XAT Answer Key 2026: Release Date, Response Sheet, Raise Objection, Calculate Score

XAT Answer Key 2026: Release Date, Response Sheet, Raise Objection, Calculate Score

Ongoing Event

XAT Application Date:10 Jul' 25 - 05 Dec' 25

SundararajanUpdated on 10 Jul 2025, 10:38 AM IST

The XAT answer key 2026 is expected to be released in January 2026. All candidates will be able to view the same by visiting the official website, xatonline.in. The XAT 2026 answer key will include all the correct answers to every question which has been asked in the XAT 2026 question paper. Following this, the XAT 2026 answer key objection window will open until the third week of January, tentatively. XAT 2026 will be conducted on January 4, 2026, and the result will be made available by the third week of 2026 itself. Keep reading to find more information about the XAT answer key 2026, how to download, details mentioned, how to calculate XAT score using the answer key and more.

This Story also Contains

  1. XAT Answer Key 2026
  2. XAT Answer Key 2026 Dates
  3. How to Download XAT 2026 Answer Key?
  4. Details Mentioned on XAT Answer Key 2026
  5. How to Challenge XAT Answer Key 2026?
  6. How to Calculate XAT 2026 Score using Answer Key?
  7. Marking Scheme of XAT 2026 Answer Key
  8. Final XAT 2026 Answer Key
  9. Important Points to Remember about XAT 2026 Answer Key
  10. XAT Cutoff 2026
XAT Answer Key 2026: Release Date, Response Sheet, Raise Objection, Calculate Score
XAT Answer Key 2026

XAT Answer Key 2026

XLRI Jamshedpur will first release the XAT provisional answer key, against which all students will be able to file objections, in case they find any discrepancies or wrong answers. This objection window is usually open for a few days, where candidates are supposed to submit their objections with proper proof.

Once all the objections have been submitted and reviewed, the XAT conducting body will then release the final XAT answer key.

We will update the table below with the updated XAT answer keys when tey are available.

XAT Answer Key 2026

XAT Answer Key Download Link

Official XAT 2026 Response sheet PDF

To be available soon

XAT 2026 answer key PDF

To be available soon

XAT Final Answer Key 2026 PDF

To be available soon

XAT Answer Key 2026 Dates

Check out the table below to find out the important dates for the XAT 2026 answer key.

Events

Dates

XAT 2026 Exam Date

January 2026

XAT 2026 Answer Key Date

January 2026

XAT 2026 Response Sheet date

Second week of January 2026

XAT 2026 Response sheet challenge window

Second week of January 2026 to the third week of January 2026

Updated XAT 2026 Final Answer Key release date

January 2026

XAT 2026 Result Date

January 2026

*We will update this page with the latest XAT 2026 answer key dates when the official notification is out.

How to Download XAT 2026 Answer Key?

To check your XAT answers, you will need to download the XAT 2026 answer key. For this, you will be required to follow the instructions given below.

XAT

  • Visit the official XAT website, xatonline.in.

  • Next, you will need to login using your XAT ID and password.

  • You will find a link ‘XAT 2026 answer key’ appearing on your screen. Click on the link.

  • Upon clicking on the link, a PDF format of the XAT 2026 answer key will be displayed on your screen.

  • Download and take a printout of the XAT 2026 answer key for future reference.

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Details Mentioned on XAT Answer Key 2026

The XAT answer key is an important document that candidates will require at various stages of their admission process. The XAT 2026 answer key will include the following details:

  • Candidates’ names and XAT IDs

  • Section-wise questions and their corresponding answers

  • Responses marked by the candidate

  • Unanswered questions by the candidate

XAT 2026: Sample Paper, Section wise Questions
Download latest XAT sample papers with detailed solution for the XAT 2026 examination preparation based on latest exam pattern, Topics and their weightage, difficulty level.
Download EBook

Question: What is the importance of the XAT answer key 2026?

Answer: The XAT answer key 2026 will help candidates to assess their performance, estimate their scores and allow them to raise objections if they find any discrepancies.

