XAT 2027 Eligibility Criteria: Qualification, Age and Who Can Apply

XAT 2027 eligibility is simple compared with most entrance exams: you need a recognised bachelor's degree of at least three years in any discipline, and final-year students can apply. XLRI Jamshedpur conducts XAT on behalf of XAMI, and the 2027 exam is on 3 January 2027. Registration is open until 6 December 2026.

This page sets out the XAT eligibility criteria from the official XAT FAQ: the degree rule, the deadline for final-year students, how to enter percentages, how work experience is counted, and the route for NRI and foreign candidates. It also covers who cannot apply and the points where institute rules may be stricter than the exam rules.

XAT 2027 Eligibility at a Glance

Educational Qualification

Degree requirement

Candidates must hold a recognised bachelor's degree of at least three years' duration, or its equivalent, in any discipline. Arts, commerce, science, engineering and other streams are all accepted for appearing in the exam.

Final-year students

If you are in the final year of graduation, you can apply for XAT 2027. You must complete your final examinations by 11 June 2027. Institutes will ask for proof of completing your degree at the time of admission, so keep your college documents ready.

How to enter your percentage

• Graduation: Enter aggregate marks up to your last completed semester or year.

• Five-year integrated courses: Enter the same percentage for both graduation and post-graduation.

• Class 10 and 12 (CBSE and similar boards): Calculate the aggregate using all subjects you appeared in, not just the best five.

The official FAQ does not prescribe a minimum percentage for appearing in XAT. Individual institutes, including XLRI, may weigh academic scores in shortlisting and final selection, so check their admission policies.

Age Limit

The official XAT FAQ does not state an age limit for the exam. Candidates with several years of work experience also take XAT. If you are targeting a specific programme, check whether that institute sets its own age or experience rules.

Work Experience Rules

Work experience is not required to appear in XAT. If you have it, only full-time experience gained after graduation is counted. Internships and articleships are not counted as work experience in the application form.

Some programmes do require experience. For example, XLRI's PGDM (General Management) asks for at least three years of managerial or supervisory experience by 31 March 2027, and accepts XAT 2027, GMAT or GRE scores.

Nationality and Other Conditions

• Indian nationals: All Indian candidates must take XAT 2027 to apply to XLRI's XAT-based programmes.

• NRI candidates: Indian citizens living abroad with an Indian passport may apply through GMAT.

• PIO and OCI candidates: Foreign nationals of Indian origin who meet the official PIO or OCI definitions may apply through GMAT. The official FAQ lists exclusions for certain nationalities.

• Name details: Your name and your parents' names must match your certificates and ID proof. A mismatch can lead to disqualification.

Who Is Not Eligible

• Diploma holders without a degree: A diploma that is not equivalent to a three-year bachelor's degree does not meet the requirement.

• Late final-year results: Final-year students who will finish their exams after 11 June 2027 do not qualify for this cycle.

• Mismatched records: Applications with names that do not match official documents risk rejection.

Fee and Documents

The XAT 2027 registration fee is Rs. 2,300, with Rs. 200 extra for each XLRI programme you choose. You will need a recent colour photograph and a signature in black ink on white paper for upload. and check the official XAT registration page.