XAT Response Sheet 2026 Released: Direct Link, Download Steps & Score Calculation

XAT Response Sheet 2026: The XAT 2026 examination was successfully administered on January 4, 2026. XLRI has published the XAT 2026 response sheet today, January 6, 2026. The tentative XAT answer key is currently accessible for candidates to review on the official XAT website. 

The release of the XAT response sheet is a significant milestone for any aspirant. It provides a clear overview of your performance, enabling you to compute your raw scores and strategise for the GD-PI rounds. This blog provides the direct download link, a detailed procedure to retrieve your sheet, and an expert analysis of the XAT 2026 marking scheme.

Also read: XAT 2026 Expected Cutoff 

XAT 2026 Response Sheet: Important Dates

Candidates need to review the exam dates and other important events ahead of the exam to have a clear understanding of what is coming up, allowing them to prepare well in advance. Below is the schedule of the upcoming events for your reference: 

Also read: XAT 2026 Exam Difficulty Level

How to Download XAT Response Sheet 2026?

Downloading the XAT response sheet for 2026 is a simple process, but it necessitates your registration credentials. Adhere to the following instructions to obtain your XAT 2026 response sheet PDF: 

1. Visit the official XAT website – xatonline.in.
2. Click on the ‘Login’ or ‘Candidate Response’ tab visible on the homepage.
3. Enter your XAT User ID and Password created during registration.
4. Once logged in, click on the ‘Candidate Response’ tab on your dashboard. 
5. Click on the Link stating, “Click here to generate your response sheet for XAT 2026.”
6. Click on ‘Download’ or ‘Print’ to save a copy for score calculation.

Note: The website may encounter slow loading times because of increased traffic. If you encounter problems, consider clearing your browser cache or accessing the site in Incognito mode. 

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Details Mentioned in the XAT 2026 Response Sheet

Your response sheet is a detailed record of your exam session. It contains:

• Candidate Information: Name, XAT ID, and Exam Centre details.
• Question Status: Question ID and whether you attempted it or left it unattempted.
• Your Response: The option you selected during the exam.
• Official XAT Answer Key: In numerous cases, XLRI provides a provisional answer key along with your response, highlighting the correct option in green.

How to Calculate Your XAT 2026 Score?

Determining your score in XAT involves a bit more complexity compared to CAT, primarily because of its distinctive marking system for questions that are not attempted. Apply the formula according to the XAT 2026 marking scheme. 

Part 1 (VALR, DM, QA & DI)

• Correct Answer: +1 mark
• Incorrect Answer: -0.25 marks
• Note: No marks will be deducted for the first 8 unattempted questions. A deduction of 0.10 marks will be done for every question beyond the 8th one.

Part 2 (General Knowledge)

• Correct Answer: +1 mark
• Incorrect Answer: No negative marking
• Note: The score of the GK section is not included in the calculation of the final XAT percentile. It is only used by XLRI and a few other institutes during the final selection stage.

Example

If you attempted 70 questions, got 55 correct, 15 wrong, and left 25 questions unattempted:

1. Positive Score for correct attempts: 55 X 1 = 55
2. Negative Score for incorrect attempts: 15 X 0.25 = 3.75
3. Penalty for Unattempted: (25 – 8) X 0.10 = 1.70
4. Final Raw Score: 55 – 3.75 – 1.70 = 49.55

XAT 2026 Score vs Percentile (Expected)

Considering the preliminary feedback from students and expert evaluation of the XAT 2026 difficulty level, which has been classified as “Moderate to Difficult,” the following outlines the anticipated raw score needed for different percentile ranges: 

*The above figures are just expectations based on the difficulty level of the XAT 2026 paper and past trends from previous XAT exams.

How To Raise Objections Against XAT Answer Key 2026?

If you notice a discrepancy in the official answer key (for example, a correct answer marked incorrectly), XLRI permits you to object. 

Steps to Raise Objection:

1. Log in to the XAT 2026 candidate portal.
2. Click on the ‘Raise Objection’ tab.
3. Select the Question ID you wish to challenge.
4. Upload supporting evidence (textbook references or logical proofs).
5. Pay the objection fee (if applicable). If your challenge is found to be valid, the fee is typically refunded.

What Happens After the XAT Response Sheet Release?

1. Final Answer Key: After reviewing all objections, XLRI will release a final answer key.
2. Result Declaration: The official XAT 2026 result will be announced on the basis of the final key.
3. XLRI Shortlist: Following the announcement of results, XLRI will publish the shortlist for the Business Management (BM) and Human Resource Management (HRM) programs. 
4. GD-PI Prep: This is the time to start your GD-PI-WAT preparation. Top colleges like XLRI, SPJIMR, IMT Ghaziabad, and XIMB will begin their interview processes in February.

Conclusion

The XAT 2026 response sheet is your first real look at your chances of making it to a top-tier MBA program. Download it immediately, calculate your scores accurately, and don’t forget to factor in the penalty for unattempted questions.

At Career Launcher, we understand that a score is just a number until it’s converted into a call. Use our XAT Percentile Predictor to get a more accurate picture of your standing.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: When will the XAT 2026 response sheet be available? 

A: The response sheet is anticipated to be published on January 6, 2026, within 48 hours following the examination. 

Q: Is there a negative marking for unattempted questions in XAT 2026? 

A: Yes, following 8 unanswered questions, a deduction of 0.10 marks is imposed for each additional skipped question. 

Q: Does the GK score affect my XAT percentile?

A: No, the General Knowledge section doesn’t change your overall XAT percentile, but it is considered when shortlisting candidates.

Q: Can I get the response sheet on my mobile device?

A: Yes, you can access the portal using a mobile browser, but it’s better to use a desktop computer to save the PDF securely.