Published by Planet E – Your Trusted MBA Entrance Coaching Partner
If you’re planning to pursue an MBA from top-tier B-schools like XLRI, IMT Ghaziabad, XIMB, or TAPMI, XAT 2026 is one of the most critical exams for your journey. Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, the XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) opens doors to over 150+ B-schools across India.
🚨 Big News! XAT 2026 Registration Has Officially Started. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or reappearing, this is your chance to kickstart the process and not miss out.
In this blog by Planet E, we bring you all the important dates, eligibility criteria, step-by-step registration process, exam pattern, and preparation strategy for XAT 2026. Read till the end to stay ahead of your competition.
📌 XAT 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) |
| Conducting Authority | XLRI Jamshedpur |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Accepting Colleges | 150+ B-Schools |
| Official Website | https://xatonline.in |
🗓️ XAT 2026 Important Dates (Updated)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| XAT Registration Starts | July 15, 2025 ✅ |
| XAT Registration Ends | November 30, 2025 |
| Admit Card Download Begins | December 20, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Exam Date | January 5, 2026 |
| XAT Result Announcement | January 20, 2026 (Tentative) |
✅ Eligibility Criteria for XAT 2026
To apply for XAT 2026, you must meet the following criteria:
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A Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) in any discipline from a recognized university.
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Final-year students are also eligible to apply.
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No age limit for appearing in the XAT exam.
💡 Note from Planet E: Unlike CAT, XAT does not require a minimum percentage in graduation.
📝 How to Register for XAT 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow the below steps to complete your XAT 2026 registration:
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Go to the XAT Official Website
Step 2: Create a New Account
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Click on “Register”
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Enter details like name, email ID, mobile number
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Create a password and submit
Step 3: Fill in the Application Form
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Personal details
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Academic qualifications
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Work experience (if any)
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Preferred exam city (choose 2)
Step 4: Upload Documents
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Recent passport-size photo (JPEG, <80 KB)
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Signature (JPEG, <80 KB)
Step 5: Pay Application Fees
| Category | Fees |
|---|---|
| XAT Registration Fee | ₹2100 |
| Additional XLRI Program Fee | ₹200 per program |
Payment Mode: Online via debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.
🧠 XAT 2026 Exam Pattern
| Sections | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal & Logical Ability | ~26 | |
| Decision Making | ~21 | |
| Quantitative Ability & DI | ~28 | |
| General Knowledge (Not counted in percentile) | ~25 | |
| Total Duration | 3 hours 30 min |
🌟 Planet E Tip: The Decision-Making section is unique to XAT – practice caselets and scenarios regularly.
📚 Preparation Tips by Planet E Experts
1. Focus on Decision Making
This section is not found in other MBA exams. Practice real-life ethical and business scenarios.
2. Strengthen Quant Concepts
XAT Quant is slightly tougher than CAT – practice arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and modern math thoroughly.
3. Master Reading Comprehension
RCs are lengthy and complex. Make reading editorials a daily habit.
4. GK Section Strategy
Though GK is not part of the percentile, it plays a role in final selection at XLRI and other colleges.
5. Mock Tests & Analysis
Take full-length mocks regularly and analyze them deeply.
🎯 Why Prepare with Planet E for XAT 2026?
At Planet E, we understand that XAT requires a unique preparation approach. Here’s how we help:
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✅ Experienced Mentors who’ve cracked XAT
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✅ Special Focus on Decision-Making Section
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✅ GK & Essay Writing Practice
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✅ Full-length XAT Mocks with In-depth Analysis
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✅ One-on-One Doubt Solving & Strategy Planning
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✅ Offline Coaching in Mumbai (Dadar & Thane) + Live Online Classes
🔥 Limited Seats Available for XAT 2026 Batch!
🎓 Top Colleges Accepting XAT Score 2026
| Institute Name | Location |
|---|---|
| XLRI – Xavier School of Management | Jamshedpur |
| XIMB – Xavier Institute of Management | Bhubaneswar |
| IMT Ghaziabad | Ghaziabad |
| TAPMI – Manipal | Manipal |
| FORE School of Management | New Delhi |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management | Chennai/Gurgaon |
| LIBA – Loyola Institute of Business Admin | Chennai |
🔎 Final Thoughts – Don’t Miss the XAT 2026 Registration Window!
XAT 2026 is your opportunity to unlock the doors to some of India’s best B-schools beyond the IIMs. Start your registration now, and let Planet E guide you every step of the way – from concept building to cracking the final call.
👉 Still confused about how to start?
Contact Planet E Counseling Team for a free strategy session today!
