XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Complete Guide

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Knowing the XAT 2026 eligibility criteria is your first checkpoint before applying. It ensures you're academically and procedurally ready for one of India’s toughest MBA entrance exams.


Basic Eligibility Requirements for XAT 2026

Educational Qualification

A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university is required. The university must be established by an act of the Central or State legislature, or be deemed under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.


Minimum Marks

  1. General/OBC/EWS: Minimum 50% marks or equivalent CGPA
  2. SC/ST/PWD: Minimum 45% marks
  3. NRI/Foreign Nationals: Minimum 50% marks or equivalent


Final Year Students

Candidates in the final year of graduation can apply. They must complete their degree and secure the required marks before the admission deadline (usually by June 30, 2026).


Age Criteria

  1. Minimum Age: 21 years by June 30, 2026
  2. No Upper Age Limit: XAT allows candidates of all age groups to apply.


Work Experience

  1. Not Mandatory: Fresh graduates can apply.
  2. Preferred (Not Required): 2–5 years of experience is valued during the selection process at top institutes.


Institute-Specific Note

  1. XLRI:
  2. BM program accepts freshers
  3. HRM program prefers HR-related experience


  1. XIMB:
  2. Work experience adds value
  3. Fresh graduates also considered


Category-Wise Eligibility

General Category

  1. Bachelor's degree with 50% marks
  2. No extra documentation beyond standard academic records


OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)

  1. 50% in graduation
  2. Valid OBC certificate (issued within 3 years)
  3. 27% reservation at most institutes


SC/ST

  1. 45% in graduation
  2. Caste certificate required from competent authority
  3. 15% reservation for SC, 7.5% for ST
  4. Relaxed cutoffs and fee waivers


EWS

  1. 50% in graduation
  2. Valid EWS certificate
  3. Annual family income below ₹8 lakh
  4. 10% reservation, fee relaxation in some institutes


PWD

  1. 45% in graduation
  2. Minimum 40% disability
  3. Valid disability certificate from authorized medical board
  4. 5% horizontal reservation
  5. Special exam accommodations available


Accepted Academic Backgrounds

Distance Learning Graduates

  1. Degrees from UGC-recognized open universities like IGNOU are accepted
  2. Must submit equivalence certificates if required


Foreign Degree Holders

  1. Must get degrees recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
  2. Equivalence certificate may be needed
  3. Additional documents: passport, visa, academic transcripts


NRI Candidates

  1. Same academic criteria as Indian applicants
  2. Must provide valid passport, visa, and NRI status proof
  3. Some institutes offer separate NRI quotas and fee structures


Required Documents

Academic Proof

  1. Bachelor's degree/provisional certificate
  2. All semester mark sheets
  3. Class 10 & 12 certificates
  4. Migration certificate (if applicable)


Category Certificates

  1. OBC: Central Government format, non-creamy layer, valid for 3 years
  2. SC/ST: Issued by District Magistrate or authorized officer
  3. EWS: Annual income certificate for the current financial year
  4. PWD: Valid disability certificate with percentage clearly mentioned


Identity Proof

  1. Passport, Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Driving License, or any government photo ID


Address Proof

  1. Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, utility bills, bank statements, or rental agreement


Verification Process

Initial Step

  1. Upload scanned documents during XAT registration
  2. Preliminary review by automated systems


Final Step

  1. Physical verification at the time of admission
  2. Original documents must be presented
  3. Eligibility is confirmed only after this stage


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Incorrect CGPA-to-percentage conversion
  2. Submitting expired/invalid category certificates
  3. Applying with unrecognized degrees
  4. Missing deadlines for document submission


If Discrepancies Arise

  1. Contact the respective institute’s admission cell
  2. Provide clarifications or additional documents
  3. Use official grievance channels for appeals


Preparation Checklist

  1. Start collecting documents early
  2. Keep multiple copies and digital backups
  3. Cross-verify names, marks, and certificate validity
  4. Ensure all documents are in English or officially translated


Final Note

Meeting the XAT 2026 eligibility criteria is more than a formality—it's your ticket to one of India’s most prestigious MBA programs. Stay organized, prepare early, and ensure every document is accurate and valid.

Let eligibility be your foundation, not your hurdle.