XAT 2026 Registration Begins on July 10: Complete Application Guide, Exam Dates & Prep Tips

The XLRI Admission Test (XAT) 2026 registration officially opened today, July 10, 2025. Aspiring MBA candidates can now apply online via the official portal xatonline.in through December 5, 2025. This national-level exam is the gateway to XLRI and over 800 top B-schools across India.

This comprehensive article covers:

• XAT 2026 registration process

• Important dates and deadlines

• Exam schedule and structure

• Tips to fill the XAT form accurately

• Preparation strategies for success

 XAT 2026 – Key Dates and Deadlines

Students are encouraged to complete registration early to avoid issues and to take part in prep activities such as XLRI’s Day‑1 interactive Q&A.

 Step-by-Step Guide to XAT 2026 Registration

1. Visit xatonline.in

2. Click ‘Registration 2026’

3. Input name, email, mobile number, password, and captcha

4. Verify via –email to get your XAT registration ID

5. Log in to your account and open the application form

6. Enter personal, academic, and work‑experience details

7. Upload scanned documents: passport photo, signature, photo ID

8. Choose up to 6 test city preferences (100 cities available)

9. Select XLRI (optional; INR 200 fee applies)

10. Review declaration box and submit

11. Pay the registration fee (INR ~2,200)

12. Download confirmation and keep it safe

Tip: Previous XAT registrants can use the same login credentials.

 Live Registration Updates (July 10, 2025)

• 8:25 AM – Registration officially started

• 9:01 AM – Login section goes live

• 10:02 AM – Confirmation that XLRI selection incurs a non‑refundable INR 200 fee

• 11:27 AM – Exam city selection limit implemented (up to 6 choices)

• 12:31 PM – Correction requests allowed via “Any Query? Ask Us” feature

• 1:04 PM – Final‑year students can enter latest aggregate marks

• 1:36 PM – Integrated UG‑PG course marks can be entered similarly for both graduation entries

Stay tuned for real‑time updates like these via the official portal or news alerts.

 XAT 2026 Exam Format at a Glance

• Computer-Based Test – 180 minutes

• Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Total Questions: 95

• Total Marks: 95

• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks/question; skipping 8 in a row penalized by 0.10 marks

Section-wise breakup:

1. Decision Making – 21 Q / 21 Marks

2. Verbal & Logical Ability – 26 Q / 26 Marks

3. Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation – 28 Q / 28 Marks

4. General Knowledge – 20 Q / 20 Marks

The pattern for XAT 2026 remains unaltered from last year, so students should practice using previous year papers.

 XAT Eligibility & Score Accepting Colleges

• Minimum: Graduation in any stream from a recognized university

• Final year students awaiting results may also apply

• XLRI + 800+ B-schools accept XAT scores, covering admission for the 2026–27 academic year

 Important Form Submission & Correction Guidelines

• Registration & fee deadline: December 5, 2025

• No offline forms—the process is fully online

• Form edits not allowed after submission—only correction requests allowed via dashboard

• No fee refunds—in full or part

 Top XAT 2026 Preparation Tips

• Understand the structure: get familiar with all four sections and their formats

• Practice previous XAT papers with timed conditions

• Sharpen Decision Making skills through case studies

• Polish Quant and Verbal fundamentals with daily drills

• Study current affairs—XAT GK can be unpredictable

• Focus on negative marking: accuracy over volume

• Join preparatory webinars or Q&A hosted by XLRI or coaching centres

XAT Registration Tips & FAQs

Q: Final-year percentage—can I enter current aggregate?
Yes, you can fill marks up to the latest semester/year completed.

Q: Can I correct mistakes in my form after submitting?
Direct editing isn’t allowed. Raise a correction request via “Any Query? Ask Us.”

Q: Do I need a separate XLRI application?
No, just selecting XLRI in the XAT form applies you automatically (fee included). For other B-schools, separate applications may be required.

 Why Register Early for XAT 2026

• Avoid last-minute registration hitches

• Choose best city centres (based on preference)

• Be eligible for interactive prep resources from XLRI

• Time to plan for application to other institutes after XAT

With registrations live from July 10, 2025 to December 5, 2025, aspirants have ample time to prepare and strategize. The XAT exam on January 4, 2026, will follow a stable format and serve as the key to securing admission at XLRI and other top-tier MBA programs.