XAT 2026 Aspirants Enter Final Preparation Week Ahead of January 4 Exam
As XAT 2026 approaches on January 4, management aspirants have entered their final week of intensive preparation. This article provides a comprehensive guide on downloading the admit card, mastering the latest 180-minute exam pattern, and refining section-wise strategies. Learn how to manage the unique Decision Making section and avoid negative marking penalties. Stay updated with the official timeline and last-minute tips to secure your seat in top B-schools like XLRI Jamshedpur.
Thousands of management aspirants across India have entered the most critical phase of their journey. Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, this national-level entrance exam is the gateway to premier B-schools. As the clock ticks down, candidates must shift their focus from intensive learning to strategic revision and logistical readiness.
Essential Logistics and Admit Card Updates
The first priority for every candidate this week is ensuring all documentation is in order. The XAT 2026 admit card was released on December 20, 2025, and remains available for download on the official portal.
- Download Process: Visit xatonline.in and use your XAT ID and Date of Birth to access the hall ticket.
- Verification: Check for discrepancies in your name, photograph, or assigned test city among the 109 available centers.
- Mandatory Carry-ons: You must bring two color printouts of the admit card and a valid government-issued photo ID to the center.
- Reporting Time: The exam is held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM; however, gates typically close 30 minutes prior to the start.
Understanding the XAT 2026 Exam Structure
The 2026 pattern continues the trend of a streamlined 180-minute duration. Notably, the Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) remains removed from the initial testing phase, allowing students to focus entirely on objective sections.
| Section Category | Number of Questions | Duration | Negative Marking |
| Part 1 (VALR, DM, QA-DI) | 75 Questions | 170 Minutes | -0.25 per wrong |
| Part 2 (General Knowledge) | 20 Questions | 10 Minutes | None |
| Unattempted Penalty | - | - | -0.10 (after 8 skips) |
Final Week Strategy for Aspirants
In these remaining days, aspirants should avoid starting new topics and instead focus on the "XAT-specific" nuances that differentiate this exam from CAT or NMAT.
- Decision Making (DM): Dedicate an hour daily to solving past 10-year DM sets. Focus on ethical, balanced, and stakeholders-first solutions.
- Mock Analysis: Take no more than two full-length mocks this week. The goal is to fine-tune your sectional time allocation since Part 1 has no individual sectional timers.
- QA-DI Accuracy: Prioritize arithmetic and geometry. Remember, XAT rewards accuracy over high-speed attempts due to the unique negative marking for unattempted questions.
- GK Awareness: Spend 30 minutes daily on current affairs from the last six months, focusing on business, awards, and international relations.
Conclusion
Success in XAT 2026 depends as much on mental composure as it does on academic preparation. With the removal of sectional time limits in Part 1, the onus is on the aspirant to distribute 170 minutes effectively across Verbal, Decision Making, and Quant. Ensure you get adequate rest and verify your travel route to the exam center a day in advance to avoid last-minute hurdles.
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