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.
📝 XAT 2026 Registration & Fees
Steps to Register:
-
Visit the official XAT website.
-
Create a login using email ID and mobile number.
-
Fill in personal, academic, and work experience details.
-
Upload photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable).
-
Pay the registration fee:
-
General/OBC: INR 2,100
-
SC/ST/PwD: INR 1,050
-
-
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)
📚 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
-
Start 5-6 months in advance with a structured schedule
-
Focus on Decision Making as it carries high weightage
-
Solve mock tests under exam conditions
-
Analyze errors and revise frequently
-
Stay updated with current affairs and general knowledge
-
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
💰 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
📝 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!