The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of the most important national-level entrance exams for MBA and PGDM programs in India. Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI), XAT is accepted by more than 250 B-schools across the country, including some of the most reputed institutes such as XLRI, IMT Ghaziabad, XIMB, TAPMI, and Great Lakes.
If you’re planning to appear for XAT 2026, this guide will walk you through all the key details — from important dates and eligibility to the latest exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategy, and more.
What is XAT?
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a computer-based MBA entrance exam conducted every year by XLRI, Jamshedpur. XAT is designed to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude in Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
The uniqueness of the XAT exam lies in its Decision Making section, which is not part of other major entrance tests like CAT, and its inclusion of General Knowledge questions, which are used by some institutes at the interview shortlisting stage.
XAT 2026 – Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| XAT 2026 Notification Release | July 9, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Registration Begins | July 10, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Registration Ends | December 5, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release Date | December 20, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Exam Date | January 4, 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | Mid-January 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Third week of January 2026 |
Note: Dates are subject to change based on official notifications.
Eligibility Criteria for XAT 2026
To be eligible to appear for the XAT 2026 exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Must hold a bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years duration) in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Final-Year Students: Candidates appearing in the final year of their graduation are also eligible to apply.
- No Minimum Percentage: Unlike many other exams, XAT does not prescribe any minimum percentage requirement.
- No Age Limit: There is no age restriction to apply for XAT 2026.
XAT 2026 Exam Pattern (Latest)
The XAT 2026 will be a computer-based test and is expected to follow the same pattern as the 2025 version. The exam is divided into two parts:
Part A – 170 Minutes (No sectional time limit)
- Verbal and Logical Ability: 26 Questions
- Decision Making: 21 Questions
- Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation: 28 Questions
Part B – 10 Minutes
- General Knowledge: 20 Questions
Total Questions: 95 MCQs
Total Duration: 180 Minutes
Marking Scheme:
- Each correct answer: +1 mark
- Each incorrect answer: –0.25 mark
- More than 8 unanswered questions: –0.10 marks for each question beyond 8
- No negative marking in the General Knowledge section
Section-Wise Syllabus for XAT 2026
1. Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension (short and long passages)
- Critical Reasoning
- Sentence Completion
- Para Jumbles
- Grammar & Vocabulary
- Logical Completion of Ideas
2. Decision Making
- Situational Judgment Questions
- Ethical Dilemmas
- Business Scenarios
- Financial and Management Cases
- Questions involving logical evaluation and prioritization
3. Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
- Arithmetic (Percentages, Time-Speed-Distance, Profit-Loss)
- Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)
- Geometry (Lines, Triangles, Circles)
- Number Systems
- Probability & Permutation-Combination
- Data Interpretation (Bar Graphs, Tables, Charts, Caselets)
4. General Knowledge
- Current Affairs (last 6–12 months)
- Static GK (History, Geography, Indian Polity, Economy)
- Business and Economic Events
- Important Reports, Books, Awards
XAT 2026 Application Process
You must apply for XAT 2026 online through the official exam portal. The process is simple and involves the following steps:
- Registration: Create a profile using a valid email ID and phone number
- Fill Application Form: Enter personal, academic, and work experience details
- Upload Documents: Photo, signature, and certificates if applicable
- Select XLRI Programs (Optional): You can select from HRM, BM, and GM
- Payment of Fees:
- XAT Registration Fee: ₹2,200
- XLRI Program Fee (per program): ₹200
Admit Card for XAT 2026
- Candidates will be able to download the admit card from December 20, 2025 onwards
- It will include exam center address, reporting time, instructions, and candidate details
- Carry a valid photo ID along with the admit card to the exam center
Result and Scorecard
- The XAT 2026 result will be declared in the third week of January 2026
- The scorecard will display overall and sectional percentiles
- XLRI and other institutes will release cutoffs after the result
XAT 2026 Preparation Strategy
Preparing for XAT requires a structured approach since the exam evaluates a broad range of skills, especially Decision Making and General Knowledge, which are often ignored in other MBA exams like CAT.
Tips for Effective Preparation
- Start Early: Begin preparation at least 6–8 months before the exam
- Understand the Pattern Thoroughly: Especially Decision Making
- Practice Mocks Regularly: Take weekly mock tests and analyze mistakes
- Focus on Decision Making: Solve caselets from previous years
- Update Yourself with Current Affairs: Read newspapers, business magazines
- Revise QA Basics: Focus on high-weightage arithmetic and algebra topics
- Read Editorials and Articles: To boost verbal skills and critical reasoning
Top Colleges Accepting XAT 2026 Scores
- XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur
- Xavier University, Bhubaneswar (XUB)
- IMT Ghaziabad
- XIME Bangalore
- TAPMI, Manipal
- IRMA Anand
- FORE School of Management
- LIBA Chennai
- GIM Goa
- Great Lakes Institute of Management
Conclusion
The XAT 2026 exam offers a unique opportunity for MBA aspirants to get into some of the top B-schools in India. With its distinct focus on decision making and general knowledge, the exam tests both aptitude and managerial instinct. The earlier you start your preparation with a clear understanding of the pattern and strategy, the better your chances of success. Stay consistent, practice regularly, and keep updating yourself with current affairs.
Prepare well and all the best for XAT 2026!
