XAT 2026 registration has officially opened, offering aspirants a chance to apply for MBA/PGDM programs at XLRI and over 250 top B-schools in India, with the exam scheduled for January 4, 2026. Conducted by XLRI on behalf of XAMI, the application process is fully online via xatonline.in, and applicants must complete registration by December 5, 2025.
A unique incentive for Day 1 registrants (July 10, 2025) includes exclusive interactive sessions, personalized support, and mentorship via a private Telegram group. Eligibility criteria remain flexible—any graduate or final-year student can apply, with no minimum marks or age limit required.
The CBT-format exam will last three hours, held in multiple cities across India, and include a built-in calculator. Applicants must upload required documents, pay the applicable fee (starting at ₹2200), and confirm submission to complete the process.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | XLRI – Xavier School of Management |
| Registration Start Date | July 10, 2025 |
| Registration End Date | December 5, 2025 |
| Exam Date | January 4, 2026 (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Download | December 20, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Result Date | To be announced |
| Application Fee | ₹2200 (₹200 extra per XLRI program) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree (min. 3 years); final-year students eligible |
| Age/Marks Limit | No age or minimum marks requirement |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Special Day 1 Benefits | Q&A with XAT team, mentorship group, direct support for early registrants |
| Test Cities | 70+ cities across India |
| Official Website | xatonline.in |
XAT 2026 Registration
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 registration window has officially opened, offering aspiring management professionals a gateway to MBA/PGDM programs in XLRI and over 250 other top B-schools across India. XLRI – Xavier School of Management conducts XAT on behalf of the Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI), a legacy spanning over 75 years.
This year brings an exciting new initiative for early birds, with special benefits for those who register on the opening day.
XAT 2026 Exclusive Benefits for Day 1 Applicants (July 10, 2025)
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, XLRI is rewarding candidates who complete their XAT 2026 registration on July 10, 2025. These early applicants will receive:
- Live Interactive Sessions: Exclusive online Q&A sessions with the XAT Convenor, XAT team, and XLRI students (XAT toppers). These are tentatively scheduled for the last week of July and the first week of August, with participation limited to 100 randomly selected Day 1 applicants per session.
- Personalized Support: Opportunity to engage directly with the XAT team, gain preparation strategies, and get queries answered firsthand.
- Private Telegram Mentorship Group: 100 Day 1 applicants will be invited to a private Telegram group moderated by XLRI students and the XAT team, offering a peer-supportive environment for questions and preparation tips in August.
XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
XAT is known for its relatively flexible eligibility requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of aspirants.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree of at least three years duration in any discipline from a recognized university or institution.
- Final Year Students: Those in the final year of their graduation and expecting to complete their degree by June 10, 2026, are also eligible to apply.
- Minimum Percentage: There is no minimum percentage of marks required in graduation to appear for XAT 2026. As long as you have passed your graduation exam, you are eligible.
- Age Limit: There is no upper or lower age limit for XAT 2026.
- Work Experience: Work experience is not a mandatory requirement for XAT, though it is considered for XLRI’s General Management Programme (GMP), which typically requires 5 years of experience.
- Nationality: Open to Indian and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) candidates. NRIs and Foreign nationals must apply through their GMAT scores, not XAT scores, for admission to XLRI programs.
XAT 2026 Application Process: Step-by-Step
The XAT application process is entirely online and can be completed through the official website, xatonline.in.
- Visit the Official Website: Go to xatonline.in.
- New Registration: Click on “Register Online” or “Click here for New Registration.”
- Basic Details: Carefully read all instructions, then enter your name, contact details (email ID and mobile number).
- Verification: You will receive a system-generated verification link via email/SMS. Verify your email by clicking the link provided. Upon successful verification, you will receive your XAT User ID and Password.
- Login and Fill Application Form: Log in using your XAT User ID and Password.
- Basic Information: Fill in your full name, select your citizenship (Indian/Foreign/NRI), and choose up to 6 preferred XAT test cities.
- Program Selection: Select your preferred XLRI programs (Business Management (BM), Human Resource Management (HRM), General Management Programme (GMP)) if you wish to apply to XLRI. You can skip this step if you are not interested in XLRI programs.
- Personal Details: Provide personal information like date of birth, gender, parents’ names, category, etc. Ensure these details match your official documents.
- Educational Details: Enter your academic qualifications starting from Class 10th onwards.
- Work Experience: If applicable, provide details of your work experience, starting from the latest job.
- Upload Documents:
- Scanned Photograph: Upload a recent passport-size photograph (200 x 230 pixels, 20 KB – 50 KB file size, light/white background, clear visibility of face).
- Scanned Signature: Upload your scanned signature (200 dpi resolution, 10 KB – 20 KB file size, on white paper with black ink).
- You may also need to upload scanned copies of your category certificate (if applicable) and work experience certificates.
- Preview and Verify: Click on the “Preview Tab” to review your entire application form. Make any necessary modifications.
