XAT age limit 2025: A one of the most competitive MBA entrance exams in India for admission into XLRI and other top business schools, XAT is taken by lakhs of students every year. Among candidates appearing for XAT 2026, one of the common doubt that surface is whether there is an age limit to appear for XAT exam.
This article will clarify the age eligibility criteria for XAT 2026, helping aspirants understand whether they will face any age related restrictions and how this will impacts their MBA journey.
XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
The XAT eligibility criteria for applicants who want to appear for XAT 2026 is as follows:
- Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree of minimum 3 years duration in any discipline from a recognized university or institution.
- Those who are in the final year of graduation and expecting to complete their degree by June 2026 are also eligible to apply for XAT 2026.
- There is no minimum percentage of marks requirement in graduation for XAT. As long as you have passed your graduation exam, you are eligible to apply for XAT.
- Candidates who have completed professional degree like CA/CS/ICWA/CMA or are Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) can also apply for XAT exam with required percentage.
Also Read, XAT Registration 2026, Dates, Documents Required, Form Fees
XAT Exam Age Criteria 2026
As per the XAT 2026 notification, there is no minimum or maximum age limit for candidates who want to appear for XAT exam. This policy ensures the inclusion of candidates from diverse age groups and professional backgrounds providing them an opportunity to pursue management education through XAT exam. Following are the age guidelines for different category of candidates.
XAT age limit for working professionals
In recent times, candidates with work experience are opting to pursue their MBA degrees to enhance their career opportunities but they might worry if their age might be a barrier. However, XAT 2026 sets no age restrictions, allowing candidates of all ages at any stage of their careers to appear for the exam. Whether the candidate is in their late 20s or 30s, as long as they meet the educational qualifications requirements, they are eligible to appear for the exam.
While work experience is not mandatory to appear for XAT exam, it enhances a candidate's profile, giving them an advantage of industry exposure.
XAT age limit for general category
Candidates belonging to the General category face no minimum or maximum age limits for XAT 2026 unlike other exams like government exams. The primary requirement is holding a bachelor's degree with no minimum marks, even if the candidate has just passed the exam or an equivalent CGPA from a recognized university. Final-year undergraduate students are also eligible to apply, given that they meet the graduation criteria upon completion.
XAT age limit for SC/ST/OBC
Unlike other competitive exams that gives an advantage to reserved category students on age criteria, XAT exam follow no such pattern. Reserved category candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), do not face any restriction of appearing for XAT 2026, given that XLRI Jamshedpur is a private institute, they don't follow or reserve seats and don't give any relaxation to reserved categories like SC/ST. Final-year students in these categories are also eligible to apply, subject to meeting the necessary academic criteria upon graduation.
Also Read, XAT Exam Date 2026, Notification, Registration, Exam Fees
XAT Age Limit 2026: Conclusion
In conclusion, XAT 2026 is an inclusive exam where candidates of all ages can apply for. While there is no age criteria for applicants who want to apply for XAT 2026, candidates must make sure to fill other eligibility criteria like having a bachelors degree as per XAT 2026 notification. All the best to the aspiring candidates!
Also Read, XAT Application Form 2026, Important Dates, Documents, Fees
