Candidates are encouraged to choose a test city near their present residence. Selecting a centre within reach not only simplifies reaching the centre on time but also minimises travel stress and expense. After you pick your exam city and submit your application you won't be able to change your centre. So make the choice thoughtfully.

Last year in 2025 34 new cities were incorporated bringing the number of test cities to 109 in India. The XAT 2025 exam was conducted successfully in online mode on January 5, 2025 in all of these cities. The same trend is likely to follow for XAT 2026 as well.

How Can Candidates Pick Their XAT Exam Locations for 2026? 

While completing the XAT 2026 application form use the following simple steps to select your test centres:

• Create an account on the official XAT website – xatonline.in. 

• Login and begin completing the application form.

• When you get to the option of selecting test cities select a maximum of six cities from the list.

• Rank these cities in the order of your choice beginning with the one that is most accessible to you.

• Finish filling out the rest of the form for the XAT exam.

• Pay the registration fee and submit the form for the exam.

Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing Exam Cities

• Always choose your current city or a nearby city as your first preference.

• If your first-choice test centre is already full you’ll be allotted a centre from your second choice.

• After the admit card is issued you cannot change your centre.

• XLRI has every right to allot exam centres and also to alter or cancel any centre in exceptional situations.

Can Candidates Change the XAT Exam Centre Later?

As per the rule you cannot change your test city after the admit card is issued. In exceptional and valid cases XLRI can make a change prior to admit card issue. If you have to ask for something:

• Emails should be sent to admis@xlri.ac.in or send via the login page's query tab.

• Add your XAT ID, father's name, birthdate, the city you originally selected and the new city you have chosen.

Note: XLRI has the last say over whether to approve or reject the proposal.

XAT 2026 Exam Centres List 

Note: To see the remaining cities out of 109 cities refer to the official XAT 2026 website.

XAT 2026 Exam Day Instructions for Test Centre

To save time and avoid confusion on exam day follow the important instructions:

• Go to the exam centre one day prior to verify the location and estimate the time it takes to travel.

• Bring two printed copies of your XAT 2026 admit card.

• Carry a valid government photo ID (such as Aadhaar, Passport, PAN etc).

• Reach the centre very early before the given reporting time.

• It is not permitted to enter late. Thirty minutes prior to the exam's sta the gates would be closed.

• Don't try to get in early without a valid authorisation.

• Mobile phones, bags, books and other electronic devices are not allowed. There is no facility to store personal belongings in the centre.

• You must stay inside the examination hall until the invigilator instructs you to leave