The XAT 2026 Response Sheet is an official document of all the answers marked by the candidates in the exam. It is published by XLRI a few days post exam which enables candidates to check their answers and compare them with the provisional XAT 2026 Answer Key.
- The XAT 2026 test will be conducted during the first week of January 2026, and the response sheet is expected to be released on the XAT official portal during the second week of January 2026.
- Once the response sheet has been released, the provisional XAT 2026 Answer Key is published by XLRI, which is usually within a few days. The candidates will then be provided with an objection window of 2-3 days to dispute any discrepancies.
- The final answer key serves as the basis for score calculation, percentile generation, and subsequent admission shortlisting for XLRI’s BM and HRM programs.
Key Summary
- The XAT 2026 Response Sheet is the official record of all answers submitted by candidates and is released by XLRI.
- Candidates can access the response sheet on the official website xatonline.in
- using their XAT ID and password.
- The response sheet helps candidates review their answers, compare them with the provisional answer key, and estimate their expected scores.
- The XAT 2026 Response Sheet is expected to be released in the second week of January 2026.
- The provisional XAT 2026 Answer Key will be released in the second to third week of January 2026.
- A 2-3 day window will be provided after the provisional answer key release for candidates to raise objections.
- The final XAT 2026 Answer Key and result declaration are scheduled for the last week of January 2026.
- What is the XAT Response Sheet?
- XAT Response Sheet 2026: Important Dates
- Details Mentioned in XAT Response Sheet PDF
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- XAT Response Sheet 2026: Score Calculation
5.2 Step-by-Step Process to Calculate Your XAT 2026 Score
- XAT Response Sheet 2026: Answer Key
- How to Raise Objection Against XAT Answer Key 2026
- XAT Response Sheet 2026: Section-Wise Analysis
8.1 XAT Response Sheet Section-Wise Analysis
8.2 XAT Response Sheet Analysis
- XAT Result 2026
- XAT Response Sheet 2026 FAQs
What is the XAT Response Sheet?
The XAT 2026 Response Sheet is your personal record of how you answered every question in the exam, along with the official or provisional correct options. It helps you:
- Verify which answers were recorded by the system.
- Compare your responses with the provisional answer key.
- Calculate your expected raw score and percentile.
- Gather evidence if you want to raise an objection on any question.
It is released a few days after the exam and can be downloaded from your candidate dashboard on the official website: xatonline.in by logging in with your XAT ID and password or date of birth.
XAT Response Sheet 2026: Important Dates
| Timeline | Events |
|---|---|
| January 4, 2026 (Sunday) | XAT 2026 Exam Date |
| First Week of January 2026 | XAT 2026 Response Sheet Release Date |
| Second Week of January 2026 | XAT 2026 Provisional Answer Key Release |
| Third Week of January 2026 | XAT Answer Key Challenge Window Opens |
| Last Week of January 2026 | XAT 2026 Final Answer Key Release Date |
| End of January 2026 | XAT 2026 Result Declaration Date |
Details Mentioned in XAT Response Sheet PDF
The XAT Response Sheet PDF includes all key details such as your personal information, question-wise responses, and correct answer options for verification.
XAT Response Sheet 2026: Score Calculation
To calculate your XAT 2026 score using the response sheet, it’s important to first understand the XAT 2026 marking scheme, as defined by XLRI Jamshedpur. The marking pattern remains consistent with previous years.
XAT 2026 Marking Scheme
| Type of Answer | Marks |
|---|---|
| For Correct Answer | +1 |
| For Wrong Answer | -0.25 |
| For No Answer/Unattempted Question | 0 |
| For 8 Consecutive Unattempted Questions | -0.10 per 8 questions |
Step-by-Step Process to Calculate Your XAT 2026 Score
- Calculate Correct Responses: Count the total number of correct answers and multiply by +1.
- Identify Incorrect and Unattempted Questions: For every incorrect answer, deduct 0.25 marks, and if you leave 8 consecutive questions unanswered, deduct 0.10 marks from your total.
- Compute Total Marks: Subtract the total deductions (incorrect + unattempted penalties) from your total correct marks.
- Obtain Raw XAT Score: The resulting figure is your raw XAT 2026 score before scaling or normalization.
Example Calculation:
| Category | Count | Marking Rule | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Correct Answers | 60 | +1 each | +60 |
| Incorrect Answers | 15 | -0.25 each | -3.75 |
| 8 Consecutive Unattempted Qs | 1 block | -0.10 total | -0.10 |
| Final Raw XAT Score | 56.15 |
Ques. Does the XAT 2026 marking scheme include negative marking for all sections?
