The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 answer key has been officially released by XLRI Jamshedpur. This crucial document allows candidates who appeared for the postgraduate management entrance exam to calculate their probable scores and challenge any discrepancies they find.
XAT 2026 Answer Key: Key Dates and Access Details
The provisional answer key for XAT 2026 is now available online. According to the official schedule, the testing window for the exam was from January 4 to January 7, 2026. The authorities have made the answer key accessible on the official website: xatonline.in.
To download the key, candidates need to log in using their registered credentials, such as their XAT ID and password. Alongside the answer key, the consortium has also released the question paper and the individual response sheets. This transparency enables a thorough self-evaluation process.
Procedure to Challenge the XAT Answer Key
Understanding that the initial key is provisional, XLRI has established a specific window for candidates to raise objections. If a test-taker believes an answer in the key is incorrect, they can formally challenge it.
The process involves paying a non-refundable fee of Rs. 1000 per question challenged. This fee is mandatory for each query submitted. The portal for submitting challenges will remain open for a limited period as specified by the institute. It is critical for candidates to act within this timeframe if they wish to dispute any answers.
After reviewing all challenges, the examination committee will release a final and conclusive answer key. This final version will be used for the precise calculation of all scores, and no further challenges will be entertained thereafter.
XAT 2026 Result Declaration and Next Steps
The culmination of this process is the declaration of the final results. XAT 2026 results are scheduled to be announced on January 31, 2026. The scores obtained will be pivotal for admission to not only XLRI but also to over 160 other participating management institutes across India that accept XAT scores.
Once the results are out, each participating institute, including XLRI, will issue their own separate cut-offs and call letters for the subsequent rounds of selection. These rounds typically include Group Discussion, Written Ability Test, and Personal Interview (GD-WAT-PI) stages.
Prospective MBA and PGDM students are advised to keep a close watch on the official XAT website and the websites of their preferred institutes for all updates regarding cut-offs and admission procedures.
