If you wish to get an MBA degree from one of India’s best business schools, the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 could be the entrance exam. XLRI Jamshedpur conducts the XAT every year for admission to its MBA courses. XAT 2026 will be conducted on January 6 on behalf of XAMI. If you are willing to appear for the XAT entrance exam, online registrations are open till December 5 at xatonline.in. Continue reading for detailed information on XAT 2026 important dates, eligibility, application process and more. 

Overview of XAT Exam 2026

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a computer-based MBA entrance exam. The authorities conduct this entrance exam to tests decision-making, verbal ability, quantitative aptitude, and general knowledge. The decision-making segment of XAT is what makes it different from other MBA admission exams like CAT or CMAT. It assesses how well you can handle real-life management problems.

XAT Exam Date 2026

XLRI has announced the XAT 2026 exam schedule at xatonline.in. As per the XAT important dates 2026, the entrance exam will be conducted on January 6. Moreover, the XAT application form 2026 is available online from July 10 to December 5. Check the complete schedule for XAT entrance exam 2026 below. 

XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates must meet the XAT eligibility criteria, which is the minimum academic requirement for admission to MBA/PGDM courses at XLRI Jamshedpur and other colleges that participate in the XAT, including XAMI members and 700 additional B-Schools. Before applying for XAT 2026, people who want to take the test should review the eligibility requirements and other academic requirements.

• Aspirants having a valid bachelor’s degree of a minimum of three years’ duration or equivalent in any discipline. Those completing their final examination by June 12, 2025, may also apply.
• All Indian candidates can appear for XAT 2025. However, NRI, PIO, OCI and foreign candidates may apply either through GMAT score or XAT.

How to Apply for XAT 2026?

Candidates can apply for XAT 2025 is an online mode only. The XAT 2026 registration process include filling detailed application form, followed by documents uploading and payment of fee. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the official website: xatonline.in
2. Register as a new user by providing name, email ID, mobile number, and set a password.
   
3. Fill in the application form:
   Enter personal details, academic background, and work experience if applicable.
   
4. Next, choose XLRI programmes. Note that selecting XLRI programs comes with an additional fee.
   
5. Upload a recent passport-size photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
   
6. Pay the application fee of ₹2100 (tentative) using net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI
   
7.  Review all details and submit the form.

XAT Syllabus 2026

Understanding the syllabus is one of the important steps of preparation. The syllabus consists of topics based on which XAT question paper is prepared. 

XAT Exam Pattern 2026

Aspirants who are planning to appear for the upcoming XAT entrance exam 2026 are advised to refer to the exam pattern. With the help of XAT paper pattern, candidates can get an idea on topics like duration, types of questions, number of questions and more. XAT exam consists of two parts:

Part 1: Aptitude Test (170 minutes)

Part 2: General Knowledge (10 minutes)

The XAT exam duration is 180 minutes. The XAT question paper will consist of four sections – Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR), Decision Making (DM), Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI), General Knowledge (GK). 

XAT Number of Questions

XAT Admit Card 2026

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur for admission to management programs across India. The admit card of XAT 2026 is a crucial document that serves as proof of candidature and provides all necessary details regarding the exam date, time, and venue. Without it, candidates will not be allowed to enter the examination hall. Therefore, it is important to know the correct process for downloading and printing the XAT 2026 admit card once it is released. Follow these steps to download it:

• Visit the official XAT website: xatonline.in
• Log in using your registered email ID and password
• Click on the ‘Download Admit Card’ link
• Save the admit card as a PDF and take a printout

XAT Result 2026

The XAT 2026 result is expected to be announced around in January. Know out how to get your XAT score card, which institutions will accept XAT scores for admission in 2025, and more.

• Visit xatonline.in
• Log in with your email id and password. 
• Click on the ‘Scorecard’ link
• Download your result PDF

The scorecard will display:

• Overall and sectional percentile
• Total marks scored

Shortlisted candidates for XLRI will receive further communication regarding Group Discussions (GD), Personal Interviews (PI). 

Conclusion

XAT 2026 is an entrance exam that test analytical thinking, ethical judgment, and managerial aptitude. With its unique structure and high acceptance among top B-schools, cracking XAT can open doors to numerous high-ranking management programmes across India.

Preparation for XAT requires dedication, clarity of concepts, regular practice, and time management. From understanding the syllabus to keeping up with important dates, everything matters. So, stay focused, register early, and start strategising for this competitive yet rewarding examination.