XAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026: Dos and Don’ts, Items to Carry, Dress Code

Table of Contents

1. Official XAT 2026 Exam Day Instructions by XLRI Jamshedpur
2. XAT 2026 Exam Day Dos
3. XAT 2026 Exam Day Don’ts
4. Items to Carry, and Not Carry, to XAT Exam Centre
5. XAT Exam Day Check List 2026
6. XAT Exam Day Mistakes to Avoid 2026
7. XAT 2026 Exam Day Tips
8. XAT Exam Reporting Time, Gate Closing, Exam Time
9. XAT 2026 Exam Day Rules
10. XAT Exam Helpline
11. XAT Exam Day Checklist 2026

1. Official XAT 2026 Exam Day Instructions by XLRI Jamshedpur 
XLRI Jamshedpur, which is conducting XAT exam, issues XAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026 to candidates. The instructions outline mandatory exam day rules and guidelines including carrying a printed admit card with photo, a valid government ID, and following reporting timelines. Candidates must avoid prohibited items, follow biometric and frisking procedures, and comply with dress code and conduct guidelines to avoid disqualification. Check complete XAT Exam Day Instructions 2026 below.

1. Print all the pages of this Admit Card on an A4 size paper using a laser printer and carry the same on the day of Test for verification. Admit Card is valid only if the candidate's photograph and signature images are legibly printed. Please affix the same photograph as uploaded while registering for XAT at the indicated place (besides the printed photograph). The candidate must produce the Admit Card for verification at the time of the test. This Admit Card is valid only for the test date and session time as specified in the 'Test Day Details' section.
2. Candidate must carry any one of the original and valid Photo Identification Proof issued by the government – PAN card / Driving License / Voter ID / Passport / Aadhaar Card (With photograph) / E-Aadhaar / Ration Card / Identification Affidavit along with the Admit Card. The Photo Identification Proof should not be damaged or smudged.
3. Candidate must reach the centre as indicated against Reporting / Entry time at centre. Candidates will not be allowed to enter the test center after the gate closure time (01:50 PM).
4. No candidate shall be permitted to leave the XAT Test Centre before the end of the test.
5. Candidates are advised to locate their Test Centre and its accessibility at least a day before the test so that they can reach the Test Centre on time on the day of the test.
6. A writing pad and pen will be provided to the candidates for rough work, which will have to be returned after the test. Candidates should clearly write their name and application number on the writing pad.
7. Mobile phones, electronic gadgets, watches, calculators, stationery items, papers, wallets, goggles, etc. will NOT BE ALLOWED inside the Test centre. Candidates must NOT wear any jewellery or other items containing metal. There is no facility for safekeeping of candidates’ personal belongings outside the Test Hall and the Test Conducting Authority is not responsible for its damage or loss if any.
8. At test center entry you have to undergo a mandatory frisking activity, objectionable item (if any) is identified, you would be requested to leave it behind before entering the test center. Candidates showing non-cooperation may get barred from appearing for the test.
9. The Admit Card is provisional document, subject to the condition that the candidate has fulfilled the eligibility conditions like academic qualification, category, PwD status etc., as mentioned in his/her application, which is subject to verification in the consecutive stages of the selection process.
10. Requests for change of the Test Centre will NOT be entertained.
11. Parents / Guardians accompanying the candidate will not be allowed inside the test centre.
12. Bio-breaks are to be avoided during the exam except for emergency or medical conditions. If a candidate takes a bio-break, he/she will be re-frisked upon re-entry to the lab and any time lost due to this process will not be compensated under any circumstances.
13. Violation of any of the above guidelines including impersonation or breaking of code of conduct for XAT 2026 will lead to cancellation of candidature and / or legal action.

Follow these XAT 2026 exam instructions to avoid last-minute issues at exam centre. Next, check XAT Exam Day Dos and Don’ts 2025 below.

2. XAT 2026 Exam Day Dos

Preparing for CAT exam day is as important studying for the exam for months. Read and follow the important XAT 2026 Exam Day Dos and Don’ts starting with what you must remember to do.

