XAT 2026 Exam dates are released by XLRI, Jamshedpur to admit students to MBA/PGDM programs in XLRI and more than 250 other B-schools in India. The exam will be organized in January 2026 and the admit card is likely to be issued in December 2025. Applicants can download their admit card to attempt the exam.
Key points of Xavier Aptitude Test 2026 Exam:
Applicants must understand the following highlights carefully before submitting the application form:
| Exam | Xavier Aptitude Test |
| Eligibility | 3 year bachelor Degree |
| Registration Opens | July 10, 2025 |
| Registration Deadline | 5 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Issue | 20 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 2 January 2026, |
| Official website | Click here |
Who can apply for XAT Exam?
The candidates who fulfill the following eligibility criteria can apply:
- At least 3 years of Bachelor of degree from a recognized university.
- Final-year students (those graduating by June 2026) are also eligible to apply.
How are the students Selected in XAT 2026 Exam?
The selection process at XAT 2026 is a process comprising a series of steps:
| Shortlisting | The institutes have cut-offs and XAT scores on which short listing is done. |
| Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) | GD/PI rounds of the shortlisted candidates. |
| Analytical Essay Writing | This is done at GD/PI levels (not in the main exam). |
What is the Exam Pattern & Subjects of XAT 2026 ?
| Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT). |
| Time | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Part 1 | 170 minutes |
| Part 2 | 10 minutes |
| Total Questions | 95 MCQs in 4 parts. |
| Sections | Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning Decision Making Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation General Knowledge |
| Marking Scheme | +1 mark for each correct answer -0.25 points in case of an inaccurate answer (Part 1). Part 1 -.10 mark per question not attempted after 8. In the GK section: There is no negative marking, and the score is applied in selection. |
How to Download Admit Card?
- Go to the Official XAT website after admit cards have been issued (approximately Dec 20).
- Enter User ID and password.
- Click on the download admit card.
- Print at least two copies.
- Bring the printed admit card and a valid photo identification to the test centre on the exam day.
Important Links
| Official Website | Click here |
| Download admit card | Available soon |
| Notification | Check here |
Conclusion
XAT 2026 is a great entrance option for MBA when you would like to attend XLRI and a long list of leading B-schools. Download the admit card selection process, know the pattern of the exam and practice everything to conceptualize GD/PI for success selection.
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FAQs- XAT 2026 Exam
No. Analytical Essay Writing element is not a part of the main examination, but part of GD/PI.
No. GK scores are not included in the overall percentile but instead they are utilized by XLRI and other institutes to shortlist.
Yes, there is a short correction period when you can make changes to your options before it is too late.
There is no requirement of a minimum percentage to apply but certain colleges have their own cut-offs in the future
