XAT 2026 Response Sheet OUT: Direct Link to Download and Other Key Details Here

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 response sheet has been officially released on the XLRI (Xavier School of Management) exam portal, giving thousands of MBA and PGDM aspirants a first look at their marked responses from the recently concluded entrance examination. The response sheet went live on January 6, 2026, just two days after the XAT was conducted on January 4, 2026. Candidates can now access and download their individual response sheets through the official website — xatonline.in — using their login credentials.

What Is the XAT 2026 Response Sheet?

The XAT response sheet is an important post-exam document that contains:

• The complete question paper of XAT 2026.

• Section-wise questions asked in the exam.

• The responses marked by the candidates during their test.

Unlike the official answer key, the response sheet does not provide the correct answers — it only shows what each candidate marked during the exam. It serves as a crucial tool for aspirants to verify their own answer selections and assess their likely performance ahead of the official result announcement and answer key release.    

How to Download the XAT 2026 Response Sheet?

XLRI has made the process straightforward. Follow these steps to download your response sheet:

1. Visit the official XAT website: xatonline.in.

2. On the homepage, locate and click the link for the “Candidate Response Sheet”.

3. Enter your XAT ID and password (or date of birth) in the login fields.

4. Upon successful login, your response sheet will be displayed.

5. Download the PDF to your device and save it for future reference.

A direct link to the response sheet is available on the official portal for candidates as soon as they log in. It is recommended to download and store the PDF soon, as access may be limited to a short period post-release.

Why the XAT Response Sheet Matters?

The release of the response sheet is a key step in the XAT evaluation process. It allows aspirants to:

• Verify the questions attempted and compare them with their recollection.

• Estimate their raw scores once the official answer key is out.

• Identify any discrepancies in the recorded responses early on.

• Prepare better for subsequent admission stages based on performance.

Being able to view one’s responses gives test-takers a chance to get an early indication of how they might fare before the final results are declared later in January 2026.

XAT Answer Key and Objections: What to Expect Next

While the response sheet has been released, the official XAT 2026 answer key is expected very soon. Once published, candidates will be able to cross-check their individual responses against the correct answers and calculate an estimated score. A window for raising objections against any answer key entries will also typically be provided, allowing candidates to challenge any discrepancies before final answer key confirmation.

Earlier reports had indicated that the answer key would follow within a few days of the response sheet’s release, and coaching institutes have already started preparing provisional keys based on student feedback and memory-based analysis.

XAT 2026 Marking Scheme and Score Estimation

Although the final answer key is pending, aspirants can begin to prepare for score estimation by understanding the XAT marking scheme:

• +1 mark for every correct answer.

• –0.25 marks for each incorrect response.

• –0.10 marks penalty for more than eight consecutive unanswered questions (applicable in some sections).

• No negative marking for the General Knowledge section.

Since XAT 2026 was held in a single shift, there is no score normalisation. Once the official answer key is released, raw scores will be converted into percentiles on that basis.

XAT 2026: Key Dates and Timeline

Here’s an overview of key milestones in the XAT 2026 timeline:

• Exam Date: January 4, 2026.

• Response Sheet Release: January 6, 2026.

• Expected Answer Key Release: Coming soon (likely mid-January).

• Result Declaration: Anticipated later in January 2026.

Candidates are encouraged to keep a close watch on the official XAT website and official notifications for updates regarding answer key publications, objection submission windows, and the declaration of results.

Expert Suggestions for Candidates

Education experts emphasize that reviewing the response sheet carefully can help identify strong and weak areas well before the release of the final result. They also advise candidates to wait for the official answer key rather than relying solely on unofficial keys shared by coaching institutes, as provisional keys may vary.

Conclusion

The release of the XAT 2026 response sheet marks a significant step in the exam’s evaluation phase. It equips candidates with critical data about their exam performance and sets the stage for the forthcoming answer key and result declarations. As MBA hopefuls across the country analyze their responses and calculate estimated scores, the focus now shifts to the answer key release and subsequent admissions processes in top B-schools.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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