• Recheck Admit Card details: You should recheck your Name, CAT Application Number, Test Centre address, CAT exam slot and reporting time at centre and other details in your XAT Admit Card. Ensure that all your details are correct. If there is any error, contact XAT Exam centre help desk by email or phone (details given at the end of the article)
• Print and Carry your XAT Admit Card Hard Copy: To enter XAT exam center, you will require hard copy of your admit card with passport size photo affixed on it. If not done till now, download your XAT Admit Card from XAT Website, take print on A4 size paper, fix your identical photograph in the given space on it. Read more about how to download XAT admit card.
• Keep your Photo ID Ready: One of the important XAT exam day dos is that you need original copy of your Photo ID to show at the exam gate. Following photo IDs are acceptable for XAT Exam:
  
  •Aadhar card
  •Voter Id card
  •Passport
  •PAN Card
  •Driving License
   
• Visit your XAT Exam Centre Before Exam Day: This is an important part of XAT exam day preparation. Check the exam centre address given in the Admit card and visit it before exam day. Also check the approximate time it takes to reach exam centre. This will help you plan for the exam day. Identify mode of transport and commuting time at least a day before the exam day in order to reach the test centre on time.
• Choose Correct Dress for XAT Day: Choose what you wish to wear on XAT exam day well in advance. The dress should keep you comfortable throughout the XAT exam day and should allow to sit for two hours while taking the exam. However, make sure that your dress does not violate the CAT exam dress code which does not allow garments with large buttons or footwear with thick soles.
• Arrive at CAT Centre in Time: You must reach the CAT test center as per the reporting time for your allotted exam slot. XLRI XAT exam day instructions ask candidates to reach exam centre 90 minutes before the start time of the exam. Remember, you will not be allowed to entre the exam centre after 1.50 PM.
• Carry Only Items Allowed Inside XAT Centre: Check complete list of items you can carry and not carry to exam centre below.  Don’t carry prohibited items to avoid unnecessary last-minute stress!
• Ensure to Mark Attendance: Mark your attendance in the Form with signature when asked for, in the CAT testing room after completion of biometrics. If you fail to mark attendance, you may be treated absent from the exam.
• Practice with XAT Rough Sheet: A Rough Sheet will be provided to the candidates inside the examination lab. Submit the admit card, rough sheets to the invigilator after the exam

Next, check list of things that you must not do!

3. XAT 2026 Exam Day Don’ts
After going through the XAT exam day dos, it is also very much necessary to know what are the XAT Exam Day Don’ts 2026. Check this list of XAT Exam Day Don’ts.

• Don’t carry Prohibited Articles inside XAT Exam Centre: While going to take XAT exam, you should not carry and wear the following dresses and items:
  - Do not wear oversized Jackets or heavy Jewelry or Shoes with thick soles
  - Do not wear Garments with large Buttons
  - Do Not carry Electronic Watch, Mobile Phone, Bag, Wallets etc to the XAT test centre.
  - No Stationery items like Pen, Pencil, Eraser etc. are allowed in the testing hall
   
• Don’t Apply Mehndi or Henna: Do not apply Henna (Mehndi) on your hands (palm side). It is a very important XAT exam day don’t for the girl candidates who apply Mehndi regularly on their palms. On the day of the test, your digital finger print scan will be captured and applying Henna (Mehndi) on palm side may be a hindrance in getting your biometrics captured.
• Don’t Ask for Bio Break during XAT Exam: Try to set your Bio Clock in advance as per the XAT exam timing. Do not request for a bio-break while inside the Exam Lab unless it is a medical emergency.
• Don’t Resort to Unfair Means: Do not attempt to speak or ask any thing with other candidates in the exam hall. If you do, you will run the risk of getting debarred. Each question is placed at different serial number for each test taker.

Follow above XAT Exam Day Dos and Don’ts 2025 to have a hassle-free exam day experience. Next, check out list of things to carry and not carry to XAT Exam Centre.

4. Items to Carry, and Not Carry, to XAT Exam Centre 
An essential part of XAT Exam Day Dos and Don’ts is that you should remember to carry some important items, and must not carry prohibited items. Read XAT 2026 Exam Day What to Carry and Not Carry in the following section.

