• Updated on 15 Nov, 2025 by Souvik Podder
XAT 2026 exam is scheduled to take place on January 4, 2026. Candidates who wish to participate in this national-level entrance test can complete their application process through the official website, xatonline.in. The registration window for XAT 2026 will remain open until December 5, 2025. XLRI will also conduct an official mock test for all registered candidates on November 19 and 20, and the last date to register for the mock test is November 16, 2025.
Additionally, the exam authorities will reopen the application correction facility from November 25 to November 27, 2025. During this period, candidates will be allowed to modify their personal details, academic qualifications, work experience, and preferred test city. Below is a detailed overview of XAT 2026, covering registration, fees, eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, previous papers, preparation strategies, cutoffs, and XLRI admission process.
Table of Contents
XAT 2026 Exam Highlights
XLRI Jamshedpur will host the exam in CBT mode. Candidates will have a total of 3 hours to complete the test. To check other information related to XAT 2026, candidates should check the table below:
XAT 2026 Important Dates
XAT 2026 Registration Date is scheduled to take place between 10th July 2025 and 5th December 2025. Registered candidates can download their admit cards from 20th December 2025 (tentative). For more updates on XAT 2026 Exam Dates, candidates can check the table below.
| Important Dates |
| 10th July- 5th December 2025 |
| 20th December 2025 (Tentative) |
| 4th January, 2026 |
| 3rd Week of January |
| 4th Week of January |
| 4th Week of January |
XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for XAT 2026 require a Bachelor's degree of a minimum of 3 years duration in any discipline. Aspirants who are in the final year of graduation are also eligible to apply for XAT 2026 Exam. There is no upper age limit, as candidates can apply as long as they are graduates. XAT Eligibility Criteria does not include minimum qualifying marks, and it allows all graduate candidates who have graduated from recognised universities in India. Candidates can refer to the table below to check the XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026.
XAT 2026 Application Process
XAT Registration Process 2025 started on 10th July 2025. The registration window will be active until 5th December 2025. Candidates need to fill out the application form online at xatonline.in. The steps for XAT Application Process 2026 are as follows:
- Candidates need to log in to xatonline.in.
- Click on 'New Registration', where they need to put their first and last names and email IDs.
- Candidates receive a unique XAT ID and registration link via their verified email addresses.
- Click on the link to complete XAT Registration.
- Candidates need to go to the homepage and click on "Log in" again using their Email ID and Password.
- Next, they need to fill out personal, academic, and work experience-related information.
- Candidates must upload the required documents.
- Following this, they can choose up to 6 test cities and XLRI programs.
- Next, need to make a payment online.
- Lastly, they need to click "Submit" and then download the confirmation page.
XAT 2026 Registration Fee
XAT 2026 Fee for online registration is INR 2200, but with each XLRI program addition, candidates must pay INR 200 extra. For foreign candidates, the fee is INR 5000. Candidates can refer to the table below to check that fees vary according to the application type for XAT 2026 Exam.
XAT 2026 Syllabus
XAT Syllabus 2026 is divided into four key sections: Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. Amongst these sections, the Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation section holds the highest weightage distribution, i.e., 28%. For a detailed understanding of XAT Syllabus 2026, key topics are given below:
XAT 2026 Exam Pattern
XAT paper will be divided into two sections, i.e., Part A and Part B. For Part 1, candidates will have 170 minutes, and within the remaining 10 minutes, candidates must answer 20 questions from General Knowledge. Candidates can refer to the table below for XAT 2026 Exam Pattern, including the marking scheme.
XAT 2026 Preparation Tips
To achieve a perfect 100 in the XAT 2026 Exam, candidates must first understand the exam pattern and syllabus. Aspirants must note that the difficulty level of the XAT 2026 exam is relatively high, and to prepare, they will need at least six months. The Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation section has the highest percentage, followed by the Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning section. Below are five key tips for XAT 2026 candidates to excel in the exam.
