10 Jul 2025 — XAT 2026 registration is now open at xatonline.in; the final day to apply is December 5. Check live updates for the latest information.
Registrations for XAT 2026 began on 10 July 2025 and will remain open until 5 December 2025. The exam is scheduled for 4 January 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode across 80+ cities in India.
XAT is a prominent MBA entrance test accepted by over 800 business schools in India, including top names like XLRI Jamshedpur, XIMB and IMT Ghaziabad.
To be eligible for XAT 2026, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree; there is no minimum percentage or age restriction. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in GD-PI rounds organized by individual institutes, with selection activities beginning in February 2026.
Candidates can check the following details and updates on the official site and participating institutes.
XAT 2026 is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur.
The exam is set for 4 January 2026 in CBT mode and is accepted by more than 800 MBA colleges across India.
XAT 2026 registration opened on 10 July 2025 and closes on 5 December 2025. Applicants must complete the form, upload documents and pay the application fee of Rs. 2,200.
XLRI Jamshedpur has released the official XAT 2026 exam date: 4 January 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, to be held as a CBT.
To appear for XAT 2026, candidates must register and finish the application process on the official website: xatonline.in.
The registration steps include creating an account, completing the application with personal and academic details, uploading required documents, choosing an exam city and paying the fee.
Registrations for XAT grew compared to last year, with a notable rise in sign-ups during 2025.
However, the number of test-takers remained relatively steady, indicating a difference between registrations and actual attendance.
Previous year XAT registration trends and statistics are provided below for reference.
Applicants must pay the required fees online during registration; all fees are non-refundable and the process is transparent.
Registration Fee details for XAT 2026 are listed further down.
Also see: XAT Registration Process for a step-by-step guide.
To apply for XAT 2026, candidates must meet basic academic criteria to broaden access to the exam.
There is no specified age limit or minimum percentage, though certain XLRI programs, especially some general management courses, require relevant work experience.
Foreign applicants must follow specific eligibility rules applicable to overseas candidates.
Also read: XAT 2026 Eligibility for complete details.
The XAT 2026 exam will be computer-based and will last 180 minutes.
The essay writing section has been removed from the main paper and will now be assessed during GD-PI rounds.
Section-wise exam pattern and details for XAT 2026 are provided below.
The XAT cutoff is the minimum percentile used by institutes to shortlist candidates for GD-PI stages.
XLRI Jamshedpur typically has one of the highest cutoffs (around the 96th percentile), while other leading institutes such as XIMB, IMT, TAPMI and GIM generally set cutoffs in the 80–90 percentile range.
Also read: XAT Cutoff for institute-wise expectations.
Many reputed MBA colleges accept XAT scores, including XLRI Jamshedpur, XIM University, IMT Ghaziabad and IMI Delhi.
Below is a list of a few top colleges that accept XAT and their typical cutoff bands.
The XAT is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur but its scorecard is recognized by over 800 B-schools across India.
Find the distribution of seats at XLRI and other prominent institutes that accept XAT scores in the tables below.
XLRI Jamshedpur: program-wise seat allocation is listed further down.
Estimated seat intake for other top colleges accepting XAT is shown in the following tables.
Also check: XAT College Predictor to estimate possible college matches based on scores.
With the exam on 4 January 2026, candidates have ample time to prepare and follow a study plan.
Unlike CAT, XAT includes a Decision-Making section and a General Knowledge component, which need focused preparation.
We have provided a recommended 6-month study roadmap for aspirants targeting XAT 2026.
The XAT 2026 syllabus will cover four core sections: Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
The official syllabus has not been released yet, but it is expected to follow previous patterns with a strong emphasis on decision-making skills unique to XAT.
Candidates can also refer to related links and resources provided below for further guidance.
CAT and XAT are two leading MBA entrance tests in India; they differ in pattern, syllabus and participating institutes. CAT is primarily for IIMs, while XAT is run by XLRI and accepted by institutes like XIMB and SPJIMR.
Both exams evaluate aptitude, reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
For XAT preparation, a shortlist of recommended books for each section is suggested to help structure a study plan.
Below is a detailed section-wise analysis of last year’s XAT to guide your preparation strategy.
Mock tests are essential for XAT preparation and help candidates get accustomed to exam style and timing.
The mock tests listed here are provided by Collegedunia; taking them will help you gauge question types and difficulty.
Also read: useful resources and practice materials linked in the tables below.
Ques. Will XAT 2026 be easy or difficult?
Ans. XAT is generally considered tougher than many other MBA entrance tests because of its Decision-Making and General Knowledge sections, which add complexity to the paper.
XAT 2026 expected difficulty level and section-wise tips are outlined below.
Ques. Is 27 a good score in XAT?
Ans. A score of 27 in Part 1 is often regarded as strong and can correspond roughly to the 92–94th percentile in a moderately difficult session.
With such a score, candidates may be competitive for institutes like IMT Ghaziabad and certain XLRI programs; however, other XLRI courses such as BM may demand higher marks.
