XAT 2027 is expected to take place on January 3, 2027, in over 100+ cities across India with each exam city having at least 1 exam centre. This follows a similar trend from last year, when XAT 2026 was held in 110 cities.
Starting from XAT 2025, XLRI added 34 new exam cities to the 76 existing ones, making a total of 110 cities; this is expected to continue for XAT 2027 as well.
- The complete list of XAT 2027 exam cities will be released through the XAT 2027 official information bulletin.
- Candidates can now select up to 6 cities of their preference during registration for the XAT 2027 exam on xatonline.in.
- Exam centre allocation is based on first-come, first-served basis; so applying early improves your chances of getting your preferred city.
- The address of the allotted exam centre will be mentioned in your XAT 2027 admit card.
- To choose your test city, along with your hometown for XAT 2027, make sure to add any nearby tier-2 or tier-3 cities to increase your chances of getting your preferred city for the exam.
Related Articles:
- Check XAT 2027 Expected Registration Date and Full Schedule
- Check the Full List of XAT 2027 Exam Centres
- How to Apply for XAT 2027?
Key Summary
- City allotment is first-come, first-served; popular cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad fill up early; students who register in July have a significantly better chance of securing their preferred city.
- Always select at least 5-6 cities, not just 1-2; if the first preference city fills up, candidates are shifted to the next available city on their list. Too few preferences increases the risk of being allotted a distant city.
- The XAT 2027 exam usually runs from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM; gates close 20-30 minutes before the start time; students who arrive after the gate closes will not be given entry.
XAT 2027 Exam Centre: Key Facts
Before choosing test cities, students must understand how XAT 2027 exam centre allotment works, the process differs from some other MBA exams in important ways.
- XAT 2026 was conducted at a total of 109-110 exam centres across India; we can expect the same for XAT 2027 exam as well.
- In case of any changes in the number of cities, we will be notified through XAT 2027 notification or through the information bulletin.
- Candidates can select up to 6 cities of their choice; cities will be allotted in order of preference.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Test Cities | 100+ cities (109-113 based on latest data; official count confirmed with XAT 2027 notification) |
| New Cities Added | 34 new cities added since XAT 2025, expanding from the original 75-79 cities |
| States and UTs Covered | 26 states and Union Territories |
| City Preferences Allowed | Up to 6 cities in order of preference (confirm exact limit in official XAT 2027 notification) |
| Allotment Method | First-come, first-served. Early registration improves the chance of preferred city |
| Centre Address Revealed | Only on XAT 2027 admit card (expected December 2026) |
| Centre Change After Admit Card | Not permitted; final once admit card is issued |
| Centre Change Before Admit Card | Possible only in exceptional cases via email to admis@xlri.ac.in. Not guaranteed |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) at designated centres |
Also Read:
Ques. How are XAT 2027 exam centres allotted to candidates?
Ans. XLRI allots exam centres based on the city preferences submitted in the application form, in the order listed by the candidate. Allotment is on a first-come, first-served basis — if a city's capacity is full, the next preferred city on the list is used. The specific exam centre address within the allotted city is communicated only via the admit card. XLRI has the final authority on all allotments.
XAT 2027 Exam Centres: State-wise City List
The following state-wise list of XAT 2027 exam cities is based on the official XAT 2026 centre list and the 34 new cities added for XAT 2025 onwards, which are expected to continue for XAT 2027.
The final official list will be available on xatonline.in with the XAT 2027 notification.
| State | XAT 2027 Exam City |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh |
|
| Assam |
|
| Bihar |
|
| Chhattisgarh |
|
| Delhi / NCR |
|
| Goa |
|
| Gujarat |
|
| Haryana |
|
| Himachal Pradesh |
|
| Jammu Kashmir |
|
| Jharkhand |
|
| Karnataka |
|
| Kerala |
|
| Madhya Pradesh |
|
| Maharashtra |
|
| Meghalaya & Arunachala Pradesh |
|
| Odisha |
|
| Punjab |
|
| Rajasthan |
|
| Tamilnadu |
|
| Telangana |
|
| Uttar Pradesh |
|
| Uttarakhand |
|
| West Bengal |
|
Source: XAT 2026 Official Bulletin
Check: Top MBA Colleges Accepting XAT 2027 Scores
Ques. Are there XAT 2027 exam centres outside India?
