Somdatta Roy
Senior Content Writer | Updated on - Dec 12, 2025

The extended registration window for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 closes today. The application submission deadline is also set to end on December 11, 2025. Tick your last-minute checklist given below. 

xat-2026-registration-ends-in-3-days

Complete the online XAT 2026 Registration before the latest deadline on the official website, xatonline.in. Must diligently double-check all entered information: names, contact details, academic calculations, XLRI program selections and test city preferences with payment confirmation before final application submission— as no changes can be made afterward. The exam is scheduled to be a computer-based test featuring 95 questions on January 4, 2026, administered by XLRI Jamshedpur in 109 cities in India.  

Successfully registered candidates will be able to download their XAT 2025 admit card tentatively in December 2025. Over 1 lakh applicants register for the exam every year and is accepted by 250+ top B schools across India.

XAT 2026 Dates

XAT 2026 EventXAT 2026 Date
Registration startsJul 10
Registration ends Dec 11 (Extended) 
Release of admit cardDec 20
Examination DayJan 4, 2026
Answer key release and challenge2nd week of Jan 2026
Result announcement3rd week of Jan 2026

XAT 2026 Registration Process

Follow these steps to complete your XAT 2026 application:

  • Step 1: Go to the official XAT 2026 website at xatonline.in and click on the "Registration" or "New Registration"
  • Step 2: Enter your full name, valid email ID, phone number and secure a password. After submission, you will receive a unique XAT ID and a verification link via email.
  • Step 3: Click on the verification link sent to your registered email address to activate your account and receive your XAT ID and password for future logins.
  • Step 4: Log in using your XAT ID and password. The application form will appear, requiring you to fill in: Personal Details, Academic Details, Work Experience.
  • Step 5: Choose XLRI programs you wish to apply for by paying an additional fee. Select up to two preferred test cities from the provided list.
  • Step 6: Upload scanned copies of a photograph and your signature, adhering to the specified guidelines.
  • Step 7: Proceed the payment gateway to pay using a credit/debit card, net banking or mobile wallet.
  • Step 8: After a successful transaction, an e-receipt will be generated. Download and print the confirmation page for your records.

 

Direct Link: XAT 2025 Application Portal (Active till 23:59 Hour) 

xat-2025-application-portal
Image credit: https://applications.xatonline.in/ 

XAT 2026 Application Fee Structure

The XAT registration fee depends on the specific programme and citizenship. Check the structure below:

Fee CategoryFee Amount (INR)
XAT Exam Fee (Mandatory)2,200
Additional XLRI Program Fee200 (per program)
Indian Candidates (Applying for PGDM-GM via GMAT/GRE)2,500
NRI / Foreign Candidates (Applying via GMAT)5,000

Last-Minute Checklist for XAT 2026 Registration

To avoid errors and ensure a smooth submission before the XAT 2026 registration deadline, review the following checklist:

  • Personal and Academic Details: Ensure all personal information, contact details and academic qualifications (Class 10, 12, Graduation) are accurately entered.
  • Documents: Upload recent, passport-size photograph and scanned signature in the specified .jpg or .jpeg
  • Work Experience: If applicable, accurately fill in details of full-time managerial work experience.
  • Program Selection: Confirm the selection of XLRI programs, if applying, and ensure the additional fee has been added.
  • Test Cities: Select your preferred test cities (up to six preferences).
  • Declaration: Carefully review the entire application form using the "Preview" option and agree to the declaration statement before final submission.
  • Fee Payment: Make the online payment and ensure you receive a confirmation message/email. Download and print the confirmation page for your records.

More to Check:

LIVE UPDATES
01:03:02 pm IST • Dec 11, 2025

Last Chance: XAT 2026 Registration Closing Today

Those who have not yet applied for XAT are strongly urged to complete and submit the application form without any further delay after ensuring your eligibility for the exam.  

xat-2026-registration-closing-today
01:00:35 pm IST • Dec 11, 2025

Last Chance: XAT 2026 Registration Closing Today

Those who have not yet applied for XAT are strongly urged to complete and submit the application form without any further delay after ensuring your eligibility for the exam.  

11:37:08 am IST • Dec 10, 2025

XAT 2026 Registration Website and Login Details

The official website for candidates to fill and submit XAT 2026 registration form is xatonline.in.  

12:46:20 pm IST • Dec 9, 2025

Widely Accepted XAT 2026 Score

The score from XAT 2026 examination is recognized and used for admission by a large number of educational institutions. In fact, more than 250 institutes across the country rely on the XAT score to select students for their management programs. This makes it one of the most important national-level exams for MBA/PGDM admissions.  

10:45:36 am IST • Dec 8, 2025

XAT 2026 Details

The XAT 2026 entrance exam is scheduled for Sunday, January 4, 2026. The test is conducted by XLRI (Xavier Labour Relations Institute) on behalf of XAMI (Xavier Association of Management Institutes). XLRI has a long history, having run this all-India test for over 75 years to help select the best candidates for management studies. 