XAT 2026: what constitutes a good score and target ranges are detailed in the score table below.
Ques. How many seats are at XLRI Jamshedpur?
Ans. XLRI offers flagship programs including BM, HRM and an 18-month General Management program for experienced professionals; seat numbers are summarized in the seats table below.
Seats at XLRI Jamshedpur and other institutes accepting XAT are provided in the tables that follow.
| XAT 2026 Official Website |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) |
| Conducting Body | XLRI Jamshedpur |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| XAT 2026 Exam Date | January 4, 2026 (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) |
| Exam Duration | 180 Minutes |
| Medium | English |
| Sections in the Exam |
|
| Number of Questions | 95 (including GK) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Fee | ₹2,200 (plus ₹200 per XLRI program) |
| Accepting Institutes | 800+ B-Schools including XLRI, XIMB, IMT |
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Registration start date | July 10, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Registration Last Date | December 5, 2025 |
| Admit Card Download | December 20, 2025 |
| XAT Exam 2026 Dates | January 4, 2026 (2 PM to 5 PM) |
| Stage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Visit the Official Website | Candidates must go to xatonline.in and click the registration link on the homepage. |
| Create XAT ID | Provide your name, email and mobile number, set a password and generate your XAT 2026 login credentials. |
| Log in and Fill Application Form | Use the login to access the application form and enter personal, academic and work-experience details as required. |
| Upload Documents | Upload a recent passport-size photograph and signature following the specified size and format guidelines. |
| Select Test Cities & Programs | Choose two preferred exam cities and select the program options such as BM, HRM and GMP. |
| Pay Application Fee | Pay Rs. 2,200 for XAT registration online, with an extra Rs. 200 for each XLRI program selection. |
| Submit and Confirm | Review all information carefully, submit the form and download the confirmation page for your records. |
| Year | Registered Candidates | Appeared | % Change in Registrations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 142,235 | 124,000 | 5.4% |
| 2024 | 135,000 | 88,000 | 40% |
| 2023 | 96,438 | 80,000+ | 36.3% |
| Candidate Category | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| Base XAT Registration Fee (all candidates) | ₹2,200 |
| Additional fee per XLRI programme (BM, HRM, GMP) | ₹200 per programme |
| Indian applicants for PGDM (GM) via GMAT/GRE | ₹2,500 |
| NRI / Foreign applicants via GMAT (one or more) | ₹5,000 |
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Applicants should hold a three-year bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Final-year students are eligible to apply. |
| Minimum Percentage | No minimum percentage is mandated; passing graduation is sufficient. |
| Age Limit | There is no upper or lower age limit. |
| Work Experience |
|
| Nationality / Mode for NRIs | Both Indian and foreign nationals can apply; NRIs/foreign applicants may need to use GMAT for certain routes. |
| Attempts Allowed | There is no cap on the number of attempts; candidates may apply multiple times. |
| Program-Specific Criteria |
|
| Sections | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Decision Making | 21 | 21 |
| Verbal and Logical Ability | 26 | 26 |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 | 28 |
| General Knowledge | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 95 | 95 |
| Institute / Program | Cutoff Percentile (Overall) |
|---|---|
| XLRI Jamshedpur – BM (2025) | 96+ |
| XLRI Jamshedpur – HRM (2025) | 93+ |
| XIM Bhubaneswar (XIMB) | 90+ |
| IMT Ghaziabad | 90+ |
| TAPMI, Manipal | 85–87 |
| GIM Goa | 85+ |
| FORE School of Management | 80–82 |
| LIBA Chennai | 75–78 |
| Great Lakes, Chennai | 80+ |
| IRMA Anand | 80 (with XAT) |
| KJ Somaiya, Mumbai | 85–86 |
| College | XAT Cut Off Percentile |
|---|---|
| XLRI Jamshedpur | 94 – 95 |
| SPJIMR, Mumbai | 93.50 – 95 |
| XIM University | 91 – 92 |
| Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneshwar | 90 – 93 |
| Institute of Management Technology(IMT), Ghaziabad | 90 – 92 |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai | 80 – 85 |
| Goa Institute of Management | 85 – 90 |
| KJ Somaiya | 85 – 90 |
| IMI Delhi | 85 – 90 |
| FORE School of Management | 77 – 87 |
| IRMA Anand | 80 – 85 |
| LIBA Chennai | 80 – 85 |
| TAPMI Institute | 80 – 85 |
| MICA, Ahmedabad | 80 – 85 |
| NIBM Pune | 80 – 84 |
| Program | Seat Intake (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Business Management (BM) | 180 |
| Human Resource Management (HRM) | 180 |
| General Management Program (GMP) | 120 |
| Total (XLRI Jamshedpur) | 480+ |
| Institute Name | Seat Intake (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| XIM Bhubaneswar (XIMB) | 360 |
| IMT Ghaziabad | 480 |
| TAPMI, Manipal | 420 |
| Great Lakes, Chennai | 240 |
| FORE School of Management, Delhi | 180 |
| GIM Goa | 300 |
| LIBA Chennai | 240 |