Ans. Yes, the XAT 2026 marking scheme includes negative marking for all sections, except for the General Knowledge section, which is not included in percentile calculation and carries no negative marking.
Ques. How is the final XAT 2026 percentile calculated from the raw score?
Ans. The raw scores are scaled and normalized across different question sets to ensure fairness. Percentiles are then assigned based on the scaled scores to calculate the final XAT 2026 percentile from the raw score.
XAT Response Sheet 2026: Answer Key
After the XAT 2026 response sheet is released, XLRI Jamshedpur will publish the official answer key on xatonline.in.
- The provisional answer key will be open for challenge for 2-3 days, allowing candidates to raise objections with valid proof.
- Once the objection window closes, XLRI will review all submissions. If any objections are valid, corrections will be made and the final XAT 2026 answer key will be released.
- No challenges will be accepted afterward. If no valid objections are found, the provisional key will be treated as final.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Provisional Answer Key |
|
| Objection Submission Window |
|
| Review of Objections |
|
| Final Answer Key |
|
Ques. When will the XAT 2026 answer key be released?
Ans. The provisional XAT 2026 answer key is expected to be released in the second week of January 2026, a few days after the response sheet publication.
Ques. How can I challenge the XAT 2026 answer key?
Ans. Candidates can challenge the provisional answer key by logging into your XAT candidate account on xatonline.in, selecting the question(s) you wish to contest, and providing valid justification or evidence within the given timeframe.
How to Raise Objection Against XAT Answer Key 2026
XLRI provides a platform for candidates to challenge any discrepancies in the XAT 2026 answer key by following the steps to submit an objection:
- Visit the official XAT website - xatonline.in.
- Log in using your XAT ID and password.
- Navigate to the “XAT Answer Key cum Response Sheet” section.
- Click on the “Raise Objection” option.
- Enter the required details:
- Question ID
- Remarks/Explanation describing why you believe the answer is incorrect
- Upload supporting documents or evidence (if any)
- Review your entries and click Submit.
By completing these steps, you can formally submit objections regarding any perceived errors in the XAT 2026 answer key. Make sure to provide clear justification and supporting evidence, as only valid objections will be considered by XLRI.
Ques. How long is the objection window for XAT 2026?
Ans. The objection window for XAT 2026 is usually 2-3 days after the release of the provisional answer key.
- Candidates must submit their objections within this period, so it’s important to act promptly.
- The exact dates will be officially announced on xatonline.in.
Ques. Will all objections be accepted for XAT 2026?
Ans. No, not all objections are accepted automatically in XAT.
- Only objections that are well-explained and supported with valid proof will be considered.
- XLRI carefully reviews each objection before finalizing the answer key, so ensure your submission is clear and justified.
XAT Response Sheet 2026: Section-Wise Analysis
Analyzing the XAT 2026 response sheet not only helps candidates estimate their scores but also provides interesting insights into overall candidate behavior during the exam. These statistics are useful for aspirants to understand trends, section difficulty, and scoring patterns
XAT Response Sheet Section-Wise Analysis
As per previous years’ analysis, Verbal & Logical Reasoning tends to be the most attempted section, while General Knowledge has the highest number of skipped questions.
| Sections | Total Questions (approx.) | Average Attempted (approx.) | Average Skipped(approx.) | Accuracy (%) (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal & Logical Reasoning | ~26 | 22 | 4 | 85 |
| Decision Making | ~21 | 18 | 3 | 82 |
| Quantitative Ability | ~28 | 23 | 5 | 80 |
| General Knowledge | ~20 | 12 | 13 | 48 |
| Overall | ~95 | 75 | 25 | 74 |
- Most Skipped Section: General Knowledge, as it is non-scoring for percentile calculation, and candidates often prioritize scoring sections first.
- High Scoring Section: Verbal & Logical Reasoning shows the highest average accuracy, indicating many candidates are comfortable with this section.
- Decision Making & Quantitative Ability: Moderate attempts with balanced accuracy; often determine top percentile candidates.
