XAT Question Paper is a crucial resource for aspirants aiming for top management institutes like XLRI. It consists of multiple-choice questions and a descriptive section covering Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & DI, and General Knowledge. Practising and revising XAT Question Papers helps candidates understand the XAT 2026 Exam Pattern, focus on the XAT Syllabus, improve speed, accuracy, and decision-making skills, and manage time effectively. Regular practice also builds confidence, reduces exam-day stress, and highlights strengths and weak areas, ensuring a strategic and well-prepared approach for the actual exam.

XAT Question Paper Analysis: Section-Wise

XAT 2025 Question Paper is divided into five key sections, each designed to test specific skills. Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning evaluates language and reasoning skills, Decision Making tests analytical and critical thinking, Quantitative Ability & DI assesses math and data interpretation skills, and General Knowledge checks awareness of current affairs and static GK. Understanding each section helps in focused preparation and effective time management.

XAT Question Paper Analysis: Previous Year

XAT Question Paper is an important exam for students aiming for admission in top management institutes like XLRI. It consists of multiple-choice questions and a descriptive section to test skills in verbal ability, logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, decision-making, and general knowledge. With 100+ questions and a duration of over 3 hours, the exam evaluates accuracy, speed, and overall problem-solving ability, making preparation and strategy crucial for success.

Why Should You Revise XAT Previous Year Question Paper

Revising XAT Previous Year Question Papers is crucial for effective preparation. It helps aspirants understand the XAT Exam Pattern, identify important topics from the XAT Syllabus, and build confidence. Regular revision also improves speed, accuracy, and decision-making skills, ensuring better performance on the actual exam day.

• Familiarizes candidates with the XAT Exam Pattern and sectional structure.
• Helps identify key topics from the XAT Syllabus that are frequently tested.
• Improves accuracy and speed in solving different types of questions.
• Highlights weak areas, allowing focused preparation.
• Boosts confidence and reduces exam-day stress by simulating real test conditions.
• Provides time management strategies for each section.
• Enables analysis of patterns in difficulty levels and question types.

XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 states that applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university in any discipline. The eligibility criteria also suggest that candidates must have completed their graduation within a 3-year duration. There is no age limit, no minimum percentage requirement, and no mandatory work experience is prescribed to apply for the XAT 2026 Exam. However, those who want to apply to the General Management (GM) program at XLRI must have a minimum of 5 years of full-time work experience in a managerial or supervisory role. Additionally, NRI or foreign candidates must have GMAT/ GRE Scores to proceed with the XAT registration process.

XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Educational Qualification

• Candidates with a bachelor's degree in any discipline from recognised universities are eligible to apply.
• The minimum duration of graduation should be three years.
• There is no minimum graduation percentage requirement to apply for XAT 2026 Exam.
• Final-year graduation students are eligible to apply; however, if they fail in any subjects, their admission may be cancelled.
• NRI/ Foreign candidates can only apply through GMAT/ GRE scores.

XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit

XLRI does not prescribe a strict age limit for appearing in the XAT 2026 Exam. Candidates of any age can apply for the exam. However, they must apply after completing graduation or during the final year of graduation. Final-year candidates must note that their graduation should be completed by June 2026. Otherwise, their admission will be cancelled.

XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Work Experience

No work experience is required for XAT candidates applying to Business Management and Human Resource Management programs. However, for GM programs, candidates must have at least 5 years of working experience in a managerial or supervisory role. Candidates must have work experience in the private sector, the public sector, or a non-governmental organisation. Applicants for GM programs must note that only work experience gained after completing their graduation is considered.

XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: NRI Candidates

NRI candidates applying for PGDM (GM) or XLRI-RBS Double Master's must complete XAT Application Process 2026 using their GMAT/GRE scores. They should have completed a 3-year graduation program from a recognised university with no minimum percentage requirement. There is no upper age limit for foreign candidates as well.

XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: XLRI Courses

XLRI offers three-course opportunities for XAT candidates: Business Management (BM), Human Resource Management (HRM), and General Management (GM). For BM and HRM, XLRI requires candidates to hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline, with no minimum percentage requirement. The detailed eligibility criteria for each XLRI program, along with course fees, are as follows:

Who Is Not Eligible For XAT 2026?