- Develop a study plan: Candidates must allocate 8 hours a day to cover at least two sections daily. In the first 6 hours, they can cover key topics of each section, and in the last 2 hours, they can practice mock test question papers.
- Read editorials, magazines, and newspapers: To enhance general awareness and reading comprehension skills, candidates can read editorials, magazines, and newspapers.
- Join online study groups: Candidates can join online study groups on Facebook and YouTube to stay updated with the latest information on the XAT 2026 Syllabus.
- Solve Mock Test papers: Candidates are advised to solve mock test papers and XAT Previous Year Question Papers daily to understand the exam pattern and improve speed and precision.
- Strengthen Quantitative Ability: Candidates should focus on key areas of quantitative ability, such as arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, to improve accuracy. Candidates can refer to XAT 2026 Books, such as Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha and How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma, to strengthen their knowledge.
Read More Articles:
How to Prepare for XAT Verbal Ability 2026?
XAT Books for Preparation 2026
XAT 2026 Admit Card
XAT 2026 Admit Card is expected to be released on 20th December 2025. The download link will be available at xatonline.in. Below are some simple steps highlighted to download the XAT Admit Card 2026.
How to Download XAT 2026 Admit Card?
- Candidates need to log in through xatonline.in.
- Then they have to click on the “Download admit card” option.
- Candidates must enter details such as ID, and Password/date of birth to view the admit card.
- They need to click on the admit card option.
- Applicants must download and take at least two copies of the printout of XAT Admit Card 2026.
XAT 2026 Answer Key
The provisional answer key for XAT 2026 will be released in the third week of January 2026. Using the answer key, XAT candidates will be able to calculate their scores, and in case of any discrepancies, they can raise objections as well. The steps for downloading the answer key are presented below:
- Candidates must access xatonline.in and click on the "answer key and objection” option.
- A login page will appear, and Candidates must log in using their ID and password.
- Candidates have to click on the "answer key and question paper".
- The XAT Answer Key will be available, and candidates can download it in PDF format.
Note: In case of raising objections against any answer, Candidates must upload a supporting document, and based on that, XLRI will review the answer key again.
XAT 2026 Result
It is expected that XAT Exam Result 2026 will be available in the fourth week of January, 2026. Candidates must download their scorecards from the official XAT website. The scorecard will include candidates' names, date of birth, gender, XAT ID, date of examination, validity duration (1 year), section-wise scores and percentiles, and overall scores. Candidates can refer to the steps for downloading the XAT Scorecard below.
How to Download XAT 2025 Result?
- Access xatonline.in.
- Click on the 'scorecard' option.
- Enter XAT User ID and date of birth.
- Click on 'login'.
- Download the XAT result and save it in a PDF format.
Read More: XAT Selection Process 2026
XAT 2026 Cutoff
XAT Cutoff 2026 will vary across colleges. For example, the cutoff marks of XLRI Jamshedpur are expected to be between 94 and 95. For XIM University, the cutoff score is expected to be between 91 and 92, whereas at LIBA Chennai, it will range between 80 and 82. Candidates can refer to the table below to see how the XAT Cutoff 2026 will vary across different institutes.
Top MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Scores
More than a thousand MBA colleges in India accept XAT scores for admission. These institutes offer diverse programs and are known for strong academics, industry connections, and good placements. XAT is a popular entrance exam, and scoring well can open doors to top business schools across the country.
Read More Related Article:
MBA colleges accepting XAT scores in Uttar Pradesh
MBA Colleges Accepting XAT 2026: Check Top MBA Colleges, Selection Criteria, and More.
XAT 2026 vs CAT 2026
XAT and CAT are two of India’s most prominent MBA entrance exams. While both are gateways to top business schools, they differ in format, syllabus, difficulty, and the institutions that accept their scores. The table below highlights their key difference:
Also, Check: Is XAT tougher than CAT?
