XAT 2026: Registration, Exam Dates, Syllabus, Pattern, Fees & More
XAT 2026 is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur and has been trusted by top B-schools in India for over 70 years. Known as the Xavier Aptitude Test, it is taken by more than 1 lakh students every year who want to get into the best management colleges. In this article, you will find all the important details related to XAT 2026, including eligibility, exam dates, syllabus, exam pattern, registration process, fees, and the list of top colleges accepting XAT scores. If you’re planning to appear for a top MBA entrance exam, make sure you read everything about XAT 2026 to stay ahead.
Table of Contents
What is XAT 2026?
XAT 2026 is an annual management entrance exam conducted by XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, and is known for its unique and challenging structure. What sets the XAT exam 2026 apart is its exclusive Decision-Making section, no fixed syllabus, and the inclusion of an essay writing task, which evaluates your real-world problem-solving and communication skills. Over 1 lakh candidates are expected to take part in XAT 2026, making it one of the most competitive MBA entrance exams in India. Unlike other tests, it doesn’t require a minimum academic percentage, giving every graduate an equal opportunity. Whether you’re from engineering, commerce, or arts, you can confidently register and aim for top B-schools through XAT exam 2026.
Why is XAT Important for MBA Aspirants?
The value of XAT 2026 lies in the list of prestigious colleges that accept its scores. XLRI Jamshedpur, which conducts the exam, ranks among the top 5 B-schools in India. Other reputed institutes such as XIM Bhubaneswar, IMT Ghaziabad, FORE School of Management, TAPMI Manipal, and IRMA Anand also accept XAT scores for their MBA and PGDM programs.
XAT is different from CAT and other entrance exams in the following ways:
- It includes a Decision Making (DM) section, unique to XAT.
- The exam tests both aptitude and real-world judgment.
- It includes an essay writing section that is evaluated during the PI rounds.
- General Knowledge is also tested but does not affect shortlisting for the interview.
XAT 2026 Exam Highlights
Here’s a quick snapshot of important details for the XAT exam 2026:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
|
Exam Name
|
Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 |
|
Conducting Body |
XLRI, Jamshedpur
|
|
Level |
National-level |
|
Mode |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
|
Duration |
210 minutes (3.5 hours) |
|
Frequency |
Once a year |
|
Duration |
2 Hours 30 Minutes (150 minutes) |
|
Official Website
|
xatonline.in
|
XAT 2026 Important Dates (Tentative Schedule)
It’s crucial to stay updated with the timeline. While the official XAT 2026 notification is expected in July 2025, here is a tentative schedule to help you plan in advance:
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
|
XAT 2026 Notification |
July 2025 |
|
XAT Registration Begins |
First Week of August 2025 |
|
Last Date to Register
|
Last Week of November 2025 |
|
Admit Card Release |
Mid-December 2025 |
|
XAT 2026 Exam Date |
January 5, 2026 (Sunday) |
|
XAT 2026 Result |
January 20, 2026
|
Make sure you keep checking the official XAT website to avoid missing any deadlines.
XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply for XAT registration 2026, check if you meet the basic eligibility:
- You must have a Bachelor’s Degree (of at least 3 years) in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Final year students of graduation can also apply.
- There is no minimum percentage required for graduation.
- There is no age limit to appear for the XAT exam.
In short, any graduate or final-year student from any academic background can appear for XAT 2026.
XAT Registration Process 2026- How to Register for XAT 2026?
To apply for the XAT exam 2026, you must fill out the application form online through xatonline. in. Follow the steps below:
- Visit the official XAT 2026 website at xatonline. in
- Click on “New Registration.”
- Enter your details – Name, Email ID, Mobile Number
- Verify your email ID and mobile number using OTP
- Create a password and login credentials
- Fill in the application form with academic and personal details
- Upload a scanned photograph and signature
- Select your preferred XLRI program(s)
- Pay the application fee
- Submit the form and download a copy for reference
XAT 2026 Application Fee
Here is the expected fee structure for XAT registration 2026:
| Particular | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
|
XAT Registration Fee |
₹2,200 |
|
Fee per XLRI Program |
₹200 |
|
Late Registration Fee (if any) |
₹300 Extra
|
You can make the payment online through debit/credit cards, net banking, or UPI. Make sure to apply early to avoid last-minute rush and late fees.
XAT Exam Pattern 2026 (Updated)
XAT exam pattern 2026 will follow the same structure as in previous years but always check for updates. The paper consists of five sections, grouped into three parts, and is conducted online.
Detailed XAT Exam Pattern
| Part | Section | No. of Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
|
I |
Verbal & Logical Ability |
26 |
|
|
|
Decision Making |
21 |
|
|
|
Quantitative Ability & DI |
28 |
175 mins |
|
II |
Mock Keyboard Test |
– |
5 mins |
|
III |
General Knowledge
|
25 |
|
|
|
Essay Writing
|
1 Essay
|
30 mins |
Total Exam Duration: 210 minutes (3.5 hours)
Marking Scheme:
+1 for correct answer
-0.25 for wrong answers (except GK)
8 unattempted questions allowed without penalty
XAT Syllabus 2026: Section-wise Topics
XAT syllabus 2026 is not officially defined, but based on past years, here’s what you should prepare:
1. Verbal & Logical Ability:
- Reading Comprehension (RCs)
- Grammar and Vocabulary
- Para Jumbles and Para Completion
- Logical Reasoning questions
2. Decision Making:
- Situational Judgment Scenarios
- Business Caselets
- Ethical and Management Dilemmas
3. Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation:
- Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit-Loss)
- Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)
- Geometry and Mensuration
- Data Tables, Graphs, Charts, Pie Diagrams
4. General Knowledge:
- National & International Current Affairs
- Static GK (History, Polity, Geography)
- Business and Economy
- Awards, Sports, Books & Authors
5. Essay Writing:
Topics are usually abstract or social/business-related.