• Candidates who completed a 2-year bachelor's degree and graduated during the 1980s are not eligible to appear for XAT 2026 Exam.
• Final-year students are eligible to apply for XAT, but their graduation should be completed by June 2026.
• Those whose graduation examination extends beyond June 2026 are not eligible to appear for the exam.
• Candidates' universities must be recognised by the University Grants Commission in India. Otherwise, candidates' applications cannot be accepted.

XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Reservation Policies

XLRI does not have any preference for reserved categories. Candidates across different categories can apply for XAT 2026 and have to pay INR 2200 (INR 200 extra for each XLRI course) as a registration fee. However, other participating universities may follow reservation criteria for SC/ST and PwD candidates during the admission process. No relaxation is provided to reserved categories at the time of registration.

XAT 2026 Eligibility: Documents Required

• Mark sheets of Class 10, Class 12, and graduation
• A valid email ID, mobile number, and residential address proof
• Proof of date of birth along with Aadhaar card
• Category certificate (for reserved category candidates, if applicable)
• Recent passport-size photograph and signature scanned in JPG/JPEG format (file size between 20 KB–50 KB)
• A debit/credit card or other online payment method for paying the application fee

XAT Exam Pattern 2026 consists of 95 multiple-choice questions across four major areas: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation and General Knowledge. Candidates need to attempt the questions in 180 minutes. The question paper is divided into two parts, i.e., Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 covers Verbal & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, with a duration of 170 minutes. On the other hand, Part 2 focuses on General Knowledge with a duration of 10 minutes. Candidates appearing in XAT 2026 exam will be given +1 for each correct answer. There will be a penalty of -0.10 for every unattempted question after the first eight.

To achieve a 96+ percentile, candidates need to take regular mock tests, read newspapers, and refer to good books to strengthen their vocabulary and general knowledge. Practising previous years’ question papers is also required to improve time management and accuracy.

XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Highlights

XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise Details

XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme

• +1 mark for each correct answer.
• 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer.
• From the 9th unattempted question, a penalty of 0.10 marks is applied.
• No negative marking in General Knowledge section.
• Marks of General Knowledge section not considered for percentile calculation.

XAT 2026 Syllabus: At a Glance

XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Preparation Tips

• Create a study plan: 7-8 hours/day covering all four sections.
• Attend regular mock tests and solve past year papers to improve QA & DI skills.
• Read newspapers to enhance vocabulary and general knowledge.

XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Changes Over The Years

XAT Exam Pattern 2026

XAT Exam Pattern 2026 consists of 95 multiple-choice questions across four major areas: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. Candidates need to attempt the questions in 180 minutes. The question paper is divided into two parts: Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 covers Verbal & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, with a duration of 170 minutes. Part 2 focuses on General Knowledge with a duration of 10 minutes. Candidates appearing in XAT 2026 will get +1 for each correct answer, and there is a penalty of -0.10 for every unattempted question after the first eight.

To achieve a 96+ percentile, candidates need to take regular mock tests, read newspapers, and refer to good books to strengthen their vocabulary and general knowledge. Practising previous years’ question papers is also required to improve time management and accuracy.

Highlights

Section-wise Details

Marking Scheme

• +1 mark for each correct answer
• -0.25 marks for each incorrect answer
• 0 marks for the first 8 unattempted questions; -0.10 marks from the 9th unattempted question onwards
• No negative marking in the General Knowledge section
• Marks of GK are not considered for percentile calculation

XAT 2026 Syllabus: At a Glance

Preparation Tips

• Create a 6-month study plan covering all four sections, allocating 7-8 hours per day
• Attend regular mock tests and solve past year question papers
• Read newspapers to stay updated on current affairs
• Focus on improving speed, accuracy, and time management

Changes Over the Years

XAT Syllabus 2026

XAT Syllabus 2026 is divided into four key sections: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), Verbal & Logical Ability (VA & LR), Decision Making (DM), and General Knowledge (GK). The QA & DI section carries the highest weightage with 28 questions. The Verbal and Logical Reasoning section consists of 26 questions, Decision Making has 21, and General Knowledge contains 20 questions. Candidates must attempt 95 multiple-choice questions in 180 minutes.

Books by Arihant Publications, R.S. Agarwal, Norman Lewis, and MK Pandey can help candidates score well. Solving past years' papers and reading newspapers like The Economic Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Financial Express can boost preparation.

