XAT 2026 Applications Open on July 10: Early Applicants to Get Mentorship and Exclusive Support
The Xavier School of Management (XLRI) is all set to open registrations for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 on July 10, with the exam scheduled to be conducted on January 4, 2026. This year, XLRI is not just launching the application window but also introducing a unique and personalized initiative for early applicants, reinforcing its commitment to handholding aspirants through their MBA journey.
Candidates can register for the exam at XATonline.in, with the deadline to apply being December 5, 2025.
Exclusive Perks for Early Birds
To encourage early engagement and deeper preparation, XLRI has announced that students who register on Day 1 (July 10) will receive exclusive support and mentorship. The idea is to not only simplify the application process but also create a sense of community and connection with the XAT ecosystem right from the start.
According to the official statement, the initiative is designed to help aspirants prepare more effectively by offering a blend of access, guidance, and motivation in the early stages of their preparation.
What’s in Store for Day 1 Registrants?
Here’s what makes this year’s early application window truly special:
1. Live Interaction with XAT Experts & Toppers
A total of 100 early applicants—randomly selected from those who register on July 10—will be invited to two exclusive online Q&A sessions. These are scheduled for the last week of July and the first week of August.
Participants will have the opportunity to directly interact with:
- The XAT 2026 Convenor
- Members of the XAT core team
- Top-performing students from XLRI
These sessions are aimed at helping aspirants get expert test-taking strategies, insights into preparation, and real-time answers to their queries.
2. Access to a Private Mentorship Group
In addition to the live sessions, the selected early applicants will be added to a private Telegram group moderated by XLRI students and the XAT team. This mentorship space will operate actively during the second and fourth weeks of August, featuring weekly one-hour sessions.
This group is designed to be an informal, peer-supportive environment where candidates can:
- Ask questions about the exam
- Get study and time management tips
- Receive personalized responses and guidance from mentors
Such initiatives reflect a deeper understanding of the challenges aspirants face and the kind of support that can genuinely make a difference.
A Community-Driven Exam, Not Just a Test
Prof. Rahul Shukla, Convenor of XAT 2026, emphasized the ethos behind this initiative in a thoughtful statement:
“We have witnessed over the years that the most amazing trips start with quiet clarity rather than noisy assurance. This year, we want to walk alongside the aspirants from Day 1—not just as an exam body, but as a community that believes in their potential.”
His words reflect a shift in approach—from treating exams as high-stakes events to nurturing aspirants with consistent guidance and motivation.
XAT 2026: More Than Just a Gateway
XAT is one of India’s most respected MBA entrance exams, widely accepted by top B-schools including XLRI, SPJIMR, IMT, XIMB, TAPMI, and many more. With its strong emphasis on ethical leadership, critical thinking, and decision-making, XAT has always aimed to identify future-ready managers.
This year’s early applicant initiative reinforces XLRI’s legacy of inclusive excellence, and its belief in enabling students to succeed not just through competition, but through collaboration and mentorship, offering the support that students need.
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