XLRI- Xavier School of management has released an official notification of XAT 2026 that has enlightened thousands of MBA candidates waiting to take XAT. XAT 2026 exam date is fixed to be held on January 4, 2026, and the XAT 2026 registration has begun since July 10, 2025. This explanatory book takes every detail of the XAT 2026 official notification, the pattern of the exam, the registration procedure, and essential guidelines.
Xavier aptitude test is one of the most admirable MBA entrance tests in India. Knowing the comprehensive XAT 2026 official notification is of importance so that one can prepare well in time and register in time as XAT exam 2026 registration is approaching.
Key Dates & Timeline
Here’s a comprehensive overview of all important XAT 2026 dates:
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | July 10, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Registration Start | July 10, 2025 |
| Last Date for Registration | December 5, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Admit Card Release | December 20, 2025 (Tentative) |
| XAT 2026 1st Mock Test Registration Last Date | September 2025 (Tentative) |
| XAT 2026 1st Mock Test Release Date | September 2025 (Tentative) |
| XAT 2026 2nd Mock Test Registration Last Date | October 2025 (Tentative) |
| XAT 2026 2nd Mock Test Release Date | October 2025 (Tentative) |
| XAT 2026 Exam Date | January 4, 2026 (Tentative) |
| XAT 2026 Response Sheet | January 15, 2026 (Tentative) |
| XAT 2026 Answer Key | January 12, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Result Declaration | January 20, 2026 (Tentative) |
Critical Timeline Alert: The XAT 2026 exam date is Sunday, January 4, 2026. The XAT 2026 registration window provides sufficient time, but early registration is recommended.
XAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The XAT 2026 exam pattern has been designed to comprehensively evaluate candidates across multiple dimensions. The exam will be held in computer-based mode for a total duration of 180 minutes in two parts.
Detailed XAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Part A: Main Exam (175 minutes)
| Section | Questions | XAT 2026 Syllabus Topics | Marks |
| Verbal and Logical Ability | 26 questions | Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Logical Reasoning, Critical Reasoning, Fill in the Blanks, etc. | 26 marks |
| Decision Making | 21 questions | Business Ethics, Situational Judgment, Analytical Reasoning, Caselets, etc. | 21 marks |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 questions | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Data Interpretation, Graphs, Pie Charts, Tables, etc. | 28 marks |
| Total Part A | 75 questions | 75 marks |
Part B: General Knowledge (10 minutes)
| Section | Questions | Topics | Marks |
| General Knowledge | 20 questions | Current Affairs, Business Awareness, Sports, Awards,Constitution of India, etc. | 20 marks |
XAT 2026 Marking Scheme
Understanding the XAT exam guidelines 2026 marking scheme is crucial:
For Part A Sections:
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Incorrect Answer: -0.25 marks
- Consecutive Unanswered Questions: Penalty applies after 8 consecutive unanswered questions
For General Knowledge Section:
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Incorrect Answer: No negative marking
Eligibility Criteria
The XAT exam 2026 eligibility criteria:
Educational Qualification:
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
- Minimum 50% marks in graduation (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Final year students eligible for XAT exam 2026
Age Limit: No specific age limit for XAT exam 2026.
Registration Process – How to Apply for XAT 2026
The XAT 2026 registration process began from July 10, 2025. Here’s how to apply for XAT 2026:
Step-by-Step Registration Guide
- Visit Official Website: Go to xatonline.in for XAT 2026 registration
- Create Account: Register with valid email and mobile number
- Fill Application Form: Complete all required details
- Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies
- Pay Application Fee: Complete fee payment
- Submit Application: Review and submit for XAT 2026 registration
Required Documents for XAT 2026 Registration
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature in specified format
- Valid government-issued ID proof
- Academic certificates
- Category certificate (if applicable)
XAT Registration Fee: â‚ą2,200
Candidates interested in XLRI programmes need to pay an additional fee of â‚ą200 each.
XAT Exam Guidelines 2026
Candidates must follow these crucial XAT exam guidelines 2026:
Guidelines on Exam Day
- Reporting Time: Report 1 hour before start of examinations
- Identity Verification: Acceptable Photo ID proof required
- Dress Code: It is recommended to wear formal attire
Prohibited Items
- Electronic devices (mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches)
- Books, notebooks, or written materials
- Food items and water bottles
To get an idea about the guidelines on XAT exam 2026, visit the official XLRI XAT 2026 website.
Tips to Prepare XAT 2026 Exam
Effective preparation strategies for XAT exam 2026:
Section-wise Preparation:
- Verbal Ability: Focus on reading comprehension and vocabulary building
- Decision Making: : Practice ethical issues and situations
- Quantitative Ability: Strengthen basics in arithmetic and algebra
- General Knowledge: Stay updated with current affairs and business news
Time Management: Allocate specific time slots for each section during practicing the XAT 2026 exam pattern.
Response Sheet & Answer Key
XAT 2026 Response Sheet:
- Candidates can download their response sheet after the XAT 2026 exam date
- Response sheet will be available on the official website within 2-3 days
Answer Key Release:
- Provisional answer key released within a week of XAT exam 2026
- Candidates can raise objections against the answer key
- Final answer key published after reviewing objections
XAT Result 2026
XAT Result Declaration:
- Expected by January 20, 2026 (Tentative)
- Results available on the official XLRI XAT 2026 website
- Candidates receive individual scorecards with section-wise scores
- No physical result dispatch; download from official portal
Score Validity: XAT 2026 scores remain valid for one year.
Frequently Asked Questions About XAT 2026
1. When was the XAT 2026 official notification released?
The XAT 2026 official notification was released in July 2025.
2. What is the XAT 2026 exam date?
The XAT 2026 exam date is January 4, 2026.
3. When did XAT 2026 registration begin?
XAT 2026 registration started on 10th July 2025.
4. What is the last date to apply for XAT 2026?
XAT 2026 registration deadline is December 5, 2025 (Tentative).
5. How can I register for XAT 2026?
The official website xatonline.in allows you to complete XAT 2026 registration.
6. What is the official website for XAT 2026 registration?
XLRI XAT 2026 official site link address is:xatonline.in.
7. What is the XAT 2026 exam pattern?
The XAT exam consists of Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Decision Making, General Knowledge, and Essay writing sections conducted in computer-based test mode over 3.5 hours. The XAT 2026 exam pattern consists of 95 questions across four sections with 180 minutes duration.
8. Has there been any change in the XAT 2026 exam pattern?
Yes, Essay Writing will no longer be one of the tasks of the XAT 2026 exam pattern.
9. What are the sections in XAT exam 2026?
The sections are Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
10. Is there negative marking in XAT exam 2026?
Yes, there is a negative marking of -0.25 marks for each incorrect answer and -0.10 marks for leaving more than eight consecutive questions unanswered, except in the General Knowledge section, which has no negative marking.
Important Note: This information is based on the official XAT 2026 notification. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official XLRI XAT 2026 website for updates regarding XAT exam guidelines 2026, XAT 2026 registration, and other important announcements related to XAT exam 2026.