Highlights

Section-wise Topics

Verbal & Logical Ability (VA & LR)

• Reading Comprehension: RC Passages, inference, explanation of words/phrases
• Logical Reasoning: Vocabulary-based questions, correct word usage, jumbled paragraphs, puzzles, cloze tests
• Grammar and critical reasoning questions

Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)

• Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Probability, Progressions, Binomial Theorem
• Data Interpretation: Bar Diagrams, Pie Charts, Data Analysis & Comparison, Graphs, Data Tables
• Section-wise question weight: Geometry (5), Arithmetic (3), Modern Math (3), Algebra (3), Numbers (2), Scatter plot/line graph sets (3), Arithmetic sets (3), Average sets (3), Number-matrix sets (3)

Decision Making (DM)

• Analytical Reasoning (Decision Making Sets), HR related DM sets, Ethical DM sets
• Business Issues, Situational Decision Making, Recruitment, Promotions, Workplace Policy, Diversity & Inclusion
• Section-wise questions: 21 (HR, sales, marketing, safety, etc.)

General Knowledge (GK)

• Static GK: Business, Finance, Economics, Indian Constitution, Laws, History, Geography, Famous personalities, Awards, Science & Technology
• Current Affairs: National & International News, Politics, Business, Economy, Environmental issues, Government schemes, Sports
• Section-wise question types: History (3), Sports (2), Authors (1), Nobel Prizes (2), Culture & Entertainment (2), Science & Tech (2), Personality & Awards (2), Geography (2), Economics & Business (2), Latest National & International (1), Companies/People/Action (1)

Recommended Books

Preparation Tips

• Create a 6-month study plan covering all topics, allocating 7-8 hours per day
• Solve mock tests and previous years' XAT question papers
• Read reputable newspapers and journals to stay updated on current affairs
• Focus on speed, accuracy, and time management

XAT Exam Pattern 2026

XAT Result 2026

XAT Result 2026 will tentatively be published in the third week of January 2026. Candidates can download their scorecards from the official XAT website by logging in with their XAT ID and password. The scorecard will include personal details, exam date, sectional scores and percentiles, as well as the overall score and percentile. Note that the XAT scorecard is valid for one year from the date of release.

By the fourth week of January 2026, the cutoff list of XAT 2026 will be released. Candidates who meet the cutoff percentile will be eligible to apply to MBA institutes. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for Personal Interview (PI) and Group Discussion (GD) rounds.

Important Dates

Steps To Download Scorecard

1. Go to xatonline.in.
2. Click on “XAT 2026 Scorecard”.
3. Log in using XAT ID and password.
4. XAT Result 2026 will appear on the screen.
5. Download the PDF and print at least two copies for reference.

Details Mentioned in XAT Result 2026

• Candidate's Name
• Gender and Date of Birth
• Address Details
• XAT ID
• XAT Exam Date
• Validity Date of XAT Result
• Section-wise Scores and Percentiles
• Total Score and Percentile
• Signature of XAT Chairperson

How to Calculate XAT Score

The XAT 2026 score is calculated based on total marks in Verbal Ability, Decision Making, and Quantitative Aptitude. Marks for General Knowledge are not included in the total score and percentile but are used during GD/PI and essay evaluation.

XAT Marking Scheme

XAT Percentile Calculation

Percentile = (Total Applicants – Candidate Rank) / Total Applicants × 100

Example: Rank = 500, Total Applicants = 30,000

Percentile = (30000 – 500)/30000 × 100 = 83.33%

XAT Answer Key

The XAT Answer Key 2026 will be released in the second week of January 2026. Candidates can download the response sheet, tally answers, and raise objections if needed.

Steps to Check Answer Key

1. Go to xatonline.in.
2. Click “Answer Key and Objection”.
3. Log in using XAT ID and password.
4. Download and verify correct answers (marked in green).

How to Challenge Answer Key

1. Log in to the XAT official website.
2. Click ‘Answer Key and Objection’ tab.
3. Fill objection form with Question ID and reason.
4. Upload supporting documents.
5. Submit for review.

XAT Marks vs Percentile 2026

After XAT Result 2026

After results, candidates meeting cutoff percentiles must apply individually to institutes, followed by GD, PI, and essay rounds. Final admission is based on XAT scores, academic record, and GD/PI performance.

