XAT Final Answer Key 2026 (Soon): Download Answer Key & Response Sheet PDF

Xavier Aptitude Test 2026 ( XAT )

Abhishek Dhawan
Updated on Jan 9, 2026 14:33 IST

By Abhishek Dhawan, Assistant Manager – Editorial Content

XAT 2026 answer key has been releesed today. Candidates can download it from xatonline website through login. The official answer keys carry correct options to every question. Canddidate can use the provisional XAT answer key 2026 to calculate their score. The option to raise objection has also beem provided to candidates. XAT exam result 2026 will be prepared on the basis of the outcome of the examination of objections. XAT 2026 exam was held on January 4, 2026 and the XAT response sheet was released on January 6, 2026.

Table of contents
  • How to Download XAT Answer Key 2026?
  • XAT Exam Dates & Schedule
  • How to Challenge XAT Answer Key 2026?
  • XAT 2026 Answer Keys - Sectional (Memory Based)
  • How to Calculate XAT Percentile?
  • XAT Cut Off for XLRI Admission
  • XAT 2025 Answer Keys - Sectional (Memory Based)
  • FAQs Related to XAT Answer Key 2026
View More
XAT Logo

How to Download XAT Answer Key 2026?

XLRI, Jamshedpur has uploaded the XAT 2026 answer key at xatonline website. Candidates are required to download it through login. Given below is the process:

  • Open XATONLINE website
  • Click on 'XAT key and objection'
  • Log in with user ID and password
  • Click on candidate response
  • Check correct options marked in green and your responses mentioned after question IDs

Information Mentioned on XAT Response Sheet/Answer Key 2026

XAT 2026 response sheet cum answer key will contain the following:

  • Candidate's name and ID
  • XAT exam date and centre ID
  • Section wise questions and their answers
  • Candidate's response to each question
  • Questions not attempted
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which are the top colleges that accept XAT score for admission?
A: 

Over 800 MBA colleges in India accept XAT score for admission apart from XLRI Jamshedpur. Some of the top colleges are mentioned here: IRMA Anand, IMT Ghaziabad, XIM Bhubaneswar, IMI New Delhi, Great Lakes Chennai, Great Lakes Gurgaon, TAPMI Manipal, GIM Goa, FORE New Delhi, K J Somaiya Mumbai, LBSIM New Delhi, LIBA Chennai, IFMR Chennai, BITS Pilani, IMI Bhubaneswar, IMI Kolkata, IMT Nagpur, Sri Balaji University Pune, Woxsen University, ISBM Pune, VIT Business School (VIT) Vellore, ISBM Pune, KIIT Bhubaneswar, Alliance School of Business Bangalore, Jaipuria Lucknow, IBA Bangalore, SIES Navi Mumbai, Rajagiri Business School, EDII Ahmedabad, IIMS Pune, NDIM New Delhi, IFIM Colleges, JIMS Rohini Delhi, IMT Hyderabad, SOIL Institute of Management, Vivekanand Business School (VBS), IMS Ghaziabad, Sri University, LM Thapar School of Management, Pune Business School

Q:   Are XAT cut offs same for all participating colleges?
A: 

No, cut offs of XAT participating colleges are different from each other. These colleges fix cut off percentiles for admission individually basis certain criteria determined by their respective admission cells. XAT cut off for XIMB is different from XAT cut off for TAPMI. XAT cut off for XIMB is usually around 90-93 whereas XAT cut off for TAPMI is 80-85. On the other hand, XAT cut off for KJ Somaiya-Mumbai is 85-90. Most of the MBA colleges shortlist candidates for admission on the basis of overall XAT percentile. However, the candidates must aim to meet sectional XAT cut offs too in the exam to avoid an unwanted situation at the time of admission. Before applying for admission, candidates must check the selection criteria of their target colleges to be sure of requirements. 

XAT Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of XAT 2026 exam

DatesPast Exam Dates
29 Jan ' 26

XAT 2026 Cut Offs Release

16 Jan ' 26

XAT 2026 result

09 Jan ' 26

XAT 2026 answer key released

XAT Logo

How to Challenge XAT Answer Key 2026?