Examples:
- “Is technology making us less human?”
- “Leaders are made, not born.”
XAT 2026 Preparation Tips (For Every Section)
1. Start Early and Plan Weekly Goals: The earlier you begin your XAT preparation, the better. Create a study plan with weekly targets for each section.
2. Practice Decision Making Daily: This section is unique to XAT and can be mastered only by solving real-life case studies. Practice using previous XAT papers.
3. Improve Vocabulary and Reading: Read newspapers like The Hindu and economic journals. Improve your reading speed and comprehension for Verbal Ability and Essay writing.
4. Focus on Conceptual Clarity in Quant: Strengthen basics from NCERTs, and then move on to tougher questions. Practice mock tests with time limits.
5. Attempt Regular Mocks: Take at least 15-20 mock tests to build speed and strategy. Analyze each mock thoroughly to improve weak areas.
XAT Admit Card 2026
XAT Admit Card 2026 is a mandatory document you must carry to the exam center. It contains your exam details such as date, time, venue, and important instructions. Candidates who have successfully registered for the exam will be able to download the admit card from the official XAT website once it is released.
Follow the steps below to download your XAT 2026 admit card:
- Visit the official website of XAT 2026: xatonline.in
- Click on the “Download Admit Card” tab
- Enter your XAT 2026 User ID and Date of Birth
- Click the “Login” button
- On the dashboard, select the “Admit Card” option
- The option to download the XAT Admit Card will appear
- Click on “Download” and save the file as a PDF
Note: Don’t forget to take a printout of the admit card and carry a valid photo ID on exam day. Without it, you won’t be allowed to appear for the exam.
XAT 2026 Answer Key: Know Your Mistakes Before the Exam
Practicing with the official XAT 2026 Answer Key or previous years’ answer keys is one of the best ways to learn from real exam patterns. These keys show the correct answers to all questions asked in the XAT exam. When you solve previous papers and check your responses against the official answers, you understand which areas need improvement. This not only helps you revise important topics but also teaches you how XLRI frames tricky questions, especially in Decision Making and Verbal Ability. You can download official XAT answer keys from xatonline.in or trusted MBA prep platforms.
XAT 2026 Mock Tests: The Smart Way to Practice
XAT 2026 Mock Tests are like trial runs before the final race. They help you experience the actual exam format, including question types, time pressure, and difficulty level. Many coaching institutes and XLRI alumni provide free and premium mock test series online. These mocks often come with instant scores, detailed solutions, and expert analysis. Practicing 8–10 mocks before the actual exam is highly recommended. Not only do they boost your confidence, but they also improve your time management and accuracy. Start taking mocks at least two months before the XAT exam date for best results.
XAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
- Reach the center at least 60 minutes before the exam time.
- Carry your admit card, photo ID, and black/blue pen.
- Do not carry any gadgets like smartwatches, calculators, or mobile phones.
- Follow all COVID or security guidelines issued.
XAT Result 2026 and Scorecard
XAT Result 2026 will be declared online in the third week of January 2026. You can check your scorecard by logging in to the official portal. It will contain your section-wise score, total marks, and overall percentile. Shortlisting for XLRI and other colleges depends on this score.
XAT 2026 Cutoffs (Expected)
| Institute | Expected Cutoff (Percentile) |
|---|---|
|
XLRI BM |
95+ |
|
XLRI HRM |
92+ |
|
XIMB Bhubaneswar |
90+
|
|
IMT Ghaziabad |
85+ |
|
TAPMI Manipal |
80+
|
Each college also considers your profile, academics, work experience, and GD-PI performance.
Top Colleges Accepting XAT 2026 Scores
The XAT 2026 exam is your gateway to some of the top MBA and PGDM colleges in India. While XLRI Jamshedpur is the main institute that conducts the exam and accepts XAT scores, over 160+ reputed B-schools across the country also consider XAT for admission.
Here are some of the top colleges accepting XAT 2026 scores:
| Institute Name | APPLY NOW | Location | Popular Courses Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Jamshedpur |
PGDM (BM), PGDM (HRM), PGDM (GM) |
||
|
Bhubaneswar |
MBA-BM, Executive MBA |
||
|
Ghaziabad
|
PGDM, PGDM in Marketing
|
||
|
Manipal |
PGDM, PGDM (BKFS) |
||
|
New Delhi
|
PGDM, PGDM (IB), PGDM (BDA) |
||
|
Anand |
PGDM (RM), Executive PGDM
|
||
|
Goa
|
PGDM, PGDM (BDA), PGDM (HCM) |
||
|
LIBA – Loyola Institute of Business Admin
|
Chennai |
PGDM, Executive Diploma
|
|
|
Ahmedabad |
PGDM-C
|
||
|
Chennai & Gurgaon
|
PGPM, PGDM |
Tip: Always check the official websites of these institutes for their specific XAT 2026 cut-offs, admission process, and program offerings.
FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions
The XAT exam 2026 will be a computer-based test with sections on Verbal Ability, Decision Making, Quant, GK, and an Essay. It lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes.
The XAT exam will be held only once in a year, usually in the first week of January.
The registration fee for the XAT 2026 exam is expected to be ₹2,100. An additional ₹200 is charged for each XLRI program selected.
The XAT 2026 syllabus includes Verbal Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, and Essay Writing.
To get into top colleges through the XAT 2026 exam, a score of 35–40 marks (out of 75) is generally considered good, depending on the cut-offs.