XAT 2026 Exam: Complete Guide for MBA Aspirants
Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of XAMI (Xavier Association of Management Institutes). It is the gateway for admission into MBA and PGDM programs at XLRI and 150+ other top B-schools in India. This guide provides detailed information about XAT 2026, including exam dates, eligibility, application process, syllabus, results, counselling, and preparation tips.
Table of Contents
-
What is XAT 2026 Exam?
-
XAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
-
Latest Updates on XAT 2026
-
Eligibility Criteria
-
Application Process
-
Application Fee
-
Required Documents
-
Hall Ticket / Admit Card Download
-
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
-
Section-wise Weightage & Marking Scheme
-
Results & Answer Keys
-
Counselling Process
-
Preparation Tips
-
Important Books
-
Exam Centres
-
Contact Information
-
FAQs
What is XAT 2026 Exam?
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) is a computer-based national-level exam for admission to MBA and PGDM programs at XLRI and other participating institutes. The exam evaluates candidates on:
-
Verbal and Logical Ability
-
Decision Making
-
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
-
General Knowledge
Additionally, the exam includes an Essay Writing section for certain programs.
XAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
| Event | Tentative Dates 2026 |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | August 2026 |
| Application Form Start | August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | November 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 1 week before exam |
| XAT 2026 Exam Date | 1st Sunday of January 2027 |
| Answer Key Release | After exam (if applicable) |
| Result Declaration | 2nd week of January 2027 |
Latest Updates on XAT 2026
Candidates should regularly check the XAT official website for updates, notifications, and exam instructions.
Eligibility Criteria
-
Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university (minimum 3 years)
-
Final-year students are eligible to apply
-
No age limit
-
Certain programs may require additional eligibility criteria
Application Process
-
Register on XAT official website
-
Fill in personal, academic, and work experience details
-
Upload scanned photograph, signature, and certificates
-
Pay the application fee online
-
Select preferred test center
Application Fee
| Category | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | 1,900 (expected) |
| SC / ST / PwD | 950 (expected) |
Required Documents
-
Passport-sized photograph
-
Signature scan
-
10th, 12th, and graduation mark sheets
-
Degree certificate
-
Category certificate (if applicable)
Hall Ticket / Admit Card Download
The admit card is mandatory to appear for the exam.
How to Download:
-
Visit XAT official site
-
Click “Download Admit Card”
-
Enter registration credentials
-
Print the admit card
Details on Admit Card: Name, photograph, registration number, exam date & time, test center, and instructions.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
-
Mode: Computer-based
-
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
-
Sections:
-
Verbal and Logical Ability
-
Decision Making
-
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
-
General Knowledge (pre-exam)
-
Essay Writing (for select programs)
-
-
Total Questions: ~100 MCQs + 1 essay
-
Marking Scheme: +1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect
Section-wise Weightage & Marking Scheme
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal & Logical Ability | 26 | 26 |
| Decision Making | 21 | 21 |
| Quantitative Ability & DI | 28 | 28 |
| General Knowledge | 25 | 25 |
| Essay Writing | 1 | Not scored (evaluative) |
Results & Answer Keys
Results are released online. Candidates can check and download the scorecard from the XAT official website.
Counselling Process
Participating institutes conduct their own selection process based on XAT scores, academic records, and group discussion/personal interview rounds.
Preparation Tips
-
Start preparation early and focus on fundamentals
-
Practice previous XAT papers and mock tests
-
Work on decision-making and analytical skills
-
Revise regularly and stay updated on current affairs for GK section
-
Time management is key during preparation and exam
Important Books
-
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning – Arun Sharma
-
How to Prepare for Quantitative Ability for CAT/XAT – Arun Sharma
-
Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis
-
Previous XAT solved papers
Exam Centres
XAT is conducted in major cities across India. Candidates select preferred exam centers during application.
Contact Information
Official Website: https://xatonline.in/
FAQs
Q1. Who conducts XAT?
-
XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of XAMI
Q2. What is the syllabus?
-
Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & DI, General Knowledge, Essay Writing
Q3. How long is the exam?
-
3 hours 30 minutes
Q4. What programs are offered?
-
MBA, PGDM, and related management programs
Q5. What types of questions are asked?
-
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Essay Writing (for certain programs)