The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 is one of the most prominent national-level MBA entrance exams accepted by XLRI, XIMB, and over 160 B-schools across India. If you’re planning to take the XAT 2026, this blog serves as your go-to guide for detailed information including exam dates, eligibility criteria, registration details, and preparation tips.
XAT 2026 Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Duration | 210 minutes |
| Tentative Exam Date | First Sunday of January 2026 |
XAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule (Tentative)
| Event | Expected Date |
| Notification Release | July 2025 |
| Registration Starts | August 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (Without Late Fee) | November 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | December 2025 |
| XAT 2025 Exam Date | January 5, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Result Announcement | Third week of January 2026 |
XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To appear for XAT 2026, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility conditions:
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) in any discipline from a recognized university
- Final year students can also apply, provided their results are declared by June 2026
- No minimum percentage requirement in graduation
- No age limit for applying to the XAT exam
- No restriction on the number of attempts
Note: Eligibility for XLRI programs (BM, HRM, etc.) may include specific academic or professional criteria. Always check the program-specific requirements on the official XLRI website.
XAT 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Time Allotted |
| Verbal and Logical Ability | ~26 | Part of 175 mins total |
| Decision Making | ~21 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation | ~28 | |
| General Knowledge | ~25 | 15 minutes (separate) |
| Essay Writing | 1 descriptive essay | 10 minutes (evaluated for XLRI) |
Marking Scheme:
- +1 mark for each correct answer
- -0.25 for each incorrect answer (except for GK & Essay)
- -0.10 marks for more than 8 unanswered questions in total (excluding GK)
- GK scores are not used for percentile but considered during the interview stage by some institutes
Final Thoughts
XAT 2026 offers a unique challenge, especially with its Decision-Making section and Essay component, making it distinct from other MBA entrance exams. To ace the XAT, candidates should develop analytical thinking, practice reading comprehension extensively, and regularly attempt XAT-specific mocks. Focus on time management and build a balanced preparation plan across all sections.
For the latest updates on XAT 2026 registration, admit card release, and result notifications, visit the official website: career mantra
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