XAT 2026 FAQs
Who is eligible for the XAT 2026 Exam?
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree to be eligible for XAT 2026. There is no upper age limit and no minimum qualifying marks required. Even candidates in the final year of graduation can apply. The eligibility does not depend on the stream or discipline but having completed or about to complete graduation is important. Candidates should always check the latest notification for any updated eligibility rules, especially if there are changes in the required documents or degree recognition by the authorities.
Can candidates choose XLRI Programs during XAT registration?
Yes, candidates can select BM, HRM, and GM programs at XLRI during the XAT registration. While registering, they need to mark their program choices and pay an extra fee of INR 200 for each program, in addition to the main registration fee. This allows candidates the flexibility to apply to multiple programs at XLRI. However, each additional choice comes with its own fee, so candidates should make their selections carefully based on their interests and career plans.
Which programs are available for candidates after the XAT 2026 Exam?
After qualifying XAT 2026, candidates can take admission to postgraduate management programs offered by XLRI and other schools that accept XAT scores. These include Business Management, Human Resource Management, and General Management. Candidates may also pursue doctoral-level programs like the Fellow Program in Management or the Executive Fellow Program in Management. The specific programs available depend on the candidate’s interest and performance in the exam and subsequent selection process.
How many questions will be there in XAT 2026, and from which sections?
The XAT 2026 exam paper will have about 98 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The sections include Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, Decision-Making, and General Knowledge. Each section tests different skills, such as language comprehension, mathematics, analysis, and current affairs. Being aware of the number of questions and their distribution is important for candidates to plan time management and prioritize which sections need more practice based on strengths and weaknesses.
Which topics are covered in the Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section of XAT 2026?
The Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation section will cover topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Venn Diagrams, Tables, Graphs, and Charts. Candidates need to practice each topic using previous years’ questions, mock tests, and sample materials. Understanding basics and having good calculation skills are very helpful. This section tests how quickly and accurately candidates can solve numerical and analytical problems, which are important for management studies and real-life business situations.
What documents must candidates have for XAT Registration 2026?
Candidates must have a recent passport size photograph, a scanned signature, and mark sheets for classes 10, 12, and graduation ready to upload. They also need a provisional certificate of graduation and identity proof. If the candidate is working, proof of work experience might also be needed in some cases. All documents should be clear and up to date. During the registration process, following the guidelines for document size and format is important to avoid mistakes and delays.
What are the test cities for XAT 2026?
The XAT 2026 exam will take place in major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, and others. Candidates can select up to six test cities while filling out the application form, according to their convenience. Choosing nearby or easy-to-travel locations helps reduce exam day stress. The official list of test cities is published in the exam notification, and candidates should choose early as test centers are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
What should candidates do after completing the XAT Registration Process 2026?
After registering successfully, candidates should save their confirmation page as proof. They should begin preparing for the exam using previous years’ papers, mock tests, and sample questions to understand the exam’s difficulty level. Reviewing the syllabus, noting important dates and staying updated about the admit card release (like on December 20, 2025) is essential. Early preparation helps candidates get familiar with the exam format and improves their performance by building confidence and reducing last-minute stress.
What should be the target percentile for XLRI?
To get a call from XLRI for interviews, candidates should aim for a percentile of 95 or higher in the XAT exam. Cut-off percentiles for XLRI programs generally range between 95% and 97%. Achieving this percentile increases the chance of shortlisting for various management programs at XLRI. Candidates should balance efforts across all sections to maximise their overall percentile and review last year’s cut-offs to stay updated with trends during their preparation.
Will there be any negative marking in XAT 2026?
Yes, candidates should be careful because XAT 2026 has negative marking. For each wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted. If candidates leave more than eight questions unanswered, an additional penalty of 0.1 marks will be applied for each extra unanswered question from the ninth question onward. This means candidates need to try answering as many questions as possible and avoid random guessing to minimise penalisation and maximise their overall score