XAT 2026 Prep Intensifies; Aspirants targeting XLRI, XIMB, MDI, and other XAT-accepting colleges continue prep for the 4 Jan 2026 test

As the XAT 2026 exam date of January 4 approaches, management aspirants are entering the final leg of their preparation. With admit cards now available for download at xatonline.in, candidates are focusing on mastering Decision Making and Quantitative Aptitude. This comprehensive guide covers the latest exam schedule, participating colleges like XLRI and XIMB, and essential last-minute tips. Stay updated on the marking scheme and required documentation for a smooth exam day experience.

With the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 scheduled for January 4, 2026, the countdown has officially begun for over one lakh management aspirants. Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, XAT remains one of the most rigorous gateways to premier B-schools in India. As the dateline of December 24, 2025, nears, candidates are shifting from conceptual learning to intensive mock-based strategies and administrative readiness.

Key Exam Schedule and Administrative Milestones

The final week of December is critical for administrative compliance. Aspirants must ensure they have secured their hall tickets and verified all personal details to avoid last-minute hurdles.

• Admit Card Access: Download the hall ticket exclusively from the official portal using your XAT ID and password.
• Test Timing: The exam will be held in a single session from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM across 100+ cities.
• Reporting Protocol: Candidates are advised to reach their designated centers by 1:00 PM for biometric verification.
• Mandatory Documents: Carry two printed copies of the admit card and an original photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Passport).

Targeting Premier Institutes: Cutoff Trends for 2026

XAT scores are the primary criteria for admission into XLRI Jamshedpur and Delhi, alongside over 250 participating institutes. Each college has distinct sectional and overall percentile requirements.

• Tier 1 Leaders: XLRI Jamshedpur typically requires a 95+ percentile, with specific cutoffs for Business Management (BM) and Human Resource Management (HRM).
• Strategic Alternatives: XIMB (Bhubaneswar) and IMT (Ghaziabad) generally shortlist candidates within the 90–93 percentile range.
• Diverse Opportunities: Institutes like MICA, TAPMI, and GIM provide excellent ROI for candidates scoring between 85 and 90 percentile.
• Sectional Balance: Remember that XLRI prioritizes a balanced performance across VALR, Decision Making, and QA-DI.

Last-Minute Preparation and Strategy Refinement

At this stage, aspirants should focus on the unique elements of XAT that differ from other MBA entrance exams, particularly the Decision Making section.

• Decision Making (DM): Review past 10-year papers to understand ethical dilemmas and business logic; it is often the "make-or-break" section.
• Marking Scheme Awareness: Be mindful of the -0.10 penalty for more than eight unattempted questions in Part 1 to optimize your attempt rate.
• Mock Analysis: Conduct full-length 180-minute mocks during the 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM slot to align your internal clock with the actual exam timing.
• GK and Essay: While GK does not affect the percentile, it is crucial for XLRI's final selection; stay updated with the last six months of business news.

Aspirants are strongly encouraged to visit the official XAT portal today to verify their test center location and print their hall tickets to ensure all technical and logistical details are in order well before the exam morning.

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