XAT Exam 2026 Important Dates and Colleges Accepting XAT Scores

India, particularly among private B-schools known for their excellence in pedagogy, industry relevance, and placement outcomes. As CAT continues to dominate conversations due to the IIMs, XAT quietly remains the most powerful alternate route to India’s top management programs—most notably XLRI Jamshedpur.

In this comprehensive guide, we cover:

• All the important XAT 2026 dates: registration, admit card, exam, and result

• Key MBA colleges accepting XAT scores

• Programs offered via XAT (BM, HRM, PGDM, PGDM-GM, etc.)

• Application process for XLRI and non-XLRI schools

• Exam deadlines and college shortlisting timelines

Whether you’re aiming for XLRI or exploring other B-schools, this guide helps you stay on top of the 2026 XAT timeline.

Table of Contents

1. XAT 2026: Why It Matters

2. XAT 2026 Important Dates (Tentative Timeline)

3. XAT Application Process: Step-by-Step

4. XLRI Programs via XAT

5. List of Top MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Scores

6. Should You Apply Separately to Each College?

7. XAT vs CAT vs NMAT: Which B-Schools Overlap?

8. What Happens After the XAT Result?

9. Final Thoughts

1. XAT Exam 2026: Why It Matters

XAT is the gateway to XLRI Jamshedpur—home to India’s top-ranked MBA in HRM and one of the best Business Management (BM) programs in Asia. But XLRI isn’t the only reason to take XAT. Over 150 management institutes across India accept XAT scores, many of them offering niche strengths in marketing, finance, operations, rural management, and sustainability.

Unique aspects of XAT:

• Decision Making section (unlike CAT)

• Includes General Knowledge and Essay Writing

• Often considered less speed-driven than CAT

• Used for shortlisting by both flagship and domain-specialized B-schools

2. XAT 2026 Important Dates (Tentative Timeline)

The following are the expected dates for the XAT 2026 exam cycle. These may change slightly depending on XLRI’s official announcement.

Event	Date (Tentative)
XAT 2026 Notification Release	July 2025
XAT 2026 Registration Opens	July 15, 2025
Last Date to Apply	November 30, 2025
Admit Card Release	December 20, 2025
XAT 2026 Exam Date	January 5, 2026
XAT Answer Key Release	January 9, 2026
Objection Window	January 9–11, 2026
XAT Result Declaration	January 20, 2026
XLRI Shortlists Released	Late January 2026

XLRI does not conduct a separate GD-PI call for each program. Instead, candidates select their preferred programs (BM, HRM, GMP) at the time of application.

3. XAT Application Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Register on the XAT Website

• Visit xatonline.in

• Create a new user ID

• Confirm via email OTP

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

• Personal details

• Academic history

• Work experience (if any)

• Choice of XLRI programs (BM, HRM, GMP)

Step 3: Upload Documents

• Passport-size photograph

• Signature scan

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

• Base XAT application: ₹2100

• XLRI program(s): ₹200 per program (BM, HRM, GMP)

4. XLRI Programs via XAT

XLRI offers multiple full-time and executive programs through the XAT exam:

Program	Duration	Specialization
Business Management (BM)	2 Years	General
Human Resource Management (HRM)	2 Years	HR
PGDM-GM	18 Months	For professionals with 5+ years experience
Fellow Program (FPM)	Variable	Doctoral track

For most aspirants, BM and HRM are the primary choices via the XAT route. The XLRI PGDM-GM program, while lesser known, has rapidly grown in stature and competes with top executive MBAs in India.

5. List of Top MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Scores

Here’s a curated list of colleges that accept XAT 2026 scores for admission to their flagship MBA or PGDM programs:

Top Tier (Flagship Acceptors)

• XLRI Jamshedpur

• XIM Bhubaneswar (XIMB)

• IMT Ghaziabad

• SPJIMR Mumbai (Profile-based shortlist + XAT accepted)

• MICA Ahmedabad (through MICAT + XAT)

Strong Second Tier

• TAPMI, Manipal

• GIM Goa

• IRMA Anand (specialized in Rural Management)

• FORE School of Management

• LIBA Chennai

• K J Somaiya, Mumbai

• Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai

Specialized / Sectoral Schools

• BIMTECH Noida

• Welingkar Mumbai

• XIME Bangalore

• JAGSOM Bangalore

• IFMR GSB, Krea University

• XISS Ranchi (Social Management)

• XLRI Delhi Campus

This list continues to expand each year. Always check the official admission portals of individual schools for their declared XAT score acceptances.

6. Should You Apply Separately to Each College?

Yes. Except for XLRI, which integrates its program applications into the XAT form, all other schools require a separate application.

