The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 admit card – earlier expected on December 20, 2025 – has seen a brief administrative delay. As of December 22, 2025, the download link is not yet active on the official portal xatonline.in. According to sources close to XLRI Jamshedpur, the hall tickets are likely to go live within the next 24 – 48 hours.
With the XAT 2026 exam scheduled for January 4, 2026 (Sunday), candidates now have a short window to finalize travel and logistics once their exam centres are confirmed. The admit card is mandatory – not only for entry into the exam hall but also for subsequent GD/PI stages at participating institutes. This guide brings you the latest status, a reliable download walkthrough, verification checks, exam-day rules, and a quick refresher on the exam pattern – all in one place.
XAT 2026 Admit Card: Key Facts at a Glance
| Exam Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | XLRI Jamshedpur |
| Scheduled Release | December 20, 2025 (Delayed) |
| Expected Release | December 21 – 22, 2025 |
| Exam Date | January 4, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Exam Time | 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Official Website | xatonline.in |
| Helpdesk Email | [email protected] |
Why the Delay? Quick Explanation
Short delays are not unusual for national-level exams. Two common reasons apply here:
- Centre Synchronization: XAT is conducted across 100+ cities. Final seat mapping – especially in high-demand regions like Delhi-NCR and Mumbai – often requires last-minute checks.
- Server Load Management: To avoid crashes during peak traffic, the technical team may scale infrastructure before activating the link.
What this means for candidates: The exam date remains unchanged. There is no indication of postponement – ignore unverified rumours.
How to Download the XAT 2026 Admit Card (Step-by-Step)
Once the link is live, expect heavy traffic. Follow these steps for a smooth download:
- Visit the Official Portal through Opening xatonline.in using Chrome or Firefox. Avoid third-party links.
- Click ‘Login’, the login button appears at the top-right of the homepage.
- Enter Your Credentials, like XAT ID (received during registration) and Date of Birth or your set Password
- Open the Admit Card Tab and look for “Admit Card / Hall Ticket” on your dashboard.
- Save the PDF (e.g., XAT_2026_AdmitCard_YourName.pdf) and Take two A4 printouts (one may be collected at the centre).
Verify These Details Immediately
Errors can cause problems at the gate. Double-check the following:
- Name & Spelling: Must match your government ID exactly.
- XAT ID: Should match your application confirmation.
- Test City & Centre: Check the address and travel time.
- Photograph: Must be clear; carry an extra photo if it’s blurred.
- PwD/Scribe Status: Ensure it’s correctly mentioned if applicable.
Exam-Day Instructions (Read Carefully)
XLRI enforces strict protocols. Plan ahead.
- Reporting Time: Around 12:30 PM
- Gate Close: Typically 1:30 PM (no late entry)
Security & Prohibited Items
- Frisking: Metal detectors at entry
- Banned Items: Phones, smart/analog watches, calculators, jewelry
- Calculator: Provided on-screen during the test
What to carry to the exam hall?
- Printed Admit Card (mandatory; no soft copies)
- Original Photo ID: Aadhaar / PAN / Passport / Voter ID / DL
- Passport-size Photo: Same as uploaded (for attendance sheet)
- Pen: Blue/black ballpoint (rough sheets are provided)
XAT 2026 Exam Pattern (Recap)
| Section | Duration | Notes |
| Part 1 | 175 min | VALR, Decision Making, QADI |
| Part 2 | 5 min | Mock keyboard test |
| Part 3 | 30 min | GK + Essay |
Marking Scheme or Marks pattern
- -0.25 for each wrong answer
- -0.10 for each unattempted question after 8 unattempted
- No negative marking in GK
- Decision-making often acts as a tie-breaker
Download your admit card as soon as it’s live, verify every detail, and plan your travel early. Keep checking xatonline.in and your registered email for updates.
FAQs
Has the XAT 2026 admit card been released?
As of December 22, 2025, it is delayed but expected within 24 – 48 hours.
I forgot my password – what should I do?
Use “Forgot Password” on the login page; a reset link will be sent to your registered email.
Will the exam date change due to the delay?
No. The exam remains scheduled for January 4, 2026.