There is no fee for challenging provisional answer key of XAT. Candidates can raise objection against XAT answer key 2026 by following the process below:

  • Go to XATonline.in website 
  • Click on XAT key and objection tab
  • Enter XAT 2026 login and password
  • Go to raise objection form
  • Select question IDs
  • Upload a document supporting claim
  • Click on submit
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the difference between XAT provisional answer key and XAT final answer key?
A: 

XAT provisional answer key of refers to official solutions of questions asked in the exam and final XAT answer key is the document containing updated answer keys post the analysis of objection raised against provisional XAT answer key by candidates.

Q:   How to raise objection against XAT answer key?
A: 

The process to raise objection against XAT answer key earlier was through email, but from 2023 onwards the objection filing is through login. XLRI doesn’t charge money for challenging XAT answer key. To raise objection candidates, have to log in to their XAT account and fill the objection form. To claim objection, they need to upload a supporting document.

The candidates can also send an email mentioning the question ID and answer they have objection too and attach a proof to support their objection. The mail however is to be sent within a certain deadline.

The candidates will be informed via email if their objection to XAT answer key is accepted. In case of acceptance, the answer key will be revised and published again. In case, no objection is accepted, no revised answer key will be released.

XAT Logo

XAT 2026 Answer Keys - Sectional (Memory Based)

Question: Jamshedpur to Kolkata question on time-distance and speed.

Answer: 21/11

Question: Blueberries and mangoes on profit and loss

Answer: 2115

Question: Circular pond. Speed of man and speed of water. Time calculation.

Answer: 4 min, 30 secs.

Question: Related to f (0, y)

Answer: 7

Question: Right attempt, wrong attempt, unanswered questions.

Answer 48.

Question: m+n2+x3 = 50
Answer: 16

Question on circles

Answer: 4

Question: Concentrix circle

Answer 1980

Question: Right angle triangle

Answer: 700000

Also Read:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the difference between XAT response sheet and answer key?
A: 

The XAT response sheet is the document which has answers marked by the candidates against every question and the answer key is a document carrying correct answers of those questions. XLRI sometimes releases the XAT response sheet and XAT answer key separately and sometimes is released together. Both the documents are important for candidates to analyse their performance.

Q:   How to raise objection against XAT answer key?
A: 

The process to raise objection against XAT answer key earlier was through email, but from 2023 onwards the objection filing is through login. XLRI doesn’t charge money for challenging XAT answer key. To raise objection candidates, have to log in to their XAT account and fill the objection form. To claim objection, they need to upload a supporting document.

The candidates can also send an email mentioning the question ID and answer they have objection too and attach a proof to support their objection. The mail however is to be sent within a certain deadline.

The candidates will be informed via email if their objection to XAT answer key is accepted. In case of acceptance, the answer key will be revised and published again. In case, no objection is accepted, no revised answer key will be released.

XAT Logo

How to Calculate XAT Percentile?

XAT percentile is calculated from raw score obtained by candidates. The formula is:

Number of candidates - Rank of a candidate x100
Number of candidates .

Here's an example:

Suppose, 100,000 people appeared for XAT exam and A got highest raw score. It means 99,999 candidates have scored less than A. Then XAT percentile of candidate A will be 99,999/100,000x100= 99.9.

XAT Marking Scheme 2026

  • One mark for every correct answer
  • - 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer
  • After eight consecutive unattempted questions, 0.10 marks are deducted for each
  • GK score is counted for XAT percentile calculation

Also Read: 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How will I know if I have converted the XLRI interview call or not?
A: 

Every candidate is informed by XLRI Jamshedpur about their selection via email. The interview round is held in February-March and the offer letter are sent to selected candidates in April-May. Those who would not receive the confirmation letter, may consider that they are not selected for admission. Candidates must keep a check on their emails. They must keep checking spam folders too. It is also very important use the correct and fully functional email ID for XAT registration as that is the main contact point for communication from the institute.

The admission authorities will consider both sectional and overall XAT score while shortlisting candidates for group discussion and personal interview round of XLRI admission. Candidates must perform well in all the sections of XAT exam as well as in the for group discussion and personal interview to be selected for admission.

Q:   Is there any negative marking in the XAT exam?
A: 

Yes, the XAT exam has negative marking of -0.25 marks for wrong attempt. Unanswered questions have no negative marking but if there are 8 consecutive unanswered questions, 0.10 marks will be deducted.

