The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of India's most prestigious national-level entrance examinations for MBA and PGDM programs. Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of XAMI (Xavier Association of Management Institutes) members, the XAT exam opens doors to over 250 top business schools across India. For XAT 2026 aspirants, the XAT admit card serves as the most critical document required to appear for the examination. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the XAT admit card 2026, including release dates, download procedures, required documents, preparation strategies, and college admission insights.
The XAT admit card 2026 is scheduled to be released on December 20, 2025, and will remain accessible for download until the examination day. Candidates must ensure they download their XAT admit card promptly after the release to avoid any last-minute technical issues or complications.
Key Dates for XAT 2026:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| XAT 2026 Registration Last Date | December 11, 2025 (Extended) |
| XAT Admit Card Release Date | December 20, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Exam Date | January 4, 2026 (Sunday) |
| XAT Exam Timing | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (IST) |
| Last Date to Download XAT Admit Card | January 4, 2026 |
| XAT 2026 Answer Key Release | Second week of January 2026 |
| XAT 2026 Result Declaration | Third week of January 2026 |
| XLRI Personal Interview Rounds | March-April 2026 |
The XAT 2026 examination will be conducted in a single afternoon slot across 70+ cities in India through a computer-based test (CBT) format. Every year, XAT receives more than one lakh registrations from MBA aspirants throughout the country, making early XAT admit card download essential to ensure smooth exam day proceedings.
The XAT admit card 2026 will be available exclusively through the official XAT website. The download process is straightforward, but candidates must have their login credentials ready. Here's a comprehensive step-by-step guide to download your XAT admit card:
The XAT admit card download window remains open from December 20, 2025, until the exam day on January 4, 2026. However, it is strongly recommended that candidates download their XAT admit card as soon as it becomes available to avoid last-minute server congestion or technical glitches. Digital copies of the XAT admit card will not be accepted at examination centers, making printed copies mandatory.
Details Mentioned on XAT Admit Card 2026
Each candidate's XAT admit card 2026 will contain comprehensive information necessary for identification and examination center verification. Before heading to the exam center, candidates must thoroughly verify the following details printed on their XAT admit card:
Candidate's Full Name (as per registration)
Recent Colored Photograph
Candidate's Signature
Date of Birth
Category (General/SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD)
XAT User ID
XAT Password (in some cases)
XAT 2026 Examination Date
Examination Time Slot
Examination Center/Venue Address
Reporting Time at Examination Center
Important Instructions and Guidelines
Exam Day Protocols
Candidates must bring two copies of the XAT admit card to the examination center. One copy will be submitted to the invigilator at the beginning of the examination, while the second copy (which will be signed and stamped by the invigilator) must be retained by the candidate for future reference during the admission process. Any discrepancies or errors in the XAT admit card should be immediately reported to the XAT authorities using the contact details provided later in this article.
Beyond the XAT admit card, candidates must carry specific documents and identification proofs to the examination center. Failure to present these mandatory documents may result in denial of entry to the examination hall.
1. XAT Admit Card 2026 (Printed Copies)
Candidates must bring at least two clear printouts of their XAT admit card on A4-size paper with a recent passport-size photograph affixed to each copy. The photograph must be identical to the one uploaded during the XAT 2026 application process.
2. Valid Government-Issued Photo ID Proof
Candidates must carry one valid, original photo identification document along with a photocopy. Acceptable photo ID proofs include:
Aadhaar Card (UIDAI-issued)
PAN Card (Permanent Account Number)
Passport (Valid)
Voter ID Card (Election Commission-issued)
Driving License (Government-issued)
College/University ID Card (with proper documentation from the institution)
Employer ID Card (for working professionals, with official letter)
The name and date of birth on the photo ID must match exactly with the details printed on the XAT admit card.
3. Recent Passport-Sized Photographs
Bring 2-3 additional recent passport-size photographs (same as uploaded during application) with a white background for verification and documentation purposes.
4. Signature Specimen
Candidates should carry a signature specimen on white paper with black ink, matching the signature on their XAT admit card.
