Are you looking to get admission to premier MBA courses? XLRI might be the college for you! The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 notification is out, the pivotal first step taken by thousands of aspirants. Administered by XLRI Jamshedpur, XAT is one of India's leading MBA entrance tests, and keeping yourself updated about its important dates and procedures is crucial for a fruitful application.
XAT 2026 Important Dates You Should Know
XAT 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, 4th January 2026, in an online computer mode at various test centers in India, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The registration period is already open, and we strongly recommend applicants to submit their applications much ahead of the deadline.
Here's a rough schedule for XAT 2026, drawn up on the basis of official announcements and past years' schedules:

Step-by-Step XAT 2026 Registration Process
The process of XAT 2026 registration is the most important step for all candidates. Make application hassle-free by following these important steps:
1. Visit the Official Website: Visit xatonline.in.
2. New Registration: Tap on 'New Registration' and fill in the details required.
3. Get Credentials: You'll receive a personalized XAT ID and a verification link for registration through your registered email address.
4. Confirm Registration: Click the verification link received through your email to verify your XAT registration.
5. Login: Go to the homepage, click on 'Login', and enter your registered email ID and password to proceed with the XAT 2026 application form.
6. Fill Application Form: Fill in all the required fields in the form very carefully. In case you are unable to fill the form at one time, you can use the "SAVE AND NEXT" tab.
7. Accuracy Check: Verify all the details filled in, as no edit will be allowed after the 'FINAL SUBMIT' button is clicked. Make sure your name, father's name, and mother's name are spelled properly as they are given on your certificates/identity proof.
8. Academic and Work Experience: Go ahead to enter your academic credentials and work experience information.
9. XLRI Program Selection (Optional): Select your desired XLRI programs (via XAT or GMAT) if interested.
10. Test City Preference: Select a maximum of 6 test city preferences, preferably near your home. The final allocation is the prerogative of the authority.
11. Upload Documents: Scan and upload your photo and signature as per the guidelines provided.
12. Preview and Submit: Click the 'Preview Tab' to review your entire application. Only click 'SUBMIT' after verifying all details, photograph, and signature.
13. Payment: Click on the 'Payment' Tab and proceed with the fee payment.

XAT 2026 Application Fees
The fee for application for XAT 2026 is INR 2,200 for all aspirants. The fee can be paid by credit/debit cards (RuPay / Visa / Master Card / Maestro), UPI, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Cards, or Mobile Wallets.
• Aspirants seeking XLRI programs need to pay an extra fee of INR 200 per program.
• Indian aspirants for PGDM (GM) by GMAT/GRE need to pay INR 2,500.
• NRI/Foreign/PIO/OCI applicants submitting an application for one or more programs on the basis of GMAT need to pay INR 5,000.
Vital Payment Alert: Do not press back or refresh after giving payment details to avoid duplication. On successful transaction, an e-Receipt will be created, which you must print along with your online application form.
Vital Guidelines for Uploading Photograph and Signature
Proper uploading of your photograph and signature is essential for your application.
Photograph Image Specifications:
• Should be a recent passport-type color photograph.
• Face the camera and make a relaxed face.
• No "red-eye" if flash is used and no severe shadows if photo taken during sunlight.
• If glasses are worn, make sure no reflections and can see through your eyes.
• Caps, hats, and sunglasses are not allowed (religions are permitted but should not cover your face).
• The size of the scanned image should be within 1MB.
Signature Image Specifications:
• Sign in white paper using a black ink pen.
• The signature should be signed only by the candidate.
• Ensure that the signature in your admit card and attendance sheet is identical to the uploaded signature to prevent disqualification.
• The size of the scanned image should be 20KB – 50KB.
Scanning Tips:
• Use scanner resolution of at least 200 dpi (dots per inch).
• Set color to True Color.
• Crop image to edge of photograph/signature, and then use upload editor to resize to final size.
• File format must be JPG, JPEG, or PNG.
Advantages for Day 1 Applicants (July 10, 2025)
Candidates who registered for XAT 2026 on Day 1 (July 10, 2025) had access to special facilities aimed at improving their preparation:
• Interactive QnA Sessions: 200 Day 1 applicants who are picked randomly will be invited for one-on-one interactive sessions conducted by the XAT toppers and the XAT Convenor. These are tentatively planned during the last week of July and the first week of August.
• Private Telegram Group Membership: 100 randomly selected Day 1 candidates will be invited to join a private Telegram group moderated by XLRI students and the XAT team. These intensive, real-time forums of discussion are provisionally planned for the 2nd and 4th week of August (1 hour each session).
Your Path to Success: Begin Early!
The XAT Notification 2026 consists of detailed information related to eligibility criteria (usually a bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university), exam pattern, syllabus, and the institutes participating. The exam date being January 4, 2026, and registration starting on July 10, 2025, it is important to remain proactive and plan your preparation beforehand. Keeping an eye on the official XAT website (xatonline.in) and taking mock tests will greatly enhance your chances of success.
Keep in mind that XAT is a competitive doorway to top management programs. Stay informed, have your documents ready, and start preparation on time to clear XAT 2026 with ease!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: On what date was the XAT 2026 Notification published?

A1: The XAT 2026 Notification was published on July 10, 2025.

Q2: What is the date of the XAT 2026 exam?

A2: XAT 2026 exam will be conducted on Sunday, January 4, 2026, between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

Q3: When did the registration for XAT 2026 begin, and by when should it be done?

A3: Registration for XAT 2026 began on July 10, 2025, and it has to be done by December 5, 2025.

Q4: What is the application fee for XAT 2026?
A4: Application fee for all applicants is INR 2,200. If you are keen to apply for XLRI programs, there is an additional charge of INR 200 per program.

Q5: How do I register for XAT 2026?

A5: You may register for XAT 2026 by going to the official website, xatonline.in. The procedure involves new registration, submission of the application form, uploading of documents, and payment of fee online.

Q6: When will the XAT 2026 Admit Card be released?

A6: The XAT 2026 admit card is likely to be available for download from December 20, 2025.

Q7: What were the advantages for Day 1 XAT 2026 candidates?

A7: Day 1 candidates (registered on July 10, 2025) benefited from the exclusive advantages of receiving invitations to interactive QnA sessions with XAT toppers and the XAT Team, and joining an exclusive Telegram group moderated by XLRI students and the XAT team.

Q8: What are the specifications for photograph and signature on the XAT 2026 application?

A8: Your photo must be a recent passport-size color picture (within 1MB) with a relaxed face, clear eyes (if wearing glasses), and no hats or dark glasses. Your signature must be in black ink on white paper, signed only by you, and the scanned image size should be between 20KB – 50KB. It must match the signature on your admit card and attendance sheet.