If you’re planning to appear for XAT 2026, you’re aiming for one of India’s most prestigious management entrance exams. The XAT Exam (Xavier Aptitude Test) is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur for admission into its MBA and PGDM programs and is also accepted by over 800 top B-schools across India.
This guide will help you understand everything about XAT 2026, including the XAT Exam Date, eligibility, registration, XAT Admit Card, exam pattern, syllabus, top colleges, cutoffs, and preparation tips.
The XAT Exam is a national-level MBA entrance exam that tests your analytical, verbal, decision-making, and general awareness skills. XLRI has been conducting this test for over 70 years, and it remains one of the toughest and most respected management entrance exams in India.
The XAT 2026 Exam is expected to be held in early January 2026, following XLRI’s traditional schedule. Candidates who qualify for XAT 2026 can apply to top colleges like XLRI Jamshedpur, XIMB Bhubaneswar, IMT Ghaziabad, and many others.
Here’s the tentative schedule for XAT 2026:
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| XAT 2026 Notification Release | July 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Registration Starts | 10 July 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply for XAT 2026 | 5 December 2025 |
| XAT Admit Card Release | 20 December 2025 |
| XAT Exam Date | 4 January 2026 (Sunday) |
| XAT Answer Key Release | Second week of January 2026 |
| XAT Result Declaration | Last week of January 2026 |
Tip: Mark all the above dates in your calendar. Missing the registration or admit card download deadlines could affect your application.
Before applying for XAT 2026, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years duration) in any discipline from a recognized university.
Final Year Students: Candidates appearing in their final year of graduation can also apply, provided they complete their degree by June 2026.
Age Limit: There is no upper age limit to appear for the XAT Exam.
Work Experience: Not mandatory. Both fresh graduates and working professionals can apply.
Nationality: Indian, NRI, and foreign candidates are eligible to apply.
Note: Some participating institutes may have specific eligibility or minimum score requirements, so check college websites before applying.
The registration for XAT 2026 will be done online. Follow these steps to register successfully:
Visit the official XAT website – xatonline.in
Click on “Register for XAT 2026” and create an account using your email ID and phone number.
Fill out the application form with your personal, academic, and professional details.
Upload scanned copies of your photo and signature as per the given format.
Select your preferred XLRI programs and test city.
Pay the registration fee online.
XAT 2026 application fee: ₹2200 (approx.)
Additional ₹200 for each XLRI program you apply to.
Submit the form and save the confirmation page.
XAT Admit Card 2026
The XAT Admit Card is an essential document that allows you to appear for the XAT Exam.
The XAT Admit Card 2026 will be available from 20 December 2025 onwards.
Download it from the official website using your login credentials.
Carry a printed copy to the exam center along with a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.).
Candidate’s Name
Registration Number
Exam Date and Time
Test Center Address
Instructions for the Exam Day
Tip: Check all details carefully. In case of any discrepancies, contact the XAT helpdesk immediately.
+1 mark for every correct answer
-0.25 mark for every incorrect answer
-0.10 mark for skipping more than 8 questions
No negative marking in the GK section
| Section | Number of Questions | Included in Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal & Logical Ability | ~26 | Yes |
| Decision Making | ~21 | Yes |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | ~28 | Yes |
| General Knowledge | ~20 | No |
There is no sectional time limit. You can attempt any section in any order.
The General Knowledge section is not considered for percentile calculation but can be used during final admission rounds.
The Decision Making section is unique to XAT and tests your logical and ethical judgment.
The XAT Exam Syllabus does not have fixed chapters defined officially, but based on past papers, the topics generally come from the following areas:
Reading Comprehension (Abstract and Critical Passages)
Grammar and Sentence Correction
Para Jumbles
Vocabulary-based Questions
Critical Reasoning and Logical Deductions
Business Case Studies
Ethical Dilemmas and Situational Judgments
Analytical Reasoning
Logical Consistency and Practical Decision-Making
Data and Information Analysis
Arithmetic (Ratio, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance)
Algebra (Equations, Functions, Inequalities)
Geometry and Mensuration
Number Systems
Data Interpretation (Graphs, Charts, Tables, Data Sufficiency)
Current Affairs (National & International)
Business and Economy
Science and Technology
Sports, Awards, and Geography
Government Policies and Schemes
Pro Tip: Focus more on conceptual understanding than memorization. Practice previous year papers to get familiar with question patterns.
