The Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur has taken a crucial step towards the declaration of results for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026. The institute has officially released the provisional answer key for the entrance examination today, January 9, 2026. This development allows all candidates who appeared for the high-stakes MBA entrance test to cross-verify their responses and calculate their probable scores.
Key Details of XAT 2026 Exam and Answer Key Release
The XAT 2026 examination was successfully conducted on January 4, 2026, in a single shift from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The test was administered in a fully computer-based mode, with the entire question paper presented in English. The paper comprised a total of 95 multiple-choice questions, each offering five options with only one correct answer. The structure was divided into two distinct, time-bound segments: Part 1 and Part 2.
Prior to the answer key, the authorities had made the XAT 2026 response sheet available on January 6, 2026. This allowed candidates to review the responses they had recorded during the exam. The release of the provisional answer key is the next logical step, enabling aspirants to make a preliminary assessment of their performance before the final results are announced.
How to Download the XAT Provisional Answer Key 2026
Candidates must follow a straightforward online process to access and download the provisional answer key. The entire procedure is hosted on the official website: xatonline.in.
Here is a step-by-step guide for candidates:
- Visit the official XAT portal at xatonline.in.
- On the homepage, locate and click on the link designated for 'XAT answer key 2026'.
- You will be redirected to a login page. Enter your required credentials, such as your registration ID and password.
- Click on the 'Submit' button.
- The provisional answer key will be displayed on your screen.
- Download the PDF file and save it on your device for future reference and detailed analysis.
Experts strongly advise candidates to keep a printed copy of the answer key for record-keeping purposes during the objection and result declaration phases.
Raising Objections Against the XAT Answer Key
Concurrently with the answer key release, XLRI has opened the crucial objection window. This facility permits candidates to challenge any answer in the provisional key they believe to be incorrect. However, there are specific protocols to follow.
The objection window is scheduled to remain active for a limited period of two to three days. While the exact closing date and time have not been explicitly stated on the website, candidates must act promptly. To raise an objection, one must submit the challenge online through the portal and pay a non-refundable processing fee for each question challenged.
It is critical to note that only objections backed by valid proof or authentic reference material will be considered for review by the examination authority. Frivolous challenges will not be entertained. After scrutinizing all submitted objections, the institute will release a final answer key. The ultimate XAT 2026 result and percentile scores will be calculated solely based on this final key.
Candidates are urged to monitor the official website xatonline.in regularly for the latest updates regarding the objection window's closure, the release of the final key, and the subsequent result announcement. This proactive approach ensures they do not miss any critical deadlines in the admission process.