For example:

• IMT Ghaziabad opens its PGDM applications in August

• TAPMI’s PGDM process runs through its own portal

• GIM Goa and IRMA also ask for SOPs, preferences, and additional forms

Therefore, it’s wise to shortlist and apply to your preferred XAT colleges in parallel with XAT prep, not after the exam.

7. XAT vs CAT vs NMAT: Which B-Schools Overlap?

College	CAT	XAT	NMAT
XLRI	❌	✅	❌
IMT Ghaziabad	✅	✅	❌
SPJIMR	✅	✅	❌
TAPMI	✅	✅	✅
NMIMS	❌	❌	✅
MICA	✅	✅	✅ (via MICAT)
KJ Somaiya	✅	✅	✅

This table shows how XAT opens up exclusive opportunities that CAT and NMAT don’t—especially for HR, sustainability, and rural management.

8. What Happens After the XAT Result?

Once the XAT 2026 result is declared in late January, this is the general process:

1. XLRI Shortlisting: Based on sectional and overall cutoffs

2. Interview Round: Includes GD-PI-WAT, either virtual or in-person

3. Offers: Final results are based on composite scores (XAT + PI + Work Ex + Academics)

4. Other Colleges: Also roll out interview invites—often from late Jan to March

Important: The GK section and Essay are not considered in percentile calculations but are used in final evaluation for XLRI and some colleges.

9. Final Thoughts

If you’re planning your MBA journey for 2026, keeping an eye on XAT deadlines is just as crucial as preparing for CAT. XLRI’s consistent record in placements, ethics-based pedagogy, and leadership grooming make it a top-tier option.

Also, don’t limit yourself to XLRI. Use your XAT score to access:

• India’s best private B-schools in Marketing, Finance, and HR

• Specialized sector-focused programs in rural, healthcare, and analytics

• Executive and 1-year MBA options like PGDM-GM at XLRI

So, mark your calendar, finalize your target schools, and ensure you don’t miss application windows. A strategic approach to XAT 2026 could change the course of your career.

Frequently Asked Questions - XAT Exam:

What is the XAT exam, and how does it differ from other MBA entrance tests?

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of India's most prestigious national-level MBA entrance examinations, conducted annually by XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of the Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI). Established over 70 years ago, XAT assesses not just academic aptitude but also decision-making ability, ethical judgment, and readiness for leadership. It is unique among major Indian entrance tests for its dedicated Decision Making section, which presents real-world ethical, managerial, and situational dilemmas. This section, along with the General Knowledge section (which doesn't count towards the percentile but is considered for final admission), sets XAT apart from exams like the CAT. Unlike CAT, XAT also offers flexible navigation between sections, allowing candidates 180 minutes to allocate time as they see fit, rather than fixed time slots per section. While the essay writing section was removed from the main test in 2019, it has since been reinstated as part of the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. XAT also includes Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, demanding conceptual clarity rather than guesswork, particularly in the Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section. Approximately 90,000–100,000 candidates appear for XAT each year, competing for seats at XLRI's flagship PGDM in Business Management (BM) and PGDM in Human Resource Management (HRM) programs, and over 1,000 other management programs across India like XIMB, IMT, TAPMI, Great Lakes, and GIM Goa.

What is the XAT 2026 exam pattern and syllabus?

The XAT 2026 exam is a computer-based test with a total duration of 180 minutes (3 hours) and approximately 95 questions. It is structured into four main sections: Verbal & Logical Ability (VA & LR), Decision Making (DM), Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), and General Knowledge (GK). The marking scheme awards +1 for correct answers and -0.25 for wrong answers in all sections except GK. A penalty of -0.10 marks is applied for each question left blank after 8 consecutive unattempted responses. A key feature of the XAT 2026 pattern is the absence of sectional time limits, providing candidates with flexible navigation across all sections.

Syllabus Highlights by Section:

• Verbal & Logical Ability (VA & LR): Focuses on complex reading comprehension (500–700 words), para jumbles, critical reasoning, analogies, sentence completion, and grammar.

• Decision Making (DM): Unique to XAT, this section assesses ethical and analytical reasoning through real-world scenarios, including business ethics, resource allocation, stakeholder management, and data interpretation-based decisions.

• Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI): Covers arithmetic (Time-Speed-Distance, Work, Profit-Loss), algebra (linear & quadratic equations), geometry & mensuration, numbers, data sufficiency, and DI sets (tables, bar graphs, pie charts, caselets). It includes Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions that require typing in numerical answers, emphasizing conceptual understanding.

• General Knowledge (GK): Comprises 20 questions, mixing current affairs (business, economy, polity over the past 12 months) and static GK (history, constitution, geography, awards). This section does not affect the percentile but is crucial for final admissions at XLRI and other top institutes.

