XAT Exam Date and Time 2026: Reporting Time, Start Time, Guidelines
XAT 2026 Exam Date and Time: XAT exam will be held on January 4, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. XAT 2026 exam total duration is 180 minutes (3 hours). Candidates must arrive at the XAT exam centre 60 minutes before the scheduled exam time. Read this article for the XAT 2026 exam date, timings, and guidelines.
XAT Important Dates 2026
Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is the mandatory exam for MBA admission in XLRI Jamshedpur. XAT exam scores are also accepted by 250+ MBA colleges accepting XAT scores. XAT is India’s second largest MBA entrance exam after CAT. XAT 2026 Exam will be held on January 4, 2026. Check the complete details on exam dates below.
XAT Exam Dates 2026
| XAT 2026 Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| XAT 2026 Notification Release Date | July 10, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Registration Start Date | July 10, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Registration Last Date and Time | December 11, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Admit Card Release | December 20, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Exam Date | January 4, 2026 |
| XAT 2026 Answer Key release date | To be announced |
| XAT 2026 Result Date | To be announced |
XAT 2026 Exam Date and Time
Every year, the XAT exam is held on the first Sunday of January. XAT exam date 2026 is January 4, 2026. The XAT 2026 exam will be conducted in one slot in the afternoon only. XAT Exam Time Duration is 180 minutes (3 hours). XAT Exam Time Slot is from 2.00 PM to 5:00 PM. Check more details in the table below.
XAT Exam Date and Time
| Particulars | Details |
| XAT 2026 Exam Date | Sunday, January 4, 2026 |
| XAT Exam Timings 2026 | 2.00 PM to 5:00 PM |
| XAT Exam Reporting | Time 2026 1.00 PM |
XAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
XAT Exam Day Guidelines are important instructions issued by XLRI Jamshedpur for candidates to ensure the smooth conduct of the exam. Read and follow the important XAT 2026 exam day instructions below.
1. Candidates should bring the admit card along with any one of the following valid photo ID proofs. (Aadhaar Card/Voter ID Card/PAN Card/Valid college ID Card/Passport/Driving License/Employee ID Card).
2. In case of any discrepancy in the photograph, the candidate should bring one recent passport-size photograph.
3. The admit card with the original ID card as mentioned in point no.1 is valid only on the exam date and time.
4. Request for a change of test centre will not be considered.
5. Candidates will not be allowed to enter the test centre after the gate closure time (01:50 PM).
6. Your candidature for the entrance examination is “PURELY PROVISIONAL”. In case it is found that the candidate does not ffulfilthe eligibility criteria, the candidature of such a candidate is liable to be rejected at a later stage.
7. Possession and use of electronic devices/jewellery/jackets/calculators/watches or items containing metal are strictly prohibited inside the test centre premises. Simple dressing with plain cardigans/sweaters is recommended.
8. At the east centre entry, you have to undergo a mandatory frisking activity. If an objectionable item (if any) is identified, you will be requested to leave it behind before entering the test centre. Candidates showing non-cooperation may be barred from appearing for the test.
9. Candidates will be allowed tologg into their respective systems 10 mminutes beforethe exam commencement. The candidate can go through the instructions during this duration.
10. Guardians/relatives/friends accompanying the candidates are not allowed inside the test centre.
11. A rough sheet will be provided to the candidates inside the examination lab.
12. Please submit the admit card andrough sheets to the invigilator after the exam.
13. The decision of venue officials will be final.
XAT 2026 Exam Day Dos and Don’ts
XAT Exam Day Dos and Don’ts are provided to candidates in Jamshedpur to ensure the smooth conduct of the exam. Read and follow the important instructions:
• Recheck your Admit Card Details
• Print and Carry XAT Admit Card Hard Copy
• Keep your Photo ID Ready
• Visit your XAT Exam Centre before the exam
• Choose the correct dress for XAT Day
• Arrive at XAT Centre on time
• Don’t carry prohibited Items Inside XAT Test Centre
• Follow XAT Exam Dress Code
XAT Helpline Contact
If there is any error in your XAT admit card or you require help for the XAT Exam, you can contact the XAT help desk on Phone +91 657 665 3203 and +91 657 665 3204. You can also contact the XAT helpline via Email ID admis@xlri.ac.in.
In conclusion, the XAT 2026 Exam will be held on January 4, 2026. XAT 2026 Exam Time is from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Hope this article on XAT Exam Date 2026 was helpful. Check the frequently asked questions on the XAT exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: XAT 2026 exam start time is 2.00 PM. Candidates must reach the test centre venue 60 mins in advance to have adequate time for security checks and to settle in.
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