How to Fill the XAT 2027 Application Form: A Complete Guide
XAT's registration process, run directly by XLRI Jamshedpur, is a single, straightforward form, not the two-stage structure some other MBA entrance exams use. That said, a few details genuinely trip people up, particularly around programme preferences, test city selection, and the exact photo and signature specifications. Here's the complete, accurate process.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | July 15, 2026 |
| Registration closes | December 6, 2026 |
| Admit card download | December 20, 2026 (tentative) |
| Exam date | January 3, 2027, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
Before You Start
Keep these ready before you begin.
- A scanned, recent passport-size colour photograph, JPG, JPEG, or PNG format, under 1MB, minimum 200 dpi resolution, true colour
- A scanned signature, signed in black ink on white paper by the applicant only, under 1MB
- Academic and work experience details
- Payment method, debit card, credit card, net banking, IMPS, or mobile wallets
Photograph Requirements, Specifically
XLRI is precise about this, worth reading closely rather than guessing.
- Look straight at the camera with a relaxed expression
- If taken outdoors on a sunny day, keep the sun behind you or stay in shade, to avoid squinting or harsh shadows
- No red-eye if flash is used
- If you wear glasses, ensure no reflections and your eyes are clearly visible
- Caps, hats, and dark glasses aren't acceptable. Religious headwear is allowed, but must not cover your face
Signature Requirements
- Signed only by you, in black ink, on plain white paper
- This exact signature will appear on your admit card and must match what you sign at the exam centre. A mismatch can lead to disqualification, so sign consistently
The Registration Process, Step by Step
Step 1: Save your progress as you go. The form has a "Save and Next" option at every stage, use it, especially if you can't finish in one sitting.
Step 2: Fill in your details carefully. Names, in particular, must be spelled exactly as they appear on your certificates and identity proof. A mismatch here can affect your candidature later.
Step 3: Add academic and work experience details.
Step 4: Select your XLRI programme preference, if applicable. You can apply through XAT or through GMAT for XLRI programmes specifically. Indian candidates can also apply via GMAT or GRE for the PGDM (GM) programme and the XLRI-Rutgers Double-Masters pathway.
Step 5: Choose your test city preferences. XAT allows you to select up to 6 preferred test cities, more flexibility than most exams offer. Choose cities closer to where you live, though final allotment authority rests with XLRI.
Step 6: Upload your photograph and signature, following the specifications above.
Step 7: Preview your entire application before submitting. Use the Preview tab to check everything carefully.
Step 8: Make final corrections if needed, then submit. This is the critical warning, your application cannot be edited once submitted after payment. Triple-check before this step.
Step 9: Proceed to payment.
Step 10: Complete the payment and submit.
Registration Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| XAT Registration | ₹2,300 |
| Each additional XLRI programme preference | ₹200 |
| PGDM (GM) via GMAT/GRE, Indian candidates | ₹2,600 |
| Any programme via GMAT, NRI/Foreign/PIO/OCI candidates | ₹5,000 |
If you're interested in more than one XLRI programme, each additional preference costs ₹200 on top of the base registration fee, worth deciding your programme shortlist in advance rather than adding preferences one at a time.
Payment, Practical Notes
- Payment methods include debit cards (RuPay, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro), credit cards, net banking, IMPS, and mobile wallets
- After submitting payment, wait for server confirmation. Don't press back or refresh, doing so risks a double payment
- A successful transaction generates an e-Receipt. If no e-Receipt appears, treat that as a payment failure, log in again and repeat the payment process
- Take a printout of both your e-Receipt and your completed application form for your records
- If you're paying with a non-Indian card, your bank will convert the charge from Indian Rupees at the prevailing exchange rate
Additional Accommodation
Candidates with disabilities receive an additional 20 minutes per hour of exam time.
Final Review Before Submission
Once you've filled everything in, review it thoroughly. Remember, there is no correction window after final submission and payment. Save your e-Receipt and application printout for your records.
Prepare for the Exam You're Registering For
Filling the form correctly secures your seat. What matters after that is genuine preparation for XAT's real pattern, including Decision Making, XAT's signature section, and a Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning section that uniquely includes poems and cartoons alongside standard passages.
Explore XAT 2027 on GRADSKOOL →
Explore XAT Decision Making | The ALP Framework →
Want the full pattern breakdown first? Read our guide: XAT 2027 Exam Pattern
Curious how XAT's Decision Making section connects to SNAP's EMV section? Read: The ALP Framework: Solve Any Ethical Dilemma