XAT 2026 Application Window Opens for MBA/PGDM Admission to 250+ B-Schools
What sets XAT apart is not just its extensive acceptance by over 250 top B-schools across India, but also its longstanding tradition of nurturing management talent through a holistic, aptitude-based evaluation model.
75+ Years Strong: A Legacy of Leadership
XAT stands as the only MBA/PGDM entrance test in India with a 75+ year heritage, establishing it as the gold standard for MBA/PGDM aspirants seeking excellence in management education. XLRI, which has conducted the test since its inception, has continuously adapted the exam to meet the evolving needs of education and industry, while maintaining its core value of student-centric integrity.
'XAT is not just an entrance test, it's a tradition of excellence that has shaped leaders for over 75+ years. With XAT 2026, we are not only continuing that legacy but also evolving to meet the changing needs of today's aspirants. Our goal is to provide more than just a test. We aim to deliver guidance, mentorship, and a truly aspirant-first experience from day one.' — Prof. Rahul Shukla, Convenor, XAT 2026
Pan-India Test Centres: Bringing Opportunity Closer to Home
XAT 2026 will be conducted in over 100 cities across India, ensuring accessibility for candidates from both metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions. Whether you're in a major city or a smaller town, XAT ensures you have access to a testing centre near you.
Test cities include Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Aligarh, Allahabad, Ambala, Amravati, Amritsar, Anantapur, Arrah, Aurangabad City (Maharashtra), Baddi, Balasore, Bareilly, Bhatinda, Bhagalpur, Bhilai Nagar, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Bikaner, Bilaspur, Bengaluru, Berhampur, Chandigarh/Mohali, Chennai, Chikkaballapur, Coimbatore, Cuttack, Darbhanga, Davanagere, Dehradun, Delhi-NCR, Dhanbad, Dhenkanal, Dibrugarh, Durgapur/Asansol, Ernakulam, Gandhinagar, Goa, Gorakhpur, Guwahati, Gwalior, Haldwani, Hazaribagh, Hisar, Hooghly, Hubballi (Hubli), Hyderabad, Indore, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jammu, Jamshedpur, Jodhpur, Jorhat, Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), Kalyani, Kannur, Kanpur, Karimnagar, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Kota, Kottayam, Kurnool, Kurukshetra, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Mehsana, Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, Muzaffarpur, Mumbai, Mysuru (Mysore), Nagpur, Naharlagun, Nanded, Nashik, Patiala, Patna, Pune, Raipur, Rajahmundry, Rajkot, Ranchi, Roorkee, Rourkela, Salem, Sambalpur, Shimla, Shillong, Sikar, Siliguri, Surat, Tejpur, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Tirupathi, Tiruvallur, Udaipur, Udupi, Ujjain, Vadodara, Varanasi, Vellore, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam.
Why Choose XAT 2026?
● Accepted by 250+ leading B-schools, including XLRI, XIMB, IMT, TAPMI, GIM, MICA, IRMA, Weschool, Great Lakes, and more.
● Nationwide accessibility with 100+ test cities.
● Holistic evaluation — assessing not just academics, but decision-making and analytical skills.
● XAT aspirants are preferred by top B-Schools over other entrance exams because of the holistic test pattern.
● XAT does not have sectional time limits, giving aspirants the flexibility to manage time as per their strengths.
● Students can switch between sections during the exam, reducing pressure and allowing strategic thinking.
● XAT is conducted in January, giving an additional month of preparation after other entrance exams.
● Preparation for XAT largely overlaps with other entrance test preparations, requiring only a few mocks and solving previous year papers in addition.
● The exam is held in a single slot, ensuring fairness with no need for score normalisation.
● Applying for XAT alongside other entrance tests is a smart choice, offering a second high-quality opportunity without extra effort.