12:18:10 pm IST • Dec 6, 2025

XAT 2026 Registration New Deadline

The last date for XAT 2026 registration has been extended by a week. The new deadline for submitting the XAT application form 2026 is now December 11, 2025.

xat-2026-registration-extended-11-dec
12:12:14 pm IST • Dec 5, 2025

XAT 2026 Registration with Late Fee

There is no provision for XAT registration with a late fee. You must submit the application form strictly before the specified deadline.  

12:09:06 pm IST • Dec 5, 2025

XAT 2026 Test Cities & Selection

Total Test Cities: The XAT 2026 exam will be conducted across 109 cities in India. At least one examination centre comes under each state.  

Check the city preference- XAT Exam Centres 2026: Latest Exam Cities State-Wise List 

  • City Selection: Candidates can select six cities in the XAT application form 2026 for test centre allotment.
  • Allotment Preference: The examination body will make an effort to allot the test centre in the candidate's first preferred city. 
12:29:45 pm IST • Dec 4, 2025

XAT 2026 Important Dates and Post-Exam Process

On January 4, 2026, XLRI Jamshedpur will administer the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 as an online CBT. The admit card is expected to be released around 15 days before the exam containing essential details like roll number and exam center.

The answer sheet and answer key will probably be made available to review and object shortly after the test. The results and scorecards are anticipated in the third week of January 2026. In order to shortlist candidates for the final selection rounds (GD/PI/WAT), scheduled for February/March 2026, XLRI is anticipated to release the XAT cut-offs following the results. 

xat-2026-important-dates-and-post-exam-process     

11:24:53 am IST • Dec 3, 2025

XAT 2026 Exam Preparation Tips

A short version of tips to prepare for the XAT 2026 exam is given below:  

  • Make a methodical study schedule.
  • Study the XAT syllabus section by section.
  • Make notes and flashcards for vocabulary, formulas, and shortcuts.
  • Read the newspaper daily to stock vocabulary and GK.
  • Practice mock tests and solve PYQs of XAT regularly. 
03:37:06 pm IST • Dec 2, 2025

Top 10 MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Scores

Based on their rankings, prestige and XAT past year cutoffs here is a list of the top MBA/PGDM colleges that accept the XAT score:

Institute Name
XLRI – Xavier School of Management
SPJIMR – S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research
XIM University – Xavier Institute of Management (XIMB)
IMT – Institute of Management Technology
MICA School of Ideas
GIM – Goa Institute of Management
TAPMI – T.A. Pai Management Institute
FORE School of Management

Great Lakes Institute of Management:

· Chennai Campus

· Gurgaon Campus

LIBA – Loyola Institute of Business Administration
03:35:11 pm IST • Dec 2, 2025

XAT 2026 Key Changes at a Glance

  • No Sectional Time Limit: You can now freely navigate and switch between all sections during the examination. The rigid sectional time limits have been removed.
  • Expanded Test Cities: The number of examination centers has increased to 109 across the country, enhancing geographical reach.
  • Choice of Centers: Select a total of two preferred test cities when filling out the XAT application form.
  • Application Fee: The application fee for XAT 2026 remains unchanged from the previous year.
03:33:55 pm IST • Dec 2, 2025

XAT 2026 Exam Structure

Here is the breakdown of XAT 2026 exam sections and allocated time:

SectionKey Focused ToicsTotal QuestionsTime (minutes)
VALR
  • Critical Reasoning
  • RC
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary (Para Jumbles, Cloze)
26170
DM
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem-Solving
  • Prioritization (Scenarios)
21
QA & DI
  • Arithmetic
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Modern Math
  • Data Interpretation
28
GK
  • Static GK (8)
  • Current Affairs (12)
2010
Total95180

Frequently Asked Questions

Ans: To be eligible for XAT 2026, you must hold a bachelor's degree of at least three years' duration or equivalent from a UGC-recognized university. Students in their final year of graduation are also eligible to appear for the exam. While there is no minimum score requirement specifically for the XAT exam, the general need is a minimum of 50% marks in their graduation for the General category and 45% for the Reserved category to be eligible for MBA courses that accept XAT scores.

Ans: The three main sections are:

  • Personal Details: Date of birth, gender, nationality, category, parents' details and address.
  • Academic Details: Mark sheets and qualification details for Class 10, Class 12, graduation and any other professional qualifications.
  • Work Experience: Details of full-time work experience, including company name, role and duration (if applicable).

Ans: The document requirements for the XAT 2026 application are precise and must be followed to ensure successful submission:

Photograph Requirements:

SpecificationRequirement
TypeRecent, color photo
BackgroundLight (preferably white)
FormatJPG/JPEG
Dimensions~ 200 x 230 pixels
File SizeBetween 20 & KB

Signature Requirements:

SpecificationRequirement
MediumSignature made on white paper with a black ink pen
FormatJPG/JPEG
Dimensions~ 140 x 60 pixels
File SizeBetween 10 & 20 KB

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