XLRI – Xavier School of Management has announced the commencement of applications for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 from July 10, 2025, five days ahead of its traditional schedule. The application window will remain open until December 5, 2025, providing applicants ample time to plan, prepare, and submit their applications.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
| Application Start Date | July 10, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 5, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Exam Date | January 4, 2026 |
This year, XAT is introducing a special initiative designed to reward early applicants with personalised support and exclusive access to the XAT ecosystem.
- Live Interactive Sessions with XAT Convenor, XAT team, and XLRI students (XAT toppers)
Two exclusive and enclosed online Q&A sessions will be held — one in the last week of July and another in the first week of August. These dates are tentative. Each session will feature XAT 2026 Convenor, XAT team, and XLRI students, with participation limited to 100 randomly selected Day 1 applicants. These sessions will allow aspirants to:
- Engage directly with XAT Convenor, XAT team, and XLRI students (XAT toppers)
- Gain preparation strategies and test-taking tips
- Get queries answered firsthand from the XAT team
- Private Telegram Mentorship Community
In addition, 100 unique Day 1 applicants will be invited to join a private Telegram group moderated by XLRI students and the XAT Team. The community will remain active during (tentative dates):
- Second week of August (1-hour session)
- Fourth week of August (1-hour session)
This curated space will offer a peer-support environment where aspirants can:
- Post questions and receive responses firsthand
- Get help with prep strategies
This early engagement initiative is a first-of-its-kind effort in the MBA entrance exam landscape, reflecting XAT’s commitment to empowering students from the very start of their journey.
