Late Applicants Get Relief — XAT 2026 Registration Deadline Pushed to 11 December, 2025

Great news for MBA aspirants! The Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur, has officially extended the registration deadline for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026. Candidates now have a crucial extra week to complete their application, with the new last date set for midnight on December 11, 2025. This extension offers a vital opportunity for late applicants and those needing to finalize their details. The XAT 2026 exam remains scheduled for Sunday, January 4, 2026. Don't miss this final chance to apply for admission to XLRI and over 250 top B-schools across India.

The application window for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026, one of India's most prestigious MBA entrance examinations, has been extended. The Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur, which conducts the exam on behalf of the XAMI member institutes, has announced the revised deadline, pushing the last date for registration from December 5, 2025, to December 11, 2025. This move brings considerable relief to thousands of management aspirants who might have missed the initial cut-off or required more time to prepare their application. The XAT is the mandatory entrance test for admission to XLRI's highly-regarded management programs and is also accepted by over 250 other top-tier B-schools nationwide, including XIMB, IMI, IMT, FORE, and GIM Goa. This extension, which is a repeated gesture by the organizing body from previous years, underscores the institute's commitment to providing a fair chance to all deserving candidates. Aspirants are strongly advised not to wait for the final hours to register.

XAT 2026: Key Dates and Registration Essentials

The official notification confirms that while the registration deadline has been shifted, the date for the computer-based test (CBT) remains unchanged. Applicants must note the revised schedule and ensure all steps are completed by the new deadline. Missing this final window will result in the loss of a year for aspiring managers aiming for a seat in a top MBA program through the XAT score.

• New Registration Last Date: The final date to submit the online application and pay the required fee is December 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
• Admit Card Release: The XAT 2026 Admit Cards are tentatively scheduled for release on December 20, 2025. Candidates must download and print their admit cards, as carrying a hard copy along with a valid photo ID is mandatory for entry to the examination center.
• XAT 2026 Exam Date: The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in a single session from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM across over 100 test cities in India.
• Registration Fee: The basic XAT registration fee is $\text{INR 2,200}$. Candidates applying for any of XLRI's programs (PGDM-BM or PGDM-HRM) must pay an additional $\text{INR 200}$ per program. The payment must be made online via credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.

Eligibility and Application Process Simplified

The XAT exam maintains an inclusive eligibility criterion, welcoming candidates from diverse academic backgrounds. This makes it an appealing option for a wide range of students seeking a career in management. The multi-step online application process is designed to be straightforward, but attention to detail is crucial to avoid rejection.

• Who is Eligible to Apply?
  • Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree of at least three years’ duration or equivalent in any discipline from a recognized university.
  • Final-year students who are completing their degree by June 10, 2026, are also eligible to apply.
  • Significantly, there is no minimum percentage requirement for graduation, setting it apart from several other national-level MBA entrance exams.
  • There is also no upper age limit for appearing in the XAT 2026 examination.
• Steps to Complete Your Application:
  • Step 1: New Registration: Visit the official XAT website, xatonline.in, and click on the 'New Registration' link to generate a unique XAT ID and password.
  • Step 2: Fill the Application Form: Log in using the credentials and accurately fill in personal details, academic qualifications (from Class 10 onwards), work experience (if any), and your preference for XLRI programs and test cities. Candidates can choose up to six preferred test cities.
  • Step 3: Upload Documents: Upload a recent passport-size photograph and a scanned signature, ensuring they adhere to the specified dimensions and size limits.
  • Step 4: Fee Payment and Submission: Pay the applicable registration fee online. After a final review of all the details, click 'Submit' and save the confirmation page and e-receipt for future reference.

Strategic Benefits of the Extension for Aspirants

The six-day extension is more than just a logistical change; it offers strategic benefits for late applicants and those already registered. It serves as a crucial cushion in a typically high-pressure application cycle.

• Time for Final Document Check: Applicants who submitted their form hastily now have a window to verify details during the Form Correction Window, which opens from December 8 to December 10, 2025. This is essential for preventing potential disqualification due to errors in personal or academic data.
• Last-Minute Preparation Focus: With the registration hurdle removed for a few more days, aspirants can temporarily shift focus back to their XAT preparation, particularly the unique Decision Making section, which is a hallmark of the exam.
• Avoidance of Technical Issues: The rush of applications on the final day often leads to server overloads and payment failures. Applying before December 11, 2025, drastically reduces the risk of facing such technical setbacks.
• Opportunity for Conflicted Candidates: Many students wait for the results of other competitive exams like CAT before deciding on XAT. This extension grants them precious time to make an informed decision and still apply.

With the extended deadline now fast approaching on December 11, 2025, this is the definitive last chance to secure your application for XAT 2026. Ensure your application is flawless, your payment is processed, and your focus returns immediately to preparation for the January 4, 2026, exam. Make the most of this final window of opportunity by visiting xatonline.in and completing your XAT 2026 registration process today. 

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