The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of India's most prestigious management entrance examinations, conducted annually by XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of the Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI). For over 75 years, XAT has been a crucial stepping stone for aspirants aiming for admission to XLRI and over 250 other prominent B-schools across India. As we look towards XAT Exam 2026, here's what prospective candidates need to know.
The registration for XAT 2026 commenced on July 10, 2025, earlier than its usual schedule, providing ample time for applicants. The application window will close on December 5, 2025. The XAT 2026 exam is scheduled for January 4, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to register early, as XLRI is offering exclusive support, including live interactive sessions with the XAT Convenor and XLRI students for Day 1 applicants. The admit cards are tentatively expected to be released on December 20, 2025.
To register, visit the official website, xatonline.in. The XAT registration fee is ₹2200. An additional fee of ₹200 per program applies if you're interested in XLRI programs.
The XAT exam is a computer-based test with a duration of three hours. It comprises 95 multiple-choice questions across four main sections:
Verbal & Logical Ability (VLA): This section, with about 26 questions, assesses reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, critical reasoning, and logical ability.
Decision Making (DM): A unique hallmark of XAT, this section, with approximately 21 questions, presents real-life business scenarios and ethical dilemmas, testing a candidate's problem-solving and judgment skills.
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI): Consisting of around 28 questions, this section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, and data interpretation from various formats like tables, graphs, and charts.
General Knowledge (GK): With roughly 20 questions, this section evaluates awareness of current affairs and static GK. It's important to note that GK scores are typically used for the final selection process at XLRI and not for the overall percentile calculation.
XAT has a negative marking scheme: -0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. Additionally, a penalty of -0.10 marks is applied for every unanswered question after the first eight unattempted questions.
XAT stands out among other MBA entrance exams for several reasons:
Holistic Assessment: Unlike many exams, XAT's inclusion of a dedicated Decision Making section provides a more comprehensive evaluation of a candidate's managerial aptitude, focusing on ethical considerations and practical judgment.
XLRI's Legacy: Being conducted by XLRI, one of India's oldest and most reputable management institutes, XAT carries significant weight and credibility.
Widespread Acceptance: Beyond XLRI, a XAT score is accepted by over 250 prominent B-schools across the country, opening up a diverse range of program options for aspirants.
Strategic Timing: Conducted in early January, XAT provides candidates with an additional month for preparation after other major exams like CAT, allowing for focused revision and strategy refinement.
Success in XAT requires a well-rounded preparation strategy. Focus on strengthening your fundamentals in all sections. For Decision Making, practicing previous year's papers and analyzing various caselets is crucial. Regularly reading newspapers and current affairs magazines will bolster your GK section. Mock tests are invaluable for understanding the exam pattern, managing time effectively, and identifying areas for improvement.
The XAT Exam 2026 offers a challenging yet rewarding path for management aspirants. With its unique structure and emphasis on decision-making, it aims to identify future leaders who are not just academically sound but also ethically conscious and capable of navigating complex business environments.
