XAT Answer Key 2026: Download PDF, Release Date & Cutoffs

The XAT 2026 exam was held on 4 January 2026 (Sunday), and as per the post-exam question paper analysis, the difficulty level was moderate to high. XLRI Jamshedpur conducts XAT every year on the first Sunday of January.

The XAT response sheet and provisional answer key for 2026 were released on the official portal xatonline.in around 9 January 2026, in line with XLRI's standard schedule of releasing the key within 4-5 days after the exam.

The XAT 2026 response sheet contained the questions and choices selected by each candidate, organised by section, helping candidates assess their performance and estimate the XAT score and percentile. The 2026 XAT question paper and provisional answer key were provided to candidates along with the response sheet.

An objection window was open for a few days after the provisional key release, during which candidates could submit objections to the official answer key. After review, XLRI declared the XAT 2026 result on 16 January 2026 on xatonline.in — with over 1.42 lakh registered candidates, this was reported as the highest in XAT history.

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XAT Exam Answer Key 2026: Key Dates You Need to Know

Let's break down the key dates you should keep in mind as you look for the XAT exam answer key release.

Make sure to check the official website xatonline.in regularly for the exact dates, as they may change slightly.

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Why is the XAT Exam Answer Key Important?

The XAT exam answer key serves several key purposes:

1. Self-assessment

You can use the answer key to check how many questions you answered correctly and estimate your probable score using XAT's marking scheme (+1 / -0.25 / -0.10 beyond 8 unattempted in Part 1).

2. Filing objections

If you believe a particular answer in the XAT exam answer key is incorrect, you can raise an objection on xatonline.in within the specified window.

3. Planning ahead

It helps you understand where you stand in terms of cutoffs so you can prepare for the next stage of the selection process (GD/PI for XLRI and other shortlisting institutes).

For a comprehensive overview of the XAT 2026 Exam Fees, along with available payment methods, visit our blog on XAT Exam Fees 2026.

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Is The XAT Response Sheet Out?

Yes — the XAT 2026 response sheet was released on xatonline.in shortly after the 4 January 2026 exam (around 9 January 2026). Here is how to access it.

Step 1

Log in to your XAT account on xatonline.in using your registration number and password.

Step 2

Navigate to the Response Sheet 2026 section on the dashboard.

Step 3

Download your response sheet to compare it with the answer key.

Step 4

Match your answers with the XAT 2026 provisional answer key and use the official marking scheme to estimate your score.

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How to Use the XAT Exam Answer Key?

After you download the XAT exam answer key, follow these steps:

For details on the XAT Cutoff 2026, including expected percentiles for top institutes, visit our in-depth guide on XAT Cutoff. 

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How Do You Raise Objections to the XAT Exam Answer Key?

If you find errors or discrepancies in the answer key, you have the right to raise objections. Here's how:

1. Go to the Official Portal

Log in to your XAT account on xatonline.in.

2. Locate the Objection Link

There will be a link to raise objections to any question or answer.

3. Submit Your Objection

Provide the correct answer and a clear justification for why you believe the key is wrong.

4. Pay the Objection Fee

There is a nominal fee for raising objections (typically a few hundred rupees per question).

After reviewing all objections, XLRI releases the final XAT answer key.

For a complete overview of the XAT Syllabus Section-wise, including important dates, key topics, and weightage, check our detailed guide on XAT Syllabus 2026.

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XAT Response Sheet: What's in It?

The XAT response sheet contains your answers to each question you attempted in the exam. It's essential for calculating your score accurately. Here is what the official XAT response sheet includes: 

For a comprehensive look at the XAT Accepting Colleges, including admission criteria, selection process, and key insights, explore our detailed blog on XAT Accepting Colleges. 

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XAT 2026 Exam Pattern (For Reference)

Understanding the XAT exam pattern helps you correctly interpret the answer key and marking scheme.

Marking: +1 per correct / -0.25 per incorrect in Part 1; -0.10 per unattempted question beyond 8 in Part 1; no negative marking in GK (Part 2).

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Previous-Year XAT Answer Keys: Download PDF

Previous-year XAT answer keys are a valuable resource for candidates preparing for upcoming XAT exams. They provide detailed solutions and help you analyse performance by comparing your answers.

Here are quick links to past answer keys, response sheets, and question papers:

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XAT 2026 Cutoff: Expected Percentiles for Top Institutes

The XAT 2026 cutoff is the minimum percentile required to qualify for selection rounds at XLRI Jamshedpur and other participating institutes. The cutoff is influenced by the number of candidates appearing, paper difficulty, and seats available.

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XAT Exam Cutoffs for XLRI 

XLRI Jamshedpur is one of the top colleges students target through XAT. The XAT cutoff for XLRI is released after the XAT answer key. Here are XLRI's 2024 cutoffs as a historical reference: 

Understanding the XAT exam answer key is an essential part of your journey as an XAT aspirant. It helps you assess your performance, raise objections if necessary, and estimate your score. With the help of tools like the XAT response sheet calculator, you can quickly figure out how well you did in the exam. Stay on top of the key dates, and make sure to check the official xatonline.in website regularly for updates on the XAT 2026 exam answer key.

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