Getting started with the XAT application form 2026 is the first crucial step for aspirants aiming for top MBA colleges accepting the XAT form. The process includes registration, uploading documents, selecting programs, and paying the fee—all within a fixed timeline. Knowing the exact form dates, required documents, fee structure, and correction window can help you avoid common mistakes. Whether you're filling the XAT form for the first time or applying alongside CAT, accurate information and timely submission are key to a hassle-free experience.
Table of Contents
Staying on top of deadlines is critical when filling out the XAT form. Here are the important dates for XAT 2026:
| Event |
Tentative Date |
| Registration Opens |
July 10, 2025 |
| Registration Closes |
5th December, 2025 |
| XAT Application Form Correction Window |
First week of December 2025 |
| XAT Admit Card Release Date |
December 20, 2025 (Tentative) |
| XAT 2026 Exam Date |
January 4, 2026 |
Make sure to mark these dates on your calendar. If you miss the XAT application form deadline, late registration is not usually allowed.
Want to stay updated on MBA exam calendars? Check our blog on the CAT Notification 2025 for important dates and official updates.
Filling out the XAT application form requires accuracy, preparation, and attention to detail. Any mistake during this process could delay or invalidate your submission. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to complete the XAT form smoothly:
- Visit the Official Website
Go to https://xatonline.in. It is the official website of XAT exam.
- Start the Registration
Click on the ‘Registration’ button on the homepage.
- Enter Basic Details
Fill in the following:
- Full Name
- Email ID
- Mobile Number
- Create a Password
- Solve the Captcha
- Verify Your Email
You’ll receive a confirmation email with your XAT ID and a verification link.
- Click on the link to complete registration verification
- Login to Your Account
Go back to https://xatonline.in, click on ‘Login’, and log in using your email and password.
- Fill in Personal Information
Enter all required details like:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Nationality
- Category, etc.
- Enter Academic Qualifications
Provide academic details for:
- Class 10th
- Class 12th
- Graduation
- Post-graduation (if applicable)
- Provide Work Experience (if any)
Include:
- Company Name
- Designation
- Duration of Work (in months)
- Choose XLRI Program(s)
- Select the program(s) you wish to apply for (e.g. BM, HRM, GM)
- Choose whether you're applying via XAT or GMAT/GRE
- Select Test Cities
Pick up to 6 preferred exam cities as per your convenience.
- Upload Photo and Signature
- Make sure they meet the specified size and format guidelines.
- Preview Your Application
- Review all the information you’ve filled in carefully.
- Make any corrections before final submission.
- Final Submission
- Once everything is correct, click on ‘Final Submit’.
- Make Payment
- Choose your preferred payment mode and complete the fee payment.
- Download Confirmation
- After a successful payment, download:
- Your Application Form
- The E-Receipt for future reference.
Key Reminders:
- Use a stable internet connection while filling the form.
- Don’t refresh the payment page; wait for confirmation.
- Save copies of your form and receipt immediately.
- Contact support in case of technical errors.
Every step builds on the last one. Rushing through any of them could lead to errors or rejection.
Coachify Tip: Immediately take a screenshot of the confirmation page and download the application PDF. Save them in a secure folder for future reference.
If you've already filled the CAT form, here's a CAT Form Filling 2025 Guide to help you avoid common form-filling mistakes.
Before you start, keep these documents ready for your XAT application form:
| Document Type |
Details |
| Photograph |
Passport-size color photo, JPG/PNG, size ≤ 1MB |
| Signature |
Signed in black ink on white paper, JPG/PNG, size 20–50KB |
| Academic Records |
Mark sheets of Class 10, 12, Graduation |
| Identity Proof |
Aadhaar / PAN Card / Voter ID / Passport |
| Work Experience |
Offer letter or certificate (if applicable) |
Upload images in correct size and resolution. Crop neatly and make sure they’re not blurry.
Many CAT aspirants mistakenly assume the XAT application form is identical. Here's how they differ:
| Aspect |
CAT |
XAT |
| Test City Limit |
6 Preferences |
2 Preferences |
| Essay Section |
Not Present |
Present in XAT |
| Application Fee |
₹2500 |
₹2200 (+₹200 per XLRI prog) |
| Photo Size |
80KB |
200KB |
Coachify Insight: Always double-check your form before submitting. Use our form review checklist available in your Coachify dashboard.
Many CAT aspirants make similar errors—this 6-Month CAT Strategy can help streamline your form and prep approach.
