The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 admit card is expected to be released today, December 20, 2025 on the official website xatonline.in. This hall ticket is your golden pass to appear for one of India’s toughest MBA entrance exams conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur
XAT 2026: Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Registration Started | July 10, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | Dec 05/11, 2025 (Extended) |
| Admit Card Release | Dec 20, 2025 (Tentative / LIVE) |
| XAT Exam Date | Jan 04, 2026 (2 PM – 5 PM) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Where to Download Admit Card
The admit card will be released in the official website.
Steps to Download Your XAT 2026 Hall Ticket
Downloading your admit card is easy. Just follow the steps below:
- Visit https://xatonline.in/
- Look for the “XAT 2026 Admit Card” link.
- Click on it and enter:
- XAT User ID / Application Number
- Password / DOB
- Your admit card will appear on the screen.
- Download and print a copy for the exam day.
What’s Inside Your XAT 2026 Admit Card
Candidate Information
- Candidate’s Name
- Roll / Registration Number
- Photograph & Signature
- Exam Date & Time
- Test Centre Address & City
- Reporting Time
- Important Instructions for Exam Day
How the XAT 2026 Exam Is Structured
The exam is online (computer-based) and has no sectional time limits — meaning you can move between sections the way you want.
| Section | What It Tests | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal & Logical Ability | Reading comp, grammar, reasoning | Part of 170 min |
| Decision Making | Caselets, scenarios, logic | Part of 170 min |
| Quant & Data Interpretation | Maths, arithmetic, charts | Part of 170 min |
| General Knowledge (GK) | Current affairs + static GK | ~10 min after Part A |
Total Duration: Around 3 hours (180 minutes) — sometimes split as 170 mins for aptitude and ~10 mins for GK after the main section.
There’s no sectional time, which means you can finish easier sections first if you want.
Quick Prep Note: Exam Pattern & Sections
Although the admit card doesn’t show the syllabus, it’s good to remember what’s inside the paper:
- Verbal & Logical Ability
- Decision Making
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
- General Knowledge
- Plus essay writing in some shortlisting rounds (after results).
The exam lasts 3 hours and is held in one slot (2:00–5:00 PM).
What to Carry on Exam Day
Here’s a simple checklist for exam day:
Printed XAT Admit Card
Valid Photo ID (Any one):
- Aadhar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Driving License
Pen/Stationery
Water bottle
Don’t bring:
- Calculator
- Smartwatch
- Mobile Phone
- Electronic gadgets
Examination centres strictly enforce these rules.
What Happens After the Exam?
Here’s what generally follows:
- Response sheet & Answer key — available a couple of weeks after the exam
- Results / Scorecard — usually out by end of January
- Shortlisting by colleges — Based on XAT percentiles
- GD / PI (Interviews) — usually Feb–April
- Final offers & admissions come later
Important Rules to Remember
- Admit card is mandatory to enter the exam hall.
- Digital or photocopies sometimes are NOT accepted — carry the printed version.
- Reach the test centre well before reporting time.
- Keep multiple printouts of the hall ticket to avoid last-minute issues.
Final Tips Before You Download
Here’s a quick prep checklist:
- Confirm your details on the admit card.
- Check your test city and exam centre address.
- Plan travel and stay well in advance.
- Cross-verify details with your photo ID.
XAT 2026 FAQs (Most Asked Questions)
1. What exactly is XAT 2026?
XAT 2026 (Xavier Aptitude Test) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur. It’s used for admission into MBA/PGDM courses at XLRI and 200+ management colleges across India.
2. When will XAT 2026 be conducted?
The XAT 2026 exam will be held on 4 January 2026 (Sunday).
The exam will take place in one single shift, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
3. Is XAT tougher than CAT?
Honestly, yes and no.
- XAT is considered tougher mainly because of:
- Decision Making section (not asked in CAT)
- Slightly more complex verbal questions
- CAT, on the other hand, is more time-pressured.
If you prepare smartly, XAT is very much manageable.
4. Who can apply for XAT 2026?
You can apply if:
- You have a bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years)
- OR you’re in the final year of graduation
- There is no age limit
- No minimum marks required to appear for XAT
So yes, most graduates are eligible.
5. Is work experience compulsory for XAT?
No, work experience is NOT mandatory.
- Freshers can apply
- Working professionals can apply
- Some colleges may give weightage to work experience during interviews, but it’s not compulsory.
6. What is the application fee for XAT 2026?
The basic XAT 2026 registration fee is around ₹2,200.
Extra charges apply only if:
- You apply to specific XLRI programs
- You’re an NRI or applying via GMAT
7. When will the XAT 2026 admit card be released?
The XAT 2026 admit card is expected around 20 December 2025.
You can download it only from:
https://xatonline.in/
No admit card will be sent by email or post.
8. What should I do if there is a mistake on my admit card?
If you find any issue like:
- Name spelling error
- Wrong date of birth
- Incorrect photograph
Immediately contact the XAT helpdesk through the official website.
Do not ignore it — problems at the exam centre can happen.
9. What is the exam pattern of XAT 2026?
XAT 2026 is a computer-based test (CBT) with these sections:
- Verbal & Logical Ability
- Decision Making
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
- General Knowledge (GK)
There is no sectional time limit, which means you can attempt sections in any order.
10. Does GK section affect the XAT percentile?
Generally:
- GK marks are NOT counted in percentile calculation
- But GK scores are sometimes used during interviews or final selection by some colleges
So don’t ignore GK completely.
11. Is there negative marking in XAT?
Yes.
- −0.25 marks for each wrong answer
- Leaving too many questions unattempted can also attract penalties
Accuracy matters more than blind guessing.
12. Can I choose my exam centre city?
Yes, during registration you can select preferred exam cities.
However:
- Final allotment depends on seat availability
- Your exam centre details will be mentioned on the admit card
13. What documents are required on exam day?
You must carry:
- Printed XAT 2026 admit card
- One valid photo ID:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Driving Licence
Without these, entry may be denied
14. When will XAT 2026 results be declared?
XAT results are usually declared by end of January 2026.
After results:
15. Which colleges accept XAT scores?
Some popular ones include:
- XLRI Jamshedpur
- XIMB Bhubaneswar
- IMT Ghaziabad
- TAPMI
- Great Lakes
- GIM Goa
Overall, 200+ colleges accept XAT scores.
SAP (Summary Advice for You)
Don’t procrastinate! Once the admit card is live on xatonline.in today, go and download it immediately. Admit cards sometimes get heavy traffic on release days, which can slow down the website.
Bookmark your login page, keep your credentials ready, and just download it fast.
Good luck for your XAT 2026 exam on January 4, 2026!