The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of the most prestigious national-level MBA entrance exams in India. Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, the exam is a gateway to admission in XLRI and 160+ top B-Schools across the country.
This blog provides detailed information about XAT 2026—exam dates, eligibility, syllabus, preparation tips, admit card, result, and cut-offs.
📑 Table of Contents
- What is XAT Exam?
- XAT Exam Dates & Schedule
- XAT 2026 Exam Highlights
- XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
- XAT 2026 Registration Process
- XAT Syllabus 2026
- XAT 2026 Preparation Tips & Strategy
- XAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Test Structure
- XAT 2026 Admit Card
- XAT Answer Key 2026
- XAT Result 2026
- XAT Cut Offs for XLRI
- Top Colleges Accepting XAT Scores
- XAT 2026 Contact Information
- FAQs on XAT 2026
1️⃣ What is XAT Exam?
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is conducted every year by XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI). It is one of the oldest MBA entrance exams in India.
- Conducting Body: XLRI Jamshedpur
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Accepted By: XLRI and 160+ top B-Schools in India
- Frequency: Once a year
2️⃣ XAT Exam Dates & Schedule (Tentative)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | July 2025 |
| Registration Opens | August 2025 |
| Registration Ends | November 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | December 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Exam Date | First Sunday of January 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | January 2026 |
| Result Declaration | January 2026 |
3️⃣ XAT 2026 Exam Highlights
- Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Total Questions: ~100–105
- Sections: 4 main sections + GK + Essay
- Marking Scheme: +1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect, -0.10 for unattempted (after 8 questions)
4️⃣ XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
- Qualification: Bachelor’s degree (3 years minimum) in any discipline.
- Final Year Students: Eligible to apply.
- Age Limit: No upper age limit.
- Foreign/NRI Candidates: Can apply via GMAT score (except Dubai & Kathmandu test-takers who can take XAT).
5️⃣ XAT 2026 Registration Process
- Mode: Online at xatonline.in
- Steps:
- Register with email & mobile number.
- Fill in application form (academic & personal details).
- Upload photo & signature.
- Pay the application fee.
- Expected Fee: ₹2,100 (additional ₹200 per XLRI program).
6️⃣ XAT Syllabus 2026
- Verbal & Logical Ability (VA & LR): Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Critical Reasoning, Vocabulary.
- Decision Making: Caselets, Situational Judgment, Analytical Reasoning.
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI): Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Graphs, Tables.
- General Knowledge: Current Affairs, Business Awareness, Politics, Economy.
- Essay Writing: Abstract topics, business-related issues.
7️⃣ XAT 2026 Preparation Tips & Strategy
- VA & LR: Practice RCs daily, improve vocabulary with editorials.
- Decision Making: Solve past XAT caselets (unique to XAT).
- QA & DI: Focus on basics from NCERTs, solve DI sets regularly.
- GK: Read newspapers & yearbooks.
- Mock Tests: Take at least 20–25 mocks before the exam.
- Essay: Practice writing 250–300 word essays on abstract topics.
8️⃣ XAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Test Structure
| Section | No. of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal & Logical Ability | 26–28 | Combined |
| Decision Making | 20–22 | 210 mins (Part A) |
| Quantitative Ability & DI | 26–28 | |
| General Knowledge | 25 | 25 mins (Part B) |
| Essay Writing | 1 | Within Part B |
- Total Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Negative Marking: -0.25 for wrong, -0.10 after 8 unattempted
9️⃣ XAT 2026 Admit Card
- Download from xatonline.in in December 2025.
- Carry: Admit Card + Photo ID proof.
- Contains: Candidate details, exam center, instructions.
🔟 XAT Answer Key 2026
- XLRI releases provisional answer key in January 2026.
- Objections can be raised online.
- Final key released before results.
1️⃣1️⃣ XAT Result 2026
- Expected in January 2026 at xatonline.in.
- Scorecard includes sectional & overall percentile.
- Valid for admission to XLRI and other B-Schools.
1️⃣2️⃣ XAT Cut Offs for XLRI (Expected)
- XLRI BM (Business Management): 95+ percentile
- XLRI HRM (Human Resource Management): 93+ percentile
- XLRI GMP (General Management Program): 90+ percentile
1️⃣3️⃣ Top Colleges Accepting XAT Scores
Apart from XLRI, many reputed B-Schools accept XAT:
- XIM University, Bhubaneswar
- SPJIMR, Mumbai (profile-based calls)
- IMT Ghaziabad
- TAPMI, Manipal
- Great Lakes Institute of Management
- LIBA, Chennai
- FORE School of Management, Delhi
1️⃣4️⃣ XAT 2026 Contact Information
- Official Website: xatonline.in
- Email: admissions@xlri.ac.in
- Helpline: +91-657-6653203 / 3204 / 3205
1️⃣5️⃣ FAQs on XAT 2026
Q1. Is XAT tougher than CAT?
👉 XAT is considered tougher in Decision Making & Verbal, but QA is slightly easier.
Q2. Does XAT have sectional cut-offs?
👉 Yes, XLRI and top institutes apply sectional cut-offs.
Q3. Is essay writing compulsory?
👉 Yes, essay is reintroduced and evaluated in the final selection.
Q4. Can I skip the GK section?
👉 Yes, but GK scores are considered during final selection, not in percentile calculation.
Q5. How many colleges accept XAT scores?
👉 160+ B-Schools across India.
🌟 Final Words
XAT 2026 is a golden opportunity for students aiming at XLRI and other top B-Schools. With a strong focus on decision making, verbal skills, and essay writing, aspirants can ace the exam with consistent practice and smart strategy.
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