Thus, the candidates must select questions to solve very carefully in the XAT exam. They should solve only those questions which they know they can solve accurately. The XAT exam has sectional time limit too, so you may not want to waste time on a question that you cannot solve accurately.

You stand to lose both time and marks. So be careful in selecting questions in the XAT exam.  The sectional cut off for XAT is usually 80 percent accuracy. Practice a lot of mock tests to develop this skill.

MBA exams you must check out

Exams which are to be conducted soon

Exam D-day soon
About to start
Registration started
Cut-off released
Results out
CUET PG 2026 Advance City Inti...

26 Feb '26 - 27 Mar '26

JET 2026 exam BSc/BCA/BMS/BA/B...

9 Apr '26

OJEE 2026: Last date of fee payment

22 Mar '26

CUET PG 2026 Exam Date

Mar '26

View allMBA exams
XAT Logo

XAT Cut Off for XLRI Admission

XLRI will release cut offs for 2026-2028 batch admission after the XAT 2026 result announcement. Check below, XAT 2025 cut offs for reference.

XAT 2025 Cut Offs for BM

Given below is the category wise sectional and overall XAT 2025 cut offs for PGDM BM (Business Management) programme:

Category

QA

VALR

DM

Overall

Engineer/Tech Male

88

84

84

96

Engineer/Tech Female

82

80

80

91

Non-Engineer Male

88

84

84

96

Non-Engineer Female

82

80

80

91

XAT 2025 Cut Offs for HRM

Given below is the category wise sectional and overall XAT 2025 cut offs for PGDM HRM (Human Resource Management) programme:

Category

QA

VALR

DM

Overall

Engineer/Tech Male

83

90

87

95

Engineer/Tech Female

73

85

80

90

Non-Engineer Male

76

90

87

93

Non-Engineer Female

78

85

80

87

Check XAT cut offs and predict calls from XLRI and other colleges accepting XAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all XAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict XAT Admission Calls
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is sectional cut off for XAT?
A: 

Sectional cut off for XAT refers to the minimum percentile fixed for each section of the exam that candidates have to meet. For example, if the Quantitative Aptitude cut off is 85 percentile for XAT, students should score 85 percentile or more in the section of XAT to become eligible for group discussion and personal interview. Check the below tables for PGDM BM and PGDM HRM for XAT.

XAT Sectional cut offs for PGDM BM

General Engineers

VA

DM

QA

Overall

Males

75

75

85

95

Females

75

75

80

92

General Non-Engineers

VA

DM

QA

Overall

Males

75

75

85

95

Females

75

75

80

92

 

XAT Sectional cut offs for PGDM HRM

General Engineers

VA

DM

QA

Overall

Males

90

75

85

93

Females

90

75

65

91

General Non-Engineers

VA

DM

QA

Overall

Males

90

75

70

90

Females

75

75

60

88

 

Q:   Can I challenge the final XAT answer key?
A: 

There is no provision to challenge the final XAT answer key because it is prepared after examining the challenges raised by candidates against the provisional answer key. The answer key status mentioned on the final XAT answer key is final and XAT result is prepared on the basis of same.

XAT Logo

XAT 2025 Answer Keys - Sectional (Memory Based)

XAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions and Answer Keys (memory based)

Coordinate geometry (rectangle) – Answer was y = 6

Square and circle question – Answer was x: 4

Single double bed – Answer was 77500

Question on phone – Answer was 120000

Question on square of length – Answer was 42.6% loss

Question on log – Answer is 2

Question on dustbin – Answer was 250

XAT 2025 GK Questions and Answer Keys (memory based)

INS Tushil – Russia’s Yantar Shipyard

World Chess Championship – Gukesh D

Nobel Peace Prize – Nihon Hidankyo

Samantha Harvey – Orbiter

Dhimsa – Andhra Pradesh

MGM- Amazon

AI app regional language –Bhasini

Mount Maripi – Indonesia

Commander-In- Chief of the Armed Forces – President of India

Asian Games TT – Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee

Floating National Park – Keibul Lamjao, Manipur

Also Read:

XAT 2025 question paper and answer key (memory based) PDF download

XAT 2025 exam analysis and expected cut offs

XAT 2025 response sheet PDF download

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What after XAT answer key release?
A: 

After XAT answer key is released, the examination body invites objection against it. Candidates can raise objection against preliminary answer key by filling an online form and submitting a document supporting their claim. Thereafter, examination body will examine all objections.

