Jamshedpur, India – The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 online registration closes today, December 11 . Candidates applying for Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programs must submit their applications through the official website,xatonline.in.
The Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur conducts the XAT examination annually. This national-level entrance exam serves as a prerequisite for admission to numerous management institutes across India. The deadline for applications is firm.
The XAT 2026 examination is scheduled for January 4 . The test will occur in a single shift. Candidates will take the exam from 2 pm to 5 pm . This schedule applies to all participants.
The registration fee for XAT 2026 is Rs 2,200 . This fee is payable during the online application process. Candidates must complete payment before the registration portal closes today.
XAT 2026 is a computer-based test (CBT). It will take place at over 70 designated test centres nationwide. Hall ticket issuance dates for XAT 2026 remain unannounced. Applicants should monitor the official website for updates regarding admit cards.
Institutions Accepting XAT Scores
More than 250 management colleges and B-schools across India accept XAT scores for their admission processes. These institutions offer MBA and PGDM programs. A competitive XAT score provides admission pathways to postgraduate management studies.
Prominent institutions accepting XAT scores include XLRI Jamshedpur, MICA Ahmedabad, XIM Bhubaneshwar, IMT Ghaziabad, and S P Jain Mumbai. Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) do not accept XAT scores for admission to their management programs.
XAT 2026 Examination Pattern
The XAT 2026 paper features multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The test also includes one essay writing question. Questions are distributed across different sections. The number of questions varies by section.
Section-wise Question and Mark Distribution
The XAT 2026 exam comprises four main sections. Each section lists a specific number of questions and corresponding total marks.
| XAT Sections | Number of Questions | Section-wise XAT Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Decision Making | 21 | 21 |
| Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning | 26 | 26 |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 | 28 |
| General Knowledge | 20 | 20 |
XAT 2026 Marking Scheme
The marking scheme awards one mark for each correct answer. Incorrect answers result in a deduction of 0.25 marks . This negative marking applies to most sections of the test.
A further deduction of 0.10 marks will be applied for more than eight consecutive unanswered questions. The General Knowledge section has no negative marking for incorrect answers.