Important Dates:
Event
Date
Registration Opened
July 10, 2025
Last Date to Apply
December 5, 2025
XAT 2026 Exam Date
January 4, 2026
How to Apply:
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I am 22 and have a in Computer Science. I want to pursue MBA in Finance as I prefer it over coding. However, I am unable to score well in the CAT. Should I opt for an average college or take the CAT again? Onkar Dear Onkar, Evaluate retaking the CAT (and other exams) by honestly introspecting why you have not done well. Was it a lack of consistent preparation, difficulty with specific sections, test anxiety, or a combination of problems? Identifying the root cause is crucial to improve. Take the exam again if you are willing to dedicate the necessary time and effort for another year of rigorous preparation. Focus and strengthen the sections in which you struggle. Take regular mock tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam environment. Analyse your mock test results thoroughly to identify areas for improvement and consider joining a coaching class or a study group for structured learning and peer support. Explore other exams such as XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and IIFT. They have different formats and might suit your strengths better. Research the top colleges that accept these scores. What is your definition of an 'average college'? The factors to consider when choosing colleges are the location, the curriculum, the faculty experience, internship opportunities, placement statistics, the companies that recruit, the roles offered, and the alumni network. If you are hesitant about another year of intense preparation or if your assessment suggests only a marginal improvement in your CAT score, then go ahead and join the 'average' MBA college. I got a First Class with Distinction in in Technology and Management Consulting and a first-class in my as well. I have one year's experience in Operations and want to continue in supply chain. I am considering an MBA in Operations or an in Supply Chain Management. Which would be more suitable? Enchante Dear Enchante, An MBA in Operations will cover core business functions such as finance, marketing, strategy, and human resources, alongside topics like production, process optimisation, quality management, and supply chain elements. The focus is on leadership and strategic decision-making within the operations function. An in Supply Chain Management is a more specialised and technical. It delves into the intricacies of the entire supply chain, including procurement, logistics, warehousing, distribution, demand forecasting, and supply chain analytics. The focus is on optimising the flow of goods and information across the entire network. While an in Supply Chain Management can lead to excellent careers in logistics, procurement, and supply chain analysis, an MBA offers a broader path into senior management roles across different functions. Given your strong interest in supply chain and disinterest in research, an MBA in Operations with a strong focus on or specialisation in Supply Chain Management would probably be more suitable for you. I have completed and Botany and am in the second year of Ph.D. Forestry. I don't want to teach, and interest in research is also fading. What are my options? Kareena Dear Kareena, Is it possible for you to leverage your Botany expertise in different sectors such as environmental consulting, conservation and natural resource management, or horticulture? You could also use your scientific background to write articles, create content, or work with media outlets, museums or botanical gardens to explain complex concepts and create educational programmes. Policy and advocacy related to plant conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development or Intellectual Property with a further specialisation (potentially a law degree or certification) could help you work as a patent agent specialising in plant-related inventions and biotechnology. Data analysis and GIS, project management, business and entrepreneurship (related to Botany) in sustainable agriculture or natural product development is another option. I have done B.A. and M.A. History, Environmental Archaeology, and am currently pursuing an Integrated Ph.D., which will give me an (Research) and a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences. I am exploring career options outside academia. What are the career paths that might align with my background and skills? How can I build industry connections? Ritvik Dear Ritvik, Sustainability Consulting is a strong fit for your background. 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XAT 2026 Application Window Opens for MBA/PGDM Admission to 250+ B-Schools
