XAT 2026: The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is not just a gateway to XLRI Jamshedpur but also to over 160 top MBA colleges across the country. With increasing competition and evolving exam patterns, having a clear roadmap to crack XAT 2026 is essential.
This blog covers everything you need to know about XAT 2026, from important dates, eligibility criteria, and registration details to syllabus, preparation tips, and exam centers. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or looking to improve your score, this comprehensive guide will help you strategize your preparation effectively.
XAT 2026 Important Dates
Stay ahead in your preparation by keeping track of all the crucial deadlines for XAT 2026.
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Registration Start | July 15, 2025 |
| Registration End | November 30, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | December 20, 2025 (onwards) |
| XAT 2026 Exam Date | January 4, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Result Date (Tentative) | January 31, 2026 |
| Score Card Download | Jan 31 – Mar 31, 2026 |
| XLRI PI Round | March – April 2026 |
Also Read, XAT Exam Date 2026, Notification, Registration, Exam Fees
XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The XAT 2026 eligibility criteria are straightforward:
- Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. There is no minimum percentage requirement in the graduation to be eligible for the XAT exam.
- Final Year Students: Candidates in the final year of their degree are also eligible.
- No Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for XAT.
XAT 2026 Registration & Application Form
- Mode: Online only.
- Website: xatonline.in
- Steps:
- Register with basic details.
- Fill the XAT 2026 application form.
- Upload photograph, signature, and ID proof.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit and download the confirmation page.
| Description | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| XAT Registration (without late fee) | 2200 |
| Additional fee per XLRI program | 200 |
| Indian candidates (PGDM-GM via GMAT/GRE) | 2500 |
| NRI/Foreign (via GMAT) | 5000 |
Also Read, XAT Registration 2026, Dates, Documents Required, Form Fees
XAT 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Duration (min) | Good Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal & Logical Ability | 26 | 170 (Part A) | 14–15 |
| Decision Making | 21 | 12–13 | |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 | 19–20 | |
| General Knowledge | 20 | 10 (Part B) | — |
| Total | 95 | 180 |
- Analytical Essay Writing: Now integrated with GD/PI rounds.
- General Knowledge: 20 questions (12 current affairs + 8 static GK) to be attempted in 10 minutes.
XAT Syllabus Overview
| Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal & Logical Ability | Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Analogy, Parajumble, Grammar, Critical Reasoning, etc. |
| Decision Making | Data Arrangement, Caselets, Grouping, Assumptions, Premises, Conclusions, etc. |
| Quantitative Ability & DI | Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Mensuration, Data Interpretation (Bar, Pie, Tables), etc. |
| General Knowledge | Science, Economy, Business, Politics, Sports, Awards, Indian Constitution, etc. |
XAT 2026 Admit Card
- Release Date: December 20, 2025 (onwards)
- How to Download: Log in to the official XAT portal and download the admit card.
- Note: Carry a printed copy and valid ID to the exam center.
Also Read, XAT Registration 2026, Dates, Documents Required, Form Fees
XAT 2026 Result Date
- Result Announcement: January 31, 2026 (tentative)
- Score Card Download: Available till March 31, 2026
- Cut Off: Varies by institute and program; XLRI and other top MBA Colleges release their cut-offs post-results.
XAT 2026 Cutoffs
The XAT Cutoffs for XLRI varies every year based on the no. of applicants and their respective performance in the exam. It is an important factor that determines whether the candidate will get an interview call or not. The XAT 2025 cutoff is given in the table below:
The table below shows the cutoffs for Business Management
| Stream | Gender | Total | QA | VALR | DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer/Tech | Male | ≥96 | ≥88 | ≥84 | ≥84 |
| Female | ≥91 | ≥82 | ≥80 | ≥80 | |
| Non-Engineer | Male | ≥96 | ≥88 | ≥84 | ≥84 |
| Female | ≥91 | ≥82 | ≥80 | ≥80 |
The table below shows the cutoffs for Human Resource Management
| Stream | Gender | Total | QA | VALR | DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer/Tech | Male | ≥95 | ≥83 | ≥90 | ≥87 |
| Female | ≥90 | ≥73 | ≥85 | ≥80 | |
| Non-Engineer | Male | ≥93 | ≥76 | ≥90 | ≥87 |
| Female | ≥87 | ≥68 | ≥85 | ≥80 |
XAT 2026 Score Vs Percentile
This is something that every student should be aware of while preparing for the exam. It helps students to set target and manage their studies accordingly. The XAT 2025 score Vs percentile is given below in the table. For XAT 2026 the score vs percentile is expected to be around the same.
| XAT Marks Vs Percentile 2025 | |
| Score | Percentile |
| 38.2 | 99 |
| 33.8 | 97 |
| 29.25 | 92.5 |
| 24.7 | 85 |
| 20 | 80 |
| 16 | 75 |
| 12 | 70 |
| 11 | 65 |
| 10 | 60 |
XAT 2026 Exam Centers List
The XAT 2026 exam will be conducted in 80+ cities across India, including newly added centers. Here’s a sample of the exam centers:
| City | State/Region | City | State/Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agra | Uttar Pradesh | Bengaluru | Karnataka |
| Ahmedabad | Gujarat | Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh |
| Aurangabad | Maharashtra | Bhubaneswar | Odisha |
| Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Delhi-NCR | Delhi |
| Hyderabad | Telangana | Kolkata | West Bengal |
| Mumbai | Maharashtra | Pune | Maharashtra |
| Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | Jaipur | Rajasthan |
| Coimbatore | Tamil Nadu | Indore | Madhya Pradesh |
| Jamshedpur | Jharkhand | Guwahati | Assam |
For the full list, refer to the official XAT notification or Cracku website.
XAT 2026 Preparation Tips
- Start Early: Begin with basics, then move to advanced topics.
- Use Previous Year Papers: Practice with XAT previous year papers to understand the pattern and difficulty.
- Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Section-wise Focus: Allocate time to each section as per your strengths and weaknesses. Here DM section plays an important role in the exam, so students are advised to focus on this section.
- Study Material: Use standard XAT study material and recommended books.
- Stay Updated: Read newspapers and magazines for the GK section.
- Time Management: Practice solving questions within the stipulated time.
XAT 2026 Study Material
Practicing previous year question papers is one of the most effective ways to prepare for XAT 2026. It helps you understand the exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level, while also improving your time management skills.
Cracku offers a comprehensive collection of XAT previous year papers from 2010 to 2024, complete with detailed solutions and answer keys. These resources allow aspirants to practice extensively and identify their strengths and weaknesses for targeted improvement.
- Previous Year Papers: Available online; practicing them helps in understanding trends and question types.
- Recommended Study Material: Use books from reputed publishers, online courses, and coaching institute materials.
- Online Resources: Many platforms like Cracku offer free and paid XAT study material, mock tests, and daily practice questions.
XAT 2026: Conclusion
XAT 2026 demands a well-planned approach, consistent practice, and up-to-date study material to crack the exam with flying colors. By staying informed about important dates, understanding the syllabus, and leveraging previous year papers and mock tests, you can boost your confidence and performance. Remember, success in XAT is not just about hard work but also smart preparation.
Ready to take your XAT 2026 preparation to the next level? Visit Cracku for expert-curated study material, high-quality mock tests, detailed XAT previous year papers, and personalized preparation strategies. Start your journey with Cracku today and turn your XAT dreams into reality!
