XAT Exam Fees 2026: The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a highly popular entrance exam for MBA candidates in India. Organized by XLRI Jamshedpur, XAT acts as a key entry point to many prestigious business schools across the country. One important factor for candidates is to be well-informed about the XAT registration fees, application charges, and overall expenses involved.
This article offers a comprehensive overview to help aspirants navigate the XAT registration process, fee details, and payment methods with ease.
XAT Exam Fees 2026
Candidates aspiring to appear for the XAT exam must complete their registration through the official XAT portal. The registration fees vary depending on the candidate’s category and the specific programs they choose to apply for. For general category candidates, the registration fees typically range between ₹2,000 and ₹2,500.
Those applying for XLRI programs are required to pay additional charges on top of the basic registration fee. In case candidates miss the regular registration deadline, they may also have to pay a late registration fee. To avoid any last-minute complications and extra charges, it is highly recommended to complete the registration process early.
XAT Registration Fees
The XAT registration fees are an essential part of the application process and vary slightly depending on the applicant's category and choice of programs. Below is a quick breakdown of the fee structure for XAT 2026:
1. Basic Registration Fee: All candidates applying for XAT are required to pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 2200.
2. Additional XLRI Programme Fee: If a candidate wishes to apply to one or more programmes offered by XLRI (such as PGDM-BM, PGDM-HRM, or PGDM-GM), an additional fee of Rs. 200 per programme must be paid.
3. Indian Candidates Applying via GMAT/GRE for PGDM (GM):
- Indian nationals applying for the PGDM (General Management) programme at XLRI through GMAT or GRE must pay Rs. 2500 as their application fee.
GRE scores are accepted only for PGDM (GM).
4. NRI/Foreign Nationals Applying via GMAT:
- NRI or foreign candidates applying to any of the XLRI programmes through GMAT need to pay a fee of Rs. 5000.
- This fee covers application to one or more programmes.
Note: The registration fee must be paid online through accepted digital payment methods such as credit/debit cards, net banking, UPI, or wallets
XAT Application Fees
The XAT 2026 application fee varies based on the applicant's route and program preferences. All candidates are required to pay a base registration fee, with additional charges applicable for those applying to specific XLRI programs or through the GMAT route. Here's a detailed table outlining the XAT 2026 application fees:
Category | Details | Fee (INR) |
Basic XAT Registration Fee | Mandatory for all candidates | 2,200 |
XLRI Programme Application Fee | Additional fee per programme (PGDM-BM, PGDM-HRM, PGDM-GM) | 200 per programme |
Indian Candidates (via GMAT/GRE) | For PGDM (GM) only; GRE accepted only for this programme | 2,500 |
NRI/Foreign Candidates (via GMAT) | For one or more programmes | 5,000 |
Modes of XAT Exam Fees Payment
Candidates can pay the XAT registration and application fees using the following online payment modes:
- Credit Cards – VISA, MasterCard, RuPay, Maestro
- Debit Cards – All major bank debit cards
- Net Banking – From all leading banks in India
- UPI – Unified Payments Interface (such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.)
- Wallets – Approved mobile/digital wallets
- IMPS – Immediate Payment Service
Note: After payment, ensure that an e-receipt is generated and saved as proof. If it is not generated, the payment may not have been successful.
Also Read, XLRI Cut Off 2026, Check Category-wise Cut off Analysis
XAT Exam Fees Structure
XAT 2026 Exam Fees Types | XAT 2026 Exam Fees Amount |
XAT Registration Fee | Rs. 2200/- |
Additional XAT fees for XLRI programmes (Indian candidates) | Rs. 200/- each |
Fee for Indian candidates applying for PGDM (GM) through GMAT/GRE | Rs. 2500/- |
XAT Fees for NRI/Foreign candidates applying for one or more programmes via GMAT | Rs. 5000/- |
Also Read, XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Educational Qualification
XAT Exam Fees Refund Policy
The XAT exam fees and associated application charges are non-refundable under all circumstances. Here are the key points regarding the refund policy:
- No Refund on Registration Fee: Once paid, the XAT registration fee of Rs. 2200 will not be refunded, regardless of the reason (e.g., withdrawal, not appearing for the exam, or duplicate payment).
No Refund on XLRI Programme Fees: The Rs. 200 per programme fee for applying to XLRI courses is also non-refundable.
No Refund for GMAT/GRE Applicants: Fees paid by Indian candidates (Rs. 2500) or NRI/foreign nationals (Rs. 5000) applying through GMAT/GRE will not be refunded. - Technical errors or Multiple Payments: In rare cases of technical errors or duplicate payments, candidates can contact XAT support with payment proof to request resolution, but refunds are not guaranteed.
- Policy Confirmation: It is recommended to carefully review the fee details and eligibility before payment, as no cancellation or refund requests are entertained once the fee is paid.
How to Pay for XAT Exam Fees 2026
To pay the XAT 2026 exam fees, candidates need to complete the online registration on the official XAT website. During the application process, they can select from multiple payment options such as credit cards, debit cards, UPI, and net banking. The registration fee for Indian candidates is INR 2,200, with an additional charge of INR 200 for each XLRI programme applied to.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the official XAT website: Navigate to https://xatonline.in/.
- Register as a new candidate: Click on the “Register Online” or “New Registration” link to start the process.
- Fill out the application form: Enter your personal, academic, and other required details accurately.
- Upload required documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the specified guidelines.
- Select exam center: Choose your preferred XAT exam center from the available options.
- Make the payment: Proceed to the payment gateway and select your preferred payment method, such as credit card, debit card, UPI, or net banking.
- Review and submit: Carefully check all the information you have entered before submitting the application form.
- Save confirmation: Download and print the confirmation page for your records.
XAT Exam Fees 2026: Conclusion
The XAT 2026 exam fee structure is straightforward and transparent. All candidates must pay a base registration fee of ₹2,200, with an additional ₹200 for each XLRI program they apply to. For those applying through the GMAT route, Indian candidates pay ₹2,500, while NRI or foreign applicants pay ₹5,000. These fees are non-refundable and must be paid online. It’s important to plan accordingly and ensure timely payment to complete the registration process. Understanding the fee structure helps avoid confusion and allows candidates to focus fully on preparation for this highly competitive management entrance exam.
