With the XAT 2026 results released, the next steps are crucial for candidates aiming to secure admission to top management institutes, such as XLRI Jamshedpur, and other prestigious B-schools in India. Here’s what comes next after the XAT exam.
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a significant milestone for MBA aspirants. The XAT 2026 exam will be conducted on January 4, 2026, and the results are expected to be announced in the third week of January 2026. However, clearing this test is the first step to securing admission to top business schools. After the XAT 2026 Result, all the qualified candidates will have to appear in the Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), and Written Ability Test (WAT). These are essential stages of the selection process and require top-notch preparation.
What’s Next After XAT 2026 Exam?
Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur for students willing to secure admission to MBA/ PGDM programmes. The XAT score is accepted by over 250 institutes across the country for their admission processes. As the XAT 2026 exam results are expected to be announced in the third week of January 2026, all qualified candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to apply for admission to the B-School program. Shortlisted candidates will have to appear for GD, PI, and WAT to evaluate their suitability for the program. In this article, we have discussed the preparation guide for XAT GD, PI, and WAT for the reference of the candidates.
Strategy After XAT 2026 Result is Declared
The XAT 2026 exam results are expected to be announced in the third week of January 2026, so it is crucial to prepare for your next steps thoroughly to get admission to your desired MBA/ PGDM program. Start by reviewing your scores to get an idea of selection chances. Compare your scores with the expected cutoffs of your target institutions to determine whether you should prepare for the next round or not. If your score falls short, you can either look for colleges with lower cutoffs or consider reattempting the exam next year.
- Self-Assessment: Analyse your XAT scorecard to predict the chances of getting shortlisted in the desired college.
- Targeted Approach: Look for Business Schools that align with your career choices and professional goals. Carefully analyse their admission criteria and submit the application form on or before the last date.
- Personalised Preparation: You must align your profile with the specific requirements of your target colleges to ensure top-notch GD/ PI preparation. Inculcate the habit of reading newspapers and appearing in mock interviews to strengthen your communication and leadership skills.
Also Check: XLRI Shortlist Through XAT 2026
Preparation for GD, PI, and WAT After XAT 2026 Results
If confidence is high about clearing the XAT cut-off of the desired business school, it is important to begin preparing for the next stages of the admission process immediately. Preparation should focus on gaining in-depth knowledge and skills for Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI) rounds following the XAT exam. This strong approach will help stay ahead of the competition. Below is a preparation guide for GD, PI, and WAT after the XAT 2026 results.
How to Prepare for XLRI Group Discussion (GD)
Group Discussion (GD) is one of the essential parts of the XAT selection process, as it will assess your communication, teamwork skills, leadership, decision-making, and creative thinking. Here is the step-by-step guide to Excel:
- Read newspapers, magazines, and watch news channels to stay updated with current affairs.
- Emphasise trending topics like AI, global economic trends, climate change, and social issues.
- Participate in mock discussions through study groups or coaching classes to improve your communication skills and analytical abilities.
- Improve your listening skills and avoid interrupting others during the conversation. You can also use data or examples to improve your arguments.
How to Prepare for XLRI Personal Interview (PI)
The personal interview is very important to show why a candidate is right for the MBA program. It is a chance to share skills, experiences and goals, and to convince the panel that the candidate fits well with their program. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to do well:
- Prepare a story about the educational journey, including important academic and work achievements. Know your strengths, weaknesses, and goals well.
- Learn about the institute and make notes on why it was chosen and how it matches your goals.
- Get ready to answer common questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why pursue an MBA?”, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”, and “Why XLRI?”
- Practice mock interviews with friends or mentors to get better at answering behavior-based questions. Also, be ready to talk about current events and topics related to your field.
How to Prepare for XAT Written Ability Test (WAT)?
The WAT (Written Ability Test) round checks the ability to express ideas clearly and briefly in writing. In this round, a topic is given & participants have a limited time to share a clear opinion with sound reasons. Here are easy steps to prepare:
- Read opinion articles and essays to learn different writing styles.
- Review grammar and vocabulary to improve writing skills.
- Practice writing essays every day on different topics within a time limit to get used to exam pressure.
- Stay focused on the given topic and avoid going off-topic. Use examples, facts, or data to support points.
- Check the essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
- Keep a formal tone throughout the writing.
Wrapping Up
After the XAT 2026 results are announced, the next steps are very important for getting admission to top business schools like XLRI. Clearing the exam is just the beginning. Candidates must now prepare well for Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), and Written Ability Test (WAT). These rounds test thinking, speaking, and writing skills. Reading regularly, practicing mock interviews, and writing essays can help improve performance. With the right preparation and focus, it becomes easier to do well in all stages and increase the chances of admission to a top MBA or PGDM program.
