XAT 2026: All You Need to Know – Dates, Syllabus, Eligibility, Fees

If you’re aiming to pursue an MBA from a top B-school in India, XAT 2026 should definitely be on your radar. Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, this national-level entrance exam is accepted by over 250 management institutes across the country. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything — from XAT 2026 registration date, exam dates, eligibility criteria, syllabus topics, to fees.

XAT 2026 Registration Date

The registration process for XAT 2026 begins from 10 July 2025 and will remain open until 5 December 2025. Candidates should apply well in advance to avoid any last-minute technical or documentation issues. All applications must be submitted online through the official XAT portal.

XAT 2026 Exam Dates

The XAT 2026 exam will be conducted on Sunday, 4 January 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The admit cards are expected to be released around 20 December 2025, and the result will likely be declared in the last week of January 2026. Keep checking for any changes or official announcements.

XAT 2026 Fees

The application fees for XAT 2026 is ₹2,200. If you’re applying to specific programs at XLRI, an additional ₹200 per program will be charged. Payment must be made online through debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking. Fees once paid are non-refundable, so double-check all your details before submission.

XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To apply for XAT 2026, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• A bachelor’s degree of minimum three years in any discipline from a recognized university.

• Candidates appearing in their final year of graduation in 2025 are also eligible.

• There is no minimum percentage requirement to appear for the exam.

• There is no age limit.

• Work experience is not mandatory but can be an added advantage during the selection process.

XAT 2026 Syllabus Topics

The XAT 2026 syllabus topics are designed to evaluate decision-making, critical thinking, and analytical abilities. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas:

• Verbal and Logical Ability: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, para jumbles, critical reasoning.

• Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, graphs, tables, percentages, ratios, data caselets.

• Decision Making: Unique to XAT, this section includes ethical dilemmas, situational questions, and logical reasoning based on real-world scenarios.

• General Knowledge: Static GK and current affairs from national and international events.

• Essay Writing (included in Part 2): Short essay on abstract or current topics, evaluated during the interview stage.

Final Thoughts

XAT 2026 is not just another MBA entrance test — it’s a gateway to some of the most respected management programs in India. With its unique focus on decision-making and essay writing, it sets itself apart from other exams. Now that you know the XAT 2026 registration date, exam dates, fees, eligibility criteria, and syllabus topics, it’s time to begin your preparation with a focused strategy.

Stay consistent, practice mock tests, and keep track of all announcements. With the right planning, your XAT score can open doors to your dream B-school.