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The XAT 2026 exam is scheduled to be held on January 4, 2026. Registration for XAT 2026 has started online from July 10, 2025. The application form is available online on the official website, xatonline.in.
You must complete the XAT application form 2026 online and pay the required fee. The registration window will remain open until Dec 5, 2025. Read on for complete details about XAT 2026 important dates and related events.
XAT Exam Date
The following table provides details of all important XAT test dates 2026, and events related to the exam:
| Events | Dates (Tentative) |
| Registration opens | July 10, 2025 |
| Registration closes | Dec 5, 2025 |
|
1st Mock Test 2nd Mock Test |
Sep 2025 Oct 2025 |
| XAT Admit card download | December 2025 |
| XAT Exam date | January 4, 2026 (2:00 pm to 5:30 pm) |
| Shortlist for Interview | End of January |
| Interviews | Mid-February - Mid-March |
| Offers and Waitlist | April 2026 |
| Academic Session begins | Mid-June, 2026 |
Also Read: MBA Colleges Accepting 60-70 Percentile in XAT 2025: Check Complete List
XAT Exam Dates and Key Events
Check out the important dates and key events related to XAT 2026.
1. XAT Registration:
The registration process for XAT 2026 is being conducted online through the official website. You must create a login ID, complete the application form, and pay the required fees. It’s important to note that XAT does not offer a form correction window, so applicants should ensure all details are entered accurately before submission.
2. XAT Mock Test:
XLRI will provide an official mock test for registered candidates ahead of the exam. This mock test will help candidates familiarize themselves with the exam format and latest pattern. To access the mock test, candidates must log in to their XAT account. The exam authority is expected to conduct two official mock tests for XAT 2026.
3. XAT Admit Card:
The admit card for XAT 2026 will be available for download online approximately one week before the exam. Candidates must use their login credentials to access the admit card. A printed copy is mandatory, as digital versions will not be accepted on the exam day.
4. XAT Exam:
XAT 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test at designated centres. The exam will consist of 95 questions covering Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, English, General Knowledge, and Decision Making. The total duration will be 180 minutes, and the test will be held in a single session. Candidates must appear at the test centre mentioned on their admit card.
5. XAT Response Sheet and Answer Key:
A few days after the exam, XLRI will release the candidate response sheets and official answer key. Candidates will be able to log in and raise objections, if any, to the provisional answer key. These objections will be reviewed, and the answer key may be updated accordingly to ensure fairness in the evaluation process.
6. XAT Result:
The results of XAT 2026 are expected to be announced by the third week of January 2026. Candidates can download their scorecards using their login details. Results will be declared in the form of percentiles and will remain available for download until December 31, 2026.
7. XAT Cut-Offs for XLRI:
XLRI will announce the XAT 2026 cut-offs for admissions by the fourth week of January 2026. These cut-offs will determine eligibility for admission to XLRI and other participating institutes.
Also Read: MBA Colleges Accepting 70-80 Percentile in XAT 2025: Check Admission Process
The XAT 2026 exam process involves multiple important stages, starting from online registration in July 2025 to result declaration in January 2026. Candidates must stay updated with key dates and follow the instructions carefully throughout the process — from filling the application form and attempting mock tests, to downloading the admit card and appearing for the exam. With no provision for form correction, accuracy during registration is crucial. Post-exam, the release of response sheets and answer keys ensures transparency, and final admission decisions will depend on cut-offs released by XLRI and other participating institutes.
FAQs on XAT Exam Dates
Q: What is the XAT exam date 2026?
XAT exam date 2026 was announced by XLRI Jamshedpur. It was held on Jan 4, 2026. The XAT 2026 admit card for the same will be out in Dec 2025.
Q: What is the XAT application form 2026 last date to apply?
The last date to apply for XAT is Dec 5, 2025. Thus, the candidates are advised to fill out the forms as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute glitch before the given date.
Q: When will be the XAT admit card 2025 released?
XAT 2026 admit card was released on the official website in Dec 2025. Applicants can download their hall ticket by entering the login credentials required. The candidates are advised to make sure to carry the hard copy to the exam centre on the exam day.
Q: What is the XAT answer key release date?
XAT answer key 2026 (provisional) will be released in Jan 2026. Candidates will be provided an opportunity to raise objections against their answer key till a specified duration.
Q: What is XAT registration date?
XAT 2025 registration process started on Jul 10, 2025. The official announcement was made by the examination-conducting institute, XLRI Jamshedpur. The last date to register for XAT entrance exam 2025 is Dec 5, 2025.
