The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 will be conducted tomorrow, January 4 . Xavier School of Management (XLRI) administers the national-level entrance examination. The test will run in a single session from 2 PM to 5 PM , lasting three hours. Candidates must download their XAT 2026 admit card from the official website, xatonline.in.
Exam Day Instructions
Candidates must arrive at their designated exam center at least one hour before the test begins. This means reaching the venue by 1 PM . Test takers are required to carry their XAT 2026 admit card. A valid government-issued photo identification must also be presented. These documents ensure entry to the examination hall. Candidates should review all specific guidelines on the official website before arriving.
Post-Exam Timeline
Following the examination, XLRI will release important documents related to the XAT 2026. The XAT 2026 answer key and individual candidate response sheets are anticipated to be available in the second week of January 2026 . The final XAT 2026 result and corresponding scorecard are projected for release in the third week of January 2026 .
XAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The XAT 2026 is a computer-based test designed to evaluate problem-solving, logical thinking, and decision-making abilities. It is conducted annually in January. The examination has a total duration of 180 minutes and is structured into two distinct parts.
| Part | Duration | Sections | Questions (Approx.) | Marking Scheme (Correct) | Marking Scheme (Incorrect) | Marking Scheme (Unattempted) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | 170 minutes | Three sections | ~95 Total | +1 mark per question | -0.25 marks per question | -0.10 marks beyond 8 questions |
| Part 2 (General Knowledge) | 10 minutes | General Knowledge | +1 mark per question | No negative marking | No deduction |
Part 1 of the exam is allocated 170 minutes . It consists of three separate sections. Part 2 focuses on General Knowledge and has a duration of 10 minutes . The total number of questions across both parts will be approximately 95.
For Part 1, each correct answer earns one mark. A deduction of 0.25 marks applies for every incorrect response. Furthermore, 0.10 marks will be deducted for any unattempted questions if more than eight questions are left unanswered. In Part 2, correct answers also award one mark. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the General Knowledge section.
Last-Minute Preparation Tips
Candidates preparing for the XAT 2026 exam should focus on specific strategies in the final hours:
- Revise all essential formulas. Review key concepts, especially in quantitative ability. Practice data interpretation techniques.
- Solve previous years’ XAT question papers. This familiarizes candidates with the exam structure. It also helps in understanding question types.
- Prioritize effective time management. Create a plan for allocating time to each section during the exam. Avoid spending too long on any single question.
- Review strategies for decision-making questions. Practice logical reasoning problems. Focus on efficient problem-solving methods.
- Read all exam instructions thoroughly before starting the test. Understanding the guidelines is crucial.
- Ensure all required documents are ready. This includes the XAT 2026 admit card. A valid photo identification is also mandatory.
- Avoid getting stuck on difficult questions. Move on and return later if time permits.
- Attempt all questions in the General Knowledge section. No negative marking applies to this part, making every attempt worthwhile.
- Check the official XAT website, xatonline.in, for any final updates or instructions.
- Reach the examination center well before the official reporting time. Allow for travel delays and security checks.