XAT 2026 Exam date is January 4, 2026. XAT Registration 2026 will open in mid-July 2026. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is the mandatory exam for admission in XLRI Jamshedpur, and 250+ MBA colleges also accept XAT scores. XAT is the second largest MBA entrance exam in India after CAT as 142,235 candidates registered for XAT 2025. XAT exam is considered to be tougher than the CAT exam because of its unique exam pattern. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is the mandatory exam for MBA admission in XLRI Jamshedpur. XAT exam scores are also accepted by 250+ MBA colleges accepting XAT scores. XAT is India’s second largest MBA entrance exam after CAT. Last year, 142,235 candidates had registered for the XAT 2025 exam. XAT exam is considered to be tougher than the CAT exam as it includes as unique “Decision Making” section, and have five options for each question (CAT has four options).