XAT Registration 2026
Aspirants aiming for prestigious management institutes like IIM colleges or top B schools must register for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 in case they miss the CAT or want to use another method. Registering for an entrance exam is not difficult, but proper guidance is required to save time. Don’t hurry during end dates; be prepared and plan your strategy ahead.
Check out this blog to learn about important dates, exam fees, documents to upload, and steps to apply.
XAT Registration Dates 2026
Stay informed about the key dates so you don’t miss anything important. The XAT 2026 exam is scheduled for Sunday, January 4th, 2026, and it’ll be held in various cities across India. Candidates aiming for XLRI Jamshedpur or other top B-schools, this is one of the big ones.
The XAT registration process started on July 15th, 2025, so if any candidate hasn’t signed up yet, now’s a good time to do it.
| Event | Tentative Date |
| XAT Notification Release Date | July 2025 |
| XAT Registration Begins | July 15, 2025 |
| XAT Last Date to Apply | November 30, 2025 |
| XAT Admit Card Download Starts | December 20, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Exam Date | January 4, 2026 (Sunday) |
| XAT Result Announcement | January 20, 2026 |
Try to apply in the early weeks instead of waiting till the last date, just to avoid any last-minute rush or technical issues.
XAT Registration Process 2026
Registering for XAT is completely online and doesn’t take much time if all the necessary information is ready.
Here’s how the XATregistration process generally works:
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Go to the official website: https://xatonline.in |
| 2 | Click on “New Registration” |
| 3 | Fill basic details like name, email, phone number |
| 4 | Get XAT ID and password via email/SMS |
| 5 | Log in and complete personal, academic, and work info |
| 6 | Upload documents as per specifications |
| 7 | Choose test cities and XLRI programs (optional) |
| 8 | Pay the fee online |
| 9 | Submit and download the confirmation page |
Always double-check every detail before submitting. Editing options are usually limited after the final payment.
XAT Registration Fee 2026
The fee for XAT 2026 is expected to remain in line with previous years. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Candidate Type | Fee (INR) |
| XAT Registration Fee | ₹2,200 |
| Each XLRI Program Addition | ₹200 extra |
| NRI/Foreign Candidates | ₹5,000 |
Payments can be made via credit card, debit card, UPI, or net banking. Don’t forget to download the payment receipt for future reference.
How To Fill The XAT Registration Form?
Filling out the form carefully will save a lot of time and candidates can stay hassle-free.
Here’s a more detailed section-wise view of what goes into the form:
| Section | Details You’ll Need to Provide |
| Personal Information | Name, DOB, gender, nationality, email, phone |
| Academic Background | 10th, 12th, Graduation (and Postgrad if any) |
| Work Experience | Company name, role, duration (in months/years) |
| Program Selection | XLRI courses like BM, HRM, and GM (optional) |
| Test City Choice | Select up to 4 test cities as per preference |
| Document Upload | Photo and signature in correct dimensions |
| Payment | Pay online and verify the transaction |
Once the form is submitted, changes are not easy, so fill it out calmly and accurately.
Documents Required for XAT Registration 2026
Get these documents ready before starting the XAT registration process.
It’s always better to scan and organize the required documents in advance. Here’s a handy checklist:
| Document | Format | File Size Limit |
| Recent Passport-size Photo | JPG/JPEG | 20 KB – 50 KB |
| Signature (black ink on white) | JPG/JPEG | 10 KB – 20 KB |
| Class 10 Marksheet | PDF/JPG | Less than 1 MB |
| Class 12 Marksheet | PDF/JPG | Less than 1 MB |
| Graduation Certificate/Marksheet | PDF/JPG | Less than 1 MB |
| Work Experience Proof (if any) | Optional | |
| Identity Proof (Aadhaar/PAN) | PDF/JPG | Less than 1 MB |
Ensure the photo is clear, recent, and without sunglasses or hats. Sign using a black pen and scan neatly.
What To Do After XAT Registration 2026?
After registering check out the following.
You’ve filled out the form, made the payment, and received the confirmation. Great! Now, follow this simple checklist:
| Task | Why It’s Important |
| Save Confirmation Page | Useful for future reference |
| Monitor Email and SMS | Admit cards and alerts will come here |
| Start Preparing Seriously | Use mock tests and previous papers |
| Join XAT Forums or Groups | Peer learning and doubt-clearing |
| Watch for Admit Card Release | Expected in late December 2025 |
Also, note down the XAT ID and password, as it is used for further admission cycles.
XLRI Programs, Candidates Can Apply Through XAT
Candidates can apply to specific XLRI courses directly from the XAT form.
Here’s a look at XLRI’s popular management programs and the extra fee involved:
| Program Name | Fee (Extra) | Who Should Apply |
| Business Management (BM) | ₹200 | For aspirants of general management |
| Human Resource (HRM) | ₹200 | Those interested in HR and people |
| General Management (GM) | ₹200 | For working professionals |
Aspirants can select one or more of these while filling out the form. XLRI Jamshedpur has increased the number of seats in its flagship PGDM in Business Management (BM) program, it’s gone up from 180 to 240 seats, giving more aspirants a fair chance this year.
XAT Exam Centres 2026
Here are some major XAT test centers across India. Choose the test centers based on availability.
| City | City | City |
| Mumbai | Delhi NCR | Kolkata |
| Bangalore | Chennai | Pune |
| Hyderabad | Ahmedabad | Lucknow |
| Jaipur | Bhopal | Bhubaneswar |
Try to choose cities that are close to your current or permanent residence to avoid travel hassles later.
XAT Registration 2026: Conclusion
Registering for XAT 2026 is the first step toward MBA dreams. And while it may look like a lot on paper, once you break it down step by step, it becomes a simple and doable process. The key is to stay informed, organized, and proactive. Don’t wait till the deadline, double-check the documents uploaded, and keep updated via the official website. This is the chance for management aspirants to get into prestigious B schools.
Aspirants aiming for prestigious management institutes like IIM or top B schools must register for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 in case they miss the CAT or want to use another method. Registering for an entrance exam is not difficult, but proper guidance is required to save time. Don’t hurry during end dates; be prepared and plan your strategy ahead. Check out this blog to know the important dates, exam fees, documents to upload, and steps to apply. XAT Registration Dates 2026 Stay
