Overview

XAT Exam Details 2026: Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT is a common management entrance exam and is the most popular exam in India after CAT. Students considering taking the XAT 2026 exam must know the eligibility criteria, age limit and other important XAT exam details. Registration process for XAT 2026 began in the mid year by July 10th, 2025. The last date to register for XAT 2026 is December 5th, 2025. Students must begin the last phase of their exam preparation comprising revision and practice as the XAT exam date of January 4th, 2025 nears XAT Exam Details 2026 A good XAT exam preparation begins with understanding the rudimentary aspects of the exam. XAT is a unique smart exam having practical sections such as Decision Making, General Knowledge etc. Students must be thorough with basic mathematical topics taught in classes 10th to 12th. Tabulated below are crucial XAT exam details for aspiring students.

XAT Eligibility Criteria The XAT exam eligibility criteria is straightforward. There are no age restrictions, 1 condition which must be met at all times is a 3 year bachelor’s degree requirement. Students, working professionals, non-engineering graduates and others must have a bachelor’s degree with a 3 year duration. Check the XAT eligibility criteria as follows. Bachelor’s degree of minimum 3-years duration or equivalent is mandatory to be eligible. Candidates having final exams in June 2026 are qualified to apply. The nationality of the candidate must be Indian. NRI, Foreign, OCI, and PIO candidates may apply to management programmes through GMAT scores.

XAT Educational Qualification Check XAT educational qualification requirements as mentioned in the quick points given below. Bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years. An equivalent degree may also be considered. Final year students are also eligible for the exam.

Important Dates

December 5th, 2025.

The last date to register for XAT 2026

July 10th, 2025.

Registration process for XAT 2026 began in the mid year

December 20th, 2025

Admit Card Download

January 4, 2026

The XAT exam is scheduled for January 4, 2026.

Syllabus

SubjectKey TopicsWeightage
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, fill in the blanks, contextual meaning), Jumbled paragraphs, Sentence correction, Cloze test, Critical reasoning, Grammar, Completion of sentences/paragraphs, Reading Comprehension (main idea, inference, author’s view, explanation of words/phrases, strengthening/weakening arguments) 26 QUESTIONS
Decision Making (DM) Analytical reasoning / Decision sets, HR-related DM, Ethical decision making sets, Situational decision making (business issues, social dilemmas), Conclusions, premises, assumptions 21 QUESTIONS
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) Quantitative Aptitude: Percentages, Algebra, Number systems, Geometry, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound interest, Speed/Time/Distance, Averages, Time & Work, Ratio & Proportion, Mensuration, Linear equations, Logarithms, Venn diagrams, Progressions, Inequalities, Trigonometry, Probability, Functions, Permutation & Combination, Surds & Indices Data Interpretation: Bar charts, Pie charts, Graphs, Data tables, Data analysis & comparisons 28 QUESTIONS
General Knowledge (GK) Static GK: Business, Finance & Economics; Indian constitution & laws; History & Geography; Famous personalities, Awards & Winners; Books & Authors; Science & Technology; Important dates & events; Art & Culture. Current Affairs: National & International current affairs, Political developments, Business & economic news, Environmental issues, Government schemes, Awards & achievements, Science & tech updates, Sports news 20 QUESTIONS

Exam Pattern

The XAT exam pattern 2026 is divided into 2 parts. Part 1 comprises 3 sections testing the aptitude of the candidate while part 2 covers only the general knowledge questions to test a candidate’s comprehensive understanding of the world affairs as well as static knowledge retention power. Below is a detailed XAT exam pattern table which covers sections, exam time, marking scheme, etc.

  • Parts of the Paper: Part 1 Part 2
  • Part 1 Sections: Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning Decision Making Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation
  • Part 2 Segment: General Knowledge
  • Exam Time (All Candidates): 3 hours (fixed)
  • Part 1 Marking Scheme: +1 for each correct answer -0.25 for each wrong answer -0.10 after 8 unattempted questions
  • Part 2 Marking Scheme (GK): +1 for each correct answer No negative marking

Important Tags

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