XAT 2026

Complete Guide for XAT 2026

Exam Date, Registration, Preparation Strategy & XAT Online Coaching | Quantifiers CAT Academy

XAT 2026 will be conducted on January 4, 2026, with registrations closing on December 5, 2025. The exam tests Verbal Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Aptitude & DI, GK, and Essay Writing. With XLRI and 160+ B-schools accepting XAT scores, aspirants must follow a structured preparation strategy focusing on Decision Making, conceptual clarity in QA, strong reading habits, and regular mock practice. A guided study plan and expert-led online coaching can significantly improve XAT 2026 performance.

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The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of India’s most analytical MBA entrance exams—highly respected for its unique Decision Making (DM) section, challenging Verbal Ability, and concept-oriented Quantitative Aptitude. With XLRI Jamshedpur and 160+ top B-schools accepting XAT scores, the competition for XAT 2026 will be intense.

At Quantifiers CAT Academy, we understand this intensity. Our teaching philosophy is rooted in personal attention, concept clarity, and support for students from any academic background. Whether you’re a non-engineer, non-math student, or someone restarting after a gap, our XAT preparation strategy, xat online coaching, and xat online classes are designed to ensure every learner succeeds.

This comprehensive XAT 2026 guide includes everything you need to know—XAT exam date 2026, XAT registration 2026, XAT syllabus 2026, xat study plan 2026, xat exam strategy, cutoffs, and expert tips from Quantifiers faculties.

📌 TL;DR - XAT 2026

  • Exam Date: 4 January 2026 (First Sunday of January)

  • Registration Last Date: 5 December 2025

  • Exam Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

  • Key Sections: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making (XAT-exclusive), Quantitative Aptitude & DI, General Knowledge, Essay (evaluated post-shortlist)

  • XAT 2026 Cutoff (XLRI): BM: ~94–96 percentile | HRM: ~92–94 percentile

  • What Makes XAT Different: Heavy focus on Decision Making + tough RCs

  • Best Prep Strategy: Concept-first QA | Case-based DM practice | 15–20 full-length mocks | Strong GK for interviews

  • Ideal For: Non-engineers, non-math backgrounds, repeat aspirants

XAT Exam Date 2026

XAT 2026 Study Plan

4 January 2026

The exam is held every year on the first Sunday of January.

XAT 2026 Registration Process

The registration for XAT 2026 will be conducted exclusively through the online mode, and applicants must complete all steps on or before December 5, 2025.

How to Register for XAT 2026 – Step-by-Step

1. Visit the Official Portal
Open the XAT registration website: xatonline.in.

2. Create a New Profile
Sign up using your active mobile number and email address.

3. Confirm Your Email
Check your inbox and click on the verification link sent by XAT authorities.

4. Fill in the Application Form
Enter all required personal information, educational history, and work experience (if any). Ensure that every detail is accurate.

5. Upload Required Documents
You must upload the following in the specified formats:

    • Passport-size colour photo (JPG/JPEG, up to 100 KB)
    • Signature on a plain white sheet (JPG/JPEG, up to 50 KB)
    • Valid government ID proof (scanned copy)

6. Choose Your Preferred Programs
Candidates opting for XLRI courses must select them and pay the additional fee of ₹200 per program.

7. Make the Payment
Complete your application by paying the registration fee using UPI, net banking, or debit/credit cards.

8. Final Submission
Recheck your form thoroughly. Once satisfied, submit the application.

9. Save the Confirmation
Download the acknowledgment/confirmation page and store it for future reference.

Planning for MBA 2026-27?
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Your MBA journey doesn’t have to be confusing. At Quantifiers CAT Academy, we mentor students from the ground up—whether you’re preparing for CAT or exploring exams like SNAP, NMAT, CMAT, IIFT and MICAT. With personalised attention, proven strategies and performance-focused guidance, we help you build strong fundamentals, boost accuracy, and stay consistent throughout your preparation journey.

XAT 2026 Registration Fee Structure

Category

Fee (INR)

XAT Application Fee

₹2,200

Additional XLRI Program Fee

₹200 per program

Indian Applicants (GMAT/GRE) for XLRI PGDM (GM)

₹2,500

NRI/Foreign/PIO/OCI Applicants via GMAT

₹5,000

Documents Needed for XAT 2026

  • Recent photograph (coloured, JPG/JPEG, ≤100 KB)
  • Scanned signature on plain white background (JPG/JPEG, ≤50 KB)
  • Government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Driving License/Passport/Voter ID)
  • Academic records like degree certificate or provisional certificate (for final-year students)

Important Note: Ensure that all personal details in your XAT registration form exactly match your official ID documents, as discrepancies may lead to disqualification at later stages.