| Month | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Month 1 (July) |
|
| Month 2 (August) |
|
| Month 3 (September) |
|
| Month 4 (October) |
|
| Month 5 (November) |
|
| Month 6 (December) |
|
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Fact-based, opinion-based and abstract passages |
| Critical Reasoning | Assumptions, inference, strengthen/weaken arguments |
| Vocabulary | Usage, fill-in-the-blanks, synonyms and antonyms |
| Grammar & Sentence Correction | Error spotting and sentence rearrangement |
| Para-jumbles | Logical sequencing of sentences |
| Topic Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Ethical Dilemmas | Scenarios with moral choices in business or personal contexts |
| Analytical Reasoning | Situational caselets covering cause-effect and prioritisation |
| Data-Based Decision Making | Tables and charts with data-driven questions |
| Managerial Judgement | Cases involving teams, conflicts and target setting |
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Percentages, profit & loss, time-speed-distance |
| Algebra | Equations, inequalities, functions |
| Geometry & Mensuration | Lines, angles, circles, triangles and 3D figures |
| Number Systems | LCM, HCF, remainders and factors |
| Modern Math | Permutations & combinations, probability, set theory |
| Data Interpretation | Pie charts, tables, graphs and caselets |
| Area | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Static GK | History, polity, geography, art & culture |
| Current Affairs | National and international news from the past 6–8 months |
| Business & Economy | Government schemes, GDP, budget and monetary policy updates |
| Awards & Sports | Nobel prizes, Olympics and national honours |
| Miscellaneous | Books & authors, important days and environment topics |
| Features | XAT | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | XLRI, Jamshedpur | IIMs |
| Eligibility Criteria | Graduate in any stream from a recognised university | Graduate with 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories) from a recognised university |
| Sections | 4 | 3 |
| Exam mode | Online | Online |
| Exam duration | 180 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Difficulty level | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult |
| Exam fee | INR 2,200 | INR 2,400 (INR 1,200 for reserved category) |
| Registration process | Online | Online |
| Exam Date | Question Paper PDF | Solution PDF |
|---|---|---|
| January 7, 2024 | Check Here | Download PDF |
| January 8, 2023 | Check Here | Download PDF |
| January 2, 2022 | Check Here | Download PDF |
| Section | Name of the Book | Author/ Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| QADI | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
| How to Prepare for QA for CAT | Arun Sharma | |
| Data Interpretation for CAT | Nishit K Sinha | |
| Quantum CAT | S K Verma | |
| Verbal & Logical Ability | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Ajay Singh |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | |
| How to Prepare for VARC for CAT | Arun Sharma | |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | |
| Decision Making | Jabbing the XAT | R K Jha |
| Solved Papers | Gautam Puri | |
| Target XAT Simplified Edition | Disha Experts | |
| GK | Manorama Year Book | Mammen Mathew |
| Lucent’s Objective GK | Lucent Publications | |
| General Knowledge | Manohar Pandey |
| Section Name | No of Questions | Distribution Of Questions | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal and Logical Ability | 26 |
| Easy to Moderate | 17–18 |
| Decision Making | 21 |
| Moderate | 16–18 |
| Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation | 28 |
| Difficult | 15–17 |
| General Knowledge | 20 | Mixed questions on static GK and current affairs | Difficult | 10–11 |
| Overall | 95 | - | Moderate to Difficult | 59–68 |
| XAT Mock Test 1 |
|---|
| XAT Mock Test 2 |
| XAT Mock Test 3 |
| XAT Mock Test 4 |
| Section | Difficulty Level | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal & Logical Ability | Moderate to Difficult | Long reading comprehensions with critical reasoning and challenging vocabulary |
| Decision Making | Moderate | Case studies focused on logic and ethics |
| Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation | Moderate to Difficult | Heavy emphasis on arithmetic and time-consuming DI sets |
| General Knowledge | Moderate | A mix of static GK and recent current affairs |
| Overall | Moderate to High | Distinct structure and sectional variety |
| XAT Score (Out of 75) | Expected Percentile (2026) | Target B-Schools |
|---|---|---|
| 34 – 36+ | 98 – 99.5 | XLRI BM (General), XIMB, IMT, TAPMI (top ranks) |
| 30 – 33 | 95 – 97.5 | XLRI HRM, XIMB, GIM, IMT Ghaziabad |
| 27 – 29 | 92 – 94 | XLRI HRM (non-engineers/female applicants), TAPMI, FORE |
| 24 – 26 | 88 – 91 | GIM, LIBA, Great Lakes, KJ Somaiya |
| 20 – 23 | 80 – 85 | Welingkar, IFMR, BIMTECH, Amrita |
| Program / Campus | Seat Intake (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| PGDM – Business Management (BM) | 180 |
| PGDM – Human Resource Management (HRM) | 180 |
| PGDM – General Management (GMP/GM) | 120 |
| Total (All Programs) | 480 |
