Understanding XAT 2026 Eligibility and Admission Process

1. Understanding XAT 2026 Eligibility and Admission Process The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a key entrance exam for admission to many top B-schools in India. Planning to appear for XAT 2026 starts with understanding the eligibility requirements and the selection process. This foundational knowledge helps candidates prepare e?ectively and avoid confusion during the application. Who Can Appear for XAT 2026? XAT 2026 eligibility is designed to be inclusive. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, with a minimum duration of three years. Final year students completing their degree by June 2026 can also apply. There are no restrictions on age, discipline, or the number of attempts. Whether fresh graduates or working professionals, candidates from di?erent academic backgrounds, including engineering, commerce, sciences, and humanities, are eligible. Unlike some exams, XAT itself does not have reservations. All candidates are treated equally during score calculation. However, participating institutes may apply their own reservation policies during admissions. Selection Process after XAT Exam After the exam, institutes use XAT scores as a base for shortlisting candidates. Each institute sets its own cuto? percentile. Shortlisted candidates typically go through group discussions (GDs), written ability tests (WATs), and personal interviews. The final admission decision considers the XAT score, academic record, work experience, and performance in the selection rounds. XLRI, which conducts XAT, has a well-known process involving sectional and overall cuto?s, followed by interviews and group discussions, without any reservation-based shortlisting. Variations Among Institutes More than 250 B-schools accept XAT scores. Schools like XIM Bhubaneswar, IMT Ghaziabad, GIM Goa, TAPMI Manipal, and others follow their own unique selection criteria based on test scores, interviews, and experience. Some programs may prefer candidates with specific backgrounds or work experience, especially for specialized courses like HRM or Analytics. Aspirants must check eligibility and selection details on individual institute websites. Important Dates to Remember Key timelines for XAT 2026 are: Registration opens on July 10, 2025, and closes on December 5, 2025 Admit cards will be available from around December 20, 2025 The exam is scheduled for January 4, 2026, from 2 PM to 5 PM

2. Results and further admission notifications follow in the weeks after the exam Keeping track of these dates helps aspirants plan their preparation and application process smoothly. Documents Required for Admission Rounds Candidates should prepare all necessary documents in advance, including graduation mark sheets and degree certificates, ID proofs, the XAT scorecard, relevant category certificates (if applicable), and work experience certificates. This summary highlights the broad yet detailed eligibility and admission landscape of XAT 2026. For candidates aiming to pursue their MBA or PGDM through XAT, this resource o?ers clarity on steps from eligibility to final admission. To fully understand the detailed eligibility requirements, selection processes, and key dates for XAT 2026, visit the full blog here: XAT 2026 Eligibility & Selection Process