejpur | Thiruvananthapuram | Tiruchirappalli | Tirupathi | Tiruvallur | Udaipur |
Udupi | Ujjain | Vadodara | Varanasi | Vellore | Vijayawada |
Visakhapatnam |
XAT Contact Information
For any queries or concerns, the candidates can contact the XAT authorities on the below mentioned details.
XLRI
Admission Office
C. H. Area (East)
Jamshedpur - 831001
Jharkhand
India
Phone: +91 657 665 3203/3204/3205
Fax: +91-657-2227814
Email: xat2026@xlri.ac.in
Website: http://www.xlri.ac.in/
Candidates can call at 1800 209 0835 (Toll Free) from Monday to Saturday (10:00-18:00 hrs.)
Official Website: https://xatonline.in/
Phone Number: 91-657-665-3203
