Xavier Aptitude Test Application Process 2026
Xavier Aptitude Test Application Process
XAT 2026 Registration Started
XAT Registration for 2026 started on 10th July 2025 on the official website xatonline.in. The last date to register for XAT 2026 has been extended to December 11, 2025.
XAT scores are accepted for admission into XLRI and other 250+ B schools. The XAT Exam 2026 will be held on 4th January 2026, from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. in more than 110 Exam Cities in India.
- For XAT registration, candidates have to create a profile, fill in their personal and academic details, and pay the XAT examination fees.
- The XAT Registration fee is Rs. 2200, and an additional fee of Rs. 200 is required for XLRI Program selection.
- To be eligible, candidates should have a minimum 3-year bachelor’s degree; final-year students can also apply.
- There is no minimum percentage requirement or age limit.
Last year, more than 1.35 lakh candidates registered for XAT, and it is expected to increase this year. After registration, candidates can download the confirmation page for future reference. The XAT 2026 admit card is expected to be made available on December 20, 2025.
XAT Registration Dates 2026
XAT Registration opened on July 10, 2025 with specific advantages for applicants who sign up in advance. The last date to register for XAT 2026 has been extended to December 11, 2025.
XAT Registration 2026 Exam Schedule
The XAT exam has been scheduled for January 4th, 2026. Check the key dates below:
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Launch | July 10, 2025 (10:00 AM IST) |
| Last Date to Apply | December 11, 2025 (extended) |
| Admit Card Download Begins | Around December 20, 2025 |
| XAT Exam Date 2026 | January 4, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Scorecard Release | The third week of January 2026 |
XAT Registration Process
XAT Registration 2026 will be conducted only on the official website. Candidates will have to register, fill in their details, select the course, upload documents, and pay the required fees.
Candidates should keep the required documents ready to avoid any delay.
XAT Registration Process Stages
The XAT registration process is explained below step by step.
| Stages | Description |
|---|---|
| Register Online | Visit the official website xatonline.in, click on "register" and create an account using your email ID and mobile number. |
| Verify Email ID | Verify your email using the link sent to your inbox. |
| Fill Application Form | Log in and fill in personal, academic details along with work experience. |
| Choose Test City & XLRI Programs | Select at least 4 exam cities. You can also opt for XLRI Programs if interested. |
| Upload Documents | Upload scanned photographs, a signature, and a valid photo ID as per the format given. |
| Pay Application Fee | Pay ₹2200 via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI. Add ₹200 for each XLRI program selected. |
| Submit & Download | Download the confirmation page for your records after submitting the form. |
XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates should have a minimum 3-year bachelor’s degree to be eligible for XAT 2026. Final-year students can also apply.
There is no minimum percentage requirement or age limit for the exam.
XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Any graduate can apply for XAT 2026. There is no age limit and no restriction on the number of attempts.
The basic eligibility criteria for XAT 2026 are:
- Must have a bachelor's degree of 3 years in any branch.
- Final year students whose results are declared by June 2026 are also eligible.
- No minimum graduation percentage is required.
- No age limit for appearing in the exam.
- No work experience is required, except for XLRI's GMP, which requires more than 5 years of experience.
- NRI or foreign candidates must apply with GMAT or GRE scores.
XAT Registration Statistics
XAT has seen a high number of registrations over the last 3 years. The data shows an increase in participation among MBA candidates.
XAT Registration and Attendance Data (2025-2023)
| Year | Registered Candidates | % Growth vs Previous Year | Estimated Appeared Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 142,235 | 5.4% | 1,24,000 |
| 2024 | 135,000 | 40% | 88,000 |
| 2023 | 96,242 | 36% | 80,000 |
XAT Registration 2026: Important Documents
Keep the following documents ready before filling out the XAT Application Form. These are required to register for the XAT examination.
| XAT 2026 Documents Required | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Documents |
Marksheets of:
|
| Scanned Images |
|
| Payment Details | Bank details (credit card, debit card, or net banking) for payment of application fee. |
| Work Experience | Experience certificate from the employer or letter of recommendation to prove work experience, if any (for programs where work experience is mandatory). |
| Contact Details |
|
Important Terms Related to XAT Application Form
Candidates must be familiar with the following terms to understand each stage of the application process and avoid errors.