For Candidates with Special Needs:
Authorisation Form issued by XAT authorities (if requesting scribe or other accommodations)
Medical Certificate from authorised medical board (for candidates with disabilities)
Scribe Affidavit (notarised, if using scribe services)
PwD Certificate issued by a competent medical authority
To maintain examination integrity and security standards, the following items are strictly prohibited inside XAT examination centres:
Mobile phones, smartphones, or any communication devices
Smartwatches, fitness bands, or any wearable electronic devices
Calculators (electronic or manual)
Study materials, notes, books, or guides
Bluetooth devices, earphones, or headphones
Cameras or recording devices
Wallets, purses, or bags (except small transparent pouches)
Stationery items (provided by the examination centre)
Food items or water bottles (may be allowed in designated areas)
Candidates found with any prohibited items will be disqualified from the examination. It is advisable to avoid bringing valuable items to the examination centre altogether.
The XAT conducting authorities provide a dedicated correction window for candidates who identify errors or discrepancies in their application details. For XAT 2026, the correction window was available from November 25, 2025 (9:00 AM) to November 27, 2025 (9:00 AM). This two-day window allowed candidates to rectify mistakes in their registration forms before final admit card generation.
During the XAT correction window, candidates could modify the following details:
Academic marks and educational qualifications
Work experience details
Photograph and signature uploads
Examination city/center preferences
Personal information verification
If candidates identify errors during the correction window, they should follow these steps:
If candidates discover errors on their downloaded XAT admit card after the correction window has closed, they should immediately contact XAT authorities through the following channels:
Email Support:
xat2025@xlri.ac.in (or current year email)
Telephone Support:
Toll-Free Number: 1800 209 0835 (operational daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM)
Direct Phone: +91-657-665-3203 / 3204 / 3205
Fax Support:
+91-657-2227814
When reporting errors, candidates should include their XAT User ID, complete details of the discrepancy, and supporting documents (if applicable). The XAT administration team typically responds within 24-48 hours and provides guidance on rectification procedures.
With the XAT admit card release approaching, candidates should focus on strategic preparation to maximize their examination performance. XAT is known for its unique Decision Making section and comprehensive assessment across multiple domains.
The XAT 2026 examination comprises two parts with a total duration of 180 minutes (3 hours):
Part A (170 minutes):
Verbal & Logical Ability (VALR): 26 questions
Decision Making (DM): 22 questions
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI): 28 questions
Total Part A: 76 questions, 75 marks
Part B (10 minutes):
General Knowledge (GK): 20 questions, 20 marks
Marking Scheme:
Correct Answer: +1 mark
Incorrect Answer: -0.25 marks (negative marking)
Unattempted Questions: -0.10 marks (penalty applies after 8 unattempted questions)
Verbal & Logical Ability (VALR) Preparation
The VALR section typically dominates the XAT question paper with Reading Comprehension forming the major component. To excel in this section:
Read Daily: Dedicate time to reading business articles, editorials from reputed publications, and occasionally poems to develop better comprehension skills and vocabulary
Grammar Mastery: Focus on articles, subject-verb agreement, conjunctions, and sentence correction fundamentals
Vocabulary Building: Use flashcards, mobile applications, or systematic word lists to learn 10-15 new words daily
Critical Reasoning Practice: Develop skills to recognize assumptions, strengthen/weaken arguments, and identify logical flaws
Target Attempts: Aim for 16-18 questions with 70% accuracy for competitive scores
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI) Preparation
The QADI section is consistently reported as the most challenging section in XAT examinations. Key preparation strategies include:
Core Topics Focus: Strengthen fundamentals in Number System, Arithmetic (percentages, profit-loss, time-speed-distance), Algebra, Geometry, and Mensuration
