What is XAT
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national‑level MBA/PGDM entrance exam conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur on behalf of the Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI). It is accepted by XLRI and many other top B‑schools across India. The exam evaluates candidates on abilities in sections such as Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
Eligibility (Summary)
- Must have a Bachelor's degree of minimum 3 years' duration from a recognized university.
- Final‑year graduating students, awaiting results, are also eligible, provided they complete their degree by a specified deadline.
- No minimum marks required in graduation (i.e. no fixed percentage cutoff).
- No age limit.
- Work experience is not mandatory for applying.
XAT 2026 – Expected Schedule / Timeline
The exact schedule is announced by XLRI each year. Below is the expected timeline based on recent trends.
| Event | Expected Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Start | July 10, 2025 | Opens on the official portal. |
| Registration End | December 11, 2025 | No late applications are accepted. |
| Admit Card Release | ~ December 20, 2025 (Tentative) | Available on the official website. |
| Exam Date | January 4, 2026 (Sunday) | Computer-based test conducted across multiple cities. |
| Result Announcement | ~ Third week of January 2026 | Results declared on official website. |
Tip: Keep documents ready in advance to avoid last‑minute issues.
Exam Pattern
| Details | Specifications | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Computer‑Based Test (CBT) | Online examination format |
| Duration | ~ 180 minutes (3 hours) | Total exam time |
| Total Questions | ~ 95 MCQs | Multiple choice questions |
| Sections | 4 main sections | VARC, DM, QA & DI, GK |
Sections:
- 1. Verbal & Logical Ability (VARC)
- 2. Decision Making (DM)
- 3. Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
- 4. General Knowledge (GK)
Marking Scheme:
- +1 for correct answer
- −0.25 for incorrect answer
- Possible penalty for excessive unattempted questions
Preparation & Strategy
Section‑wise Focus:
- Verbal & Logical Ability: RC, vocabulary, para‑jumbles, grammar, critical reasoning.
- Decision Making: Practice caselets, ethical dilemmas, analytical reasoning & judgments.
- Quantitative & DI: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, charts, tables.
- General Knowledge: Static GK + current affairs.
Tips:
- Solve mock tests regularly.
- Analyze results to improve weak areas.
- Read newspapers & current affairs daily.
- Practice Decision Making and GK specifically.
XAT At a Glance
| Conducted By | XLRI Jamshedpur (XAMI) |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer‑Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | ~ 3 hours |
| Total Questions | ~ 95 MCQs |
| Sections | Verbal & Logical, Decision Making, Quantitative‑DI, GK |
Benefits of Early Preparation
- Better clarity on core concepts and topic coverage.
- Regular mocks lead to improved speed and accuracy.
- Allows balanced prep with academics or work.
FAQs (Common Questions)
Disclaimer
Dates, pattern, and syllabus are tentative and subject to official notifications. Always refer to the official XAT website (xatonline.in) for final information.