Xavier Aptitude Test
Registration opens
10 Jul 2025
Registration closes
5 Dec 2025
Exam date
4 Jan 2026
Application fee
₹2200
Official website
https://xatonline.inXAT is XLRI Jamshedpur's own entrance exam for its MBA/PGDM programs, conducted on behalf of XAMI (Xavier Association of Management Institutes) - over 250 institutes beyond XLRI itself also accept XAT scores, making it a common second (or first) management entrance exam alongside CAT.
Mode
Computer-based test (CBT)
Duration
3 hours
Marking scheme
+1 correct / -0.25 incorrect
Sections
A distinctive Decision Making section (case-based judgment questions) sets XAT apart from CAT/CMAT. Leaving more than 8 questions unattempted costs an additional small penalty.
XLRI and other XAT-accepting institutes each run their own further shortlisting (essay/GK test, and/or Personal Interview) combining XAT score with academics and, at XLRI, work experience.
The XAT 2026 exam is scheduled for 4 Jan 2026.
The application fee for XAT 2026 is ₹2200 for General candidates and ₹2200 for SC/ST/reserved candidates. Payment charges and some categories can differ, so check the notification on the official website (https://xatonline.in).
You need a Bachelor's degree of at least 3 years (any discipline), or be in your final year and complete it before the program starts. The full rules, including age and category relaxations, are in the Eligibility section above.
XAT 2026: it is held as a computer-based test (cbt), lasts 3 hours. See the Exam pattern section for the marking scheme and sections.
XAT 2026
Results declared · 4 Jan 2026
