XAT 2026 Mock Test Window Closes Nov 1: XLRI Prep

The official XAT 2026 Mock Test window is currently live but closes on November 1, 2025. This is the second crucial practice test released by XLRI Jamshedpur for all candidates who registered by the deadline. Taking this 3-hour mock test is mandatory for familiarizing yourself with the Decision-Making section, the new exam pattern, and the strict time allocation for the main exam on January 4, 2026. Use this final official simulation to accurately gauge your current readiness, perfect your test strategy, and significantly boost your chances for a top B-school admission. Don't let this opportunity slip by.

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 is the crucial gateway to the prestigious XLRI Jamshedpur and over 160 other top-tier B-schools across India. With the final exam scheduled for January 4, 2026, the next few weeks are pivotal for solidifying a winning strategy. In a major preparatory announcement, XLRI Jamshedpur, the conducting body, has opened the window for its second official XAT 2026 Mock Test. This essential practice tool is live from October 29 to November 1, 2025, exclusively for candidates who completed their registration by October 26, 2025. This mock test is not a mere practice session; it is an authentic simulation of the 3-hour exam environment, designed to help candidates test their mettle against the unique structure and challenging question types of XAT. Aspirants must maximize this narrow window to assess their preparation level, fine-tune their time management, and, most importantly, familiarize themselves with the critical and unique Decision-Making (DM) section. Failing to take this official mock could put a candidate at a significant strategic disadvantage on the main exam day.

​ The Critical Importance of the Official XAT Mock Test

​The official mock test is an invaluable resource, as it replicates the actual XAT 2026 interface, exam environment, and question pattern, offering the most realistic practice available. Leveraging this tool effectively can be the difference between meeting and exceeding the sectional cut-offs.

• ​Authentic Exam Experience: 
  • ​The mock test mirrors the 3-hour (180 minutes) duration and the 95-question structure of the final XAT 2026 examination.
  • ​It exposes candidates to the specific format and rigor of the four main sections: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR), Decision-Making (DM), Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), and the mandatory, score-separate General Knowledge (GK).
• ​Mastering the Decision-Making Section: 
  • ​The DM section is the most distinct and often the trickiest part of the XAT. The mock test provides a chance to practice scenario-based questions that test ethical, practical, and logical judgment in complex business situations.
  • ​Candidates must train themselves to apply objective, consistent logic rather than relying on emotional biases, a skill directly tested in the official mock.
• ​Time Management Strategy Practice:
  • ​The XAT exam, unlike many others, generally features no sectional time limits for Part 1 (VALR, DM, QA & DI), which is allocated 170 minutes. Part 2 (GK) is a separate 10-minute section.
  • ​The mock test is the perfect environment to practice self-imposed sectional timing, ensuring adequate time is dedicated to each area and preventing candidates from getting stuck on overly difficult questions.
• ​Understanding the Unique Marking Scheme:
  • ​XAT is known for its complex marking scheme, which is precisely replicated in the official mock.
  • +1 Mark for every correct answer.
  • -0.25 Marks deduction for every incorrect answer.
  • ​A penalty of -0.10 Marks is deducted for every un-attempted question after the first eight skipped questions. The mock test helps candidates strategize on how many questions to skip safely.

​Key Deadlines and The Road Ahead for XAT 2026

​With the official mock test window closing, candidates must now shift their focus to final registration and their comprehensive revision strategy for the main exam.

• ​XAT 2026 Important Dates: 
  • ​Second Official Mock Test Window: October 29 (12 PM) to November 1, 2025 (12 PM). (Must have registered by October 26, 2025).
  • ​Final XAT Registration Closes: December 5, 2025 (Tentative). Candidates who missed the mock test deadline still have time to register for the main exam.
  • ​Admit Card Release: December 20, 2025 (Tentative).
  • ​XAT 2026 Exam Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026 (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM).
• ​Post-Mock Strategy and Analysis:
  • ​Immediate Analysis: Do not just take the test; dedicate the next two days (November 2 and 3) to a deep analysis of your performance. Break down your attempts, accuracy, and time spent on every question.
  • ​Identify Weak Areas: Pinpoint sections (VALR, DM, QA, or DI) and specific topics where performance was low. Use the remaining two months to work intensively on these weak spots.
  • ​Refine Sectional Strategy: Based on your performance, finalize your test-taking order, the ideal time allocation for each section, and your strategy for dealing with challenging, time-consuming questions.
• ​Final Exam Focus Areas: 
  • ​Decision-Making: Practice more case studies, focusing on applying consistent managerial ethics and logic.
  • ​Verbal & Logical Ability: Concentrate on improving reading speed and accuracy, particularly for Reading Comprehension passages and critical reasoning arguments.
  • ​Quantitative Aptitude: A strong focus on fundamentals, especially Arithmetic (Percentage, Time & Work, Speed-Distance), Algebra, and Geometry, remains key.

​ Beyond the Score: XLRI’s Holistic Selection Criteria

​While a high XAT percentile is crucial for shortlisting, aspirants aiming for XLRI must understand that the final admission criteria are holistic, valuing a well-rounded profile and performance in subsequent rounds.

• ​Final Selection Components:
  • ​XAT Score: Carries the maximum weightage for the initial shortlist and a significant portion of the final score (typically 60-70%). Candidates must meet both overall and sectional cutoffs, which are often different for engineering and non-engineering backgrounds, and for male and female applicants.
  • ​Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI): This stage is essential for assessing communication skills, domain knowledge, spontaneity, and leadership potential.
  • ​Profile Score: XLRI assigns weightage to the candidate's academic performance (Class X, XII, and Graduation), relevant work experience, and involvement in extracurricular activities. The GK section score from XAT is typically considered at this final stage, even though it is not used for the XAT percentile calculation.
• ​Why the Mock Matters for XLRI: 
  • ​Practicing the Decision-Making section in the official mock not only boosts the DM score—a crucial sectional cutoff for XLRI—but also sharpens the critical thinking skills that are rigorously tested during the PI and GD rounds. The DM section simulates the complex situations you will discuss in a GD.

​Conclusion

​The opening and rapid closing of the XAT 2026 Official Mock Test window (October 29 to November 1) marks a final, high-stakes checkpoint in the preparation journey. For those who completed registration by October 26, this is a non-negotiable step to acclimatize to the 3-hour exam pattern and strategize for the main test on January 4, 2026. Utilize this simulation to rigorously self-assess and pivot your study plan to target the challenging Decision-Making section and the specific demands of the XAT marking scheme. Your performance in this mock test, followed by its meticulous analysis, will dictate your course for the final two months of preparation, significantly enhancing your chances of securing a seat at XLRI and other top B-schools.

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