Data Interpretation Practice: Work extensively on calculation-heavy DI sets including graphs, pie charts, tables, and caselets
Time Management: This section demands excellent time allocation skills due to complex calculations and lengthy problems
Formula Mastery: Create formula sheets for quick revision and memorize essential mathematical formulas
Selective Attempts: Given the high difficulty level, attempt questions strategically rather than attempting all questions
Decision Making (DM) Preparation
Decision Making is XAT's unique differentiator and often the highest-scoring section for well-prepared candidates:
Case Study Practice: Regularly solve decision-making case studies involving ethical dilemmas, business scenarios, and moral reasoning
Previous Year Analysis: Study XAT previous year DM questions to understand question patterns and expected reasoning frameworks
Logical Approach: Develop a structured approach to analyze situations, evaluate alternatives, and select the most appropriate decision
Moderate Difficulty: DM questions range from easy to moderate, making this section highly scoring with proper practice
General Knowledge (GK) Preparation
The GK section offers a significant advantage as it carries no negative marking:
Current Affairs Coverage: Focus on events from the last 6-12 months, including business news, sports, awards, politics, and international affairs
Static GK: Cover important topics like Indian Constitution, geography, historical events, and general science
Daily Reading: Spend 20-30 minutes daily reading newspapers and current affairs compilations
Attempt All Questions: Since there's no negative marking in GK, attempt every question to maximize your score
Foundation Building (4-6 Months Before Exam):
Complete comprehensive syllabus coverage across all sections
Build strong conceptual foundations in quantitative topics
Develop reading habits for verbal ability enhancement
Take diagnostic tests to identify strengths and weaknesses
Gather quality study materials and XAT preparation books
Advanced Preparation (2-4 Months Before Exam):
Intensive practice on decision-making case studies
Speed building exercises for Quant and VALR sections
Regular mock test practice (bi-weekly comprehensive tests)
Current affairs compilation for GK preparation
Join online study groups or coaching programs
Final Phase Preparation (Last Month Before Exam):
Daily Mock Tests: Take full-length XAT mock tests under real examination conditions
Revision Focus: Prioritize revision of formulas, concepts, and strategies over learning new topics
Vocabulary Enhancement: Continue adding 10-15 new words to your vocabulary daily
Decision Making Refinement: Practice DM questions extensively, as this is XAT's signature section
Avoid New Topics: Refrain from starting new chapters or concepts in the last 15 days
Stress Management: Maintain adequate sleep, engage in light physical activities, and stay calm​
Do's for XAT Exam Day:
Report to the examination center at least 60 minutes before the scheduled exam time
Carry all mandatory documents including XAT admit card and valid photo ID proof
Read all instructions on the question paper carefully before starting
Maintain confidence and stay calm throughout the examination
Double-check answers before final submission, especially for negative marking sections
Use the flexibility of non-sectional time limits strategically based on your strengths
Attempt GK section questions even if unsure (no negative marking)
Keep a backup plan for unexpected technical issues or time management challenges
Don'ts for XAT Exam Day:
Don't carry any prohibited electronic devices or gadgets to the examination center​
Avoid studying new topics or concepts on exam day
Don't panic if you find certain sections difficult; focus on your strong areas first
Avoid random guessing in sections with negative marking
Don't waste excessive time on difficult questions; move forward strategically
Avoid unnecessary stress or anxiety; trust your preparation
Analyzing XAT previous year papers provides crucial insights into examination trends, difficulty patterns, and question types. Here's a comprehensive analysis of recent XAT examinations:
Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate
The XAT 2025 examination showed significant changes in paper pattern compared to previous years, with moderately balanced difficulty across sections.
