XAT 2026 Notification Out: Complete Exam Schedule, and Paper Pattern

Introduction

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of India’s most prestigious MBA entrance exams conducted annually by XLRI Jamshedpur. The official XAT 2025 notification has been released, unveiling the exam dates, detailed schedule, and revised exam pattern. For aspirants targeting XLRI and over 200 other top B-Schools accepting XAT scores, understanding these specifics is crucial to strategic preparation. This comprehensive guide by Career Plan B provides all the official details you need to know about XAT 2025.

XAT 2025 Important Dates

• Registration Start Date: July 10, 2026
• Registration End Date: December 5, 2026
• Admit Card Release: Mid-December 2026 (tentative)
• XAT 2025 Exam Date: January 5, 2026 (Sunday)
• Result Declaration: January 17, 2026
• Cut Off & Selection Process: Post-result, with interviews scheduled in February 2026
• For more details[Click here]

Overview of XAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Duration and Format

• Total exam duration: 180 minutes (3 hours), reduced from the previous 210 minutes.
• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted across multiple centers nationwide.
• The exam is divided into two parts:
  • Part 1: 170 minutes for sections including Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA/DI).
  • Part 2: 10 minutes for General Knowledge (GK) questions only.

Sections and Number of Questions

Note: The Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) section has been removed from the XAT exam and is now part of the subsequent Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds during the XLRI selection process.

Key Changes in XAT 2026 Pattern

• Reduction in total questions from around 101 to 95.
• General Knowledge questions reduced from 25 to 20.
• Exam duration shortened by 30 minutes for efficiency and time management.
• No essay writing during the exam; it will be evaluated post-shortlisting in GD/PI.
• Score from the GK section will not contribute to the percentile but is considered in XLRI shortlisting.

Detailed Syllabus for XAT 2026

Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR)

• Reading comprehension from diverse sources including literary and abstract texts.
• Vocabulary, grammar, sentence completion, para jumbles, and critical reasoning.
• Logical puzzles and inference-based questions.

Decision Making

• Complex decision-making scenarios focusing on managerial and ethical dilemmas.
• HR-related situations, data interpretation for decision support.
• Business case studies and analytical thinking exercises.

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA/DI)

• Arithmetic (percentages, profit-loss, time-speed-distance).
• Algebra, geometry, mensuration, number systems.
• Graphs, charts, tables for data interpretation and sufficiency.

General Knowledge (GK)

• Current affairs covering national and international events.
• Business, economy, awards, sports, persons in news.
• Static GK related to polity, geography, and history relevant for the exam.

XAT 2026 Registration Process

Candidates must register online at the official XAT website (https://xatonline.in) during the registration window, filling out all personal and academic details accurately, uploading required documents and paying the exam fee to complete registration. The fee is ₹2200(subject to change) and candidates must take note of important deadlines to avoid late submissions.

Exam Preparation Tips

• Start preparation early focusing on mock tests and previous years’ question papers to familiarize with the pattern.
• Prioritize decision-making questions as they are a differentiator in XAT.
• Practice time management to complete sections within stipulated time frames.
• Make notes for GK current affairs and static topics for quick revision.
• Leverage online test series and coaching for in-depth preparation.

How Career Plan B Can Help You

Preparing for XAT can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can maximize your chances of success. At Career Plan B, we offer:

• Personalized Career Counselling: Helping you understand if XAT and XLRI programs align with your career goals.
• Psycheintel and Career Assessment Tests: Identifying your strengths to tailor your MBA preparation strategy.
• Admission & Profile Guidance: Support with form filling, essays, and interviews.
• Career Roadmapping: Building a structured plan from exam preparation to B-school admission.

We ensure that your preparation and application journey is not just efficient but also strategically aligned to your long-term goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is XAT tougher than CAT?
Ans.  Yes, XAT is generally considered tougher due to the Decision Making section and higher difficulty level of Quantitative Ability. However, cut-offs are adjusted accordingly.

Q2. Do all XLRI programs require the Essay section?
Ans. Yes, the essay is evaluated only if you are shortlisted for the interview stage.

Q3. How many times can I attempt XAT in a year?
Ans. Only once a year, unlike SNAP which allows multiple attempts.

Q4. Which colleges accept XAT scores?
Ans. Apart from XLRI, more than 160 B-schools across India accept XAT scores, including XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad, Great Lakes, and others.

Q5. Is work experience necessary for XLRI admission?
Ans. No, for flagship programs like BM and HRM, freshers can also apply. Work experience is more relevant for Executive programs.

Conclusion

The release of the official XAT 2026 notification marks the beginning of an important journey for MBA aspirants targeting XLRI and other prestigious schools. Understanding the updated exam schedule, revised pattern, and syllabus ensures a focused and effective preparation strategy. Career Plan B encourages aspirants to register early and start their preparation with clarity and confidence.