
XAT 2026 Provisional Answer Key was released on 9th January 2026 on the official website, xatonline.in. The XAT 2026 examination was conducted on 4th January 2026 and was of a moderate difficulty level, similar to previous years. Candidates can use the answer key to evaluate their performance and estimate their scores. Based on the overall exam difficulty and trends from last year, the XLRI XAT cut-offs are expected to remain stable and are unlikely to witness any significant increase this year.
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The XAT 2026 provisional answer key was released on 9th January 2026 on the official website, xatonline.in. Along with the answer key, XLRI has opened the objection window, enabling candidates to review their responses and submit challenges, if any. The XAT 2026 examination was conducted on 4th January 2026.
XAT Answer Key 2026 is an official document published by XLRI Jamshedpur. It contains the correct answers to all questions asked in the XAT 2026 examination. This key enables candidates to review their performance, identify incorrect responses, and calculate their probable scores. This assessment helps candidates prepare before the official results are announced.
The XAT 2026 Response Sheet was released by XLRI Jamshedpur on January 6, 2026. The XAT 2026 exam was conducted on January 4, 2026.
The official XAT Response Sheet 2026 is available for download online. After the objection window closes, the final answer key will be published. Candidates must log in to the official XLRI website, using their registered credentials to access their response sheet, answer key, and the objection submission portal. Direct link to download the response sheet is given below-
XAT Answer Key 2026 Download Link
The XAT provisional answer key 2026 was released on 9th January, and after the objection window closes, the final answer key will be published. Candidates can access the direct download link for the Provisional answer key here.
XAT Answer Key 2026 Download Link (Active)
XAT answer key 2026 is essential for comparing your attempted answers with the correct solutions.
Here are the steps to download the XAT Answer Key 2026:
Go to the official website: xatonline.in.
Look for the link labelled "XAT 2026 Answer Key / Response Sheet" and click on it.
Log in using your XAT User ID and Password.
The answer key and response sheet will be displayed.
Download the PDF file and save it for future reference.
Aspirants can estimate their XAT 2026 scores using the official answer key and the prescribed marking scheme. Match your responses with the correct answers provided in the key.
The XAT marking scheme for score calculation is as follows:
For every correct answer: +1 mark.
For every incorrect answer: -0.25 marks.
For every unattempted question beyond eight unattempted questions: -0.10 marks.
There is no negative marking for questions in the General Knowledge section.
Candidates can also use online XAT score calculators available on the official website. This involves copying the response sheet link from your candidate dashboard and pasting it into the calculator to get a raw score.
Candidates who find errors in the provisional XAT Response Sheet 2026 can challenge it during the objection window. A fee of ₹500 per question is typically charged for raising an objection.
Follow these steps to raise an objection:
Visit the official XAT website: xatonline.in.
Log in using your XAT ID and password.
Click on the "Raise Objection" link.
Select the specific question you wish to challenge.
Attach relevant supporting documents or strong, textbook-based justifications.
Make the required payment of ₹500 per question.
Submit your objection within the specified deadline, which is January 8-10, 2026.
Several key points are important for candidates to remember regarding the XAT Answer Key 2026 process. These guidelines help ensure a smooth experience during the result estimation and objection phases.
The answer key is released before the official result declaration.
Objections to the provisional answer key are only permitted during the designated window.
The final answer key will be used for preparing the XAT results.
Scores from the General Knowledge section are not included in the percentile calculation.
Sectional cut-offs are not released simultaneously with the answer key.
After the final answer key is released, XLRI begins the process of compiling the XAT 2026 results. Percentiles are calculated based on these final responses, after which XLRI and other participating institutes start shortlisting candidates for subsequent selection rounds.
The XAT Result 2026 is expected to be released in the last week of January 2026. Candidates can download their XAT Score Card between January 31 and March 31, 2026.
Candidates often use expected score versus percentile charts to gauge their performance and chances of admission. This information helps candidates understand their potential standing. The XAT 2026 cutoff is predicted to remain stable compared to previous years.
| XAT Score Vs Percentile 2026 (Expected) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentile | Score | QA/DI | VALR | DM |
| 99 | 37 | 14 | 15 | 15 |
| 95 | 31 | 9.5 | 12.5 | 12.5 |
| 90 | 25.5 | 8 | 10.5 | 11 |
| 85 | 23 | 7.5 | 9 | 10 |
| 80 | 21 | 6.5 | 8 | 9 |
The XAT 2026 response sheet contains crucial personal and exam-related information. Candidates should carefully review all details to ensure accuracy and report any discrepancies to the authorities.
The XAT Response Sheet 2026 includes the following details:
Aspirant’s Name
Exam Date
XAT ID
Options selected by the test-taker
Question ID
Option ID
Section-Wise Question Numbers
Questions attempted
Questions unanswered