XAT 2026 exam is happening on Sunday, January 4, 2026 and the last date to apply for this exam is 30 November 2025. This exam is structured to give candidates sufficient time to plan their preparation and complete all formalities without pressure. Generally XAT exam registration starts in July month and in 2026 the registration begins from 15 July 2026 and many students had preferred their early registration. This early registration ensures that students get their preferred exam centers.
Here’s a detailed look at all important dates and phases.
- XAT Registration: July 10 - December 05, 2025 (December 11 extended date)
- XAT 2026 Admit card Download: December 20, 2025 (tentative)
- XAT 2026: Sunday, January 04, 2026
- XAT Result: Last week of January, 2026
- XAT Score Card: Download between January 31 and March 31, 2026.
Note: You can learn more about the XAT examination from their official website.
As you already know, the last date to apply for XAT is 5 December 2025 and you should ensure that you fill your application before 5 December because there are no extensions provided for this examination. You also can not apply with late fees submission as they do not offer a late registration window.
Group Discussion, Personal Interview and Admission Timeline
As you know the XAT score card will be released between January 31 and March 31, 2026. Most of the time XAT score cards get released before March, so you can expect to get your score card in February and after that participating institutes will release lists for the GD-PI rounds.
Students can apply to these institutes and attend these group discussions and personal interviews. Based on your GD and PI you will get admission in your favorite college or institute. Students need to keep in mind that XAT percentile varies from institute to institute, so before applying to those institutes do check their cut-off.
Generally final admission to colleges are processed from April to May, so in 2026 you can expect to get your admission in April-May 2026 and admission offers will be rolled out after selection rounds of GD and PI.
Important details you should know before the XAT exam
Before the main XAT examination you can give a mock test through their login dashboard. This will ensure that students can get comfortable with online examinations and do not get confused in their main examination. You can also give other mock tests to prepare for the XAT examination. One of the benefits you will get from the XAT mock test is that the syllabus for this exam is similar to other management examinations and by giving XAT mock test you will also get one step closer in your MBA career.
The mock test was released on September 25, 2025 at 12 PM, and only registered candidates can attempt the mock test.
As you already know, the mode of the examination will be a computer based test (CBT) with a duration of 3 hours (180 minutes), the expected timing will be from 2 PM to 5 PM. Admit cards will be available for download through the official website only. To get your admit card, you need to use your login credentials and print the admit card.
So you must not forget your credentials, these will help in your mock test, admit card download as well as your Scorecard download and individual scorecards can only be accessed via the official portal.
Things to keep in mind while applying for XAT 2026 exam
In the Pre-Exam phase ensure all uploaded documents are valid and clear, so that your application does not get rejected. Choose exam centers carefully because changes may not be allowed later.
During the registration period try to register early to secure preferred cities, confirm payment and application submission before hitting the “submit” Double-check all details.
After the registration track, admit card release regularly, at the examination center take your ID proof with you and also you may need your passport sized photos, so take at least 2 passport size photos with you as well.
XAT Exam preparation timeline
XAT follows a stable annual schedule. The exam is always held in early January, with registration beginning in July and lasting till late November. This 4–5 month window ensures enough time for form fill-up, mock tests, and targeted preparation.
Tracking these timelines helps reduce stress, avoid missed deadlines, and build a prep strategy around key dates. You can also prepare for the XAT examination with us on our YouTube channel where you will be able to learn all the core concepts of the XAT syllabus.
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