XAT Response Sheet Analysis
Analyzing the approximate correct vs incorrect answers in XAT 2026 helps candidates identify strengths and weaknesses, estimate scores, and plan future strategies for each section.
| Section | Correct (%) | Incorrect (%) | Skipped (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal & Logical Reasoning | 85 | 15 | 15 |
| Decision Making | 82 | 18 | 14 |
| Quantitative Ability | 80 | 20 | 18 |
| General Knowledge | 48 | 52 | 52 |
| Overall | 74 | 26 | 25 |
XAT Result 2026
The XAT 2026 result, expected to be released by the last week of January 2026, will be available on XLRI’s official XAT website. Candidates can access their scorecards by logging in with their XAT Registration Number/User ID and Password or Date of Birth.
The XAT 2026 scorecard will include important details such as:
- Date of Examination
- Result Declaration Date
- Candidate’s Name
- XAT ID
- Date of Birth
- Exam Centre Details
- Overall and Sectional Percentiles
Following the result declaration, XLRI will release the XAT 2026 cutoff for admission to its BM and HRM PGDM programs. The institute sets minimum cutoff criteria based on applicant categories. The XAT 2026 selection process is then expected to commence shortly after, typically in March 2026.
Ques. How can I check my XAT 2026 result?
Ans. Candidates can check the XAT result by log in to xatonline.in using their XAT ID/Registration No. and Password or Date of Birth to download the scorecard.
Ques. What details are available on the XAT 2026 scorecard?
Ans. The XAT scorecard shows exam date, candidate details, XAT ID, exam centre, and overall & sectional percentiles.
Also Read:
XAT Response Sheet 2026 FAQs
Ques. Is the XAT 2026 Response Sheet the same as the Answer Key?
Ans. No, XAT Response Sheet and Answer Key serve different purposes:
- The XAT Response Sheet 2026 shows your submitted answers for each question in the exam.
- The XAT Answer Key 2026 contains the official correct options released by XLRI.
- Often, the downloadable view combines both to make answer comparison easier for candidates.
Ques. Is the XAT Response Sheet final?
Ans. No, the XAT Response Sheet is part of the provisional release sequence:
- The final XAT Answer Key 2026 is published after reviewing objections, if any.
- XAT 2026 results are declared based on the final answer key, not the provisional response sheet.
Ques. What is the XAT Response Sheet?
Ans. The XAT response sheet is your personalized record of answers for every question in the XAT exam. It shows:
- The answers submitted by the candidate for each question
- The official/provisional correct options
Ques. Why does the XAT Response Sheet matter?
Ans. The response sheet is important because it allows you to:
- Verify which answers the exam system recorded for you
- Compare responses with the provisional answer key
- Estimate your raw score and provisional percentile
- Prepare evidence if you wish to raise objections on any question
Ques. How soon after the exam is the XAT 2026 Response Sheet released?
Ans.
- Typically the XAT Response Sheet is released within the first week after the exam.
- Exact dates are updated on the official XAT portal: xatonline.in under the news/update section.
Ques. How do I calculate my expected XAT 2026 score?
Ans. To calculate the expected XAT 2026 score candidates can follow the marking scheme:
- +1 mark for each correct answer (Part I).
- -0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
- -0.10 marks for each unattempted question beyond the first 8.
- Use the worked example above to add/subtract marks for all questions.
- Official marking rules are available on xatonline.in.
Ques. If my objection is accepted, will my XAT 2026 result change?
Ans. If the final answer key is revised and it affects your responses, the authorities will update your scores accordingly before publishing results.
Ques. Does General Knowledge affect XAT percentile?
Ans. No, the General Knowledge (GK) section in XAT does not contribute to your percentile. However, candidates may still choose to attempt GK if time permits, because some institutes may consider it for additional assessment or shortlisting purposes, and it can help practice time management and overall exam strategy.
Ques. Why is the General Knowledge (GK) section included in XAT if it doesn’t affect percentile?
Ans. The General Knowledge (GK) section is included in XAT if it doesn’t affect percentile for te following reasons:
- Differentiation Factor for Some Institutes: While GK does not affect percentile, some colleges may consider GK performance during shortlisting or interviews as an additional parameter.
- Part of Syllabus & Exam Pattern: XLRI officially includes GK in the XAT syllabus and exam pattern to maintain a comprehensive assessment structure, ensuring candidates are aware of current events and general knowledge relevant to managerial roles.
Ques. What are the Details Mentioned in XAT Response Sheet PDF?
Ans. The XAT 2026 response sheet pdf will include the below listed information.
- Candidate’s XAT ID and Name
- Section-wise questions and answer options
- Question ID
- Status of the Question- answered or not answered
- The answer option chosen by you
Note that the XAT response sheet does not contain the correct answers as per XLRI. The correct answers are released only in the XAT answer key a few days later.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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