- New User Registration: This is for first-time registrations. Name, email, mobile number, and password must be entered to start the application process.
- Registered Candidate Login: Candidates who have already provided the above data can log in and start applying anytime using their credentials.
Important Instructions For XAT Registration 2026
Keep the following points in mind before filling the XAT 2026 Application form online.
- Use the latest version of a good browser (Google Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge).
- Clear the cache before starting the application process.
- Use a desktop or laptop. Avoid using mobile phones or tablets to fill the application form.
- Make sure your internet is stable with optimum speed to complete registration without any hassles.
- Do not fill out the form in a hurry as there is no form correction facility.
- Do not wait for the last moment to apply to avoid technical failures.
XAT Application Process
I did not receive my XAT ID and Password. What to Do?
Check your spam folder in your email. For emergencies, call the helpline numbers at +91 657 665 3203 and +91 657 665 3204.
When will XAT 2026 Registration start?
XAT Registration 2026 begins from July 10, 2025 tentatively. XLRI has released the application forms on the official website, xatonline.in.
Does XLRI provide the option to edit the details entered in the application form?
No, XLRI does not provide any separate form correction facility to edit the details entered in the application form. However, in crucial circumstances, the authority may consider a request to change a few details. For this, candidates need to raise a query on their login dashboard by clicking on the 'Any Query/ Ask Us' tab.
I am in my final year of graduation, can I fill the XAT 2026 application form?
Yes, final year students are eligible to fill the XAT 2026 application form provided you complete your graduation by June 2025. In such cases, candidates must enter the details of the marks obtained in the last semester while filling the application form. Such candidates will be required to provide their bachelor's degree or provisional certificate and mark sheet by the end of the admission year.
What are the reasons for the rejection of the application form?
The application form might get rejected due to incomplete application in any of the following respects:
- Not uploading photo and signature as per the correct specifications
- Failure to pay registration fee
- Candidate's face being unclear in the uploaded photograph
How do I apply for the XLRI Delhi BM program?
To apply for the XLRI Delhi BM program, fill the XAT application form and select the choice of the program as BM and the campus preference as Delhi. To apply for XLRI programs, you need to pay an additional fee of INR 200 per program.
Important Documents You Need to Upload
Candidates must upload the below-mentioned documents in the specified dimension and size during this step of filling the XAT Application Form.
| Document | Dimension and Size | Format | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photograph |
|
JPG/ JPEG |
|
| Signature |
|
JPG/ JPEG |
|
Educational Details Required for XAT Registration
You need to provide the aggregate percentage of marks, marks obtained, maximum marks, board name, and year of passing for the following:
- 10th standard
- 12th standard
- Graduation
- Post-graduation, if any
- Details of other academic qualifications and professional degrees like CA, CS, etc. held by a candidate
- Enter other mandatory fields and press Save and Continue
Candidates can convert their CGPA into percentages using this formula:
- CGPA * 9.5 = %age of marks
Is Work Experience Details Mandatory?
It is not mandatory to provide work experience details. However, candidates possessing relevant work experience after graduation must add the same.
- Only full-time work experience after graduation will be considered valid
- Industrial training, workshops, part-time jobs, etc. will not be considered as relevant work experience
Selection of Program: What You Should Know?
Select the program of your choice from the given options:
- Business Management (BM)
- Human Resource Management (HRM)
- Fellow Management Programme
If you are not interested in applying for XLRI programs, you can skip this step. Along with the selection of programs, candidates also need to choose the desired campus for each selected program.