How to Challenge XAT Answer Key 2026?

To challenge the XAT answer key 2026, candidates will need to find a discrepancy or any wrong answer in the released XAT answer key 2026 and raise objections against the same before the deadline. To object, they will need to produce adequate proof. Moreover, there will be a specified period during which the candidate will need to raise objections.

To raise objections against the XAT answer key 2026, here are the following steps which one can follow:

  • Visit the official XAT website, xatonline.in and head towards the login page.

  • Next, you will need to enter your XAT login credentials (XAT ID and password).

  • Now, you will need to click on the ‘Candidate Response/Raise Objection’ tab.

  • Enter the Question paper, part name, Question ID, select the nature of questions and remarks.

  • Lastly, you will need to upload the supporting documents against the raised objection and click on the ‘Submit’ tab.

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Keep in mind that the candidate must attach supporting documents against the raised objection.

Also Check:

How to Calculate XAT 2026 Score using Answer Key?

According to the XAT marking scheme, +1 marks will be awarded for every correct answer and -0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer. If the candidate has not attempted more than 8 questions, then -10 will be deducted.

Here is a quick formula for calculating the XAT 2026 score using the answer key:

XAT Score = Number of correct answers - Number of incorrect answers

Marking Scheme of XAT 2026 Answer Key

To get an estimate of the probable marks that the candidate scores in the XAT entrance exam, it is important for one to have a detailed knowledge of the marking scheme of XAT 2026.

Answer Type

Marks

Correct Answer

+1

Incorrect Answer

-0.25

Unattempted Question

0

8 Consecutive Unanswered Questions

-0.10

Final XAT 2026 Answer Key

The final XAT 2026 answer key will be made available on the official exam website once all the objections have been reviewed. If any of the objections are found to be valid, then the XAT 2026 answer key will be revised accordingly, and an updated key will be released. The revised answer key will be considered the official answer key, which will be used to calculate the final XAT results.

Important Points to Remember about XAT 2026 Answer Key

All MBA aspirants who appear for the XAT 2026 exam must be aware of the necessary details about the XAT answer key so that they are not confused about anything:

  • The XAT answer key is released only by XLRI Jamshedpur, which is also the conducting body of XAT.

  • All those candidates who have appeared for the XAT exam can access the XAT answer key using their login credentials.

  • The XAT answer key is released along with the XAT question paper.

  • Lastly, the XAT answer key is released for only three sections of the XAT exam: Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation


Last Year XAT Answer Key Download PDF

XAT answer key 2024XAT answer key download link
XAT memory-based answer keyXAT 2024 answer key pdf
Official XAT 2024 response sheet pdfTo be available soon
XAT question paper 2024XAT 2024 question paper pdf


Top MBA Entrance Exams

XAT Cutoff 2026

XAT cutoff is the minimum mark that one needs to secure to qualify for the XAT selection rounds of the XLRI Jamshedpur and its participating institutes. The XAT 2026 cutoff will be made available online to shortlist candidates for the XAT selection process.

While preparing XAT cutoff criteria, authorities will consider certain factors such as the total number of students registered and appearing for the exam, the difficulty level of the XAT question paper, the number of seats available, and so forth. Check out the expected XAT cut off percentile given below:

Previous Year's XAT Cut off Percentile

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is 17 a good score in XAT?
A:

If you want a high percentile, maybe 99 or even more, in XAT, you must target 30 or more points.

Q: Does XAT release answer key?
A:

Yes, XAT does release answer keys. Both the answer key and the response sheet will be released on separate days.

Q: How can I check my XAT answer key?
A:

Candidates can check XAT 2026 answer key online by visiting the official website.

Q: Is XAT 2026 official answer key out?
A:

No, XAT official answer key 2026 will be released after the conclusion of the exam.

Q: How can I download the official XAT 2026 answer key?
A:

Candidates can download XAT answer key from the official website of XLRI Jamshedpur by using XAT login credentials i.e. XAT ID and Password.

Q: Will the final XAT 2026 answer key be released?
A:

Usually XLRI releases XAT final answer key along with result.