Section-Wise Difficulty Assessment:
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR):
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Key Features: Dominated by Reading Comprehension passages with more doable questions than previous years
RC Topics: Arts, psychology, business, and social issues
Other Questions: Para-jumbles (moderate), critical reasoning, vocabulary-based questions
Good Attempts: 16-18 questions with high accuracy
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI):
Difficulty Level: High (Most challenging section)
Key Features: Number System dominated, calculation-heavy Data Interpretation sets
Topics: Number System (majority), Arithmetic (reduced), Geometry, Mensuration
DI Sets: 4 sets with 3 questions each, requiring significant calculation time
Challenge: Time management was critical due to lengthy and complex problems
Decision Making (DM):
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Key Features: Straightforward scenarios, logical and ethical dilemmas
Scoring Potential: Highest scoring section for well-prepared candidates
Strategy: Most students found this section time-efficient and manageable
General Knowledge (GK):
Difficulty Level: Moderate to High
Topics: Geography, polity, science & technology, current affairs, sports, awards
Advantage: No negative marking, allowing all questions to be attempted
XAT 2024 Difficulty Analysis:
Overall: Moderate to Difficult
VALR: Easy to Moderate (RC passages were manageable)
QADI: Difficult (high complexity in Quant section)
DM: Moderate
Good Score Range: 36-37 marks for 95+ percentile
XAT 2022 Difficulty Analysis:
Overall: Moderate to High
QADI: High difficulty with 28 questions dominated by DI (4 sets with 12 questions)
Number System: 7 questions of moderate difficulty
Overall doability was challenging for average candidates
XAT 2021 Difficulty Analysis:
Overall: Moderate to Difficult
QADI: Most difficult section (22 Quant questions, 6 DI questions)
VALR: Difficulty level increased from previous year
DM: Easiest section to solve
Data Interpretation: Lengthy questions required extra time
XAT 2017 Difficulty Analysis:
Overall: Moderate to High difficulty level
VALR: Low to Moderate (26 questions)
DM & Analytical Reasoning: Moderate to High (22 questions)
QADI: High difficulty (27 questions)
GK: Moderate (25 questions)
Quantitative Ability was comparatively harder while Verbal was slightly easier
QADI Consistently Challenging: The Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation section has consistently been the most difficult across multiple years
VALR Relatively Manageable: Verbal and Logical Ability sections, especially Reading Comprehension, remain moderately accessible with proper preparation
Decision Making - XAT's Strength: The unique Decision Making section offers scoring opportunities for candidates who practice systematically
Time Management Critical: With 180 minutes for Part A and variable difficulty levels, strategic time allocation is essential
Sectional Balance Required: Candidates must maintain minimum sectional cutoffs alongside overall scores for top B-school admissions
Understanding the relationship between raw scores and percentile rankings is crucial for setting realistic targets and planning college applications. The XAT score vs percentile analysis helps candidates assess their performance and admission prospects at various B-schools.
Based on historical trends and XAT 2025 analysis, here's the expected score-to-percentile conversion:
| XAT Raw Score | Expected Percentile |
|---|---|
| 47 and above | 99+ percentile |
| 42-46 | 96-98 percentile |
| 40-42 | 94-95 percentile |
| 38-40 | 90-93 percentile |
| 36-38 | 85-89 percentile |
| 32-36 | 80-84 percentile |
| 28-32 | 75-79 percentile |
| 24-28 | 70-74 percentile |
Key Insights:
A score of 38-40 marks typically translates to 99 percentile
Scoring 36+ marks generally results in 85+ percentile
Top 1% performers (99+ percentile) usually score 47+ marks
Beyond overall scores, sectional performance significantly impacts B-school shortlisting, especially for premier institutes like XLRI.
Verbal & Logical Ability (VALR) Section:
| VALR Score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 18+ | 99.9 |
| 16-18 | 99.5 |
| 14-16 | 99 |
| 11-14 | 95 |
| 9-11 | 90 |
| 8-9 | 85 |
| 7-8 | 80 |
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI) Section:
| QADI Score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 21+ | 99.9 |
| 19-21 | 99.5 |
| 15-19 | 99 |
| 11-15 | 95 |
| 9-11 | 90 |
| 8-9 | 85 |
| 7-8 | 80 |
Decision Making (DM) Section:
| DM Score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 18+ | 99.9 |
| 16-18 | 99.5 |
| 14-16 | 99 |
| 10-14 | 95 |
| 9-10 | 90 |
| 8-9 | 85 |
| 7-8 | 80 |
Several factors determine the final score-to-percentile conversion in XAT:
Exam Difficulty Level: Higher difficulty generally results in lower cutoffs and more favorable percentile conversions
Total Number of Test Takers: With over 1.35 lakh candidates, competition intensity affects percentile distributions
Score Normalization: XAT employs normalization procedures to ensure fairness across examination sessions
Sectional Performance: Balanced sectional scores are valued more than extreme variations
Previous Year Percentile Trends: Historical data provides guidance for expected conversions
Over 1000 business schools across India accept XAT scores for MBA/PGDM admissions. This section provides a comprehensive tier-wise analysis of top colleges, including cutoffs, fees, placement statistics, and key differentiators.