Selection of Test City Preferences
- You need to select your exam city preferences for XAT 2026
- You can choose 2 cities from the given list
- Test city preference can be changed only once before the closure of the registration process
XAT Registration Fees 2026
Candidates must pay the XAT registration fee to appear for the XAT Exam 2026. The fee is paid online along with the application form.
- Review the application form once before making the online fee payment.
- Choose a preferred online payment method, such as credit card, debit card, or internet banking.
- After the fee is paid successfully, candidates receive a confirmation of their XAT Registration form submission.
- Do not press the back or refresh button during the online payment process.
| Particulars | XAT Application Fee |
|---|---|
| XAT Registration Fees | INR 2200 (+200 for candidates interested in XLRI programs) |
| Indian Candidates applying for PGDM(GM) through GMAT/GRE | INR 2500 |
| NRI/Foreign Candidates applying for one or more programs through GMAT | INR 5000 |
Note: If a payment fails, the candidate must repeat the process. The information filled in previously is saved, so it does not need to be entered again.
Important Points to Remember Regarding Fee Payment
- An e-receipt is generated when the XAT 2026 application fee is paid successfully. If it is not generated, the payment has failed.
- Log in again with your credentials and make the fee payment again.
- Keep a printout of the fee receipt as proof along with the application form for XAT 2026.
- Keep a printout of the confirmation page for future correspondence.
Acceptable Modes of Payment
| RuPay Debit Card | Internet Banking |
| Visa Debit Card | IMPS |
| Master Card / Maestro Debit Cards | Cash Cards |
| Credit Cards | Mobile Wallets |
XAT Registration Document Upload Guidelines (Photo & Signature)
Candidates must upload all documents as per the guidelines provided by XLRI. The guidelines for photo and signature uploads are given below.
XAT Application Photo Upload Guidelines
The table below lists the do's and don'ts for uploading a photo in the XAT application form.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| The photo must be a recent passport-sized photograph in JPG/JPEG format not older than 6 months. | Photos with black or dark backgrounds or landscape images must be avoided. |
| The photo must have a light-color background, preferably white-colored. | Ensure that there is no red-eyed photo or a photo with a flash. |
| Look straight into the camera. The face should be clearly visible with all distinct features such as eyes, nose, hair, and forehead. | Photographs with closed eyes will not be accepted. There should be no reflection in the photo taken with eyeglasses. |
| The file size should be between 20kb to 50kb. | Black and white photographs should not be uploaded. |
| It is best to get the photo clicked in a studio by a professional. | Photos with accessories like hats, caps, sunglasses, etc., should be avoided. Religious headwear can be worn. |
XAT Application Form Signature Upload Guidelines
| Dos | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Sign on white paper with a black-ink pen. | The scanned image of the signature should not be blurred or pixelated. |
| The signature must be in the running hand and should be clearly visible in the uploaded image. | Do not overwrite the signature. |
| The file size should be between 20kb to 50kb. The recommended dimensions are 140 x 60 pixels. | The uploaded sign will be put on your admit card. Do not make any errors while signing. |
XAT Registration Document Scanning Guidelines
Guidelines for scanning documents are provided by XLRI. Candidates should follow them while uploading documents.
Image Specifications for XAT Registration
Set the camera resolution to a minimum of 200 dpi. The colour setting should be 'True color'.
- The photo must be against a light-colored background, preferably white.
- Crop the image in the scanner to the edge of the photograph or signature. Use the upload editor to crop the image to the final size.
- Images must be in JPG or JPEG format, for example image01.jpg or image01.jpeg.
- Candidates can get the desired image size not exceeding 80kb using MS Paint or MS Office Picture Manager.
- Scanned images can be saved using the "save as" option. They can be cropped or resized using the specific options.
XAT Registration 2026: Important Points
Only after successful registration will candidates be able to log in with the generated ID and Password. XAT scores help in getting admission to MBA programs in XLRI, XIME, and various other B-Schools.