Each correct answer: +1 mark
Each wrong answer: -0.25 mark
Skipping more than 8 questions: -0.10 per skipped question
No negative marking in GK section
Accuracy is key in the XAT Exam since skipping too many or guessing can reduce your score. Aim for high accuracy and selective attempts.
Here are some top B-Schools that accept XAT 2026 scores:
| College Name | Location | Expected Cutoff (Percentile) |
|---|---|---|
| XLRI Jamshedpur (BM & HRM) | Jamshedpur | 95–99+ |
| XIM University (XIMB) | Bhubaneswar | 90–95 |
| IMT Ghaziabad | NCR Region | 90+ |
| FORE School of Management | New Delhi | 85–90 |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management | Chennai | 85+ |
| TAPMI | Manipal | 85–90 |
| GIM Goa | Goa | 85–90 |
| LIBA | Chennai | 80+ |
Each college has its own selection process, including GD, PI, and sometimes essay writing.
Cutoffs depend on the exam’s difficulty level and the number of test-takers.
Here’s a general trend from the last few years:
| College | Program | Cutoff Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| XLRI (BM) | Business Management | 96–99 |
| XLRI (HRM) | Human Resource Management | 93–95 |
| XIMB | MBA | 90 |
| IMT Ghaziabad | PGDM | 90 |
| FORE | PGDM | 85 |
| Great Lakes | PGDM | 85 |
Cracking XAT 2026 requires consistent preparation and smart planning. Here’s how you can do it effectively.
Start by understanding each section’s weightage, question type, and difficulty level.
Phase 1 (Basics): Focus on fundamentals of QA, English grammar, and simple DM caselets.
Phase 2 (Strengthening): Move to higher-level quant and reasoning problems. Start mock tests.
Phase 3 (Mastery): Take full-length mocks, fine-tune accuracy, and revise core topics.
Decision Making is the differentiator in XAT. Practice 2–3 sets daily and understand how to balance logic with ethics.
Revise Arithmetic and Algebra regularly.
Time yourself while solving questions.
Analyze mistakes after every mock test.
Reading complex editorials, journals, and opinion pieces improves comprehension and vocabulary, both of which are vital for the Verbal section.
Read current affairs daily. Use monthly magazines and reliable news apps. Focus on business and government news.
Take at least 20–25 full-length mocks before the XAT Exam Date.
Analyze each mock to find your weak areas.
Track accuracy and time per section.
XAT is lengthy and challenging. Develop endurance through mock tests. Keep a calm, confident mindset on the exam day.
| Feature | XAT | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | XLRI Jamshedpur | IIMs |
| Sections | 4 | 3 |
| Unique Section | Decision Making | None |
| Exam Month | January | November |
| Negative Marking for Skips | Yes | No |
| GK Section | Included | Not included |
If you’ve already prepared for CAT, you’ll find around 70% overlap, but XAT requires special focus on Decision Making and GK.
Carry your XAT Admit Card and valid photo ID.
Reach your test center 60 minutes early.
Do not carry electronic gadgets or notes.
Follow instructions displayed on your screen carefully.
Maintain calm and manage your time wisely.
Ignoring Decision Making section
Skipping too many questions
Neglecting General Knowledge
Not analyzing mock tests
Poor time management during the test
Q1. What is the XAT Exam Date for 2026?
Answer: The XAT 2026 Exam Date is expected to be 4 January 2026 (Sunday).
Q2. When will the XAT Admit Card 2026 be released?
Answer: The XAT Admit Card will likely be released on 20 December 2025.
Q3. What is the eligibility for XAT 2026?
Answer: You must have a 3-year bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Final-year students can also apply.
Q4. Is there a negative marking in the XAT Exam?
Answer: Yes, -0.25 marks for each wrong answer and -0.10 marks for skipping more than 8 questions.
Q5. How many times can I attempt XAT?
Answer: There’s no limit. You can appear for the XAT Exam as many times as you want.
Start early, focus on conceptual clarity, and take as many mock tests as possible. Remember, XAT rewards clear thinking, ethics, and strong reasoning — qualities that define future leaders.
