• Updated on Aug 02, 2025 by Sanhita Kundu
XAT 2026 Exam Dates: XLRI, Jamshedpur, will conduct XAT 2026 on January 4, 2026. Currently, the registration window is active at www.xatonline.in. XAT 2026 Registration started on July 10. The registration window will remain active December 5, 2025. It will also tentatively release the admit cards on December 20, 2025, and the exam on January 4, 2026. XAT will publish the dates for declaration of results, score card, answer key, response sheet, and counselling later.
XAT 2026 Exam Dates: Overview
XLRI released the official notification stating the XAT 2026 dates on July 9, 2025. The registration window opened on July 10, 2025, and will close on December 5, 2025. The examination will take place in multiple cities across India on January 4, 2026. Here is the full list of dates for XAT 2026:
XAT 2026 Notification Release Date
XLRI Jamshedpur, the conducting authority, released the XAT 2026 notification on July 9, 2025, on the official website: www.xatonline.in. The notification provided essential details about the examination, including the registration window, fees, participating institutes, exam dates, and examination cities.
XAT 2026 Registration Date
The registration window for XAT aspirants will remain open from July 10, 2025, to December 5, 2025. Candidates need to create a profile on www.xatonline.in, fill out the application form, upload necessary documents, and pay the registration fee online. Here is the step-by-step process to register for XAT 2026:
- Step 1: Visit the official XAT 2026 website: www.xatonline.in.
- Step 2: Click on the “New Registration” link.
- Step 3: Fill out basic details, such as email ID and phone number, to create login credentials.
- Step 4: Log in to the portal with credentials.
- Step 5: Fill out the application form with the required details, such as marks and work experience.
- Step 6: Upload documents, if needed.
- Step 7: Pay the application fee and download the payment receipt.
- Step 8: Click on the “Submit” link to submit the application form.
XAT 2026 Admit Card Release Date
XLRI releases the admit card for XAT a couple of weeks before the examination. The tentative date of the XAT 2026 Admit Card release is December 20, 2025. XLRI publishes the XAT admit card link on its official website and sends notifications to candidates. Candidates can download and save the admit cards by logging in with their XAT ID and password.
XAT 2026 Exam Dates
XLRI conducts the XAT in online mode in dedicated test centres across India on the first Sunday of January. For 2026, XLRI will conduct XAT 2026 on January 4, 2026. There is only one slot in the afternoon between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Candidates should report to the exam centre at least an hour before the exam starts.
XAT 2026 Results and Counselling Dates
XLRI has not announced the dates for XAT 2026 Results declaration or the counselling date. However, based on previous examinations, the results and counselling dates are announced in the last week of January. Candidates can expect to attend counselling in February.
XAT 2026 Exam Dates: FAQs
When will the XAT 2026 exam be held?
XAT 2026 is held in the first week of January every year. For 2026, the XAT date is January 4, 2026.
What is the timing of the XAT 2026 test?
XAT 2026 is held in one time slot in the afternoon. The timing is between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
How many test centres are there across India for XAT 2026?
XAT has a wide number of test centres across India, ensuring accessibility for all candidates. There are over 70 test centres for XAT 2026.
When will the XAT 2026 response sheet be released?
XLRI releases the XAT answer key and response sheet on the same day. The release date of the answer key and response sheet for XAT 2026 has not been announced yet, but is expected in the second week of January 2026.
Are there sectional time limits in XAT 2026?
No. There are no sectional time limits in XAT. The overall time limit for the entire examination is 180 minutes, and candidates must manage to complete the sections within this time limit.
What is the last date to register for XAT 2026?
The registration window for XAT 2026 closes on December 5, 2025. XLRI can choose to extend the registration window on payment of a late fee.
When can candidates download the XAT 2026 admit cards?
XAT admit cards are made available for download two to three weeks before the examination is conducted. For XAT 2026, the admit card will be released on December 20, 2025.
What is the XAT 2026 selection process for XLRI admissions?
There are multiple stages to the XLRI admissions process. After qualifying for the XAT, candidates are invited for personal interviews. Based on the performance in the interview, candidates are invited to take admission.
Does XLRI have mock tests for XAT 2026?
Yes. XLRI conducts an XAT mock test before the actual examination to help candidates become familiar with the exam pattern and the exam portal. Although the exact date of the XAT 2025 mock test is not yet confirmed, it was held on September 25, 2024.
Will XAT 2026 scorecards be available for download on the same day as the results declaration?
Yes. XAT score cards are released on the same day as the results are declared. Both are available for download on the official website, www.xatonline.in.