XAT 2026 Exam Live Updates: Response Sheet @xatonline.in, Answer Key and Score vs Percentile

XAT 2026 answer key is not out yet, but it can be released anytime soon. The link will be provided here as soon as it is released.

Candidates will be able to raise objections against the XAT 2026 answer key by filling an online application form available in the student dashboard. They will have to select question IDs and upload a supporting document against each question.

The XAT 2026 response sheet has been released. The link to download the candidate response sheet is live in the student dashboard.

• Track the Response Sheet: XLRI will release the response sheet by January 6–8, 2026. Check the official status here: XAT 2026 Response Sheet Link.
• Calculate Your Score: Use the XAT Score Calculator immediately after the response sheet is out to get an accurate raw score.
• Prepare for GD-PI: Don't wait for results. Start refining your "Why MBA?" and "Why XLRI?" answers. The final selection places 25% weightage on the interview process.

XAT 2026 is over, and as per the initial review, the XAT 2026 question paper had overall moderate questions. A few Quant questions are reported to be lengthy. 

Also check: XAT 2026 Analysis (Available), Section-wise Exam Analysis and Score vs Percentile

The XAT 2026 exam concluded today, January 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Around 1.42 lakh registered candidates appeared for the exam across 109 cities in a single session. With the exam now over, candidates are focusing on checking their response sheets, estimating their scores, and understanding XLRI’s shortlisting criteria.

Check: XAT Response Sheet 2026 (Soon), Download PDF, Link @xatonline.in, Answer Key

XAT 2026 exam will end at 5 pm. There is only a single session in XAT, so there will be no score normalization. XAT percentile will be calculated from the raw scores obtained by candidates.

Check: XAT Score vs Percentile 2026 and Check Section Wise Score

XAT 2026 response sheet will be issued by XLRI in the next 2-3 days. The XAT response sheet will be available through login.

Top Colleges Accepting XAT 2026 Scores

Check: XAT Cutoff 2026 Check XLRI Section-wise Cutoff and Good Score 

For XLRI PGDM HRM

For XLRI PGDM BM

XAT has 95 questions, but attempting all is not mandatory. To achieve around 99 percentile, candidates must aim to attempt about 40-45 questions.
 

The XAT 2026 exam has started. The test will be held from 2 pm to 5 pm. There is no break in between. The question paper PDF with solution and exam analysis will be updated here.

Based on previous years’ trends and expert analysis, the overall difficulty level is expected to be moderate to difficult.

Section-wise Expected Difficulty

• Decision Making (DM)- Expected to be moderate
• Verbal & Logical Ability (VALR)- Expected difficulty: Moderate
• Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)- Expected difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• General Knowledge (GK)- Expected difficulty: Moderate

Biometric details will be captured at the test center on the day of the exam, January 4, 2026, as part of candidate identification.

• Reporting Started: Centers have officially opened for candidate entry. Join the queue now to avoid the 1:30 PM rush.
• Biometric Capture: Your fingerprint and iris scan are mandatory. Ensure your hands are clean and free of Mehndi/Henna.
• Lab Assignment: Your seat and lab number will be displayed on the notice board. Keep your XAT ID and Date of Birth (DDMMYYYY) ready for login.

While physical calculators are banned, a basic on-screen calculator will be available. Use the next hour to visualize how to use it for lengthy DI calculations.

XAT 2026 is a 180-minute computer-based exam, reduced from earlier formats. There are no sectional time limits in Part 1, allowing candidates flexibility to manage time across sections.

Don't Leave Without These before you leave for the center, ensure you have:

• Admit Card: Two printed copies (A4 size).
• Photo ID: Original (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, or Passport).
• Photograph: One recent passport-size photo to be pasted on the attendance sheet.
• Stationery: A simple blue/black ballpoint pen.

• Wear simple, light, and comfortable clothes
• Avoid clothes with metal items, big buttons, or zippers
• Full-sleeve shirts/tops, jackets, hoodies, caps, and scarves are not allowed
• Do not wear jewellery, watches, sunglasses, or any accessories
• Avoid shoes, boots, or heels
• Wear slippers or flat sandals only
• Carry only permitted items as mentioned on the XAT 2026 admit card

XAT 2026 exam day don’ts

• Don’t be late for the exam
• Don’t carry a digital copy of documents
• Don’t carry electronic or metal items
• Don’t carry books or notebooks
• Don’t argue with XAT test centre staff
• Don’t disturb others during the exam
   

XAT 2026 exam day dos

• Reach the exam centre on time
• Carry relevant documents
• Cooperate with test centre staff
• Do a last-minute revision in the morning
• Maintain silence during the exam
• Complete the test on time
• Keep 5 minutes aside for review
   

Candidates are required to report to the exam centre by 12:30 PM to complete verification, biometric checks, and security procedures.

• Gate Closing Time: Around 1:50 PM (entry strictly not allowed after this) 
• Exam Start: 2:00 PM 
• Exam End: 5:00 PM 

It’s advised to reach at least 45–60 minutes before reporting time to avoid a last-minute rush.

• Revise Decision-Making caselets from previous XAT papers
• Go through RC question types, especially inference and tone-based questions
• Quickly review QA formulas from arithmetic, algebra, and geometry
• Practice 1–2 DI sets to stay calculation-ready
• Revise GK static topics (business, economy, awards) instead of current affairs only
• Check the section timing rules and question navigation once

• Printed copy of the admit card
• Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving Licence, etc.)
• Passport-size photographs (same as used in the application form)

• Check the exam center location a day in advance.
• Keep 2–3 extra printouts of the admit card.
• Carry passport-size photographs as a backup.
• Plan travel to avoid last-minute delays.
• Manage time properly across all sections.
• Stay calm and read questions carefully.
• Do not leave the exam hall without permission.

The overall difficulty level of the exam is expected to be moderate to slightly difficult, based on previous years’ trends. 

• Carry a printed copy of the XAT admit card.
• Bring a valid photo ID for verification.
• Reach the exam center before the reporting time.
• Follow the dress code mentioned in the instructions.
• Do not carry prohibited items like mobile phones or electronic devices.
• Follow all instructions given by the invigilators.
• Any unfair practice may lead to disqualification.

It is mandatory to bring all the necessary documents to the XAT exam center. If you fail to submit any of them, you will not be allowed to take the exam.