XAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria – Age, Qualification, Attempts & Reservation

Before applying for XAT 2026, it’s important to check the age criteria set by XLRI, Jamshedpur. A distinctive feature of XAT is that there is no strict upper or lower age limit for candidates to be eligible for the examination. Individuals of any age who fulfill the other stipulated eligibility criteria, such as educational qualifications and nationality, are welcome to apply for XAT 2026. Consequently, since no age limits are imposed, there are no specific age relaxations provided for any category, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer), or Persons with Disabilities. Knowing the age rules in advance ensures you apply within the permitted criteria and make full use of any relaxation benefits.

XAT 2026 may offer relaxations for candidates belonging to specific reserved categories as per XLRI, Jamshedpur guidelines. However, it is crucial for aspirants to understand that XLRI, the conducting body of XAT, does not implement any caste-based or category-based reservation policy for the XAT examination or for admissions to its own management programs. All candidates, regardless of whether they belong to General, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer), Economically Weaker Sections, or Persons with Disabilities categories, are assessed solely on a common merit-based system for XLRI admissions. There are also no fee concessions for reserved categories for the XAT application itself. Nevertheless, candidates should be aware that other business schools and institutes that accept XAT scores may have their own specific reservation policies and may offer benefits such as reduced qualifying marks or seat reservations. To avail these potential benefits at other colleges, candidates must possess and upload valid and up-to-date category certificates during their application process to those specific institutions. Verification will follow the official protocol set by the respective college authorities. By understanding and following the process, eligible candidates can make full use of the category-based benefits available for XAT accepting institutes.

XAT 2026 is open to Indian citizens and valid Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card holders as per XLRI, Jamshedpur rules. As XAT is a national-level entrance examination, there are no specific domicile requirements for appearing in the test itself. Domicile criteria might be relevant for admissions to certain state-level colleges that accept XAT scores, and candidates should verify such requirements directly with those institutions. Non-Resident Indian (NRI) and foreign applicants are also eligible to apply for admission to XLRI programs, primarily through their valid GMAT or GRE scores. While these candidates are typically required to register for XAT, they are generally not mandated to appear for the XAT examination if applying through GMAT/GRE. It is strongly advised that NRI and foreign applicants verify specific eligibility and application guidelines directly with individual colleges or authorities to ensure compliance with all requirements before applying.

Before preparing for XAT 2026, it’s essential to know if there’s a cap on the number of attempts. Unlike some competitive examinations that impose strict limits on how many times a candidate can appear, XAT has a flexible policy. For XAT, there is no restriction on the number of attempts an individual is allowed to take. Candidates can appear for the Xavier Aptitude Test as many times as they wish, provided they meet the other general eligibility criteria for the examination each year. This unlimited attempt policy allows aspirants to plan their preparation and appear for the exam at their convenience without concerns about exhausting their chances. Being aware of attempt limits helps you plan your preparation strategy effectively and avoid exhausting your chances prematurely.

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