Tier 1 institutions represent India's premier business schools with exceptional academic rigor, outstanding placement records, and strong industry connections.
1. XLRI - Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| NIRF Ranking 2025 | 10 |
| XAT Cutoff Range | 95-98 percentile (30-33 marks) |
| BM Program Cutoff (Male Engineers) | 96 percentile |
| BM Program Cutoff (Female Engineers) | 91 percentile |
| HRM Program Cutoff (Male) | 95 percentile |
| HRM Program Cutoff (Female) | 90 percentile |
| Total Course Fees | ₹23.15-25.80 Lakh |
| Average Package | ₹29.89-32.70 LPA |
| Highest Package | ₹75.00 LPA |
| Median Package | ₹28-29 LPA |
| Placement Rate | 100% |
XLRI Jamshedpur is India's most prestigious XAT-accepting institution and among the top 10 MBA colleges nationally. The institute maintains distinct sectional cutoffs for Business Management and Human Resource Management programs, with gender-based and academic background-based variations.
XLRI Sectional Cutoffs for Business Management (Male Engineers):
Verbal Ability: 75+ percentile
Decision Making: 90+ percentile
Quantitative Ability: 85+ percentile
Overall: 96 percentile
2. XLRI Delhi-NCR Campus
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| XAT Cutoff | 80+ percentile |
| Total Course Fees | Similar to Jamshedpur campus |
| Average Package | ₹27.04 LPA |
| Highest Package | ₹32.70 LPA |
The Delhi-NCR campus offers similar academic quality with slightly different cutoff patterns.
3. XIM University (formerly XIMB), Bhubaneswar
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| NIRF Ranking 2025 | 71.5 |
| XAT Cutoff Range | 91-95 percentile |
| Total Course Fees | ₹9.90-22.00 Lakh |
| Average Package | ₹19.53-20.03 LPA |
| Highest Package | ₹30.00 LPA |
| Key Strength | Ethics, sustainability, and inclusive leadership focus |
XIM University has rapidly emerged as a top contender in business education with excellent placement outcomes and a values-driven curriculum.
4. IMT Ghaziabad - Institute of Management Technology
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| NIRF Ranking 2025 | 34-35 |
| XAT Cutoff Range | 90-92 percentile |
| PGDM Total Fees | ₹20.30-21.53 Lakh |
| Average Package (2025) | ₹16.25-17.35 LPA |
| Highest Package (2025) | ₹41.55 LPA |
| Placement Rate | 100% |
| Total Recruiters | 90+ companies |
IMT Ghaziabad offers exceptional return on investment with consistently strong placement records and comprehensive industry exposure.
5. MICA - Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| XAT Cutoff Range | 90-94 percentile |
| Total PGP Fees | ₹23.00 Lakh |
| Average Package (2025) | ₹19.22 LPA |
| Highest Package (2025) | ₹40.91 LPA |
| Median Package | ₹18.00 LPA |
| Placement Rate | 100% |
| Total Recruiters (2025) | 92 companies |
| Specialization | Strategic Marketing & Communications |
MICA is India's premier institute for marketing and communications education, offering unparalleled expertise in strategic brand management.
6. KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| NIRF Ranking 2025 | 51 |
| XAT Cutoff Range | 83-89 percentile (XAT: 70-73) |
| Total MBA Fees | ₹14.14-22.32 Lakh |
| Average Package (2025) | ₹12.28-12.79 LPA |
| Highest Package (2025) | ₹22.50-27.25 LPA |
| MBA Intake | 600 seats |
| Key Advantage | Mumbai location, extensive industry networking |
KJ Somaiya offers diverse specializations including Finance, Marketing, HR, Operations, IT, Healthcare, and Sports Management with excellent Mumbai-based placement opportunities.
7. IMI Delhi - International Management Institute
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| XAT Cutoff Range | 90-93 percentile |
| Total PGDM Fees | ₹20.19-20.95 Lakh |
| Average Package | ₹17.01 LPA |
| Highest Package | ₹50.00 LPA |
| Key Strength | Established legacy, strong industry connections |
IMI Delhi offers robust MBA programs with exceptional placement support and comprehensive industry mentorship.
Tier 2 institutions offer excellent MBA education with strong placements and more accessible cutoffs compared to Tier 1 colleges.
8. TAPMI Manipal - T.A. Pai Management Institute
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| XAT Cutoff | 80-89 percentile (XAT: 85) |
| Total PGDM Fees | ₹8.67-13.99 Lakh |
| Average Package (2025) | ₹13.84-13.99 LPA |
| Highest Package (2025) | ₹32.02-32.77 LPA |
| Placement Rate | 100% |
| Students Placed (2025) | 368 |
| Top 50 Students Average | ₹20+ LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Adani, Airtel, Axis Bank, ITC, Dabur |
TAPMI Manipal combines academic excellence with strong industry partnerships, offering exceptional value for investment.
9. GIM Goa - Goa Institute of Management
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| NIRF Ranking 2025 | 55 |
| XAT Cutoff | 85-91 percentile (XAT: 80+) |
| CAT Cutoff | 90 percentile |
| Total PGDM Fees | ₹12.48 Lakh |
| Average Package | ₹14.72 LPA |
| Highest Package | ₹55.00 LPA |
| Unique Feature | Beach campus, tourism & hospitality focus |
GIM Goa offers a distinctive learning environment with specialized programs and strong placement outcomes.
10. Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| XAT Cutoff | 85-92 percentile |
| Total Fees | ₹19.95-22.50 Lakh |
| Average Package | ₹15.73-17.30 LPA |
| Highest Package | ₹37.00 LPA |
| Programs | Two-year PGDM for freshers, One-year PGPM for professionals |
| Key Strength | World-class faculty, global perspectives |
Great Lakes offers cutting-edge curriculum with emphasis on leadership, innovation, and international business practices.
11. LIBA Chennai - Loyola Institute of Business Administration
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| XAT Cutoff | 75-80 percentile |
| Total Fees | ₹3.71 Lakh |
| Key Advantage | Low fees, Jesuit values, strong ethics focus |
LIBA offers affordable MBA education with strong placement support and values-driven curriculum.
12. BIMTECH - Birla Institute of Management Technology, Greater Noida
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| NIRF Ranking 2025 | 52 |
| XAT Cutoff | 75-85 percentile |
| Total PGDM Fees | ₹14.00 Lakh |
| Average Package | ₹11.70 LPA |
| Highest Package | ₹23.43 LPA |
BIMTECH provides comprehensive management education with strong industry interface.
13. XIME Bangalore - Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| XAT Cutoff | 70-83 percentile |
| Total PGDM Fees | ₹11.50-12.50 Lakh |
| Average Package | ₹10.45 LPA |
| Highest Package | ₹16.00 LPA |
| Focus | Entrepreneurship and innovation |
XIME emphasizes entrepreneurial thinking alongside management fundamentals.
14. BIM Trichy - Bharathidasan Institute of Management
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| XAT Cutoff | 75-81 percentile |
| Total Fees | ₹12.86-14.50 Lakh |
| Average Package | ₹11.40 LPA |
| Highest Package | ₹13.50 LPA |
BIM Trichy offers quality management education with strong South India placement connections.
