The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 provisional answer key is now officially available for candidates. XLRI Jamshedpur, the conducting body, has activated the online portal for aspirants to access their response sheets and calculated scores. This is a critical step in the XAT 2026 selection process, allowing candidates to verify their performance before the final results are declared.
How to Download the XAT 2026 Answer Key and Response Sheet
Accessing the provisional answer key is a straightforward online process. Candidates must visit the official website, xatonline.in, to log in. They need to use their specific XAT 2026 registration ID and password to enter the candidate portal. Once logged in, they can view and download their individual response sheet alongside the provisional answer key. This transparency enables a detailed question-by-question review of their attempted answers against the correct ones.
The release of the XAT Answer Key 2026 follows the successful conduct of the computer-based test. Candidates are advised to meticulously cross-check every response. Any discrepancy found between their marked answer and the official key can be formally challenged within the stipulated objection window.
Procedure to Raise Objections Against the Provisional Key
XLRI has provided a specific timeframe for candidates to raise concerns. The XAT objection window is open from January 9, 2026, to January 12, 2026. This is the only period during which challenges will be accepted.
To raise an objection, candidates must follow a prescribed online method:
- Log in to the official portal at xatonline.in.
- Navigate to the section for raising objections or challenges.
- Select the specific question ID they wish to dispute.
- Upload supporting documents or evidence justifying their challenge.
- Pay a non-refundable fee of Rs. 300 per question challenged. This payment is mandatory for each objection submitted.
It is crucial to note that objections submitted via email, post, or any other offline mode will not be entertained by the authorities. The entire process is centralized through the online candidate portal.
Next Steps: Final Answer Key and Result Declaration
After the objection window closes on January 12, the XAT committee will review all valid challenges. Based on this review, a final answer key will be prepared and published. The scores displayed using the final key will be considered definitive for calculating the candidate's overall percentile and score.
The XAT 2026 result, comprising the final score and percentile, is expected to be announced shortly thereafter. This result is paramount for admission to not just XLRI but also over 160 other participating MBA colleges and institutes across India that accept XAT scores. Candidates should regularly monitor the official website for the exact result declaration date and subsequent counseling schedules for various institutions.
This phase of the XAT process is vital for ensuring fairness and accuracy. Candidates are urged to utilize the given window proactively to verify their answers and submit any legitimate concerns with the required fee. A careful review now can have a significant impact on their final standing and admission prospects.
