The XAT 2026 application process is conducted fully online through the official website, xatonline.in. Registration begins on July 10, 2025, and candidates can apply until December 11, 2025. To apply, students must first register using their email ID and mobile number, verify their email, and log in to fill the application form. Applicants need to enter personal details, academic qualifications from Class 10 onwards, work experience (if any), and select preferred exam cities. A recent photograph, signature, and identity proof must be uploaded in the prescribed size and format. The application fee is INR 2,200 for all Indian candidates, with an extra INR 200 per XLRI program. Form correction windows are available for limited dates. After successful submission, candidates can download the admit card on December 20, 2025 for the exam scheduled on January 4, 2026.
XAT 2026 Important Dates
The XAT 2026 application process begins on July 10, 2025, and concludes on December 11, 2025, after extension. Candidates can edit their forms during the correction windows. The admit card will be released on December 20, 2025, and the exam is scheduled for January 4, 2026. The table below outlines the complete schedule for the XAT 2026
| Events | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| XAT 2026 Registration Start Date | July 10, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Registration Last Date (Extended) | December 5, 2025 December 11, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Application Form Correction Window | November 25 to 27, 2025 (closed) December 08 to 10, 2025 (open) |
| XAT 2026 Admit Card Release | December 20, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Exam Date | January 4, 2026 |
XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must check the eligibility rules before applying for XAT 2026. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree or should be in their final year of graduation. There is no age limit or minimum marks requirement. Candidates with CA, CS, or ICWA qualifications can also apply. Check the table below for the detailed XAT 2026 eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications, age limit, work experience, and other requirements.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree. Final year graduation students are also eligible to apply. |
| Minimum qualifying marks | There are no minimum qualifying marks required to appear for XAT 2026. |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit. But candidates must have graduated or be a final-year student to apply for XAT 2026 Exam. |
| Work experience | No requirement for work experience. |
| Candidates with CA/CS degrees | Candidates who have completed the CA, CS, or ICWA courses are also eligible to appear for XAT 2026 Exam. |
XAT 2026 Registration Steps
The XAT 2026 registration process is completely online and can be finished in about 30 minutes. Candidates need to visit the official website, fill in their details, upload documents and pay the application fee. Follow the step-by-step guide below to complete the XAT 2026 registration smoothly.
Step 1: Access the official website – Candidates must visit the official XAT website at xatonline.in.
Step 2: Registration – Register by entering your name, phone number, and email ID.
Step 3: Email verification – A verification link will be sent to the registered email ID, which candidates must click to set a password.
Step 4: Log in – After verification, log in using the registered email ID and password by clicking on the “Log In” option.
Step 5: Fill in personal details – Enter personal information such as name, parents’ names, gender, date of birth, contact number, nationality, and address.
Step 6: Enter academic qualifications – Provide details of academic qualifications starting from Class 10 onwards.
Step 7: Add work experience and program details – Candidates with work experience should mention it, then select program details and preferred cities.
Step 8: Upload photo and signature – Upload a recent photograph, signature and identity proof, either manually or via Digilocker.
Step 9: Complete declaration – Enter your name and date in the declaration section to confirm the registration.
Step 10: Pay the application fee – Pay INR 2,200 as the application fee. Candidates applying for XLRI programs must pay an additional INR 200 per program to complete the registration process.
XAT 2026 Registration Fees
Candidates must pay the required registration fee to complete the XAT 2026 application process. The fee is the same for all categories, while foreign and NRI candidates have a different fee structure. Check the table below for detailed information on XAT 2026 registration fees.
| Application Types | Fee |
|---|---|
| XAT Registration Fee | INR 2,200 |
| XLRI Program | INR 200 extra |
| NRI/Foreign Candidates | INR 5,000 |
XAT 2026 Documents Required
While filling out the XAT 2026 application form, candidates must upload specific documents in the prescribed format and size. These include photographs, signatures, mark sheets, and ID proofs. Refer to the table below for details on the required documents and their respective file size and format limits.
| Documents | Prescribed Format | File Size Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Recent Passport-size Photo | JPG/JPEG | 20 KB – 50 KB |
| Scanned Signature | JPG/JPEG | 10 KB – 20 KB |
| Class 10 Marksheet | PDF/JPG | Less than 1 MB |
| Class 12 Marksheet | PDF/JPG | Less than 1 MB |
| Graduation Certificate | PDF/JPG | Less than 1 MB |
| Work Experience Proof (if any) | Optional | |
| Identity Proof (Aadhaar/PAN) | PDF/JPG | Less than 1 MB |
| Date of Birth Proof | PDF/JPG | Less than 1 MB |
| Debit/credit card for registration fee payment | - | - |
XAT 2026 Photograph and Signature
Candidates must carefully upload their photograph & signature in the correct format while filling out the XAT 2026 application form. The photo should be recent and clear, while the signature must be neatly scanned. Check the table below for the detailed specifications & guidelines.
| Photograph | Signature |
|---|---|
| The photo must be a recent one in passport size, and a white background is preferred. | Signature will be present in XAT Admit Card 2026. |
| Candidates who wear eyeglasses must note that no reflection should be present in photos. | Signatures should be done using black ink or blue ink on white paper. |
| Dimensions of the photo must be 200 x 230 pixels | Dimensions must be 140 x 60 pixels |
XAT 2026 Application Process: Important Points
While filling out the XAT 2026 application form, candidates must follow a few important guidelines to avoid mistakes. These include selecting exam cities, uploading documents correctly and completing the fee payment process on time. Check the key points below:
- Candidates can select up to six preferred cities for the exam centre allotment.
- A credit or debit card is required to make the online payment.
- Candidates can pay the application fee later, but it must be done before the last date of registration.
- After successful payment, an e-receipt will be generated as proof of fee submission.
- The photograph must be recent, in light colour, and with a white background (dimensions: 200 x 230 pixels).
- The signature should be done in black or blue ink on white paper (dimensions: 140 x 60 pixels).
- Candidates applying for the General Management Program (GMP) at XLRI must have at least 56 months of work experience.
XAT 2026 FAQs
When does the XAT 2026 application process start and end?
The XAT 2026 application process starts on July 10, 2025, and the last date to apply is December 11, 2025, after extension.
Is there any correction window available for the XAT 2026 application form?
Yes, XAT 2026 provides two correction windows: November 25–27, 2025 (closed) and December 08–10, 2025 (open).
What is the XAT 2026 exam date as per the official schedule?
The XAT 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted on January 4, 2026.
What is the eligibility requirement for XAT 2026 in terms of education?
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of graduation to apply for XAT 2026.
Is there any age limit or minimum marks requirement for XAT 2026?
No, XAT 2026 has no age limit and no minimum qualifying marks requirement.
What is the XAT 2026 application fee for Indian candidates?
The XAT 2026 registration fee is INR 2,200 for all Indian candidates, irrespective of category.
How much extra fee is required for applying to XLRI programs through XAT 2026?
Candidates applying to XLRI programs must pay an additional INR 200 per program along with the XAT 2026 registration fee.
What documents are mandatory to upload during the XAT 2026 application process?
Mandatory documents include a passport-size photograph, scanned signature, academic mark sheets, identity proof, and date of birth proof.
What are the photograph and signature specifications for XAT 2026 application form?
The photograph must be 200 x 230 pixels with a white background, and the signature must be 140 x 60 pixels in black or blue ink.
How many exam city preferences can candidates select in XAT 2026?
Candidates can select up to six preferred exam cities while filling out the XAT 2026 application form.