15. FORE School of Management, Delhi
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| XAT Cutoff | 86-88 percentile |
| Total PGDM Fees | ₹18.27 Lakh |
| Average Package | ₹13.50 LPA |
| Highest Package | ₹70.00 LPA |
| Key Strength | Delhi NCR location, strong corporate ties |
FORE School provides excellent industry exposure with robust placement outcomes.
16. Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| XAT Cutoff | 75-80 percentile |
| Total Fees | ₹7.00 Lakh |
| Average Package | ₹12.47 LPA |
| Highest Package | ₹24.00 LPA |
| Key Advantage | Affordable fees, Mumbai advantage |
Welingkar offers cost-effective MBA education with strong placement support.
17. KIIT School of Management, Bhubaneswar
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| XAT Cutoff | 75-76 percentile |
| Total Fees | ₹16.90 Lakh |
| Average Package | ₹9.00-9.50 LPA |
KIIT provides comprehensive management education within a large university ecosystem.
18. IMT Nagpur
Cutoff: 73-80 percentile
Total Fees: ₹13.80 Lakh
Average Package: ₹10.81 LPA
19. IMI Kolkata
Cutoff: 74-76 percentile
Total Fees: ₹9.75 Lakh
Average Package: ₹10.65 LPA
20. Woxsen University
Cutoff: 71-73 percentile
Total Fees: ₹12.45-13.90 Lakh
Average Package: ₹8.60-9.30 LPA
21. XISS Ranchi
Cutoff: 70-75 percentile
Total Fees: ₹9.65 Lakh
Focus: Social values and rural management
22. IFMR GSB, Krea University
Cutoff: 75-80 percentile
Total Fees: ₹14.50 Lakh
Focus: Finance and quantitative management
For candidates seeking affordable MBA education, several quality institutions offer programs under ₹5 lakh:
| College Name | Total Fees |
|---|---|
| School of Management Sciences, Varanasi | ₹3.48 Lakh |
| LIBA Chennai | ₹3.71 Lakh |
| ITS Ghaziabad | ₹3.00 Lakh |
| Abasaheb Garware Institute, Pune | ₹90,500 |
| Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute | ₹78,000 |
| Calcutta University | ₹33,000 |
| Ranchi University | ₹5,550 |
| Tier | Representative Colleges | XAT Cutoff Range | Fee Range | Average Package Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | XLRI, XIMB, IMT, MICA | 90-98 percentile | ₹18-27 Lakh | ₹15-32 LPA |
| Tier 2 | TAPMI, GIM, Great Lakes, LIBA | 75-90 percentile | ₹8-20 Lakh | ₹9-17 LPA |
| Tier 3 | IMT Nagpur, IMI Kolkata, XISS | 60-75 percentile | ₹6-14 Lakh | ₹7-11 LPA |
After completing the XAT 2026 examination on January 4, 2026, candidates eagerly await their results and scorecards for B-school applications.
Expected XAT 2026 Result Date: Third week of January 2026 (tentatively around January 20-25, 2026)
Important Result-Related Dates:
| Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
| XAT 2026 Exam Date | January 4, 2026 |
| Response Sheet/Answer Key Release | Second week of January 2026 |
| XAT 2026 Result Declaration | Third week of January 2026 |
| Scorecard Download Availability | Third week of March 2026 (tentative) |
| GD-PI-WAT Rounds | February-March 2026 |
| XLRI Final Selections | March-April 2026 |
XLRI and the XAT Secretariat typically announce results two to three weeks after the examination, following answer key release and normalization procedures.
Candidates can download their XAT scorecard by following these steps:
The XAT scorecard provides comprehensive performance analysis:
Personal Details: Name, Date of Birth, XAT ID, Category
Overall Score: Total marks obtained out of 100
Overall Percentile: Relative ranking among all test-takers
Section-Wise Scores: Individual marks in VALR, DM, QADI, and GK
Section-Wise Percentiles: Percentile for each section
Validity Period: XAT scores typically valid for current admission cycle only
Important Note: XAT scorecard download windows are time-bound. Candidates must download and save their scorecards during the availability period, as retrieval may not be possible after deadlines.
