The XAT 2026 application form has been released from 10th July 2025 via online mode. The XAT 2026 exam date is 4th January 2026, and the exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted every year by XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of XAMI (Xavier Association of Management Institutes). Scores of XAT are accepted by XLRI and more than 160 top B-Schools across India for admission into MBA/PGDM programs.

Here’s everything you need to know about XAT 2026 – dates, eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, books, admit card, result, and counselling.

XAT 2026 Overview

XAT 2026 Exam Dates (Announced)

XAT 2026 Application Form

• Registration started on 10th July 2025 through the official website.
• No offline mode – only online applications are accepted.
• Candidates must first register with name, email ID & mobile number to generate XAT ID and password.
• After login, candidates need to fill personal, academic, and work experience details.
• Upload scanned documents (photo, signature, certificates).
• Select XLRI programme(s) and test city preference.
• Application correction facility will open in December 2025.
• Keep a printout of the filled form for future admission process.

XAT 2026 Application Fee

👉 Payment can be made through debit card, credit card, net banking, IMPS, UPI & mobile wallets.

How to Apply for XAT 2026?

1. Visit xatonline.in.
2. Click on Register and create login credentials.
3. Fill personal, academic & work experience details.
4. Upload scanned documents as per specifications.
5. Select exam centre & XLRI programmes.
6. Pay the application fee online.
7. Submit the application form & download confirmation page.

XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Indian citizens, NRIs & Foreign candidates are eligible.
• Age Limit: No age restriction.
• Qualification: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) in any discipline from a recognized university.
• Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for their final exams by 8th June 2026 can also apply.

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern

• Mode: Online (CBT)
• Duration: 170 minutes (Part 1) + 10 minutes (Part 2)
• Type of Questions: MCQs
• Sections: Two Parts
• Marking Scheme: +1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect
• Unattempted Penalty: After 8 unattempted questions, -0.10 marks each
• GK Section: No negative marking

Section-wise Distribution

Part 1:

Part 2:

XAT 2026 Syllabus

• Verbal & Logical Ability: Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Critical Reasoning, Vocabulary.
• Decision Making: Caselets, Data Arrangement, Analytical Reasoning, Grouping Tests.
• Quantitative Ability & DI: Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry, Probability, Graphs, Tables, Speed & Distance, Heights & Distance.
• General Knowledge: Current Affairs, Business, Economics, Awards, Sports, History, Politics.
• Essay Writing: Topics related to social & economic issues.

XAT 2026 Preparation Tips

• Start preparing 6–9 months before exam.
• Focus more on Decision Making & Verbal Ability – unique to XAT.
• Solve previous year papers & mock tests.
• Make a study timetable & stick to it.
• Revise daily & practice essay writing.
• Stay updated with current affairs & business news.
• Maintain a healthy routine for better focus.

Best Books for XAT 2026

• Target XAT (Past Papers & Mock Tests) – Disha Publication
• Quantitative Aptitude – R.S. Aggarwal
• How to Prepare for Data Interpretation – Arun Sharma
• Analytical Reasoning – M.K. Pandey
• Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis
• High School English Grammar & Composition – Wren & Martin
• Jabbing the XAT (Solved Papers) – R.K. Jha

XAT 2026 Admit Card

• Available from 20th December 2025.
• Download using XAT ID & Password.
• Admit card will include exam centre, date, time, and instructions.
• Must carry printed admit card + valid photo ID proof to exam hall.

XAT 2026 Answer Key & Response Sheet

• Released in 2nd week of January 2026.
• Available in PDF format along with response sheet.
• Candidates can raise objections during the answer key challenge window.
• Final result will be based on the official answer key.

XAT 2026 Result & Scorecard

• Result Date: 3rd week of January 2026
• Download using XAT ID & password.
• Scorecard available till March 2026.
• Candidates must keep scorecard safe for MBA/PGDM admission process.

XAT 2026 Cut-Off

• Each participating institute will release its own cut-off list.
• XLRI & other top B-schools may set higher cut-offs.
• Cut-off depends on difficulty level, no. of applicants & seat intake.

XAT 2026 Counselling & Admission

• Shortlisted candidates will undergo:
  • Group Discussion (GD)
  • Personal Interview (PI)
  • Analytical Essay Writing (AEW)
• Each participating institute conducts separate admission process.
• Final selection is based on XAT score + GD + PI + Academic Profile + Work Experience.

XAT 2026 Participating Institutes

• XLRI Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur
• Xavier Institute of Management (XIM), Bhubaneswar
• Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi
• Xavier Business School (St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata)
• Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Chennai
• St. Joseph’s Institute of Management
• Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship (XIME)
• Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII)
• Flame University: School of Business
• Christ University (Lavasa)
• GITAM Hyderabad Business School
• Doon Business School
• Calcutta Business School
• & 160+ other top management institutes across India

✅ Stay tuned with CollegeKampus for all latest updates on XAT 2026 – registration, admit card, answer key, result, cut-off, and counselling process.