XAT Cutoff 2026 (Expected)

Top MBA Colleges Accepting XAT 2026 Scores

• XLRI Jamshedpur
• XIM University
• MICA Ahmedabad
• IMT Ghaziabad
• IMI New Delhi
• St. Joseph’s Institute of Management
• Xavier Business School (XBS), St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata
• K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management
• FORE School of Management, New Delhi
• Loyola Institute of Business Administration
• Welingkar Mumbai
• Birla Institute of Management Technology

XAT Exam Centres 2026

Registrations for XAT 2026 started on July 10, 2025. XLRI has scheduled the examination in 106 cities across India, including metro cities. Each city may have multiple test centres. Candidates must select six preferred cities when completing the application form. XLRI will allocate exam centres based on availability and preferences. The allocated centre details will be mentioned in the admit card.

Important Dates

How to Select XAT Exam Centres 2026

1. Visit the official XAT website: xatonline.in.
2. Register and create login credentials.
3. Log in with XAT ID and password to fill out the application form.
4. Select your preferred six XAT exam centres.
5. Review the form, pay the application fee, and submit.

Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Exam Centres

• Select six cities in the order of preference.
• First preference should ideally be your place of residence.
• If the first preference is full, the next available centre will be allotted.
• Centres may be cancelled or changed at XLRI’s discretion.
• Requests to change exam centres after admit card release are not accepted.

List of XAT Exam Centres 2026

XAT 2026 will have 106 cities across India as exam centres. Candidates can select from the following:

Changing XAT Exam Centres 2026

Requests to change exam centres after admit card release are generally not allowed. However, under special circumstances, candidates may request a change via:

• Email: admis@xlri.ac.in
• Official website: Click “Ask Us/Query” to submit your request.

Dos and Don’ts for XAT Exam Centres 2026

• Arrive at the exam centre before the reporting time.
• Bring two copies of the admit card and a government-issued photo ID.
• Exam centre gates close 30 minutes before the exam begins.
• Leaving the centre without permission is prohibited.
• Caps and nonreligious headgear are not allowed.
• Clothing with pockets or metal jewellery is not permitted.

XAT Answer Key 2026

XLRI is expected to release the XAT 2026 answer key in January 2026, before the declaration of the results. Candidates can view and download the answer key along with the response sheet from the official website xatonline.in. These documents help tally correct and incorrect answers to estimate the total score.

Candidates can also raise objections to any questions in the answer key. The objection window is expected to open from the second week of January and remain open till the third week of January.

Important Dates

How to Download the XAT Answer Key 2026

1. Visit xatonline.in.
2. Log in using your XAT ID and password.
3. Click on the link “XAT 2026 Answer Key”.
4. Download the PDF of the answer key for reference.

Details in the XAT Answer Key 2026

• Candidate name and registration ID
• List of section-wise questions
• Correct answers to the questions
• The candidate’s marked responses
• Number of unattempted questions

How to Raise Objections Against the Answer Key

1. Visit xatonline.in and log in.
2. Click on “Candidate Response/Raise Objection”.
3. Enter the question number, question ID, nature of the question, and objection.
4. Upload supporting evidence or documents.
5. Review and submit your objection.

XAT 2025 Answer Key: Section-Wise (Memory-Based)

Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation

• Coordinate geometry (rectangle) - Answer: y = 6
• Square and circle question - Answer: x = 4
• Single double bed - Answer: 77500
• Question on phone - Answer: 120000
• Question on square of length - Answer: 42.6% loss
• Question on log - Answer: 2
• Question on dustbin - Answer: 250

General Knowledge

• INS Tushil - Russia’s Yantar Shipyard
• World Chess Championship - Gukesh D
• Nobel Peace Prize - Nihon Hidankyo
• Samantha Harvey - Orbiter
• Dhimsa - Andhra Pradesh
• MGM - Amazon
• AI app regional language - Bhasini
• Mount Maripi - Indonesia
• Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces - The President of India
• Asian Games Table Tennis - Ayhika Mukherjee & Sutirtha Mukherjee
• Floating National Park - Keibul Lamjao, Manipur

Marking Scheme

Calculating Scores Using the Answer Key

After tallying correct, wrong, and unattempted questions, the estimated score can be calculated using the formula:

XAT Estimated Score = Number of Correct Answers - (Wrong Answers × 0.25) - (Unattempted Questions after 8 × 0.10)

Example: If a candidate attempts 86 questions out of 95, with 78 correct and 8 wrong answers:

Estimated Score = 78 - (8 × 0.25) - (9 × 0.10) = 75.1

XAT Exam Analysis 2026

The XAT 2026 examination analysis will be released after the exam concludes on January 4, 2026. The exam will follow the same pattern and marking scheme as XAT 2025 and will be conducted online. Candidates should focus on accuracy and speed in all sections.