Correction Window

Applicants can make changes to their form up to December 5, 2025.
After the deadline, no modifications will be permitted.

XAT Admit Card 2026

  • Admit cards will be released around December 20, 2025 (tentative date).
  • Download it from the official XAT portal using your login credentials.
  • Carry a printed copy of the admit card to the examination centre.
  • Ensure the information on the admit card perfectly matches the details on your ID proof.

XAT Syllabus 2026

XAT 2026 Syllabus

The xat syllabus 2026 consists of:

1. Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning

Topics include:

    • Reading Comprehension
    • Critical Reasoning
    • Poem-based RCs (Unique to XAT)
    • Para-jumbles
    • Sentence correction
    • Vocabulary-based questions

This section requires patience, depth, and a strong reading habit. Quantifiers’ xat preparation online focuses on strengthening comprehension and reasoning rather than shortcuts.

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2. Decision Making (DM)

The defining feature of XAT.
Includes:

    • Ethical dilemmas
    • HR-based situations
    • Managerial decisions
    • Business judgement questions

At Quantifiers, Decision Making is taught with case-analysis sessions, real corporate scenarios, and structured frameworks, making it easier for students to develop clarity.

3. Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation

Includes:

    • Arithmetic
    • Algebra
    • Geometry
    • Modern Math
    • Data Interpretation

Quantifiers’ quant pedagogy, known across India for simplifying math for non-engineers, makes this section one of our strongest offerings in xat online coaching.

4. General Knowledge

Includes:

    • Current affairs
    • Business awareness
    • Static GK
    • International organizations
    • Government schemes

GK does not impact percentile but is crucial for interview shortlisting.

XAT Exam Pattern 2026

Section

Approx Questions

Verbal Ability & LR

26–28

Decision Making

21–22

Quantitative Aptitude & DI

26–28

GK

25

Essay

1

Total Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Essay is checked only after a shortlist.

XAT 2026 Cutoff

XLRI Business Management (BM)

    • Males: 94–96 percentile
    • Females: 91–93 percentile

XLRI Human Resource Management (HRM)

    • Males: 92–94 percentile
    • Females: 90–92 percentile

Other colleges accepting XAT typically require 80–90 percentile.

XAT Preparation Strategy 2026 (By Quantifiers Faculty)

XAT 2026 Preparation Strategy

Quantifiers has built a track record of helping students—from zero math background to engineers—crack competitive exams consistently.

Here’s our section-wise approach:

1. Verbal Ability & LR Preparation

    • Daily reading of diverse genres
    • Logical deduction practice
    • RC strategy workshops
    • CR (Critical Reasoning) drills

Our xat online classes include long RC discussions, poem-based RC sessions, and detailed breakdowns of confusing answer choices.

2. Decision Making Preparation

This is where Quantifiers excels.
We focus on:

    • Ethical reasoning
    • Business logic
    • Framework-based decision models
    • Solving 10+ years of XAT DM papers
    • Mentoring on “manager-like thinking”

DM becomes easy when taught with clarity and real-life examples.

3. Quantitative Aptitude & DI Preparation

The backbone of Quantifiers.
Method:

    • Concept-first teaching
    • Solving without formulas and shortcuts
    • Focus on thinking process
    • DI sets based on real interpretation patterns

Non-math students benefit the most here, as our teaching style breaks fear and builds confidence.

4. GK Preparation

    • Weekly GK capsules
    • Monthly quizzes
    • Business & economy updates

XLRI Jamshedpur Cutoff Trends (Based on 2025 Data)

The following cutoff ranges provide a reference for XAT 2026 aspirants. While the actual figures may shift slightly, these numbers give a clear picture of what competitive scores typically look like.

Business Management (BM) – Expected Cutoffs

Academic Background

Gender

Overall Percentile

QA

VALR

DM

Engineering/Technical

Male

96 or above

88+

84+

84+

Engineering/Technical

Female

91 or above

82+

80+

80+

Non-Engineering

Male

96 or above

88+

84+

84+

Non-Engineering

Female

91 or above

82+

80+

80+

Human Resource Management (HRM) – Expected Cutoffs

Academic Background

Gender

Overall Percentile

QA

VALR

DM

Engineering/Technical

Male

95+

83+

90+

87+

Engineering/Technical

Female

90+

73+

85+

80+

Non-Engineering

Male

93+

76+

90+

87+

Non-Engineering

Female

87+

68+

85+

80+

Expected XAT 2026 Percentile Requirements for Other Top B-Schools

Below is an approximate list of percentile expectations along with the estimated fee structure for major institutes accepting the XAT score.