Q: When does XAT release response sheet?
A:

XAT 2025 response sheet has been released in online mode at the official website, xatonline.in.

Q: What percentile is 24 marks in XAT?
A:

If a candidate able to secure 25 marks in XAT then they can easily secure 90 percentile. However, XAT score of 24 will lead candidate to 85 percentile. 

Q: XAT cutoff 2024 – Overall as well as sectional percentiles
A:

Check XAT 2024 XLRI BM Cutoff

StreamGenderTotal
EngineerMale96%
Non-EngineerMale95%
EngineerFemale91%
Non-EngineerFemale90%
Q: What after XAT answer key?
A:

After releasing the XAT exam answer key, the authority will announce the XAT result in the third week of January 2025.

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Questions related to XAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to XAT ?

GIBS Business School in Bangalore accepts multiple national and state-level entrance exam scores for admission to its PGDM program. You can apply using scores from exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, or various state-level CETs.

The admission process typically considers your entrance exam score along with your academic record, performance in the group discussion and personal interview, and any work experience you may have. For the BBA program, admissions are generally based on your Class 12 marks and do not require entrance exam scores.

If you're planning to apply, it's a good idea to keep your exam score, academic documents, and personal statement ready for the selection rounds.

Hii,

No, not all MBA programs require these tests. These are merely entrance exams that are accepted by a lot of universities. Depending on the college you wish to attend, you can take any of them (such as MAH CET, MAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT, or ATMA).

Additionally, some universities have entrance exams of their own. Therefore, for the majority of MBA admissions, you only need to take one appropriate exam. To find out which tests the college accepts, always visit their website.

Yes, it is definitely possible for you to get an interview call from Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai for their PGDM program, even with a 73 percentile in XAT 2025. While the typical cutoff for XAT may be higher, around 85 percentile, Great Lakes considers a variety of factors in their selection process, including academic performance, work experience, and diversity in the class.


Since you are a non-engineer female candidate, that diversity is seen as a positive aspect. Even with your XAT score, if you have a strong academic record, relevant work experience, and a clear passion for management, you can still stand out in the application process.

To increase your chances:

Prepare thoroughly for the interview by focusing on your experiences, what drives you, and how you align with the program’s values.

Highlight your unique background and any leadership roles you’ve had.

Show how Great Lakes fits with your career goals.

While the competition can be tough, if you present a well-rounded application and give your best in the interview, you can definitely convert the call into an offer.

With a 74 percentile in the XAT 2025 exam, you are eligible to apply to several reputable MBA colleges in India. Some of the top institutions that typically accept candidates within the 70-80 percentile range include KIIT School of Management (KSOM), Bhubaneswar; Jaipuria Institute of Management (multiple campuses); Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool), Bangalore; Woxsen University, Hyderabad; IFMR Graduate School of Business at KREA University, Sri City; BIM Trichy (Bharathidasan Institute of Management), Tiruchirappalli; and XIME Bangalore (Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship).

To proceed, research each institution's application deadlines and procedures and ensure you submit all required documents promptly. Be prepared for further selection stages such as group discussions, personal interviews, and written ability tests. Evaluate each program's curriculum, faculty, placement records, and campus culture to determine the best fit for your career goals. While your XAT percentile is significant, remember that your overall profile, including academic records, work experience, and extracurricular activities, also plays a crucial role in the selection process.

Admission to MICA's PGDM and PGDM-C programs involves a multi-stage selection process. The final composite score is calculated with the following weightage:

  • CAT/ XAT/ GMAT - 35%
  • MICAT - 25%
  • GE (Group Exercise) - 10%
  • PI - 20%
  • Academic performance (10th, 12th, Graduation) - 5%
  • Extra- curricular - 5%

Your XAT score is 73, performing exceptionally well in MICAT can enhance your chances of being shortlisted for the GE and PI rounds. Specific score requirements for MICAT are not publicly disclosed, focusing on thorough preparation and aiming for high performance in each section will strengthen your application.