• Updated on Aug 05, 2025 by Souvik
XAT Exam Centres 2026: Registrations for XAT 2026 have started on July 10, 2026. XLRI has released the number of cities that will host the examination. Each city could have multiple test centres. XLRI has scheduled XAT 2026 to take place in 106 cities across India, including metro cities. Candidates must select six preferred towns from which they can take the exam when completing the application form. XLRI will allocate the following available exam centres as per earlier preferences are filled up. XLRI Admit Card notifies candidates of the allocated examination centre and its address.
XAT Exam Centres 2026 Important Dates
XLRI has released the notification stating all dates for XAT 2026 on July 9, 2026. The notification window opened on July 10, 2026, and will remain open till December 5, 2025. It is expected that XLRI will release the admit card on December 20, 2025, and will conduct the examination on January 4, 2026. Here is the complete list of XAT 2026 Dates.
How to Select XAT Exam Centres 2026?
XLRI assigns XAT exam centres based on the choices provided in the application form. Candidates must select six preferred cities for their test centres when submitting their application form. Here is the step-by-step process to choose exam centres for XAT 2026:
Step 1: Visit the official XAT 2026 website at xatonline.in
Step 2: Register and create login credentials.
Step 3: Log in with the XAT ID and password and fill out the application form.
Step 4: Select your preferred XAT 2026 exam centre. List six cities of choice.
Step 5: Review the application form, pay the application fee, and submit it.
Choosing XAT Exam Centres 2026: Things to Keep in Mind
It is vital to be aware of a few key details when selecting exam centres for XAT. Candidates may not receive their first preference for exam centres, as XLRI allocates test centres as they become available. Examination authorities do not accept requests to change exam centres after the publication of the admit card. Here are additional pointers to consider when selecting an XAT exam centre.
- XLRI allows candidates to choose six cities as their XAT exam centre.
- Choose exam centres in the order of preference.
- Candidates should select their place of residence as their first preference for the exam centre.
- If the first preference test centre is full, the next available test centre in the list is allotted to the candidate.
- Examination centres may be cancelled or changed at XLRI’s discretion.
- Candidates cannot request to change their examination centre after the release of the admit cards.
Check XAT Exam Pattern 2025
List of XAT Exam Centres 2026
XAT 2026 will have the same number of cities as XAT 2025. There are no changes to the number of towns as the previous year. For XAT 2025, XLRI added 34 new cities, bringing the total number of cities with XAT test centres to 106. Here is the complete list of cities candidates can choose as their XAT 2026 exam centres.
Also Read, XAT Cutoff 2025
Changing XAT Exam Centres 2026
Candidates are advised to carefully select their XAT 2026 exam centre when filling out the application form. It is not permitted to submit requests to change XAT examination centres after the admit card is released. However, XLRI will accept changes in the city preferences only under special circumstances. To change the XAT 2026 exam centre, candidates can email the authorities at admis@xlri.ac.in. Alternatively, clicking the “Ask Us/Query” link from the official website will allow individuals to submit their request to change cities.
Dos and Don’ts for XAT Exam Centres 2026
XAT candidates are subject to strict checking before they can enter the exam centres. To avoid delays and disqualifications, it is essential to arrive at the reported time, bring your admit card and ID proof, and adhere to the clothing restrictions. Here are some things to keep in mind on the XAT 2026 examination day:
- Arrive at the XAT exam centre before the reporting time (12:30 PM), before the examination starts.
- Bring two copies of the XAT admit card with a government-issued photo ID card.
- Exam centre gates close 30 minutes before the exam starts.
- Candidates cannot leave the exam centre without permission.
- Caps and other nonreligious headgear are not allowed.
- Clothing with pockets and metal jewellery is not permitted.
XAT Exam Centres 2026 FAQs
How many cities will host XAT 2026?
For 2026, over 100 cities will host XAT 2026. This includes the new cities added in the previous year.
How many city preferences can candidates enter in their XAT 2026 application form?
Candidates are allowed to enter six cities in order of preference for their XAT exam centre. XLRI will make allocations from the chosen cities.
Will candidates guaranteed to get their first city preference as XAT 2026 exam centre?
No. XAT makes allocations as per exam centres’ availability. If the candidates’ first preference city is full, the second city is allotted.
Can city preferences be changed after submitting the XAT 2026 application form?
No changes are permitted after submission of the application form. However, candidates can reach out to authorities if changes are necessary.
How will XAT 2026 candidates know which city has been allotted?
Candidates can know their allotted city from their admit cards. Admit cards are made available for download a couple of weeks before the exam commences.
Will the XAT 2026 admit card have the full address of the test centre?
Yes. The XAT admit card will contain the full address of the allotted centre to make navigation easy.
When will XAT 2026 registrations start?
XAT 2026 registrations are currently ongoing. The registration portal was opened on July 10, 2025 and will remain open till December 2025.
What documents should candidates carry to their XAT 2026 exam centre?
On examination day, candidates will be allowed to carry only their XAT admit cards and a government ID proof. No stationery, metal jewellery or hats are allowed in the exam centre.
What is the reporting time for XAT 2026?
The reporting time for XAT is an hour before the commencement of the exam. While the exam takes place between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, candidates must report to the exam centre by 1:00 PM.
What is the last date to fill out the XAT 2026 application form?
XLRI will accept applications till December 5, 2025. The application window may be extended at the discretion of XLRI.