With an enduring legacy of over 75 years, the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) remains the most time-honoured and trusted entrance examination for MBA/PGDM admissions in India. Conducted by XLRI – Xavier School of Management on behalf of XAMI (Xavier Association of Management Institutes), XAT 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, January 4, 2026, and registration is currently underway at What sets XAT apart is not just its extensive acceptance by over 250 top B-schools across India, but also its longstanding tradition of nurturing management talent through a holistic, aptitude-based evaluation model. 75+ Years Strong: A Legacy of Leadership XAT stands as the only MBA/PGDM entrance test in India with a 75+ year heritage, establishing it as the gold standard for MBA/PGDM aspirants seeking excellence in management education. XLRI, which has conducted the test since its inception, has continuously adapted the exam to meet the evolving needs of education and industry, while maintaining its core value of student-centric integrity. 'XAT is not just an entrance test, it's a tradition of excellence that has shaped leaders for over 75+ years. With XAT 2026, we are not only continuing that legacy but also evolving to meet the changing needs of today's aspirants. Our goal is to provide more than just a test. We aim to deliver guidance, mentorship, and a truly aspirant-first experience from day one.' — Prof. Rahul Shukla, Convenor, XAT 2026 Pan-India Test Centres: Bringing Opportunity Closer to Home XAT 2026 will be conducted in over 100 cities across India, ensuring accessibility for candidates from both metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions. Whether you're in a major city or a smaller town, XAT ensures you have access to a testing centre near you. Test cities include Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Aligarh, Allahabad, Ambala, Amravati, Amritsar, Anantapur, Arrah, Aurangabad City (Maharashtra), Baddi, Balasore, Bareilly, Bhatinda, Bhagalpur, Bhilai Nagar, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Bikaner, Bilaspur, Bengaluru, Berhampur, Chandigarh/Mohali, Chennai, Chikkaballapur, Coimbatore, Cuttack, Darbhanga, Davanagere, Dehradun, Delhi-NCR, Dhanbad, Dhenkanal, Dibrugarh, Durgapur/Asansol, Ernakulam, Gandhinagar, Goa, Gorakhpur, Guwahati, Gwalior, Haldwani, Hazaribagh, Hisar, Hooghly, Hubballi (Hubli), Hyderabad, Indore, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jammu, Jamshedpur, Jodhpur, Jorhat, Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), Kalyani, Kannur, Kanpur, Karimnagar, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Kota, Kottayam, Kurnool, Kurukshetra, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Mehsana, Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, Muzaffarpur, Mumbai, Mysuru (Mysore), Nagpur, Naharlagun, Nanded, Nashik, Patiala, Patna, Pune, Raipur, Rajahmundry, Rajkot, Ranchi, Roorkee, Rourkela, Salem, Sambalpur, Shimla, Shillong, Sikar, Siliguri, Surat, Tejpur, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Tirupathi, Tiruvallur, Udaipur, Udupi, Ujjain, Vadodara, Varanasi, Vellore, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam. Why Choose XAT 2026? ● Accepted by 250+ leading B-schools, including XLRI, XIMB, IMT, TAPMI, GIM, MICA, IRMA, Weschool, Great Lakes, and more. ● Nationwide accessibility with 100+ test cities. ● Holistic evaluation — assessing not just academics, but decision-making and analytical skills. ● XAT aspirants are preferred by top B-Schools over other entrance exams because of the holistic test pattern. ● XAT does not have sectional time limits, giving aspirants the flexibility to manage time as per their strengths. ● Students can switch between sections during the exam, reducing pressure and allowing strategic thinking. ● XAT is conducted in January, giving an additional month of preparation after other entrance exams. ● Preparation for XAT largely overlaps with other entrance test preparations, requiring only a few mocks and solving previous year papers in addition. ● The exam is held in a single slot, ensuring fairness with no need for score normalisation. ● Applying for XAT alongside other entrance tests is a smart choice, offering a second high-quality opportunity without extra effort. Important Dates: Event Date Registration Opened July 10, 2025 Last Date to Apply December 5, 2025 XAT 2026 Exam Date January 4, 2026 How to Apply:
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XAT 2026 registration begins at xatonline.in; apply till December 5
Xavier School of Management has commenced registrations for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026. Eligible candidates can apply for the exam on the official website till December 5, 2025. XAT 2026 will be conducted on January 4, 2026, from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm. The admit card is likely to be released on December 20, 2025. The XLRI conducts XAT on behalf of XAMI. For over 75 years, XLRI has conducted XAT at all India levels to select the most appropriate students for management education. Registration Fee Candidates are required to pay a fee of Rs 2200. Candidates interested in XLRI programmes need to pay an additional fee of Rs 200 each. Steps to register for XAT 2026
