XAT Exam Dates 2026 Announced: Registration Starts July 10, Exam on January 4

XAT Exam Dates 2026 Announced: Registration Starts July 10, Exam on January 4

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 09, 2025 04:06 PM IST | #XAT
Upcoming Event
XAT  Application Date : 10 Jul' 2025 - 05 Dec' 2025

The XAT exam date is January 4, 2026. In the latest update, XLRI has confirmed that the XAT 2026 registration date process will commence from July 10, 2025 and will end on December 5, 2025. Following this, all candidates will be able to do XAT registration 2026 by visiting the official website, xatonline.in. This national-level MBA entrance test, administered by XLRI Jamshedpur, will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode. XAT exam score is accepted by over 800 B-schools and is a major gateway for top MBA programs. Stay on this page to explore the XAT exam date 2026, XAT 2026 registration timeline, XAT exam timings and more.

This Story also Contains
  1. XAT Exam Date 2026: Highlights
  2. XAT 2026 Dates
  3. XAT 2026 Exam Date
  4. XAT 2026 Exam Timings
  5. XAT 2026 Registration Date
  6. XAT 2026 Admit Card Release Date
  7. XAT 2026 Results Date
XAT Exam Dates 2026 Announced: Registration Starts July 10, Exam on January 4
XAT Exam Dates 2026 Announced: Registration Starts July 10, Exam on January 4

XAT Exam Date 2026: Highlights

The following table gives an overview of the XAT exam 2026:

XAT Full Form

Xavier Aptitude Test

XAT Conducting Body

Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur

XAT Exam Date 2026

January 4, 2026

XAT 2026 Exam Mode

Computer-based test (CBT)

XAT 2026 Total Questions

95 (Tentative)

XAT Total Marks

95 (Tentative)

XAT 2026 Exam Duration

180 minutes (3 Hours)

Number of Sections

Verbal Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Aptitude and General Knowledge

XAT 2026 Dates

Check the table below for the XAT exam date 2026. Keep checking our website for real-time updates as soon as XLRI releases the official XAT 2026 exam dates.

XAT 2026 Events

XAT Exam Dates 2026

XAT 2026 Registration Date

July 10, 2025

XAT 2026 Registration Ends

December 5, 2025

XAT 2026 Admit Card Download

December 20, 2025 (Tentative)

XAT Exam Date 2026

January 4, 2026 (2 PM to 5 PM)

XAT 2026 Result Announcement

Third week of January, 2026

Shortlisting for GE, PI and WAT

March-April, 2026

XAT 2026 Exam Date

The XAT 2026 exam date is January 4, 2026, following the usual trend of being held on the first Sunday of January. The XAT 2026 exam is conducted in a single afternoon shift.

XAT 2026 Exam Timings

The XAT 2026 exam will be conducted in the afternoon session from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The XAT exam will only be held in one slot in India.

XAT 2026 Registration Date

The XAT 2026 registration date is now confirmed and will begin from July 10, 2025 and will end on December 5, 2025. All candidates who wish to take the exam will be able to register themselves by visiting the official website, xatonline.in.

XAT Exam Date 2026: Registration Fees

  • The XAT 2026 registration fee is expected to be Rs. 2,100, with an additional Rs. 200 for each XLRI program you apply to. While the XAT exam fee remains mostly consistent each year, slight changes may occur based on administrative decisions.

  • The XAT 2026 registration fee must be paid online via debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.

XAT 2026 Admit Card Release Date

The XAT 2026 admit card date is expected to be released by December 20, 2025, around 10 days before the exam date. Candidates who complete the XAT 2026 registration process can download the XAT admit card 2026 from the official website. The XAT admit card will have important details like exam date, time, reporting slot, and test centre address.

XAT 2026 Results Date

The XAT 2026 result date is expected to be announced in the third week of January 2026, most likely within 2-3 weeks after the exam. Candidates will be able to check their XAT scorecard 2026 by logging into the official website. The XAT results will include sectional and overall scores, along with the percentile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the XAT 2026 exam date and time?

The XAT 2026 exam will be held on January 4, 2026, in a single afternoon slot, from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

2. What is the last date to apply for XAT 2026?

The last date for XAT 2026 registration is December 5, 2025.

3. Will there be a correction window for the XAT 2026 application form?

No, XAT does not offer a correction window, so candidates must fill out the form carefully before submitting.

4. What is the XAT 2026 registration date?

The XAT 2026 registration will start from July 10, 2025. Candidates interested in taking the XAT exam will be able to fill out the registration form.

5. What is the XAT 2026 registration last date?

The XAT 2026 registration will end in the first week of December, i.e. December 5, 2025. 

6. How long is the XAT 2026 exam duration?

The XAT 2026 exam duration will be 180 minutes (3 hours), as per previous year patterns.

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Questions related to XAT

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.

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