XAT Exam Date 2026: January 4, 2026 (Sunday)
The XAT Exam (Xavier Aptitude Test) is one of India’s most competitive Management Entrance Exams, conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur for admission into PGDM and MBA-equivalent programs across top B-schools in India.
With over 1 lakh aspirants appearing every year, cracking XAT requires a clear understanding of the XAT Exam Pattern, XAT Syllabus, Eligibility, and proven XAT preparation strategies.
What is XAT Exam?
The XAT Exam is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur for admission to PGDM, MBA, and management programs. It evaluates candidates on Decision Making, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
XAT Exam Date 2026 – Important Highlights
- Exam Name: XAT 2026
- XAT Exam Date: January 4, 2026
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Conducting Body: XLRI Jamshedpur
- Official Website: https://www.xatonline.in
XAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before starting XAT Preparations, candidates must check XAT Exam Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Final-year graduation students are eligible
- Candidates with CA/CS/ICWA degrees (minimum 50%)
- No age limit to appear for XAT
XAT remains one of the few Management Entrance Exams with no age bar.
XAT Exam Pattern 2026 (Quick View Table)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Decision Making | 21 | 21 |
| Verbal & Logical Ability | 26 | 26 |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 | 28 |
| General Knowledge | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 95 | 95 |
Negative Marking:
- –0.25 for each wrong answer
- –0.10 for more than 8 consecutive unattempted questions
- No negative marking in GK
- GK scores not included in percentile calculation
XAT Syllabus 2026 (Section-Wise)
Understanding the XAT Syllabus is crucial for effective XAT Preparations.
Verbal & Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary & Grammar
- Para-jumbles
- Critical Reasoning
- Fill in the Blanks
Decision Making (Unique to XAT)
- Caselets
- Ethical Dilemmas
- Assumptions & Conclusions
- Data Arrangement
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
- Arithmetic & Algebra
- Geometry & Mensuration
- Percentages & Ratios
- Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Tables
General Knowledge
- Business & Economy
- Science & Technology
- Static GK
- Polity & Current Affairs
Tips & Tricks to Crack XAT Entrance Exam (High-Intent Section)
If you are targeting 90+ percentile, follow these expert-backed XAT Tricks:
1. Master Decision Making
Unlike other Management Entrance Exams, XAT focuses heavily on Decision Making. Practice real-life case scenarios daily.
2. Solve Previous Year XAT Papers
This improves familiarity with XAT Exam Pattern and difficulty level.
3. Attempt 25–30 Mock Tests
Mocks help refine speed, accuracy, and exam temperament.
4. Smart Sectional Strategy
There is no sectional time limit in XAT—start with your strongest section.
5. Focus on Accuracy
Due to negative marking, intelligent selection of questions is key.
XAT Result 2026 & Expected Cut-Off
- XAT Result Date: Around 3rd week of January 2026
- Scorecard available at: xatonline.in
- XAT Score validity: 1 year only
Details Mentioned on XAT Scorecard:
- Section-wise scaled score & percentile
- Overall percentile
- Candidate details
Why XAT is Among the Top Management Entrance Exams
- Accepted by 150+ B-Schools
- Strong focus on managerial decision-making
- No age limit
- Balanced evaluation of aptitude and ethics
FAQs on XAT Exam 2026
Q. Is XAT tougher than CAT?
XAT is moderate in difficulty but Decision Making makes it unique compared to CAT.
Q. Is GK counted in XAT percentile?
No, GK marks are not included in percentile calculation.
Q. What is the duration of XAT Exam?
Part 1: 170 minutes | Part 2 (GK): 10 minutes
Q. How much negative marking in XAT?
–0.25 per wrong answer
Final Words
With the XAT Exam Date set for January 4, 2026, this is the right time to begin focused XAT Preparations. Understanding the XAT Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Eligibility, and applying the right XAT Tricks can significantly improve your chances of securing admission to a top B-school.
Plan smart, practice consistently, and crack XAT with confidence.