- Review the application form carefully for errors before final submission. No changes are possible once the form is submitted.
- After online fee payment, an e-receipt will be generated for the candidate's reference.
- Do not press the back or refresh button during the payment process.
- Images must match the specifications mentioned by the authorities. If an image does not match the specifications, it cannot be uploaded.
- Candidates are advised to keep all necessary information and documents ready beforehand.
XAMI Member Institutes
| Institute | Institute |
|---|---|
| XLRI Jamshedpur | XISS Ranchi |
| XIM Jabalpur | XIMR Mumbai |
| XIME Bangalore | XIM Bhubaneshwar |
| St. Aloysius Institute | St. Joseph's College of Business Administration |
| SFIMR Mumbai | Xavier Business School (XBS), St. Xavier's University, Kolkata |
| LIBA Chennai | Loyola University, Chicago |
XAT Exam Centres 2026
More than 110 exam cities in India will host the XAT Exam on January 4, 2026. This provides a wider audience for applicants from both Tier-2 and metro areas.
XAT Test Cities by Region
| Region / State | Major Test Cities (examples) |
|---|---|
| North | Delhi-NCR, Jaipur, Chandigarh/Mohali, Lucknow, Jodhpur |
| West | Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara |
| South | Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram |
| East & North-East | Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Shillong, Agartala/Naharlagun |
| Central & Central-East | Bhopal, Raipur, Indore, Ranchi, Patna |
| Others | Cities like Udaipur, Aurangabad, Mangalore, Salem, Kalyani |
Top B-Schools Accepting XAT Exam Scores 2026
XLRI Jamshedpur is the conducting body of the exam. It and other 250+ B-Schools in India accept XAT 2026 Scores for admission to MBA/PGDM programs.
These include top private institutes known for high academic standards, industry connections, and placements.
XAT Accepting B-Schools
XAT scores are accepted by multiple management institutes across India. The table below lists the main B-schools that accept XAT scores.
| B-School Name | Location | Flagship Program Offered |
|---|---|---|
| XLRI – Xavier School of Management | Jamshedpur/Delhi-NCR | PGDM (BM), PGDM (HRM), GMP |
| XIM University | Bhubaneswar | MBA – Business Management |
| SPJIMR (for GMP applicants only) | Mumbai | Global Management Program |
| Institute of Management Tech | Ghaziabad/Nagpur/Hyderabad | PGDM |
| Goa Institute of Management | Goa | PGDM, PGDM-HCM |
| Loyola Institute of Business Administration | Chennai | PGDM |
| FORE School of Management | New Delhi | PGDM |
| K J Somaiya Institute of Management | Mumbai | MBA, MBA (HCM/FS/HR) |
| MICA (via XAT + MICAT) | Ahmedabad | PGDM – Communication |
| BIM – Bharathidasan Institute | Tiruchirappalli | PGDM |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management | Chennai/Gurgaon | PGPM, PGDM |
| IFMR GSB at Krea University | Sri City (AP) | MBA |
| Welingkar Institute (WeSchool) | Mumbai/Bengaluru | PGDM |
Also read: XAT Exam Centres and XAT College Predictor.
XAT Registration 2026 FAQs
Can I get into XLRI without XAT?
No, you cannot get direct admission to XLRI. XLRI accepts XAT and GMAT scores for admission to master-level management courses.
By registering and paying for XAT 2026, am I eligible for XLRI and other Associate Member Institutes?
Candidates interested in XLRI need to apply for the programs of their choice. Each institution independently decides the weightage to be given for each of the test components on the basis of its needs.
XLRI does not play any role in the selection of candidates in these institutes. For XAT Associate Member Institutes (refer XAT Associate Institutes website), XAT is a common test for admission into academic programs of XLRI.
I have done a 5 years integrated course, so how will I enter my percentage?
Candidates who have done a 5 years integrated course can fill up the same percentage for graduation and post-graduation.