XAT 2026 Registration Guide: Dates, Fees, Photo & Signature Upload Instructions

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XAT 2026 Registration Guide: Dates, Fees, Photo & Signature Upload Instructions

The XAT 2026 registration process has officially started and candidates planning to apply for XLRI and other top B-schools should carefully go through the application steps. The official XAT 2026 release stated that registration commenced from 10th July 2025 and will go till December 5th, 2025.

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Here the aspirants can get all the information about XAT 2026  ranging from important dates, fees and required documents to detailed instructions on how to fill the form, upload photographs and signatures and complete the payment process. The exam will provide admission to 250+ MBA/PGDM institutes in India. 

XAT 2026 Registration Guide Dates, Fees, Photo & Signature Upload Instructions

Overview of XAT 2026 Dates For Registration 

XAT Registration Activity

Date Scheduled 

Opening of Registration 

10th of July 2025 

Application Submission Concludes On 

5th of December 2025 

Hall Ticket Issue Date 

20th of December 2025 

XAT Examination Date 2025 & Time 

4th of January 2026 (From 2 P.M - 5 P.M) 

How Can I Register and Apply for the XAT 2026 Exam? 

Here are simple steps to fill out your XAT 2026 registration form (online):

Step 1: Start filling out the application form. If you are unable to complete in one sitting, make use of the "Save and Next" option so that you do not lose your information entered.

Step 2: Carefully fill out all the information. No corrections will be possible once the form is submitted.

Step 3: Ensure the names are exactly same as stated on official documents. Disqualification may result from any discrepancy.

Step 4: Enter your academic record and work experience in the respective areas.

Step 5: Select the XLRI programs you are applying for either via the XAT or through GMAT score.

Step 6: Select the two cities you want to use as test sites. Depending on who registers for the exam first the final city will be chosen.

Step 7: In accordance with the guidelines include your signature and a recent photo.

Step 8: Click on the 'Preview' tab to preview your whole application.

Step 9: Correct if necessary. Only after verifying all the details and files uploaded are correct submit the form. Nothing can be altered after the fee payment.

Step 10: Choose a method of payment and pay the application fee.

Step 11: On successful payment click 'Submit' to finish your XAT 2026 registration process.

Details of 2026 XAT Exam Fees

  • The general candidates registration fee for the XAT 2026 test is ₹2,200.

  • If the candidate wants to apply for any program in XLRI an additional ₹200 per program has to be paid by them.

  • The application cost for Indian applicants using the GMAT/GRE to apply for the XLRI-RBS Double Master's Program or PGDM (GM) is ₹2,500.

  • Candidates who are NRI, foreign, PIO or OCI who apply through GMAT for one or more XLRI programs will be required to pay ₹5,000.

Instructions for Submitting the XAT Application Form

Candidates can print or download their completed application form which will also include the payment details after the fee has been paid.

  • Before beginning the online application make sure you have scanned copies of your passport-size photo and signature that meet the requirements. 

Note: If required edit your form and then upload your photo and signature again.

  • The payment form is directly connected to the payment mechanism. You can process the payment through any of the following options such as Debit Card (RuPay, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro), Credit Card, Net Banking, IMPS, Mobile Wallets or Cash Cards. 

  • After you provide your payment details patiently wait for confirmation. Don't press the back or refresh button as it may result in multiple payments.

  • If your payment has been successful you will receive an e-Receipt. If this does not show up then the payment has failed. If this happens log in again using your registered password and email and try paying again.

  • Candidates should save and print the e-Receipt as well as the final application form. If you cannot obtain them it is possible that the online payment did not go through.

  • Note for International card: Charges are listed in INR. If you have a card that's not Indian your bank will charge the fee in your local currency based on exchange rates.

Key Instructions for Uploading Photographs 

  • The candidates are asked to upload their recent coloured passport-sized photograph.

  • If the photo is taken outdoors then they should stand so that the sun will be behind them. They also should not squint or have any strong shadows.

  • They should have a calm expression on their face while looking straight into the camera.

  • If the picture is taken using the flash then red-eye must be taken care of.

  • Make sure there is no glare and eyes are well visible if the glasses are worn.

  • Sunglasses, headgear and caps are not permitted. Only religious head coverings are acceptable as long as they do not cover the candidate's face.

  • The image size is advised to be within 1MB. In case the size is more the candidates are asked to rescale it from their scanner setting.

Signature Upload Guidelines for 2026 XAT Registration

  • Put your bold signature on a white piece of paper using a black ball pen.

  • No one else signature is allowed. You alone have to put your signature on the paper. Anyone else's signature will not be accepted.

  • Your signature will appear on your admit card and other official documents related to the test.

  • Your admission card and attendance sheet should have the same signature uploaded. Disqualification may results in case of any mistake.

  • Your signature scanned file should be less than 1MB.

Scanning & Uploading Instructions

In case the image is not of the desired size or format an error message will display. You will have individual upload links for the photograph and the signature while completing the online application.

Steps to Scan and Upload Your Photograph or Signature:

  • Use at least 200 dpi as your scanner resolution.

  • Scan in "True Colour" mode.

  • Tightly crop the image around the signature or photograph.

  • For instance save the file in PNG, JPEG or JPG format.

  • You can verify image details by hovering over the icon of the file or looking at properties in the directory.

Procedure for Uploading 

  • Select the link for  Upload Photograph or the Upload Signature.

  • Your system has to be browsed and the folder in which your scanned image is saved identified.

  • Select the proper file.

  • Click the "Upload" button to complete the process.

FAQs

You may apply for the XAT 2026 exam online at the official website xatonline. in. The entire process from form filling to document upload and payment of fees will be facilitated through this website.

₹2,200 is the application cost for XAT 2026. Besides any XLRI programs would attract an additional ₹200 per program. For Indian candidates applying through GMAT/GRE specifically for the PGDM (GM) a fee of ₹2,500 applies whereas for NRI/Foreign/PIO/OCI candidates who apply through GMAT ₹5,000 would be applied.

You may make changes to your XAT 2026 application form only prior to final submission. Once you make the payment and submit your application finally no modifications will be permitted. Hence one should check every detail thoroughly before hitting the final submit button.

You must select two test cities of your choice when submitting your application. The last test city will be allocated on basis of registers first for the exam and hence it's recommended that you apply early so that your first choice stands a better chance of being accepted.

Immediately after successful payment you will be sent a confirmation email with your XAT ID as well as transaction details. You may also download your completed application form and fee receipt from your dashboard.