Updated 23 October 2026
For many CAT 2026 candidates, the Xavier Aptitude Test is the natural second exam. It falls a few weeks after CAT and opens doors to XLRI and other institutes that accept XAT scores. Here are the official XAT 2027 dates, taken from the XAT website, xatonline.in, and the XAT 2027 Bulletin.
XAT 2027 key dates
- Registration opened: 15 July 2026
- Registration closes: 6 December 2026
- Admit card download: from 20 December 2026 (tentative)
- XAT 2027 exam: Sunday, 3 January 2027, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- XAT result: last week of January 2027 (as given in the XAT 2027 Bulletin)
- Score card download: between 31 January and 30 June 2027
XAT is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of XAMI members, according to the official website.
Why the timing works for CAT candidates
CAT 2026 is on 29 November 2026. XAT 2027 comes about five weeks later. The XAT website itself points out that being held in January “gives an additional month to prepare after CAT”. It also notes that most of the preparation overlaps with other MBA entrance tests, except for the Decision Making section, which is specific to XAT.
If you are preparing for CAT now, registering for XAT before the 6 December deadline costs you little extra preparation time and adds another route to admission.
The official mock tests
The XAT website lists official mock tests run on the actual XAT exam platform. According to the site, the last official mock test is scheduled on 31 October and 1 November, and you must register for XAT 2027 by 28 October to be eligible to take it. If you want that practice run, register before 28 October.
Registration: three things to get right
From the XAT 2027 Bulletin and registration page:
- Email and mobile number cannot be changed after registration. Check them before you start.
- Your name and your parents’ names must match your official documents, such as certificates, mark sheets and ID proof. The Bulletin warns that a mismatch may disqualify an application.
- Applicant details cannot be edited once the form is submitted after payment. The XAT site announces edit windows from time to time, but don’t count on one.
The registration fee is set out on the official registration page. See our separate post on XAT 2027 fees and registration for details.
Results and score card
The Bulletin gives the XAT result in the last week of January 2027 and says the score card must be downloaded from xatonline.in between 31 January and 30 June 2027. Save a copy as soon as it is available, because institutes may ask for it.
Practise for both exams
Your CAT preparation in verbal ability, reading comprehension, quantitative aptitude and data interpretation carries straight over to XAT. Keep it sharp with CAT Gurukul’s free practice questions, and see our XAT, NMAT & SNAP preparation page.
Sources: xatonline.in, the XAT 2027 registration page and the XAT 2027 Bulletin. The Bulletin notes that the institute may modify its contents without prior notice. Always confirm on the official site.
