The date of XAT 2026 is set for January 4, 2026. Learn everything there is to know about the XAT exam 2026, including the dates, test cities, syllabus, question paper analysis, and exam structure.On January 4, 2026, the first Sunday in January 2026, XLRI Jamshedpur will administer the XAT 2026 exam. The exam will be administered in computer-based test mode at certified test centers in more than 70 cities. The application period for XAT 2026 will open during the second week of July 2025. The XAT is a Pan-India MBA entrance exam that is required for admission to more than 800 Indian B-Schools and XLRI. Candidates should read all of the exam information here if they plan to take the XAT in 2026.
Table of Contents
XAT 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Starts | Second week of July 2025 |
| Registration Ends | First week of December 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Last week of December 2025 |
| XAT Exam | First Sunday of January 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | Second week of January 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Third week of January 2026 |
XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- Graduation of minimum 3-year duration in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Final year students can also apply.
- No minimum graduation score required for exam, but MBA programs usually need 50% (General) or 45% (Reserved).
XAT 2026 Application Process
- Visit: https://xatonline.in
- Click on ‘Registration’ tab and create login with basic details.
- Verify account via email link.
- Log in and fill application form with personal, academic, and contact details.
- Upload photo and signature.
- Pay the fee using card, UPI or net banking.
XAT 2026 Fees
| Particular | Amount |
|---|---|
| XAT Application Fee | INR 2200 |
| XLRI Programme Fee (per program) | INR 200 |
XAT 2026 Exam Pattern
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Sections | Part 1: DM, VA-LR, QA-DI (170 min); Part 2: GK (10 min) |
| Total Duration | 180 minutes |
| Total Questions | 95 |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect, -0.10 after 8 unattempted (Part 1 only) |
| GK Section | No negative marking |
XAT 2026 Syllabus
- Verbal & Logical Ability: RC, Grammar, CR, Para-jumbles, Vocabulary
- Decision Making: Caselets, Assumptions, Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Ability & DI: Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Graphs
- General Knowledge: Business, Politics, Static GK, Awards, Constitution
XAT 2026 Cut Offs (2025 Reference)
MBA Business Management (BM)
| Category | QA | VALR | DM | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer Male | 88 | 84 | 84 | 96 |
| Engineer Female | 82 | 80 | 80 | 91 |
| Non-Engineer Male | 88 | 84 | 84 | 96 |
| Non-Engineer Female | 82 | 80 | 80 | 91 |
MBA Human Resource Management (HR)
| Category | QA | VALR | DM | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer Male | 83 | 90 | 87 | 95 |
| Engineer Female | 73 | 85 | 80 | 90 |
| Non-Engineer Male | 76 | 90 | 87 | 93 |
| Non-Engineer Female | 78 | 85 | 80 | 87 |
Top MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score
- XLRI Jamshedpur
- Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar
- SP Jain Institute of Management & Research
- Loyola Institute of Business Administration
- IMT Ghaziabad
- Great Lakes Institute of Management
- FORE School of Management
- TAPMI, Manipal
- XISS Ranchi, XIME Bangalore, XIDAS Jabalpur
- St. Joseph’s Institute of Management
XAT 2024 Exam Dates & Schedule
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 07 Jan 2025 | XAT 2025 Response Sheet Release |
| 10 Jan 2025 | XAT 2025 Answer Key Out |
| 17 Jan 2025 | XAT 2025 Result |
| Jan 2025 | XAT 2025 Cut Offs Release |
XAT 2024 Cut Offs for XLRI MBA-BM (Business Management)
| Category | Overall | QA | VALR | DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer Male | 96 | 86 | 83 | 85 |
| Engineer Female | 91 | 81 | 80 | 80 |
| Non-Engineer Male | 95 | 85 | 83 | 86 |
| Non-Engineer Female | 90 | 80 | 80 | 81 |
XAT 2024 Cut Offs for XLRI MBA-HRM (Human Resource Management)
| Category | Overall | QA | VALR | DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer Male | 95 | 80 | 90 | 85 |
| Engineer Female | 90 | 73 | 85 | 78 |
| Non-Engineer Male | 93 | 75 | 90 | 85 |
| Non-Engineer Female | 88 | 68 | 85 | 78 |