Last verified:
- Full name
- Xavier Aptitude Test
- Conducted by
- XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur
- Level
- National
- Mode
- Online (computer-based test), 180 minutes
- Frequency
- Once a year
- Official website
- xatonline.in
Overview
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a computer-based MBA entrance exam conducted by XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur. XAT 2027 is scheduled for 3 January 2027, with registration open until 6 December 2026.
What XAT is used for
- XLRI: XAT is the entrance test for XLRI’s management programmes.
- XAMI and associate institutes: the official site says XAT is accepted by 250+ B-schools across India, including XAMI member institutes and XAT associate institutes.
- Test cities: the exam is held in 100+ cities.
Pattern at a glance
The paper has 95 questions in 180 minutes: Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (26), Decision Making (21), Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (28) and General Knowledge (20). Each correct answer earns 1 mark and each wrong answer costs 0.25 marks. The General Knowledge section does not count toward the percentile but is considered for XLRI admissions.
Important dates
XAT 2027 is scheduled for 3 January 2027, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Registration opened on 15 July 2026 and closes on 6 December 2026. Admit card download is tentatively 20 December 2026. The result date has not been announced on the official site.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application opens | 15 Jul 2026 |
| Application closes | 6 Dec 2026 |
| Exam date | 3 Jan 2027 |
| Result | To be announced |
Eligibility
Eligibility criteria are set in the official XAT 2027 brochure on xatonline.in. Admission to XLRI programmes is purely merit-based, with no management or NRI quota. Candidates should check the brochure for degree and percentage requirements before registering.
Exam pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning | 26 | 26 |
| Decision Making | 21 | 21 |
| Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation | 28 | 28 |
| General Knowledge (separately timed, 10 minutes) | 20 | 20 |
Syllabus
95 questions in 180 minutes. The first three sections share 170 minutes and General Knowledge is timed separately at 10 minutes. Each correct answer earns 1 mark and each wrong answer costs 0.25. The first 8 skipped questions carry no penalty; each additional skipped question costs 0.1. General Knowledge has no negative marking and does not count toward the percentile, but is considered for XLRI admissions.
Colleges accepting XAT 2027 (Xavier Aptitude Test)
Jaipuria Institute of Management, Indore
Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Institute of Management Technology (IMT Nagpur), Nagpur
Nagpur, Maharashtra
Amrut Mody School of Management (AMSOM), Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
N. L. Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research (NLDIMSR), Mumbai
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Alliance School of Business, Alliance University (ASB), Bangalore
Bangalore, Karnataka
IFMR Graduate School of Business, Krea University (IFMR GSB), Sri City
Sri City, Andhra Pradesh
Amrita School of Business, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Deemed), Coimbatore
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Frequently asked questions
When is XAT 2027?
XAT 2027 is on 3 January 2027, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
What is the last date to register for XAT 2027?
Registration closes on 6 December 2026, according to xatonline.in.
Is there negative marking in XAT?
Yes. A wrong answer costs 0.25 marks. The first 8 skipped questions carry no penalty and each further skip costs 0.1 marks. General Knowledge has no negative marking.
Does the General Knowledge section count toward the percentile?
No. It does not affect the percentile but is considered for XLRI admissions.
Which colleges accept XAT?
XLRI, XAMI member institutes and XAT associate institutes. The official site says 250+ B-schools accept XAT.