Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 - Complete Guide

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually by XLRI Jamshedpur for admission into prestigious MBA programs across India. More than 800 colleges, including XLRI, SPJIMR, XIMB, and IMT, accept XAT scores.

XAT 2026 Exam Details

• Exam Date: January 4, 2026 (First Sunday of January).
• Mode of Examination: Computer-based test (CBT) conducted in 70+ cities across India.

XAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Section	Number of Questions	Duration (Minutes)
Verbal and Logical Ability	26	180 (Extra 20 mins/hour for PwD candidates)
Decision Making	21
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation	28
General Knowledge	20
Total	95

XAT 2026 Syllabus

Verbal and Logical Ability

• Reading Comprehension
• Vocabulary & Grammar
• Critical Reasoning
• Analogy & Parajumbles

Decision Making

• Caselets & Scenarios
• Data Arrangement & Grouping
• Premises & Conclusions

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

• Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry
• Modern Mathematics & Number Systems
• Data Interpretation (DI)

General Knowledge

• Current Affairs & Economics
• International Events & Politics
• Science, Technology, and Sports

XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Minimum 3-year bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Final-year students can also apply.
• Age Limit: No upper age limit.

XAT 2026 Registration Process

• Registrations open: Second week of July 2025
• Registrations close: First week of December 2025
• Application Fee: INR 2,200 (Online payment)

XAT 2026 Preparation Tips

• Understand the Exam Pattern: Study past papers and analyze trends.
• Regular Practice: Attempt at least 15-20 mock tests.
• Decision Making Focus: Practice case studies & logical reasoning.
• Stay Updated: Read newspapers & magazines for GK.

XAT 2026 Selection Process

• Shortlisting based on XAT score.
• GD-PI-WAT rounds for selected candidates.
• Final selection depends on:
• XAT Score
• GD-PI-WAT Performance
• Academic Background
• Work Experience (if applicable)

Top Colleges Accepting XAT Scores

• XLRI Jamshedpur
• SPJIMR Mumbai
• XIM Bhubaneswar
• IMT Ghaziabad
• Great Lakes Chennai

How to Prepare for XAT 2026?

• Focus on each section separately.
• Practice previous year’s papers.
• Improve reading & logical reasoning skills.
• Revise formulas & shortcuts.
• Stay updated with current affairs.