XAT 2026 tomorrow; exam pattern, timings, last-minute preparation tips

Xavier School of Management (XLRI) will conduct the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 exam tomorrow, January 4. The exam will be conducted in a single shift from 2 pm to 5 pm for a duration of three hours. Candidates can download their XAT 2026 admit card from the official website, xatonline.in.

Candidates should reach the exam centre one hour before the exam time. Before reaching the exam centre, candidates should ensure that they carry the XAT 2026 admit card and a valid photo identification as per the guidelines mentioned on the official website.

Following the exam, XLRI will issue the XAT 2026 answer key and candidates' response sheet. As per the previous year’s trends, the response sheet for XAT 2026 is expected to be released in the second week of January 2026. The XAT 2026 result and scorecard are likely to be made available in the third week of January 2026.

XAT 2026 exam pattern

The XAT 2026 exam pattern is designed to assess problem-solving, logical thinking, and decision-making skills. The computer-based test is conducted once a year in January and is divided into two parts, with a total duration of 180 minutes.

Part 1 lasts for 170 minutes and includes three sections, while Part 2, covering General Knowledge, lasts for 10 minutes. The exam will have around 95 questions in total.

In Part 1, candidates receive one mark for each correct answer, 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect response, and 0.10 marks are deducted for unattempted questions beyond eight. Part 2 carries one mark for correct answers, and there is no negative marking for incorrect responses.

Also read IIT Bombay opens registration for MBA admissions 2026; apply with CAT 2025 scores by January 31

XAT Exam 2026: Last-minute preparation tips

The last-minute preparation tips for the XAT 2026 exam are given below.

• Revise formulas and key concepts in quantitative ability and data interpretation.
• Practice previous years’ question papers to understand the exam structure.
• Focus on time management and plan how much time to spend on each section.
• Review strategies for decision-making and logical reasoning questions.
• Read the instructions carefully before starting the exam.
• Ensure all required documents, including the admit card and photo ID, are ready.
• Avoid spending excessive time on a single question during the exam.
• Attempt all GK questions since there is no negative marking.
• Check the official website for any last-minute updates or instructions.
• Reach the exam centre well before the reporting time.