Jamshedpur, India — The Xavier School of Management (XLRI) has extended the registration deadline for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026. Candidates now have until December 11 to register for the postgraduate management entrance exam. The XAT 2026 examination is scheduled for January 3 .
Interested individuals can complete the XAT 2026 registration process through the official website, xatonline.in. The registration form requires a candidate’s name, email address, and mobile number.
XAT is a national-level entrance examination. Its scores are used for admission to MBA (Master of Business Administration) and PGDM (Postgraduate Diploma in Management) programs at XLRI and over 250 other management institutions across India.
XAT 2026 Key Dates and Schedule
The XAT 2026 exam will take place on January 3, 2026 . It will be conducted in a single shift. The examination timing is from 2 pm to 5 pm .
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Deadline | December 11, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Exam Date | January 3, 2026 |
| Exam Shift | 2 pm – 5 pm (Single Shift) |
Eligibility Criteria for XAT 2026
To be eligible for XAT 2026, candidates must meet specific academic requirements. According to the official website, the criteria are as follows:
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Candidates from any academic discipline can apply.
- Students currently in their final year of a bachelor’s degree program are also eligible to register for the exam.
XAT does not specify a minimum percentage for bachelor’s degree scores. However, individual management institutes accepting XAT scores may set their own academic cut-offs and criteria for admissions, as stated in an official press release.
XAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Sections
The XAT 2026 is a computer-based test designed to evaluate candidates across several key areas. The examination consists of four primary sections:
- Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning: This section assesses language comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and logical deduction skills.
- Decision Making: Candidates are presented with scenarios to test their analytical and decision-making capabilities under various constraints.
- Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation: This section evaluates mathematical skills, data analysis, and problem-solving abilities.
- General Knowledge: Questions in this section cover current affairs, business, economics, and general awareness.
The XAT score is a crucial factor for admissions to postgraduate management programs. Students considering MBA or PGDM courses should ensure timely registration and thorough preparation.
Further Information
For detailed information regarding the syllabus, mock tests, admit card release, and result announcements, candidates should regularly visit the official XAT website at xatonline.in. All official updates will be posted there.