Exam Pattern

• 95 multiple-choice questions across four sections: Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision-Making, Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
• Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes).
• Computer-based online test.
• VA/LR, DM, and QA-DI sections make Part 1; GK is Part 2.
• No sectional time limit in 2026.
• Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answers, -0.25 for wrong answers, -0.10 for unattempted questions after the first 8.

XAT Exam Analysis 2025 Overview

XAT 2025 was moderately difficult. Easiest section: Verbal & Logical Ability. Most challenging: QA-DI. Decision-Making was moderately complex. Estimated good attempts to clear cut-off: 35–45 out of 102 questions.

Section-Wise Analysis (XAT 2025)

Verbal & Logical Ability

Decision-Making

Quantitative Aptitude & DI

General Knowledge

Difficulty Level (XAT 2025)

Expected Cut-Off XAT 2026

• To achieve 99.5 percentile: QA-DI ~19.25, VALR & DM ~16 marks each.
• 90–95 percentile: QA-DI 9–11.25, VALR & DM 9–11 marks.
• 80–85 percentile: 7–8 marks in each section.

XAT 2026 Exam Dates

XLRI, Jamshedpur will conduct XAT 2026 on January 4, 2026. Registrations started on July 10, 2025 and will remain open until December 5, 2025 at www.xatonline.in. The admit cards are expected to release on December 20, 2025. Dates for result declaration, scorecard, answer key, response sheet, and counselling will be announced later.

XAT 2026 Important Dates Overview

XAT 2026 Registration Process

1. Visit the official website: www.xatonline.in.
2. Click on the “New Registration” link.
3. Fill in basic details like email ID and phone number to create login credentials.
4. Log in with the credentials.
5. Complete the application form with academic details and work experience.
6. Upload required documents.
7. Pay the application fee and download the payment receipt.
8. Click Submit to complete registration.

XAT 2026 Admit Card Release

The admit card will be released tentatively on December 20, 2025. Candidates can download it by logging in with their XAT ID and password. It is advised to save and print multiple copies for future reference.

XAT 2026 Examination Day

The exam will be conducted online in dedicated test centres across India on January 4, 2026. There will be only one slot in the afternoon from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Candidates should report at least one hour before the start of the exam.

XAT 2026 Results & Counselling

The exact dates for result declaration and counselling have not been announced. Based on previous years, results are expected in the last week of January 2026, with counselling likely to begin in February 2026.

XAT Preparation 2026

XAT is a highly competitive examination. To outperform the competition, candidates need a strategic preparation approach. Understanding the syllabus, making a study plan, attempting mock tests, and reviewing performance are crucial. Preparing 7–9 months in advance, with focused revision in the last month and week, is recommended.

XAT 2026 Syllabus

Understanding the syllabus is the first step in preparing for XAT 2026. Here are the main sections and topics:

• Grammar: Vocabulary, Fill in the blanks, Contextual meaning, Synonyms/Antonyms, Error correction, Jumbled paragraphs, Cloze Test, Poem
• Reading Comprehension: Main idea, Inference, True/False statements, Author’s view, Explanation of words/phrases
• Logical Reasoning: Clocks & Calendars, Analogies, Blood Relations, Seating Arrangement, Premise & Conclusion, Binary Logic, Assumptions

• Conditioning and Grouping Tests, Data Arrangement, Complex Arrangement, Caselets, Decision Making in given situations

• Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Number System, LCM & HCF, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time, Speed & Distance, Time & Work, Averages, Ratio & Proportion, Venn diagrams, Modern Maths, Complex Numbers, Logarithms, Progressions, Binomial Theorem, Surds & Indices, Inequalities, Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Linear & Quadratic Equations, Trigonometry, Data Interpretation, Mixtures & Allegations

• Economics & Finance, National & International Current Affairs, Constitution & Laws, Capitals & Currencies, Famous Personalities

XAT 2026 Preparation Strategy

• Dedicate 6–8 months for preparation.
• Study 4–6 hours daily, covering all topics and revision.
• Understand the exam pattern and any changes (sectional time limits removed in 2026).
• Join study groups or approach mentors for guidance.
• Take regular mock tests with timers and review mistakes.
• Maintain notes for repeated mistakes and formulas.