Q:   Can I download provisional XAT answer key after result announcement?
A: 

Provisional XAT answer key will be available for download for a limited period. It will not be available for download after objection window is closed. Thus, download it as soon as it is released.

XAT Logo

FAQs Related to XAT Answer Key 2026

Check below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to XAT answer key 2026.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the process of XAT answer key download?
A: 

XAT answer key is released for candidates to know which of their answers were correct or incorrect and how much score they have obtained in each section. The answer key also helps them know the right answers to all the questions asked in the exam. With the help of XAT response sheet, candidates can calculate their raw scores and percentile. To download the XAT answer key, candidates have to follow the steps given below:

  • Open xatonline website
  • Click on 'candidate response'
  • ·Enter user ID and password
  • Click on candidate response to generate answer key and question paper
  • XAT answer key will be displayed
  • Download the answer key/response sheet

XAT response sheet and answer key has question-wise official answer and candidate’s response. Along with that, the name, registration number, exam date and other information will also be mentioned on the answer key.

Q:   When are XAT cut offs released?
A: 

XLRI Jamshedpur releases the XAT cut offs every year in the month of February after the result announcement. The XAT exam is held on the first Sunday of January and the result is announced in the last week of January. And within a week of result announcement, the XAT cut offs are released.

The XAT cut offs are released at the official website of XLRI Jamshedpur and are available for download without login. The XAT cut offs are released for PGDM-HRM and PGDM-BM gender and academic stream wise. The document contains sectional and overall cut off percentiles for male, female, male non engineering and female non-engineering categories. Selection of candidates for the Personal Interview and Group Discussion round of XLRI admission is done on the basis of these category wise cut offs.

qna

XAT Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 6 days ago

Standard books useful across these exams include Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma or R.S. Aggarwal, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation by Nishit Sinha, and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis for building a strong vocabulary.

L

Loveleen Sharma

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

It might be difficult to get admission at XIME Kohchi with 88% in XAT. The institute accepts a 99.99% in XAT. However, these rules may change in the future; students are recommended to visit the Shiksha official page for the latest updates. 

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Candidates can apply by selecting the course and campus option while filling out the XAT application form. There is no separate application form for XLRI courses.

78471212
Abhishek Dhawan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

XLRI Jamshedpur officially releases the XAT registration and application form. It is made available online on their official exam website, xatonline.in. Candidates must register on this portal to apply for the exam and for XLRI admission

A

Akansha Goyal

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

The XAT application process is facilitated online. Candidates must visit the official website to register, fill the form, upload scanned documents, and pay the exam fee.

R

Rohini Bisht

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

Candidates holding a bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognised university can apply for XAT exam. Final year graduation students are also eligible to apply.

J

Jaya Katariya

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

Candidates can complete the XAT registration by generating a XAT ID, filling academic and personal details, uploading scanned documents, selecting test cities, and successfully paying the application fee online.

L

Loveleen Sharma

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

Yes, candidates must separately fill the admission forms of other XAT accepting colleges. There is no option to choose multiple colleges other than XLRI in the XAT form.

V

Vikram Tyagi

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

No, candidates do not need to fill separate application form. The XAT application form has an optional field to select the preferred XLRI courses. Candidates have to pay an additional fee for the same.

D

Dhanya Shekhar

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

Candidates cannot select a specific test centre for XAT exam, but they can choose two test city preferences from a drop-down menu during registration. Authorities allot XAT centres based on these preferences on a first-come, first-serve basis.

N

Nikita Saxena

Contributor-Level 7

1132 Institutes accepting XAT

XLRI Xavier School of Management

Jamshedpur Private

XLRI Xavie
  • 30.60 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time

Guwahati University - GU

Guwahati Public

Guwahati U
    • 2 years
    • |
    • Full Time
      • 2 years
      • |
      • Full Time

      University of Mumbai [MU]

      Fort, Mumbai Public

      University
        • 2 years
        • |
        • Full Time

        Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates

        ATMA 2026 Result Declaration 28 Feb '26
        CT SET 2026 Application Form Feb '26
        GE & PI Shortlist Declaration 28 Feb '26
        SRCC GBO 2026 28 Feb '26
        OJEE 2026: Last date of fee payment 22 Mar '26

        News & Updates

        Latest NewsPopular News