The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of India’s most competitive MBA entrance exams, conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of XAMI. It opens doors to 250+ top B-schools offering MBA/PGDM programs.
Renowned for its tough format, XAT evaluates a candidate’s decision-making, ethics, and analytical reasoning, areas rarely tested in other exams. With over 1.35 lakh aspirants each year, XAT remains a preferred choice for serious MBA candidates.
XAT 2026: Exam Dates and Schedule
XAT 2026 will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The exam sticks to its annual tradition of being conducted on the first Sunday of January.
XAT 2026 Key Dates:
| Event | Date |
| Registration Begins | July 15, 2025 |
| Registration Ends | November 30, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | December 2025 |
| Exam Date | January 4, 2026 |
| Result Announcement | January 2026 |
XAT 2026 Syllabus: Section-Wise Breakdown
The syllabus tests core management aptitude across four areas:
Verbal and Logical Ability
- Includes reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and reasoning.
Decision Making
- Unique to XAT, this section tests ethical judgement and situational responses.
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
- Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and logical data sets.
General Knowledge
- Tests awareness of current events, static GK, and business news.
XAT 2026 Cutoff Trends
Cutoffs for XAT vary by institute and program. For XLRI Jamshedpur, the expected cutoff ranges between 95–96 percentile for the General category.
| XLRI Program | Expected Cutoff (General) |
| Business Management (BM) | 95–96 percentile |
| Human Resource Management (HRM) | 90–92 percentile |
Key Factors Affecting Cutoff:
- Exam difficulty
- Total applicants
- Program popularity
- Previous year trends
(Reserved category candidates receive relaxation as per norms).
XAT Examination Eligibility Criteria
To apply for XAT 2026, candidates must meet the following:
Educational Qualification:
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (minimum 50% for General, 45% for SC/ST/PwD)
Final Year Students:
- Eligible if they complete graduation before the admission process ends
Age Limit:
- No upper age limit
XAT Exam Pattern
XAT is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted over 3 hours. It evaluates across four sections with time-bound slots.
Exam Highlights:
| Component | Details |
| Total Questions | ~100 |
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Sections | 4 |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong |
| Negative Marking | Yes |
The pattern focuses on testing clarity of thought, precision, and problem-solving under pressure.
XAT Admit Card
Admit cards will be available in December 2025 through the official XAT website.
To download:
- Visit xatonline.in
- Log in using credentials
- Download and print the admit card
The admit card includes:
- Candidate’s name and photograph
- Exam center details and reporting time
- Important instructions for exam day
Note: Carry a printed admit card along with a valid photo ID.
XAT 2026 Answer Key
The provisional answer key will be released within 2–3 days after the exam. Candidates can raise objections before the final answer key is published.
- Helps in score estimation
- Aids performance analysis
- Final key forms the basis of result declaration
XAT 2026 Registration Process
The entire registration is conducted online at xatonline.in.
Step-by-step process:
- Visit the official website
- Register and create an account
- Fill in personal and academic details
- Upload photo and signature
- Choose test city preferences
- Pay the application fee
- Submit and download the application
A confirmation email will be sent by XLRI Jamshedpur after successful submission.
Important:
Early registration is advised to avoid last-minute glitches and get preferred test centers. Late applications may include extra charges.