Section-Wise Preparation Tips

Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning

• Strengthen grammar basics and practice reading comprehension.
• Read editorials, novels, and articles to build vocabulary and speed.

Decision-Making

• Practice past papers to familiarize with question types.
• Read questions carefully and use only the given information.
• Sharpen critical thinking and logical reasoning skills.

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

• Practice school-level maths extensively.
• Focus on Arithmetic, Geometry, Mensuration, and Data Interpretation.
• Use approximation or elimination methods for lengthy questions.
• Attempt strong topics first, leaving others for later.

General Knowledge

• Start preparation early; avoid last-minute cramming.
• Read newspapers for current affairs and improve essay-writing skills.
• Use online quizzes to revise and test knowledge.

Last Month Preparation Tips

• Attempt as many mock tests as possible and analyse mistakes.
• Revise formulas, theorems, and make short notes.
• Focus on weak areas while maintaining strengths.
• Work on vocabulary daily if neglected earlier.

Last Week Preparation Tips

• Focus on revising already studied topics; avoid new topics.
• Practice shortcuts, tricks, and review mock tests.
• Read past toppers’ interviews for insights and strategies.
• Maintain physical and mental health; take breaks to relax.

Best Books for XAT Preparation 2026

XAT Counselling 2026

The schedule for XAT 2026 counselling is yet to be released by XLRI but is expected around January–February 2026. Candidates must clear institute-specific cut-offs to register individually. The selection process generally includes group discussion (GD), personal interview (PI), and sometimes additional rounds. Shortlisted candidates should carry their marksheets, XAT scorecard, admit card, and selection letter.

Important Dates

XAT 2026 Cut-Offs

Each participating institute releases its cut-offs after XAT results. XLRI’s previous year cut-offs for PGDM BM and HRM programs were:

MBA Business Management

MBA Human Resource Management

Documents Required for Counselling

• 10th, 12th, and undergraduate marksheets
• XAT scorecard
• XAT admit card
• XAT selection letter
• Bank draft (as mentioned in brochure)
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Medical documents (if applicable)
• Passport-size photographs

XAT Counselling Process

1. Registration: Register for the program at participating institutes’ websites; international candidates need GRE scores.
2. Group Discussions & Personal Interviews: Meet cut-offs, then participate in GD, PI, and possibly Written Assessment Test (WAT).
3. Seat Allotment: Shortlisted candidates receive admission offers and must pay the admission fee. Merit list is based on cumulative performance across counselling stages.

Weightage of Counselling Components

XLRI Course-Wise Selection Criteria

Participating Institutes Accepting XAT Scores

• Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur
• Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
• Goa Institute of Management, Goa
• International Management Institute, Delhi
• Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad
• Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad
• T.A. Pai Management Institute, Manipal
• KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
• XIM University, Bhubaneswar
• IRMA, Gujarat

XAT Response Sheet 2026

XAT 2026 response sheet is expected to be released in January 2026, before the announcement of results. It contains the candidate’s responses, correct answers, and unattempted questions. Reviewing the response sheet helps estimate raw scores, identify weak areas, and raise discrepancies if found.

Important Dates

How to Download XAT Response Sheet 2026

1. Visit xatonline.in.
2. Log in with your XAT credentials.
3. Click on the “Candidate Response” tab.
4. View all questions, correct answers, explanations, and your responses.
5. Click the response sheet link to open in a new tab.
6. Download for reference.

Details Mentioned in the Response Sheet

• Candidate name
• Registration ID
• Section-wise questions
• Correct answers with explanations
• Candidate's responses
• Unattempted questions

How to Challenge XAT Response Sheet 2026

1. Log in to xatonline.in using credentials.
2. Click “Candidate Response/Raise Objection”.
3. Enter question number, question ID, issue description, and supporting proof.
4. Check details and submit the objection.

Score Calculation with XAT Response Sheet

Use the response sheet to calculate raw XAT scores. The marking scheme is:

Steps to Calculate Estimated XAT Scores

1. Count correct answers and multiply by 1.
2. Count wrong answers and multiply by 0.25.
3. Count unattempted questions (if >8) and multiply by 0.10.
4. Subtract wrong and unattempted penalties from correct answers to get raw score.

XAT Scores vs. Percentile 2026 (Expected)