XAT Exam 2026 Latest Update: Exam Date, Updated Syllabus & Pattern

The XAT Exam 2026 will be held on January 4 2026 and will be conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur. Online registration will begin in August 2025 at xatonline in. XAT is accepted by over 150 top MBA colleges across India. For many students it is not just an exam, it is a life-changing opportunity. If you dream of getting into a top B school this is your chance. Start preparing today because XAT 2026 could be the turning point in your career.

XAT 2026 Exam Key Highlights

XAT Exam Dates 2026

In the table below, we have mentioned the important dates for the XAT exam 2026.

XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

To appear for the XAT 2026 exam, candidates must fulfill the following essential eligibility criteria:

• applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a university recognized by the UGC.

• The degree must be of at least three years in duration.

• Candidates who are in their final year of undergraduate studies or awaiting their results can also apply for the exam.

• It is not only those students in their final year of their undergraduate study, or those who are waiting for their end of semester results to appear on their transcript who can apply for the exam. There are no minimum marks prescribed for XAT examination ; however colleges accepting XAT score have minimum 50% marks for gen category & 45% marks for reserved category in their bachelor’s degree.

XAT 2026 Registration Process

The XAT 2026 registration can be completed online on the official site that of XLRI. The candidates are expected to fill in the form, submit needed documents, and pay the application fee. Before final submission check that everything is correct.

1. Visit https://xatonline.in

2. Click on ‘New Registration’

3. Enter personal details and verify email

4. Fill in academic and professional information

5. Upload documents

6. Pay the application fee. 

7. Submit and save the confirmation

XAT 2026 Admit Card

The XAT 2026 Admit Card is a mandatory document that candidates should have for appearing at the Xavier Aptitude Test. XLRI publishes it on the official XAT site. To prevent last-minute technical issues, the candidates should be well prepared by ensuring that they get the admit card and print it a few days before the actual examination date.

• Visit the XAT official website.
• Click on the link to download the admit cards.
• Enter XAT user ID and date of birth to log in.
• On the next page, click on the XAT admit card button.
• Further, candidates can access the option to download the XAT admit card.
• Proceed to download the admit card and save it as a PDF.
• Candidates must also get a printout of the XAT admit card for exam day use.

XAT 2026 Preparation Guidelines 

To perform well in the XAT 2026 MBA entrance exam, candidates should follow these preparation strategies:

• Make a detailed study plan to ensure you cover every topic in the XAT syllabus.

• It's important to have a thorough understanding of each topic in the XAT syllabus.

• Avoid procrastination on a challenging topic. 

• Prepare summary writing along with small flash cards that consist of time-saving shortcuts, mathematical formulas, new important words, and other relevant and important points memorizing tips.

• Read newspapers daily to improve your vocabulary and stay updated on current affairs.

• Practice XAT mock tests and previous years' papers regularly to enhance your problem-solving skills.

XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Latest Marking Scheme & Sections

The XAT Exam Pattern 2026 has been officially formulated by the XLRI Jamshedpur and is used to test the analytical, verbal, and decision-making ability of the MBA Aspirants. It is computer-based (online), and the Exam has a unique Decision-Making section.

Section-Wise XAT 2026 Pattern

XAT 2026 Marking Scheme

• Correct Answer: +1 Mark

• Wrong Answer: -0.25 Mark

• More than 8 Unanswered Questions: -0.10 Mark per extra unanswered

• GK Section: No negative marking

• Essay: Evaluated only if shortlisted for interview

XAT Exam 2026 Syllabus 

Here is the list of detailed XAT Exam syllabus for 2026

Special Features of XAT 2026

No sectional time limits for Part 1 (VLA, DM, QA & DI) – manage time wisely.

Essay writing included — makes XAT unique among MBA entrance exams.

The decision-making section is exclusive to XAT and plays a crucial role in final shortlisting.