The XAT form 2026 opens the path to XLRI Jamshedpur and more than 800 MBA colleges across India. Scheduled for January 4, 2026, the exam attracts over 1.4 lakh aspirants each year, making timely registration and accurate form submission essential. The process is fully online, requiring details such as academic history, program preference, test city selection, and digital uploads of photo and signature. With fixed deadlines, specific document requirements, and a clearly defined fee structure, completing the xat form correctly ensures eligibility for one of the most competitive management entrance tests in the country. Careful preparation before registration saves time, prevents errors, and secures a smooth application experience.
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Table of Contents
XAT 2026 Exam Overview
- Conducting body: XLRI Jamshedpur
- Exam date: January 4, 2026 (first Sunday of January)
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Test centres: Across 70+ cities in India
- Number of questions: 95 (Verbal, Decision Making, Quant, GK)
- Accepted by: 250+ institutes directly, 800+ MBA colleges overall
- Annual aspirants: Over 1.4 lakh candidates registered in 2025, showing a 5.3% increase
The exam pattern emphasizes aptitude, logic, and decision-making skills, and accurate xat form submission is the first critical step.
Related reading: CAT Exam Pattern 2026 – compare structure & marking scheme.
Keeping track of deadlines ensures smooth registration.
| Event |
Date |
| Form Release Date |
July 15, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply |
December 5, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release |
December 20, 2025 (Tentative) |
| XAT Exam Date |
January 4, 2026 |
Pro Tip: Avoid delays; check CAT Form Filling 2025 Guide to see how aspirants handle last-minute mistakes.
XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before filling the xat form 2026, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Educational Qualification – A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Final-year students can also apply, with results expected by June 2026.
- Work Experience – Not mandatory for the xat application form, though 3+ years of experience is preferred for XLRI’s General Management Program.
- Age Limit – No upper age restriction, making the xat form open for fresh graduates, repeaters, and working professionals.
- International Candidates – NRI/foreign applicants can apply via GMAT, while GRE is accepted only for PGDM (GM).
This flexible eligibility makes the xat form 2026 accessible to both students and professionals aiming for top B-schools.
Related: IIM Admission Criteria 2025 – know how XAT compares with IIM admissions.
Prepare these before starting:
- Class 10, 12, and graduation mark sheets
- Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.)
- Scanned passport-size photograph – JPG/JPEG, <1 MB
- Scanned signature – JPG/JPEG, <1 MB
- Proof of DOB
- Category/EWS/Reserved certificate (if applicable)
- Work experience certificate (if applicable)
- Debit/Credit card, Net banking, or UPI for payment
Download free resources: CAT 2025 Syllabus PDF, Quant Formula Book.
Step 1 – Registration
- Visit xatonline.in
- Click on “New Registration”
- Enter name, email ID, and mobile number
- Receive XAT ID + verification link on email
Step 2 – Login
- Use XAT ID and password to log in
- Access the application dashboard
Step 3 – Fill Personal & Academic Details
- Personal details: Name, DOB, gender, category
- Academic history: 10th, 12th, graduation (with marks & year of passing)
- Work experience (if applicable)
Step 4 – Program & Exam City Selection
- Choose XLRI programs (BM, HRM, GMP, etc.)
- Select up to 6 test cities in preference order
Step 5 – Upload Documents
- Upload photograph and signature as per guidelines
- Ensure clarity and correct format
Step 6 – Pay Application Fee
- Proceed to payment gateway
- Choose preferred mode (UPI, Net banking, Debit/Credit card)
Step 7 – Submit & Download Confirmation
- Carefully review all details
- Submit the form
- Download confirmation page + fee receipt
Explore: XAT Application Form 2026
XAT 2026 Application Fee Structure
| Description |
Fee |
| XAT Registration Fee (without late fee) |
₹2,200 |
| Additional Fee per XLRI Program |
₹200 |
| PGDM (GM) via GMAT/GRE |
₹2,500 |
| NRI/Foreign candidates via GMAT |
₹5,000 |
Payment Modes:
- Online payment gateway (Visa/MasterCard debit/credit cards, UPI, Net banking)
- IDBI Bank cash payment via Pay-in-slip
- Demand Draft payable at Jamshedpur
For ROI comparison, check: MBA Salary in India 2025 and IIM Average Package 2025.
Photo & Signature Guidelines
- Photograph: JPG/JPEG, 20–50 KB, white background, recent photo
- Signature: JPG/JPEG, 10–20 KB, signed on white paper with black/blue pen
Common rejections happen due to unclear backgrounds or file size mismatch.
Download our free VARC Cheat Sheet for quick prep while filling your form.
The xat form 2026 has a separate process for NRI and foreign applicants:
- Mode of Application – Candidates apply using GMAT scores. For the PGDM (GM) program, both GMAT and GRE scores are accepted.
- Application Fee – ₹5,000 for NRI/foreign candidates, compared to ₹2,200 for Indian applicants.
- Documents Required – GMAT/GRE scorecard, passport, academic transcripts, work experience proof (if applicable), scanned photo and signature.
- Program Options – Eligible for all XLRI programs through GMAT, while GRE is valid only for PGDM (GM).
This ensures global applicants can also access XLRI programs through the xat form with their international test scores.
For more: XLRI Cut Off 2025 – see what GMAT percentile may be expected.
- Entering incorrect academic percentages.
- Uploading blurred or wrong-size photos/signatures.
- Forgetting to add XLRI program fee of ₹200 each.
- Waiting until the xat form last date to apply.
- Using unverified email IDs for registration.
Completing the xat form 2026 is only the first step. After successful submission and fee payment, candidates must follow a few important steps to stay on track for the exam.
1. Download and Save Confirmation Page
- Immediately after submission, download the confirmation page and payment receipt.
- Save both as PDF copies and take at least one printout for reference.
- These documents act as proof of successful xat form submission and may be required later during the admission process.
2. Secure Your Login Details
- Your XAT ID and password will be used for all future logins, including admit card download and result checking.
- Store them in a secure location—preferably in both digital and written form—to avoid login issues later.
3. Admit Card Availability
- The XAT 2026 admit card will be released on December 20, 2025 (tentative).
- Candidates must log in to the official portal with their credentials to download it.
- The admit card will carry details such as exam centre, reporting time, and exam day instructions.
4. XAT Exam Day Preparation
- The XAT exam is scheduled for January 4, 2026, in computer-based test mode across 70+ cities.
- Candidates should plan travel in advance if their allotted city is different from their current residence.
- Keep one valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Driving License) ready along with the admit card.
5. Focused Revision and Mock Tests
- Once the xat form is submitted, shift focus entirely to preparation.
- Prioritise mock tests, past year papers, and sectional practice for Decision Making, Quant, and Verbal sections.
- Use the period between admit card release and the exam date for last-mile strategy and time management practice.
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The xat form 2026 is your first step toward securing admission in XLRI and other top B-schools across India. By preparing documents in advance, following the step-by-step application process, and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure a smooth registration experience. Complete your form before the deadline, keep fee receipts safe, and stay updated on official announcements.
At Coachify, we guide aspirants through every stage of their MBA journey—from form filling to cracking the exam with confidence. Stay connected with us for mock tests, strategy sessions, and exam updates.
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