XAT Answer Key 2026 Released: Download Response Sheet, Score Calculation, Objection Process, and Complete Cut-off Information

XLRI Jamshedpur has officially released the XAT 2026 Response Sheet for candidates who appeared in the Xavier Aptitude Test 2026. Aspirants can now log in to the official website xatonline.in using their registered credentials to check their marked responses.

While the provisional XAT Answer Key 2026 will be released in the coming days, candidates can already begin analyzing their performance using the response sheet and calculate their expected scores based on the official marking scheme.

Once the provisional answer key is released, XLRI will also open the objection window, allowing candidates to challenge any discrepancies by paying the prescribed objection fee. After reviewing objections, the final answer key and XAT 2026 results will be announced.

The release of the XAT 2026 answer key and response sheet is a crucial step in the MBA admission process for XLRI Jamshedpur and other top B-schools accepting XAT scores. Category-wise and program-wise expected cut-offs will be released along with or after the result declaration.

• The XAT 2026 examination was conducted on January 4, 2026.
• The exam was conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur.
• XAT 2026 was held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
• Approximately 1.35 lakh candidates appeared for the examination.
• The test was conducted across 288 exam centres in 121 cities across India.
• The overall difficulty level of XAT 2026 was reported to be Moderate.
• The Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section was considered relatively difficult by candidates.

The XAT Response Sheet 2026 is an official document released by XLRI Jamshedpur that allows candidates to review their performance in the Xavier Aptitude Test. It provides a detailed record of the responses marked by candidates during the examination.

The XAT 2026 response sheet includes the following details:

• Complete XAT 2026 question paper
• All available answer options for each question
• Candidate’s selected answer for every question
• Question ID and corresponding Option ID

This document helps candidates accurately analyze their performance and calculate their expected scores before the release of the official answer key.

Important Note: The XAT Response Sheet is available for a limited time only. Candidates are strongly advised to download and save it immediately for future reference.

The XAT Answer Key 2026 is an official document released by XLRI Jamshedpur that contains the correct answers to all the questions asked in the Xavier Aptitude Test 2026.

Using the XAT 2026 Answer Key, candidates can:

• Identify correct and incorrect responses
• Calculate their raw score using the official marking scheme
• Estimate their probable percentile range

Types of XAT Answer Key:

• Provisional Answer Key: Released initially; candidates are allowed to raise objections within the specified window.
• Final Answer Key: Released after reviewing objections; this version is final and binding with no further changes.

Candidates can follow the step-by-step process below to download the XAT 2026 Answer Key and Response Sheet from the official website.

1. Visit the official XAT website: xatonline.in
2. Click on the link titled “XAT 2026 Answer Key / Response Sheet”
3. Log in using your XAT User ID and Password
4. View the Answer Key and Response Sheet on the screen
5. Download and save the PDF for future reference

Candidates can calculate their expected XAT 2026 score by matching their responses with the official answer key and applying the marking scheme prescribed by XLRI.

XAT Marking Scheme 2026

• Correct Answer: +1 mark
• Incorrect Answer: –0.25 mark
• Unanswered Question: 0 mark
• 8 consecutive unanswered questions: –0.10 mark
• GK Section: No negative marking

Steps to Calculate Your XAT 2026 Score

1. Count the number of correct answers and multiply by +1
2. Count incorrect answers and multiply by –0.25
3. Check for every set of 8 consecutive unanswered questions and deduct 0.10 marks
4. Add all positive marks and subtract the penalties
5. The final score obtained (excluding GK) is your XAT 2026 raw score

Candidates can also use an online XAT Score Calculator to estimate their score and percentile without manually applying the marking scheme. These tools automatically analyze your response sheet and provide quick results.

Process to Use XAT Score Calculator

1. Log in to the XAT candidate dashboard
2. Copy the Response Sheet link available on the dashboard
3. Paste the link into a trusted XAT Score Calculator
4. Submit the details to calculate your score
5. View your Raw Score and Expected Percentile

If candidates find any discrepancy or incorrect answer in the provisional XAT 2026 answer key, they can raise an objection through the official XAT website within the specified objection window.

Objection Filing Process

1. Log in to the official XAT website: xatonline.in
2. Click on the “Raise Objection” link available on the dashboard
3. Select the relevant question number
4. Upload valid academic proof or a clear explanation supporting your objection
5. Pay an objection fee of ₹500 per question
6. Submit the objection before the deadline

Based on previous year trends and expert analysis, the table below shows the expected XAT 2026 score vs percentile. These figures are indicative and meant only for reference.

Based on previous year trends and expert analysis, the following are the expected XAT 2026 cut-offs for top MBA colleges accepting XAT scores. Actual cut-offs may vary depending on exam difficulty and applicant pool.

XLRI Jamshedpur – Overall Percentile (Expected)

Expected XAT Cut-Off 2026 – Other Leading Institutes

Once the Final XAT Answer Key is released, the examination authority proceeds with the result preparation process. The following steps take place sequentially:

• XLRI begins the result compilation process
• Raw scores are normalized and converted into percentiles
• The XAT 2026 Result is officially declared
• Shortlisting for GD/PI rounds by participating institutes begins

Important Points to Remember

• The Answer Key is released before the final result
• Objections can be raised only during the official objection window
• No changes are allowed after the Final Answer Key is published
• The GK section score is not considered for percentile or selection
• Sectional cut-offs are not released along with the Answer Key

The XAT Answer Key 2026 and response sheet allow candidates to evaluate their performance well before the official results are announced. A detailed score analysis helps aspirants realistically assess their chances of receiving interview calls from top B-schools.

Candidates should carefully review the Provisional Answer Key and make effective use of the objection window if discrepancies are found. Once the Final Answer Key is released, it becomes the sole basis for result preparation and further admission processes.