Ans. No, XAT 2027 is conducted only in India across 100+ cities. NRI and foreign national candidates must use a valid GMAT score to apply for XLRI programmes; they are not required to appear at a physical XAT centre. Indian candidates studying or working abroad must travel to India to appear in the exam.
New Cities Added for XAT 2027
XLRI added 34 new test cities beginning XAT 2025, expanding the exam's reach significantly into Tier 2 cities and state-specific academic hubs that were previously underserved.
- Bihar now has 5 exam cities compared to just Patna in earlier years; students from Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, and Arrah no longer need to travel to Patna.
- Karnataka expanded from 4 to 7+ cities, adding Chikkaballapur, Davanagere, and Kalaburagi for students in North Karnataka.
- Gujarat added Rajkot and Mehsana, covering Saurashtra and North Gujarat students who previously had to travel to Ahmedabad or Vadodara.
| New City | State | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Tejpur (Tezpur) | Assam | Northeast |
| Arrah | Bihar | East |
| Bhagalpur | Bihar | East |
| Darbhanga | Bihar | East |
| Muzaffarpur | Bihar | East |
| Bilaspur | Chhattisgarh | Central |
| Mehsana | Gujarat | West |
| Rajkot | Gujarat | West |
| Hisar | Haryana | North |
| Baddi | Himachal Pradesh | North |
| Hazaribagh | Jharkhand | East |
| Chikkaballapur | Karnataka | South |
| Davanagere | Karnataka | South |
| Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) | Karnataka | South |
| Anantapur | Andhra Pradesh | South |
| Mohali | Punjab | North |
Ques. Why did XLRI add 34 new cities for XAT?
Ans. XLRI expanded exam centre coverage to make XAT more accessible to students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, reduce long-distance travel burdens, and reach aspirants in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and smaller Karnataka districts. The expansion also reflects the increasing number of XAT registrations — XAT 2026 recorded over 1.42 lakh registrations, making wider geographic coverage a practical necessity.
How to Choose Your XAT 2027 Test City: 6 Key Tips
City selection is a one-time, irreversible decision, the following tips help students make the smartest choice during XAT 2027 registration to avoid inconvenience on exam day.
- Students preparing in a coaching city different from their hometown should select the coaching city as first preference, since the exam is in January, they are more likely to be in that city than back home.
- Students who plan to appear in both CAT 2026 (November) and XAT 2027 (January) should note that the two exams have separate city selection processes;CAT city selection does not affect XAT city selection.
- Even though its not permitted to change the exam centre after the admit card releases, candidates with genuine reasons (medical emergency, relocation) can write to admis@xlri.ac.in.
| # | Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Put your current residence city first | XAT is conducted on January 3, a Sunday afternoon. Travelling to a different city the same day is risky. The city where you are staying at the time of the exam should be your first preference. |
| 2 | Fill all 6 preferences; never leave them blank | If your first preference fills up, XLRI moves to the next city on your list. With only 1-2 preferences filled, you risk being allotted any available city, which may be far from home. |
| 3 | Register early - July is the safest window | Allotment is first-come, first-served. Major metros like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad fill up fastest. Registering in July maximises the chance of getting your preferred city. |
| 4 | Avoid listing only metro cities | If all 6 preferences are high-demand cities and all are full, XLRI may allot any available centre. Include at least 1-2 smaller or alternate cities in your list as genuine fallback options. |
| 5 | Check the official city list before selecting | The exact city list may change slightly between XAT 2026 and XAT 2027. Always verify against the official xatonline.in notification before filling preferences — do not rely only on older lists. |
| 6 | Consider your exam-day logistics | XAT starts at 2:00 PM. Even if the city is familiar, plan for Sunday traffic, unfamiliar institute routes, and identity verification queues. A city with easy transport access is better than a closer-but-harder-to-reach option. |
Also Read: How to Prepare for XAT 2027 Exam?