Q1: When will the XAT admit card 2026 be released?
The XAT admit card 2026 will be released on December 20, 2025, and will remain available for download until the exam day on January 4, 2026.
Q2: How can I download my XAT admit card?
Visit xatonline.in, click on "Download Admit Card," enter your XAT User ID and Date of Birth, and download the PDF. Print at least 2 copies on A4 paper.
Q3: What documents do I need to carry along with the XAT admit card?
You must carry the XAT admit card (2 printed copies), a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License), recent passport-size photographs, and your signature specimen.
Q4: What should I do if there are errors on my XAT admit card?
Immediately contact XAT helpdesk at 1800 209 0835 or email xatadministration@xlri.ac.in with your XAT ID and error details. Provide supporting documents if required.
Q5: Is a digital copy of the XAT admit card acceptable?
No, digital copies of the XAT admit card are not acceptable. You must carry printed copies on A4-size paper.
Q6: Can I edit my XAT application after the admit card is released?
The correction window for XAT 2026 was November 25-27, 2025. After admit card release, contact XAT authorities immediately for critical errors.
Q7: What is the XAT 2026 exam pattern?
XAT 2026 consists of two parts: Part A (170 minutes) with 76 questions covering VALR, DM, and QADI; Part B (10 minutes) with 20 GK questions. Total duration is 180 minutes.
Q8: What is a good score in XAT 2026?
A score of 38-40 marks typically translates to 99 percentile. For admission to XLRI, candidates generally need 30-33 marks (95-98 percentile).
Q9: What is the XAT cutoff for XLRI?
XLRI Jamshedpur's XAT cutoff for Business Management is 96 percentile for male engineers and 91 for female engineers. For HRM, it's 95 percentile for males and 90 for females.
Q10: When will XAT 2026 results be announced?
XAT 2026 results are expected to be declared in the third week of January 2026, approximately 2-3 weeks after the exam.
Q11: Which are the top colleges accepting XAT scores?
Top colleges include XLRI Jamshedpur (NIRF Rank 10), XIM University Bhubaneswar, IMT Ghaziabad (NIRF Rank 35), MICA Ahmedabad, KJ Somaiya Mumbai, and over 1000 other B-schools across India.
Q12: What items are prohibited in the XAT exam center?
Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, study materials, electronic devices, cameras, and bags are strictly prohibited. Candidates found with prohibited items will be disqualified.
The XAT admit card is your gateway to one of India's most prestigious MBA entrance examinations and subsequently to top business schools across the country. With the XAT admit card 2026 releasing on December 20, 2025, candidates must ensure timely download, thorough verification of details, and preparation of all mandatory documents.
This comprehensive guide has covered all essential aspects of the XAT admit card, including release dates, download procedures, required documents, exam preparation strategies, previous year analysis, score vs percentile insights, and detailed information about top XAT-accepting colleges. Success in XAT requires a combination of conceptual clarity, strategic preparation, consistent practice, and calm exam execution.
As you approach the XAT 2026 examination, remember to:
Download your XAT admit card immediately upon release
Verify all details carefully and report any discrepancies promptly
Prepare all mandatory documents well in advance
Follow section-wise preparation strategies systematically
Take regular mock tests to build exam temperament
Maintain sectional balance while maximizing overall score
Stay updated with current affairs for the GK section
Remain calm and confident on exam day
With over 250 top B-schools accepting XAT scores and excellent career prospects awaiting successful candidates, your dedication and strategic preparation will open doors to transformative management education opportunities. Best wishes for your XAT 2026 journey!
Important Reminder: Keep your XAT admit card, valid photo ID, and all necessary documents ready. Report to your examination center 60 minutes before the scheduled time. Stay focused, trust your preparation, and give your best performance!
For the latest updates on XAT admit card, results, and admissions, regularly visit the official website at xatonline.in.
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