What is XAT?

The XAT exam is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by XLRI (Xavier Labour Relations Institute), Jamshedpur. It is held on behalf of XAMI (Xavier Associate Management Institute) for admission into MBA and PGDM programs at Xavier B-Schools and other top management colleges across India.

If you're planning to pursue an MBA or PGDM, you should know that over 160 B-schools in India accept XAT scores. XAT 2026 will be conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, and it remains one of the oldest and most respected competitive exams in the country, known for using modern testing methodologies. If you're interested in Human Resources, XLRI's HR program—its flagship course—is considered one of the best in Asia.

XAT is held once a year, typically in January. To move forward in the admission process, you'll need to meet the XAT 2026 cut-off set by the participating institutes. If you're an international candidate, you can appear for the GMAT 2025 and apply to the GMP (General Management Programme) with your scores.

XAT Exam Date

XLRI Jamshedpur started the XAT exam 2026 registration procedure on July 10, 2025. XAT exam date 2026 will be published on the official website and will be conducted in Jan 4, 2026. Applicants can refer to the table below to know important dates related to the XAT 2026.

XAT Exam Date 2026

XAT Exam Eligibility

XLRI expects the applicants to satisfy some eligibility criteria before proceeding to fill out the application form. XAT exam eligibility includes age, and academic details, among various other prerequisites. The details related XAT entrance exam to the same can be found below.

• Candidates must have completed a bachelor's degree.
• They should have pursued at least a 3-year UG program.
• Candidates in the final year of their graduation degree can apply for XAT 2026, provided they should complete their degree by Jun 2026.
• The conducting authorities do not specify any upper age limit for the applicants.

XAT Eligibility Criteria

To appear for XAT 2025, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

• Bachelor's degree of minimum 3 years duration or equivalent in any discipline
• Final year students can also apply
• No minimum percentage requirement for XAT registration
• No age limit for appearing in XAT
• Indian and International candidates both can apply

Note: Individual institutes may have additional eligibility criteria regarding minimum percentage, work experience, etc.

XAT Registration Process

XAT registration is completely online. Follow these steps to complete your registration:

• Visit the official XAT website: xatonline.in
• Click on 'New Registration' and fill basic details
• Verify email and mobile number through OTP
• Login with credentials and fill the application form
• Upload required documents (photograph, signature, etc.)
• Pay application fee of INR 2,100 through online mode
• Submit the form and take printout for future reference

XAT Syllabus

XAT syllabus is comprehensive and includes the following sections:

1. Verbal and Logical Ability

• Reading Comprehension
• Grammar and Vocabulary
• Para Jumbles
• Critical Reasoning
• Para Completion

2. Decision Making

• Caselets
• Situational Judgement
• Ethical Dilemmas
• Business Decisions

3. Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry & Mensuration
• Modern Math
• Data Interpretation
• Data Sufficiency

4. General Knowledge

• Current Affairs
• Business & Economy
• Awards & Honors
• Politics
• Sports

5. Essay Writing

• Social Issues
• Business & Economy Topics
• Abstract Topics