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XAT Exam

XAT 2026: Registration, Exam Date, Mock Test, Syllabus, Pattern & Question Papers

XAT 2026 (Xavier Aptitude Test) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur for admission to management programs (MBA/PGDM) in top B-Schools across India. This guide provides detailed information on registration, exam dates, syllabus, pattern, mock tests, question papers, preparation tips, and top colleges accepting XAT scores.


🗓 XAT 2026 Important Dates

Event Date (Tentative)
Registration Start 10 July 2025
Registration Close 5 December 2025
Admit Card Release December 2025
Exam Date 4 January 2026
Result Declaration January 2026
Counselling & Admission February-March 2026

Tip: Complete registration early to avoid last-minute issues.

Apply for XAT 2026 Now


📝 XAT 2026 Registration & Fees

Steps to Register:

  1. Visit the official XAT website.

  2. Create a login using email ID and mobile number.

  3. Fill in personal, academic, and work experience details.

  4. Upload photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable).

  5. Pay the registration fee:

    • General/OBC: INR 2,100

    • SC/ST/PwD: INR 1,050

  6. Submit the application and download confirmation page.

Note: Keep all documents ready before registration to avoid errors.


📊 XAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Section No. of Questions Marks Duration Type
Verbal & Logical Ability 26 26 40 min MCQs
Decision Making 21 21 30 min MCQs
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation 28 28 50 min MCQs
General Knowledge 25 25 15 min MCQs
Essay Writing 1 20 20 min Descriptive
Total 101 120+20 3 hr MCQs + Essay
  • Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer, -0.25 for incorrect answer

  • Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)

Download XAT Exam Pattern PDF


📚 XAT 2026 Syllabus

1. Verbal & Logical Ability

  • Reading Comprehension

  • Vocabulary & Grammar

  • Para Jumbles & Critical Reasoning

2. Decision Making

  • Caselets & Situational Analysis

  • Problem-Solving & Analytical Reasoning

3. Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

  • Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion

  • Algebra, Geometry, Number System

  • Data Interpretation: Tables, Charts, Graphs

4. General Knowledge

  • Current Affairs (Business, Economy, Sports, Politics)

  • Static GK: History, Geography, Science

5. Essay Writing

  • Topics related to socio-economic, business, or current affairs

Tip: Focus on accuracy in decision-making and speed in QA/DI.


📄 XAT 2026 Mock Tests & Question Papers

Practicing mock tests and previous year question papers helps you:

  • Understand exam trends

  • Improve time management

  • Identify frequent question types

Resources: Official XAT portal, coaching institutes, and online practice platforms

Download XAT Previous Year Papers
Take Free Online XAT Mock Test


🎯 XAT 2026 Preparation Tips

  1. Start 5-6 months in advance with a structured schedule

  2. Focus on Decision Making as it carries high weightage

  3. Solve mock tests under exam conditions

  4. Analyze errors and revise frequently

  5. Stay updated with current affairs and general knowledge

  6. Practice speed calculations and shortcuts for QA section

Pro Tip: Attempt General Knowledge and Essay last, as they do not require calculations.


🏫 Top Colleges Accepting XAT 2026

XAT scores are accepted by XLRI Jamshedpur and 150+ top B-Schools in India:

  • XLRI Jamshedpur – HR, BM, General Management

  • XIM Bhubaneswar – Business Management & HR

  • SPJIMR Mumbai – Marketing, Finance, HR

  • IMT Ghaziabad – Marketing, Finance, Operations

  • GIM Goa – HR, Marketing, Finance

Predict Your College Chances


💰 XAT 2026 Cutoff

  • General Category: 95-98 percentile

  • OBC Category: 90-95 percentile

  • SC/ST/PwD: 75-85 percentile

Note: Cutoffs vary by institute and category. Always check the official website after result declaration.


🎓 XAT 2026 Admit Card & Exam Centres

  • Admit Card: Download online from the XAT official portal

  • Exam Centres: Major cities across India

  • Important: Carry printed admit card and photo ID to the exam hall


✅ XAT 2026 Results & Selection Process

  • Results announced online on the official XAT portal

  • Shortlisted candidates are called for:

    • Group Exercise (GE)

    • Personal Interview (PI)

    • Written Ability Test (WAT) – only at select institutes

  • Final selection based on XAT percentile, GE/PI/WAT scores, and academic record

Check XAT 2026 Results


📝 Conclusion

XAT 2026 is the key to admission in top B-Schools in India. Early registration, consistent preparation, and practicing mock tests are essential for scoring high.

Next Step: Register for XAT 2026, plan your study strategy, and start practicing mock tests today!

Apply for XAT 2026 Now