Ques. Can I change my XAT 2027 exam city after the admit card is released?
Ans. No, centre change is not permitted after the admit card is issued. Before the admit card, in exceptional cases, students can email admis@xlri.ac.in with their XAT ID, date of birth, current city, and requested new city. XLRI has the final say, and such requests are rarely approved. The safest approach is to carefully fill all 6 city preferences during registration.
How to Check Your Allotted XAT 2027 Exam Centre
The specific exam centre name and address within the allotted city will be displayed only on the XAT 2027 admit card. Students cannot find their centre address before the admit card is released.
- The XAT 2027 admit card is expected in the month of December on xatonline.in; log in with registered XAT ID and password to download.
- The admit card displays: exam centre name, full address, exam date (expected on January 3, 2027), reporting time, and exam timing (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM).
- Download and print at least two copies of the admit card, carry both on exam day along with a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, or Voter ID).
- Once the centre address is known, visit the location one day before the exam to assess travel time, parking, and entry points.
| Step | Action | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit xatonline.in and click "Download Admit Card" | From 3rd Week of December 2026 (Expected) |
| 2 | Login with XAT ID and password | 3rd Week December (Expected) - January 3, 2027 |
| 3 | Download and print at least two copies | Immediately after release |
| 4 | Note the exam centre name and full address from the admit card | As soon as downloaded |
| 5 | Visit the exam centre location in person or verify via Google Maps | January 2, 2027 (one day before) |
| 6 | Plan transport; arrive at centre by 12:30 PM at the latest on exam day | January 3, 2027 |
Also Read: XAT 2027 Notification (Expected July 2026): Exam Date, Eligibility & What the PDF Contains
Ques. What documents must be carried to the XAT 2027 exam centre?
Ans. Students must carry: (1) two printouts of the XAT 2027 admit card, and (2) a valid original government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID, or PAN card). Electronic devices including mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, and tablets are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall. Students should also carry a blue or black ballpoint pen for signing the attendance sheet.
XAT 2027 Exam Centre: Items Allowed and Prohibited
XAT 2027 exam centres enforce strict rules on what students may carry inside; violations can result in disqualification; students should review this list carefully before exam day.
- Exam centre gates close 20-30 minutes before the exam begins; students arriving after this time will not be permitted to enter, regardless of reason.
- There is no facility to store bags or valuables outside the exam centre; do not bring anything that cannot be taken inside.
- Rough work and calculations are done on the rough sheet provided at the centre; no paper may be brought in by the student.
- XAT 2027 exam centres are equipped with CCTV surveillance; biometric verification and identity checks are conducted at entry.
| Allowed Inside the Exam Centre | Prohibited Inside the Exam Centre |
|---|---|
| XAT 2027 admit card (printed, 2 copies) | Mobile phones, smartphones, feature phones |
| Valid original government photo ID | Smartwatches, digital watches, any watch |
| Blue or black ballpoint pen (for attendance sheet) | Calculators, iPads, tablets, laptops |
| Religious headwear (if it does not obscure the face) | Non-religious caps, hats, hoodies, headgear |
| Prescribed medicines with doctor's certificate (if needed) | Metal jewellery, rings, earrings, metal items |
| – | Bags, pouches, wallets (no storage items) |
| – | Clothes with pockets (candidates may be asked to turn them out) |
| – | Pagers, Bluetooth devices, earphones |
Also Check: XAT 2027 Exam Date January 3 Confirmed by Trends: Full Schedule, Slot Timing & Registration Window
Ques. What time should students report to the XAT 2027 exam centre?
Ans. Students should report to their allotted XAT 2027 exam centre by 1:00 PM at the latest — the exam starts at 2:00 PM and gates close at 1:30 PM. Arriving by 1:00 PM allows time for document verification, biometric checks, and seating. Candidates who arrive after 1:30 PM will not be allowed entry under any circumstances.
XAT 2027 Exam Centres List: Reddit Discussion
A user on the r/CATPreparation subreddit was celebrating that they got an XAT exam centre which is just a 3-minute walking distance from their home.
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