The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 response sheet is now available for candidates. The exam conducting body, XLRI, has officially published the response sheets and question papers on its portal, following the test held on January 4, 2026. Aspirants can access their individual response sheets by visiting the official website, xatonline.in.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download XAT 2026 Response Sheet
Candidates need to follow a simple online process to download their XAT 2026 response sheet. The steps are straightforward and can be completed in a few minutes.
Step 1: Navigate to the official XAT website at xatonline.in.
Step 2: On the homepage, locate and click on the link labeled 'response sheet'.
Step 3: You will be directed to a login page. Here, enter your unique XAT ID and use your date of birth as the password.
Step 4: Your XAT 2026 response sheet will be displayed on the screen. Review it carefully and download a copy for your records.
Importantly, the institute has provided a window for candidates to raise grievances if they find any discrepancies in their response sheet. The release of the final answer keys is the next expected step in the process.
Understanding the XAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Scoring
The XAT 2026 question paper was structured into three distinct parts, encompassing a total of five sections. The first part included Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision-making, Quantitative Ability, and Data Interpretation. The second part was dedicated to keyboard testing, while the third part comprised Essay Writing and General Awareness (GK).
The marking scheme for the main sections is crucial for percentile calculation. Each question carries 1 mark, with a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. A unique feature allows candidates to skip up to 8 questions without penalty. However, skipping beyond this limit incurs a penalty of 0.1 marks per question.
Special Role of the General Knowledge (GK) Section
A significant update for XAT 2026 pertains to the General Knowledge section. According to an official statement, the GK section does not have any negative marking. Furthermore, scores from this section will not contribute to the overall percentile or the initial cutoff score.
However, the GK score is not irrelevant. XLRI will exclusively consider the GK score during its final selection process for admission to its management programs. This means while it won't affect the percentile, a good GK score can be a decisive factor in the final admission offers from XLRI.
Important Contact Information for Candidates
For any assistance related to downloading the XAT 2026 response sheet or other queries, candidates can reach out to the official helpdesk. Support is available via phone and email.
The helpdesk number is +91 919513630765. It is operational from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday. Alternatively, candidates can send their queries to the official email address: xat2026@xlri.ac.in.
With the response sheet now available, candidates are advised to download it promptly, verify their responses, and utilize the grievance redressal mechanism if needed, as the next stages of the XAT 2026 admission process will soon follow.
