Key Points
- The registration for XAT 2026 is expected to start soon, likely in mid-July 2025, with the exact date to be announced on the official website.
- The registration deadline is November 30, 2025, and the exam is scheduled for January 4, 2026.
- The application process is online, requiring candidates to create an account, fill out details, upload documents, and pay a fee of Rs. 2,200, with additional fees for XLRI programs.
Registration Overview
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 is a key entrance exam for MBA and PGDM programs, conducted by XLRI on behalf of the Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI). As of July 8, 2025, the registration has not yet started, but it is anticipated to begin soon, with multiple sources suggesting mid-July 2025. Candidates should regularly check the official website, xatonline.in, for the exact start date.
Steps to Apply
To apply for XAT 2026, follow these steps:
- Visit xatonline.in and click on the “Register” option.
- Create a new account by providing the required details and log in using the credentials sent to your email.
- Fill in personal and academic details as per the application form.
- Upload a scanned photograph and signature as per the specified guidelines.
- Pay the registration fee online (Rs. 2,200 for general candidates, with additional Rs. 200 per XLRI program).
- Submit the form and download/print the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Dates
- Registration Start Date: Expected soon, likely mid-July 2025 (to be confirmed).
- Registration Deadline: November 30, 2025.
- Exam Date: January 4, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
- Admit Card Release: Tentatively in the last week of December 2025.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of XAT 2026 Registration
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 is a significant national-level entrance exam for admission into MBA and PGDM programs, primarily at XLRI Jamshedpur and over 250 other B-schools accepting XAT scores. Conducted annually by XLRI on behalf of the Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI), the exam is scheduled for January 4, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. As of July 8, 2025, the registration process has not yet commenced, but it is expected to start soon, with multiple sources indicating a likely start in mid-July 2025. This survey note provides a comprehensive overview of the registration process, key dates, fees, and application steps, based on the latest available information from reliable sources.
Background and Context
XAT is considered one of India’s most prestigious MBA entrance exams, second only to CAT, with over 1.42 lakh candidates registering for XAT 2025, showing a 5.3% increase from the previous year. The exam is conducted in a computer-based format across more than 70 cities in India, making it accessible to a wide range of aspirants. The registration process is entirely online, and candidates are advised to stay updated via the official website, xatonline.in, to ensure they do not miss important deadlines.
Registration Timeline
The registration for XAT 2026 is anticipated to begin soon, with several sources, including Cracku.in and Shiksha.com, suggesting a start in the second week of July 2025. However, the exact date has not been officially confirmed as of July 8, 2025, and candidates are advised to check the official website for announcements. The Times of India, in an article dated July 7, 2025, noted that the registration dates will be announced shortly, reinforcing the expectation of an imminent start. The registration window is expected to remain open until the first week of December 2025, with the final deadline set for November 30, 2025.
Key dates, based on available information, are summarized in the following table:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Start Date | Expected mid-July 2025 (TBC) |
| Registration Deadline | November 30, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Tentative: Last week of December 2025 |
| Exam Date | January 4, 2026, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Note: “TBC” indicates “To Be Confirmed,” as the exact start date is pending official announcement.
Application Process and Steps
The application process for XAT 2026 is streamlined and online, requiring candidates to follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Navigate to xatonline.in and locate the registration link, typically labeled “Register” or “New Registration.”
- Create an Account: Provide the required details to create a new account. Upon successful registration, candidates will receive login credentials via email.
- Log In and Fill Details: Log in using the provided credentials and fill in personal and academic details as per the application form requirements. This includes information such as name, date of birth, educational qualifications, and contact details.
- Upload Documents: Upload a scanned photograph and signature as per the specifications outlined on the website. Candidates may edit and re-upload these documents if necessary, ensuring compliance with guidelines.
- Pay the Registration Fee: Pay the application fee online through the integrated payment gateway. The fee structure is as follows:
- General Registration Fee: Rs. 2,200
- Additional Fee for XLRI Programs: Rs. 200 per program
- Fee for Indian Candidates Applying via GMAT/GRE for PGDM(GM): Rs. 2,500
- Fee for NRI/Foreign/PIO/OCI Candidates Applying via GMAT: Rs. 5,000
- Submit and Download Confirmation: After payment, submit the form and download/print the confirmation page, which contains fee details and application information, for future reference.
Candidates are advised to double-check all entered details before submission, as editing options may be limited post-payment. If there are issues with registration confirmation, candidates can check their spam/junk email folder or contact admis@xlri.ac.in or call 1800-209-0835 between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM IST for assistance.
Fee Structure and Payment Options
The registration fee for XAT 2026 is Rs. 2,200 for general candidates, with additional fees for those applying to XLRI programs. The fee must be paid online, and candidates are encouraged to complete the payment process early to avoid last-minute technical issues. The payment gateway is integrated into the application form, ensuring a seamless transaction process. For candidates applying through GMAT/GRE, the fees are higher, reflecting the additional processing requirements for international or specific program applications.
The following table summarizes the fee structure:
| Category | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| General Registration | 2,200 |
| Additional Fee per XLRI Program | 200 |
| Indian Candidates (PGDM(GM) via GMAT/GRE) | 2,500 |
| NRI/Foreign/PIO/OCI (via GMAT) | 5,000 |
Important Considerations
Candidates should prepare all necessary documents, such as a scanned photograph and signature, in advance to ensure a smooth registration process. It is recommended to apply early to avoid potential technical glitches closer to the deadline. The official website, xatonline.in, is the primary source for updates, and candidates should monitor it regularly for announcements regarding the registration start date and other important notifications.
Additionally, XAT 2026 will assess candidates through sections including Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation, and General Awareness, with scores accepted by XLRI and over 160 other B-schools. The exam pattern has been updated for 2026, now consisting of two parts, which candidates should note while preparing.
Conclusion
The registration for XAT 2026 is poised to start soon, likely in mid-July 2025, with the official date to be confirmed on xatonline.in. Candidates must complete the online application process by November 30, 2025, following the outlined steps and paying the requisite fee. This survey note provides a detailed guide to ensure aspirants are well-prepared for the registration process, leveraging the latest information from credible sources to facilitate a successful application.