XAT 2026 Provisional Answer Key Released: Candidates Can Raise Objections Now on the Official Website

XAT 2026 Provisional Answer Key has been released on January 9, 2026, and it can be checked and objected to by the candidates on the official XAT portal. The exam was conducted on January 4, 2026, in online mode for students who want to take admission into a management course in one of the participating institutes. 

XAT 2026 was organised by XLRI Jamshedpur in 110 cities across India. The process of application started from July 10, 2025, and it ended on December 11, 2025. The GMAT/GRE candidates were given some extra time for submission of applications. Admit Cards were issued on December 20, 2025, and results are scheduled to be released in mid-January 2026.

Important Dates for XAT 2026

How to Download XAT 2026 Provisional Answer Key

Follow the steps below to get the answer key:

Step 1: Candidates who want to see access the XAT 2026 provisional answer key must visit the official website of the XAT XAT 2026 Entrance Exam for MBA/PGDM.

Step 2: Once on the portal, click on the tab XAT key and objection form.

Step 3: Enter the details like XAT ID and User Password and log in to view the response sheet. 

Step 4: Candidates must download the response sheet for future use. 

How to Raise Objections?

Candidates who find any discrepancy in the provisional answer key can challenge it. 

Step 1: Students wishing to raise any objections must log in to the account on the official website https://xatonline.in/ 

Step 2: On the portal, select the questions that you want to challenge.

Step 3: Provide the valid proof or explanation for the objection raised.

Step 4: Pay the required objection fee and submit the objection before the deadline expires.

Why the XAT 2026 Answer Key Matters

• Assist prospective students in estimating their scores prior to when their official results are published

• Offer clarity about how examiners have evaluated candidates.

• Allow students to challenge any errors found in the provisional answer key.

• Ensure equal opportunity for all candidates in obtaining final results.

What’s Next after the Release of XAT 2026 Provisional Answer Key?

After the release of the XAT 2026 provisional answer keys, all candidates will have an opportunity to raise objections during the designated time frame. Upon reviewing all objections submitted by candidates, XLRI will publish its final XAT 2026 answer key. The examination authority will then calculate and publish all XAT 2026 results, with an anticipated release date of mid-January 2026. Candidates should continuously monitor the official website for information regarding the final answer key, score cards, as well as any other additional admission process.