• Essay Writing: Removed from the main test, it is now assessed during the GD/PI rounds for XLRI and other select institutes.

What are the eligibility criteria for XAT 2026?

The eligibility criteria for XAT 2026 are straightforward and inclusive:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree of at least 3 years' duration from a recognized university.

• Final-Year Students: Students in their final year of graduation are eligible to apply, provided they complete their degree by June 2026. They may need to submit their final mark sheet during the admission rounds.

• Minimum Marks: XAT does not specify any minimum percentage of marks required in graduation to be eligible for the exam. However, individual B-schools accepting XAT scores (including XLRI) may have their own minimum percentage requirements for admission.

• Age Limit: There is no upper or lower age limit for appearing in the XAT exam.

• Number of Attempts: There are no restrictions on the number of times a candidate can attempt the XAT.

• Citizenship: Only Indian citizens are eligible to take the XAT exam. Foreign nationals and NRIs generally apply to XLRI through their GMAT scores.

• Work Experience: Work experience is not mandatory for applying to XAT or for XLRI's PGDM programs (BM/HRM), though it can significantly enhance a candidate's profile during the Personal Interview (PI) and final selection stages, particularly for top-tier schools. Candidates with backlogs are technically eligible to write XAT, but most top B-schools require the degree to be cleared before joining.

What is considered a "good score" in XAT, and which institutes accept XAT scores?

A "good score" in XAT is relative to the target business school. For XLRI Jamshedpur, the most sought-after destination for XAT test-takers, the cut-offs are:

• PGDM – Business Management (BM): Typically 95+ percentile for males and 92+ percentile for females. A raw score of 35–40 usually translates to 95+ percentile.

• PGDM – Human Resource Management (HRM): Typically 93+ percentile for males and 91+ percentile for females. A raw score of 32–36 is generally competitive.

Beyond XLRI, over 1,000 management programs across India accept XAT scores. Some of the top institutes and their approximate cut-offs include:

• Xavier Institute of Management (XIMB), Bhubaneswar: 85–90 percentile

• IMT Ghaziabad: 85+ percentile

• TAPMI, Manipal: 80+ percentile

• Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai/Gurgaon: 75–85 percentile

• Goa Institute of Management (GIM), Goa: 85 percentile

• FORE School of Management, Delhi: 75–80 percentile

• K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai: 80–85 percentile

• LIBA, Chennai: 75–80 percentile

• IRMA, Anand (for PGDM-RM): 80–85 percentile

• MICA, Ahmedabad: Varies (profile-based shortlisting)

For most Tier-2 B-Schools, a percentile in the 75–85 range is often sufficient. It's important to remember that shortlisting for interviews and final admission depends on more than just the percentile; factors like academic consistency, work experience, and diversity also play a crucial role. The General Knowledge section and essay writing (now part of GD/PI) are also considered in the final selection process, even though they don't count towards the overall percentile score.

Is XAT tougher than CAT?

The perception of whether XAT is "tougher" than CAT varies, but it's more accurate to say they are different in their assessment philosophy. Both are challenging, but they test different facets of aptitude.

Key Differences in Difficulty & Focus:

• Decision Making: XAT uniquely includes a Decision Making section, which involves real-world ethical, managerial, and situational dilemmas. There is no comparable section in CAT, adding a distinct layer of challenge and requiring a different type of preparation.

• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension: XAT's Reading Comprehension passages tend to be longer (500-700 words) and more abstract, philosophical, or interdisciplinary, often with dense vocabulary and indirect inferences. Answer choices in XAT RCs typically have five options, making elimination harder than CAT's four options. CAT's RCs are generally shorter (350-500 words) and more direct, focusing on logic, tone, and factual details.

• Time Management: CAT imposes strict sectional time limits (40 minutes per section), making speed and efficient time allocation within fixed blocks critical. XAT, however, offers greater flexibility with no sectional time limits, allowing test-takers to navigate freely across sections for the entire 180 minutes. This can be an advantage for those who prefer to allocate time based on their strengths.

• General Knowledge & Essay Writing: XAT includes a General Knowledge section (20 questions, not counted in percentile but used in final selection) and the essay writing component (now part of GD/PI rounds). CAT includes neither. This broadens XAT's scope to assess general awareness and written communication.

• Question Types: XAT incorporates Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, especially in QA & DI, which require precise numerical inputs without options, reducing guesswork and demanding stronger conceptual clarity. CAT uses Type In The Answer (TITA) questions which also avoid options but within a tighter time frame.

• Overall Pace: CAT is often described as a "test of speed" with heavy time pressure per section. XAT is more about "endurance" and conceptual depth, testing a variety of question types over a longer, flexible session.