Also check: Self Study vs Coaching for CAT 2025
Here are some of the most commonly reported XAT application form error codes:
| Error Code |
Description |
Suggested Action |
| Error 101 |
Uploaded image or signature not in correct format |
Resize to meet specs: JPEG format, 200KB max |
| Error 202 |
Duplicate mobile number or email address |
Use an alternate email or phone number |
| Error 303 |
Invalid or expired payment token |
Retry payment using a different method |
| Error 404 |
Session expired or URL broken |
Refresh page or log in again |
| Error 505 |
Browser compatibility issue |
Use updated version of Chrome or Firefox |
Coachify provides real-time support and form-filling assistance to all enrolled aspirants via our WhatsApp and Telegram channels.
Fees vary depending on the program and category. Refer to the table for clarity.
| Candidate Type |
Fees (INR) |
| General Candidate (XAT only) |
₹2200 |
| Each XLRI Program (Add-on) |
₹200 per program |
| Indian with GMAT/GRE (For PGDM-GM / XLRI-RBS) |
₹2500 |
| NRI/Foreign/PIO/OCI (Any Program via GMAT) |
₹5000 |
You can pay using debit/credit cards, UPI, net banking, IMPS, or mobile wallets. An e-receipt will confirm your payment.
Planning finances? Explore IIM MBA Fees 2025 for a college-wise fee breakdown.
XAT Form Refund Policy
The fee for the XAT application form is non-refundable under any circumstances—even if the exam is missed or registration is duplicated. Always double-check before payment.
Many MBA aspirants choose to appear for both CAT and XAT to maximize their chances of admission to top B-schools. If you’ve already filled the CAT 2025 form, you are still completely eligible to apply for the XAT application form 2026.
Here are the official eligibility criteria for the XAT form:
Who Can Apply for the XAT Form?
- Graduation: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years duration or equivalent in any discipline.
- Final-Year Students: Students who are currently in the final year of their undergraduate program are eligible to apply. However, the degree must be completed by June 2026.
- No Minimum Marks Required: There is no minimum percentage requirement in graduation to fill the XAT application form.
- Working Professionals, Drop-Year, and CAT Repeaters: All such profiles are welcome to apply through the XAT form.
Special Notes for CAT Aspirants
- You can fill the XAT form even if you’ve already completed CAT 2025 registration.
- If you're a CAT repeater, the XAT application form 2026 offers you a second, strong shot at leading MBA programs.
- Gap-year students are fully eligible to apply through the XAT form with no disadvantage in the selection process.
This flexibility makes the XAT application form an ideal backup and parallel opportunity for CAT aspirants looking to broaden their B-school options.
Still unsure about your eligibility?
Talk directly with expert mentors and get real-time support on our Coachify Telegram Group.
Not sure whether to apply? Read CAT Score vs Percentile 2025 to assess your options.
Once your XAT application form is submitted successfully, the admit card will be issued in the third week of December 2025. This document is essential for appearing in the XAT 2026 exam.
XAT Admit Card – Key Details
- Release Date: December 20, 2025 (tentative)
- Where to Download: XAT official website (login using XAT ID)
- Contents: Candidate name, roll number, exam city, exam center address, reporting time, and instructions.
Keep both digital and printed copies of the admit card ready before exam day.
XAT Exam Format – Updated for 2026
The XAT exam is known for its unique structure compared to CAT and other MBA entrance exams. Here's what the 2026 format looks like:
| Section |
No. of Questions |
Time Allocation |
| Verbal & Logical Ability (VARC) |
26 |
Part of Total |
| Decision Making (DM) |
21 |
Part of Total |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
28 |
Part of Total |
| General Knowledge (GK) |
25 |
Separate Section |
| Essay Writing |
1 (Evaluated post shortlisting) |
Separate Section |
- Total Duration: 3 hours + 10 minutes for Essay
- Mode: Online (CBT – Computer-Based Test)
- Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer, -0.25 for incorrect answers (no negative for GK)
Coachify offers full-length XAT mock tests that simulate the actual exam pattern with essay practice modules. For access, visit coachify
Conclusion
The XAT application form is more than just a form—it's your ticket to XLRI and other top-tier MBA programs. With proper attention to dates, documents, and common mistakes, you can breeze through the process.
For expert help, mock tests, and personalized mentoring, explore Coachify's proven CAT + XAT resources.
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