The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 registration deadline has been officially extended to December 11, 2025, by the Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur. The application window, which was earlier scheduled to close on December 5, now gives aspirants additional time to complete their forms on the official website xatonline.com.
The XAT 2026 exam is scheduled for January 4, 2026, and will serve as the basis for MBA and PGDM admissions to XLRI and more than 250+ management institutes across India. As per the tentative schedule, the admit card will be released on December 20, 2025, and results are expected in the last week of January 2026.
XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for XAT 2026 must meet the following requirements:
- A minimum three-year undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Final-year students are eligible, provided they complete their degree requirements by June 10, 2026.
- There is no minimum percentage requirement for graduation, making XAT one of the most inclusive national MBA entrance exams.
XAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The XAT 2026 exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode with a total duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. The exam comprises four key sections:
- Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
- Decision Making (DM)
- Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR)
- General Knowledge (GK)
All questions are objective type and assess analytical thinking, reasoning, comprehension, and managerial decision-making ability.
Scoring Note:
- The first three sections—QA&DI, DM, and VALR—will contribute to the percentile score used for admissions.
- The GK section is evaluated separately and is typically used in later stages of selection by institutes like XLRI.
How to Register for XAT 2026 – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Visit the official website xatonline.com and register by entering your name, email ID, and mobile number.
Step 2: After registering, candidates will receive their XAT ID and password via email and SMS.
Step 3: Log in using these credentials and complete the online application form. Fill in:
- Educational qualifications
- Work experience (if applicable)
- Preferred exam cities
- Upload a passport-size photo, signature, and valid ID proof
Step 4: Pay the XAT 2026 registration fee online to submit the application successfully.
Why the Deadline Extension Matters
With the extended deadline, aspirants now have additional days to complete registration, rectify errors, and gather necessary documents. This update is especially beneficial for final-year students and working professionals preparing for competitive exams.
Quick Reference Summary
| Event | New Date |
| XAT 2026 Registration Last Date | December 11, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release (Tentative) | December 20, 2025 |
| XAT Exam Date | January 4, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Last week of January 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Sections | QA&DI, DM, VALR, GK |
| Participating Institutes | 250+ B-schools |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| What is the new last date to register for XAT 2026? |
| The registration deadline is now December 11, 2025. |
| When will the XAT 2026 exam be conducted? |
| On January 4, 2026. |
| Is there a minimum percentage required in graduation for XAT? |
| No, there is no minimum percentage requirement. |
| When will the XAT admit card be released? |
| Tentatively on December 20, 2025. |
| Who is eligible to apply for XAT 2026? |
| Graduates with a 3-year degree and final-year students completing by June 10, 2026. |
| How many sections does the XAT exam have? |
| Four: QA&DI, DM, VALR, and GK. |
| Which sections count toward percentile calculation? |
| QA&DI, DM, and VALR. |
| How do I apply for XAT 2026? |
| Register on xatonline.com, fill the form, upload documents, and pay the fee. |
With the XAT 2026 registration deadline extended to December 11, candidates have more time to complete applications and prepare effectively for the upcoming exam on January 4, 2026. Aspirants should regularly check xatonline.com for updates on admit cards, guidelines, and exam instructions. For ongoing information, bookmark this page and refer only to official sources for accurate notifications, for more details and apply CLICK HERE
