XAT 2026: Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Syllabus (Latest Update) // Unstop dfgxf

XAT 2026 (Latest Update): Eligibility, Application Link, Exam Pattern & Syllabus

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), organized by XLRI Jamshedpur, happens once every year in more than 90 cities across India. XAT scores are used for MBA/PGDM admissions, not just for XLRI Jamshedpur and other Xavier Associate Management Institutes but also for over 160 top B-schools in India.

XAT Exam Eligibility

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in any discipline from a recognized university. Students who anticipate completing their final examinations within the stipulated time, as per the official notification, are also eligible to apply for XAT.

XAT 2026 Important Dates

Registration opens	July 10, 2025
Registration closes	December 05, 2025
Admit card download	December 20, 2025
XAT Exam date	January 04, 2026, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

XAT 2026 Online Application Link

If you are preparing to apply for XAT 2026, you can click HERE to apply.

XAT 2026 Exam Structure

Question types	Mode of exam	Duration of exam
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)	Online Computer-Based Test (CBT)	180 minutes (3 hours)

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Marking Scheme

Part 1				Part 2
Sections	Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR)	Decision Making (DM)	Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)	General Knowledge (GK)
Duration	170 Minutes			10 minutes
Number of Questions	26	21	28	20
Syllabus	Critical & analytical reasoning, reading comprehension (including poems & passages), vocabulary, English grammar, and other related exercises such as para jumbles, cloze tests, etc.	This section will present scenarios from personal and professional lives that require critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and prioritisation to make informed decisions.	The questions in the QA section are primarily formulated around 10th-standard Mathematics. Notably, the emphasis is on application-oriented problems. The questions on data interpretation are about clear interpretation, summarisation, and insightful analysis of the data.	In the GK section, 08 questions will focus on static GK, while the remaining 12 will delve into current affairs.
Marking Pattern	For every correct answer, 01 mark will be allotted; for every wrong answer, -0.25 will be deducted. (After 8 unattempted questions, 0.10 marks will be deducted.)			In the GK section, for each correct answer, 1 mark will be allotted; there will not be negative marking in the GK section.

XLRI will exclusively use the scores from the General Knowledge (GK) sections for its final selection process.
PwD candidates will be granted an additional 20 minutes for every hour.
The number of questions in the XAT typically fluctuates within a range of 100-105.
Before the commencement of the exam, candidates will be allotted 5 minutes to test the keyboard.
The Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) component will be administered during the Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD/PI) stages of the selection process rather than as part of the XAT 2026.

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What After the XAT Exam?

Here are five of the top career prospects after completing the XAT exam and obtaining a management degree from a reputed institute:

Corporate Jobs: Opportunities in roles such as management trainee, business analyst, marketing manager, operations manager, and financial analyst across various industries.
Consulting: Positions in consulting firms offering strategic and operational advice to businesses, including management consulting, IT consulting, and strategy consulting.
Finance: Careers in investment banking, corporate finance, financial analysis, asset management, and risk management in financial institutions and corporations.
Marketing and Sales: Roles in brand management, digital marketing, sales management, market research, and product management in consumer goods, technology, and service sectors.
Entrepreneurship: Starting and managing one's own business or venture, leveraging entrepreneurial skills developed during management education.

Explore these two must-read articles to level up your XAT 2026 prep and pave your way to a premier B-school:

XAT 2026 Preparation: 5-Month Study Plan to Crack the Exam

5 easy steps to approach XAT Decision Making questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, the XAT 2026 serves as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring management students aiming for admission to esteemed MBA programs. It rigorously evaluates candidates on their verbal, analytical, and decision-making skills.

Thorough preparation, combined with a clear understanding of the exam pattern, can significantly boost candidates' chances of achieving their target scores and securing a place in their preferred institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the eligibility criteria for the XAT Exam?

Candidates must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree in any discipline. There is no specific age limit, and final-year students can also apply, provided they submit proof of graduation.

2. How is the XAT Exam conducted?

The XAT Exam is conducted in a computer-based format at designated test centres across India and some international locations.

3. What is the marking scheme for the XAT Exam?

Each correct answer awards 1 mark, while 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer. There is no negative marking for the General Knowledge section, and unanswered questions do not affect the score.

4. When is the XAT Exam held?

The XAT Exam is typically conducted once a year, usually in the first week of January. Candidates should check the official XAT website for specific dates and updates.

5. How can I prepare effectively for the XAT Exam?

Effective preparation involves understanding the exam pattern, practising previous years’ question papers, and taking mock tests. Focusing on improving verbal and quantitative skills, along with decision-making abilities, is essential for success in the exam.

Kaihrii Thomas

Senior Associate Content Writer

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