Institute

Expected Percentile

Estimated Fees (Lakhs)

XLRI Jamshedpur (BM)

95–96+

27–33

XLRI Jamshedpur (HRM)

93–95+

27–33

XIM University, Bhubaneswar

91+

20–22

SPJIMR Mumbai (select programs)

90–95

~22

IMT Ghaziabad

90+

19–20

Great Lakes Institute of Management (Chennai)

85–90

17–18

MICA Ahmedabad

85–90

16–17

GIM Goa

80–85

~16

IRMA Anand

83+

~16

KJ Somaiya Mumbai

70–75

21–22

Welingkar Mumbai

75+

~14

BIMTECH Greater Noida

75+

~14

XAT Study Plan 2026 (Quantifiers Recommended)

Phase 1: Jan–May

  • Build concepts
  • Strengthen reading
  • Start solving basic QA
  • Attend foundational classes

Phase 2: June–September

  • Start solving sectional tests
  • Master Decision Making
  • Increase speed and accuracy

Phase 3: October–December

  • Full-length xat mock tests
  • Advanced decision-making practice
  • Essay preparation

Final Week

  • Revise important notes
  • Practice strategy-based mocks

Why Quantifiers CAT Academy Is the Best Online Coaching for XAT 2026

Quantifiers stands out because we don’t believe in mass coaching—we focus on individual attention.

Here’s why thousands trust us:

✔ Personalized mentoring
✔ Concept clarity for non-math and non-engineers
✔ Supportive faculty team available 24×7
✔ Structured xat online course with live + recorded sessions
✔ Special Decision Making workshops
✔ High-quality XAT-focused mocks
✔ Daily doubt clearing & test analysis
✔ Practical exam-day strategies

This combination makes Quantifiers the best online coaching for XAT, xat best online coaching, and xat coaching online for students across India preparing for xat exam 2026.

XAT Online Mock Tests

Mocks form a crucial part of xat exam preparation.

Quantifiers provides:

    • Full-length XAT mock tests
    • Advanced DM-based mock tests
    • Sectional tests
    • AI-driven performance analysis

These help students analyze:

    • Accuracy
    • Time management
    • Weak areas
    • Strategy gaps

XAT 2026 Exam Day Instructions

  • Carry XAT admit card 2026
  • Bring a valid photo ID
  • Reach at least 1 hour early
  • No calculators or digital devices allowed
  • Follow the on-screen timer carefully
  • Manage time section-wise
  • Keep calm during Decision Making

Top Colleges Accepting XAT 2026 Scores

  • XLRI Jamshedpur
  • XIMB
  • IMT Ghaziabad
  • TAPMI
  • GIM Goa
  • FORE School of Management
  • Great Lakes Institute of Management

Quantifiers mentors guide students on selecting the right colleges based on profile, goals, and percentile range.

🔗 Ready to Start?

FAQs - XAT 2026

The XAT 2026 exam date is January 4, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

XAT registration for 2026 started on July 10, 2025, and the last date to register is December 5, 2025.

Rs. 2200 for all applicants

Yes, especially because of Decision Making and RC difficulty.

Join a structured xat online coaching like Quantifiers and practice mocks regularly.

Solve previous year papers + learn Quantifiers’ DM frameworks.

No, but it's crucial for interviews.

Minimum 15–20 xat online mock tests.

XLRI BM: 94–96 percentile, HRM: 92–94 percentile.

Yes, Quantifiers offers xat online classes, xat online preparation, and a complete xat online course with personal mentorship.

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Conclusion

XAT 2026 demands discipline, reasoning ability, conceptual clarity, and a strong strategy—qualities that Quantifiers helps every student build. Whether you’re preparing for xat 2026, targeting xlri admission 2026, or looking for the perfect xat preparation online, Quantifiers CAT Academy stands beside you at every step.
With a power-packed xat study plan 2026, the right xat exam strategy, and consistent practice through xat online mock tests, your dream B-school is absolutely achievable.

Preparing for XAT 2026 and need help with Decision Making, QA, or RC strategy? 💬 Join Quantifiers CAT Academy for expert XAT online coaching, personalized mentoring, and a clear roadmap to XLRI BM & HRM.

To connect with us, for mentorship and daily test practice
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