In summary, XAT is conceptually deeper, assessing judgment, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking, while CAT is more speed-focused and demands rapid problem-solving within stringent time constraints. Many aspirants find XAT slightly more challenging due to its unique sections and the complex nature of its verbal and decision-making components.

What is the XAT 2026 timeline?

The XAT 2026 cycle follows a well-defined timeline, starting in July 2025 and concluding with final admissions by April 2026. Understanding this schedule is vital for timely registration and aligning preparation strategies.

Here’s a breakdown of the official XAT 2026 timeline:

• Registration Opens: July 10, 2025

• Registration Closes: December 5, 2025

• Admit Card Download: Last week of December 2025

• XAT Exam Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026 (typically 2 PM to 5:30 PM)

• Result Declaration: Third week of January 2026

• XLRI GD-PI Shortlisting: Late January 2026

• GD/PI Rounds: March–April 2026

Key Phases:

• July to September: Early bird registration window. Candidates registering early may get preference in test city allotments.

• October to Early December: Ideal time for fine-tuning preparation, mock tests, and revising weak areas, particularly Decision Making. Avoid last-minute registration to prevent server issues.

• Late December: Download the XAT Admit Card and verify all details.

• January 4, 2026 (Exam Day): Arrive at the test center 90 minutes early with necessary documents (admit card, ID, passport-sized photos).

• Third week of January: Results are announced online with percentile and raw scores. XLRI releases GD/PI shortlists separately.

• March to April 2026: Shortlisted candidates participate in Group Discussions, Personal Interviews, and possibly an essay writing task. Final selections are based on composite scores, academic record, work experience, and interview performance.

Backward-planning from the exam date is recommended, with preparation peaking in December.

How can I prepare to score above 85 percentile in XAT 2026?

Scoring above the 85 percentile in XAT requires a focused and strategic approach, leveraging the exam's unique structure and demands.

1. Understand the Latest Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the 95 questions, 180 minutes, no sectional time limits, and the inclusion of Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. Note that the essay writing is now part of GD/PI rounds.

2. Section-Wise Preparation:

• Verbal & Logical Ability: Practice at least 3 Reading Comprehension (RC) passages per week from sources like The Economist, Aeon, and Harvard Business Review, focusing on complex, abstract topics. Work on elimination strategies due to five-option MCQs. Regularly revise grammar rules and practice para jumbles and critical reasoning.

• Decision Making: This is crucial. Solve the past 5 years' XAT DM sections to understand the types of scenarios (ethical dilemmas, business decisions, data-based analysis). Focus on objective, responsible managerial thinking rather than personal bias. Analyze explanations for both correct and incorrect choices.

• Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation: Prioritize Arithmetic, Geometry, and Algebra, as they form the majority of the section. Practice NAT questions weekly to ensure precision and conceptual clarity, as there's no guesswork. Aim for accuracy over attempting every question, focusing on 20-25 solid questions per week.

• General Knowledge: Dedicate regular time to current affairs (past 12 months), especially business, economy, and national news. Create short notes for static GK (e.g., Constitution, Awards). Take weekly online GK quizzes. Remember, GK is vital for interview shortlisting, even if not counted in the percentile.

3. Strategic Preparation & Mock Tests:

• Mock Tests: Attempt 10–12 full-length mocks by mid-December, simulating real exam conditions (2 PM slot, 3 hours).

• Analyze Performance: After each mock, meticulously analyze error types, track the number of blank questions (avoid leaving more than 8 consecutive questions blank to prevent penalties), and identify and revise weak topics.

• Time Management: Use the flexibility of no sectional time limits to your advantage. Experiment with different attempt orders and time allocations across sections based on your strengths.

4. General Tips:

• Utilize official XAT sample papers and reliable coaching materials.

• Improve reading speed by regularly reading editorials and business magazines.

• Consider joining online forums or study groups for peer learning.

• Maintain physical and mental well-being through breaks and exercise.

• Regularly revise and consolidate notes for last-minute review.

By focusing on conceptual clarity, disciplined practice, and strategic mock analysis, candidates can significantly improve their chances of achieving an 85+ percentile score.

Does XAT apply to IIMs?

No, XAT scores are not accepted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their flagship MBA/PGP programs. If your primary target is an IIM, you must appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT).

IIMs conduct their admissions process primarily based on CAT scores (for Indian candidates), along with other criteria such as academic record, work experience, and performance in Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.

While XAT is one of India's most prestigious MBA entrance exams, it serves as the gateway to XLRI Jamshedpur (the conducting body) and over 1,000 other top-tier business schools across India, including XIMB, IMT, TAPMI, Great Lakes, GIM, FORE, and more. Therefore, while XAT does not open doors to IIMs, it unlocks a vast array of high-quality MBA opportunities beyond the IIM system.