Jamshedpur  – 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.

This year, XAT is introducing a special initiative designed to reward early applicants with personalised support and exclusive access to the XAT ecosystem.

Exclusive Support for Day 1 Applicants

Applicants who complete their registration on July 10 (Day 1) will gain access to a unique support experience designed to foster deeper engagement and better preparation.

1. 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

2. 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):

This curated space will offer a peer-support environment where aspirants can:

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.

Leadership Perspective: Prof. Rahul Shukla on XAT 2026

“Over the years, we’ve seen that the most remarkable journeys don’t always begin with loud certainty, but with quiet clarity. This year, we want to walk alongside the aspirants from Day 1 — not just as an exam body, but as a community that believes in their potential. “

— Prof. Rahul Shukla, Convenor, XAT 2026

About XAT

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), conducted by XLRI for over 75 years, is one of India’s most prestigious entrance exams for MBA/PGDM programs. Accepted by 250+ top B-schools across India — including XLRI, IMT, GIM, Great Lakes, TAPMI, IMI, MICA, XIM, FORE, IRMA, and more — XAT continues to be a benchmark for management education aspirants.

Important Dates

To apply or learn more, visit: https://xatonline.in