Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is the mandatory exam for MBA admission in XLRI Jamshedpur. XAT exam scores are also accepted by 250+ MBA colleges accepting XAT scores. XAT is India’s second largest MBA entrance exam after CAT. XAT exam is considered to be tougher than the CAT exam. XAT 2026 Exam date is January 4, 2026. XAT Registration 2026 start date is mid-July 2026. Read this article for complete details on XAT exam pattern, syllabus, registration, top XAT colleges, free Mock Tests and more. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is the mandatory exam for MBA admission in XLRI Jamshedpur. XAT exam scores are also accepted by 250+ MBA colleges accepting XAT scores. XAT is India’s second largest MBA entrance exam after CAT. Last year, 142,235 candidates had registered for the XAT 2025 exam. XAT exam is considered to be tougher than the CAT exam as it includes as unique “Decision Making” section, and have five options for each question (CAT has four options).