- Final Submission and Payment:
- Once you are satisfied that all details are correct, click on “SUBMIT.” Note: Applicant details cannot be edited after final submission and payment.
- XAT Registration Fee: Rs. 2200/-
- Additional XLRI Program Fee: Rs. 200/- for each XLRI program you apply for.
- Indian Candidates applying for GMP through GMAT/GRE: Rs. 2500/-
- NRI/Foreign Candidates applying through GMAT: Rs. 5000/- (for one or more programs)
- Pay the fee through the available online payment modes.
- Upon successful transaction, an e-Receipt will be generated. Non-generation indicates payment failure, in which case you need to log in again and repeat the payment process.
- Print Confirmation: Take a printout of the e-Receipt and your online application form for future reference.
XAT 2026 Exam Details
- Exam Date: January 04, 2026
- Exam Timings: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
- Sections: XAT 2026 exam has been divided into two parts, with no sectional time limits. All sections will be accessible throughout the exam.
- Calculator: A scientific calculator will be available on-screen within the exam interface.
- Test Cities: XAT 2026 will be conducted across numerous cities in India, including new additions, making it more accessible. Some key cities include Agra, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh/Mohali, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Jamshedpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, Pune, Raipur, Ranchi, and many more. A full list will be available on the official website.
Candidates are strongly advised to regularly check the official XAT website, xatonline.in, for any further updates or announcements regarding XAT 2026. Keeping all academic and identification documents ready in advance will help streamline the registration process.
FAQs on XAT 2026 Registration
What is XAT 2026 and who conducts it?
XAT 2026 is the Xavier Aptitude Test, a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by XLRI on behalf of the Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI).
When does XAT 2026 registration start and end?
Registration starts on July 10, 2025, and ends on December 5, 2025.
Where can I register for XAT 2026?
You can register online at the official website: xatonline.in.
What are the benefits of registering on the first day (July 10, 2025)?
Day 1 registrants may be selected for live sessions with the XAT team, access a private Telegram mentorship group, and receive personalized preparation support.
What is the XAT 2026 exam date and timing?
The exam will be held on January 4, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Is the XAT exam conducted online or offline?
XAT 2026 will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT).
What is the XAT 2026 application fee?
The base application fee is ₹2200. An additional ₹200 is charged for each XLRI program you choose to apply for.
What are the fees for NRI or foreign candidates?
NRI/Foreign candidates applying through GMAT must pay ₹5000 for one or more XLRI programs.
Are there any eligibility criteria for XAT 2026?
Yes, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree of at least three years duration. Final-year students expecting to graduate by June 10, 2026, are also eligible.
Is there any minimum percentage required in graduation for XAT?
No, there is no minimum percentage requirement in graduation.
Is there any age limit to appear for XAT 2026?
No, there is no upper or lower age limit for appearing in XAT 2026.
Can candidates with work experience apply?
Yes, work experience is not mandatory but may be required for XLRI’s General Management Programme (GMP), which typically expects 5 years of experience.
Can foreign nationals apply for XAT 2026?
Yes, foreign nationals and NRIs can apply for XLRI programs through GMAT scores only.
How can I apply for XAT 2026?
Visit xatonline.in, complete the new registration, verify your email, log in with your credentials, fill out the form, upload documents, pay the fee, and submit.
Can I edit my XAT application form after submission?
No, once you submit and pay the fee, you cannot make changes to the form.
What documents are required during the XAT application process?
You need a scanned passport-size photo, scanned signature, and relevant certificates (category or work experience if applicable).
What is the size and format of the photo and signature to upload?
Photo: 200 x 230 pixels, 20–50 KB; Signature: 10–20 KB, 200 dpi resolution.
How many XLRI programs can I apply for in the XAT form?
You can apply for multiple XLRI programs by paying ₹200 for each.
What are the programs offered by XLRI through XAT?
Programs include Business Management (BM), Human Resource Management (HRM), and General Management Programme (GMP).
When can I download the XAT 2026 admit card?
Tentatively, from December 20, 2025.
What is the exam duration and structure of XAT 2026?
The exam duration is 3 hours with multiple sections. All sections are accessible throughout without sectional time limits.
Will an on-screen calculator be available in the exam?
Yes, a scientific calculator will be available within the exam interface.
Which cities will host the XAT 2026 exam?
XAT 2026 will be held in 70+ cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and more.
How will I know if my fee payment is successful?
A system-generated e-receipt will confirm successful payment. If not received, retry the payment process.
Can I apply to colleges other than XLRI with XAT scores?
Yes, XAT scores are accepted by over 250 B-schools across India.
Will the answer key be released for XAT 2026?
Yes, the answer key will be released after the exam. The date is yet to be announced.
When will the XAT 2026 results be announced?
The result date is yet to be announced. Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates.
Is there any helpline or support for XAT queries?
Yes, the official XAT website offers contact details and support options for registration or exam-related queries.
Is it mandatory to apply for XLRI programs when registering for XAT?
No, selecting XLRI programs is optional. You can choose to apply only for XAT if you’re targeting other B-schools.
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