You can carry only a very few items in XAT exam centre. Check things to carry and not carry in XAT 2026 Exam Centre.  
XAT What to Carry 2026?
Check the list of XAT exam day what to carry items below:

1. XAT 2026 Admit Card
2. Photo Identity Proof
3. Medical Certificate(s) if required
4. Scribe Affidavit if required  

Candidates will be provided with one pen and one writing pad. After the exam, you have to deposit a copy of admit card, pen and scribble pad (with all pages intact). You can also carry small food items, a water bottle and other personal essentials to the exam centre.

Remember, there are no arrangement to deposit mobile phone, bags or other valuables inside the test centre premises.

XAT What Not to Carry 2026? 
Check the list of XAT exam what not to carry items below:

1. Watch and Calculators
2. Mobile phones or any other electronic gadgets
3. Wallet, Purse or other items
4. Pencil/Pen/Paper/Notepad and other stationary items are also not allowed

Any candidate found with any of these items inside the exam hall will be disqualified and debarred from the exam. We hope this section has answered the question - what to carry for XAT Exam?  

5. XAT Exam Day Check List 2026 
If you want a handy XAT exam day check list 2026 to help you prepared for the D-day, check the list below. This XAT exam check List 2026 takes care of virtually everything you need to prepare for the XAT exam day.

1. Recheck all details on the XAT admit card
2. Print and carry a hard copy of the XAT admit card
3. Carry a valid government photo ID
4. Wear simple and comfortable clothes (avoid metallic items, thick-soled shoes, heavy jackets or jewelry)
5. Reach the exam center well before reporting time
6. Locate your exam hall and assigned seat
7.Carry only the allowed items: Admit Card, Photo ID, Water bottle (if permitted)
8.Do not carry mobile phones, electronic gadgets, watches, calculators, stationery, wallets, purses, books or bags
9.Do not apply mehndi/henna on hands as it may interfere with biometrics
10.Follow all XAT exam day instructions and guidelines at the centre

6. XAT Exam Day Mistakes to Avoid 2026 
Many students lose marks not because of lack of preparation, but due to avoidable errors under pressure. Keeping these XAT 2026 Exam Day Mistakes to Avoid will help you stay calm and perform better:

• Avoid arriving late at the exam centre.
• Avoid forgetting your printed admit card or valid photo ID.
• Avoid wearing restricted items like metal accessories, smartwatches or thick-soled shoes.
• Avoid spending too much time on a single difficult question.
• Avoid panicking and randomly marking answers without proper reasoning.

7. XAT 2026 Exam Day Tips
Follow these XAT exam day tips to make sure you are totally ready for the exam.

1. Recheck Admit Card Details: Thoroughly verify your Name, Application Number, Test Centre address, Slot, and Reporting Time on your XAT Admit Card.
2. Print and Affix Photo: You must carry a hard copy printout of your XAT Admit Card on A4 paper with a passport-sized photograph affixed to the designated spot. The photo must be identical to the one uploaded during registration.
3. Carry Original Photo ID: Bring the original copy of a valid Photo ID proof (Aadhar, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card, or Driving License) for verification at the gate.
4. Visit the Centre in Advance: Locate your test centre days before the exam using the Google Map link provided on the admit card. Plan your mode of transport and commuting time to ensure you arrive punctually.
5. Arrive Early: Reach the XAT test centre strictly as per the reporting time mentioned on your admit card, which is 90 minutes before the exam start time, to complete necessary security and biometric checks.
6. Dress Code Compliance: Wear simple, comfortable clothing that adheres to the XAT dress code given above. Avoid garments with large buttons, heavy jewellery, or thick-soled footwear.
7. Mark Attendance and Biometrics: Once inside the testing room, ensure your digital fingerprint scan is successfully captured and you mark your attendance on the form with your signature. Failure to do so may result in being marked absent.
8. Do Not Carry Prohibited Items: Leave all electronic gadgets (mobile phones, watches), bags, wallets, and any stationery items (pen, pencil, paper) outside the centre. Only permitted items (Admit Card, ID) are allowed.
9. Avoid Bio Breaks: Set your body clock according to the exam timing in advance. Do not request a bio-break during the 3-hour duration of the test unless it is a severe medical emergency.

8. XAT Exam Reporting Time, Gate Closing, Exam Time
XAT 2026 will be conducted in on January 4, 2026 in one slot only. Candidates must report 90 minutes before their slot for biometric verification and document checks. Here are the exact XAT exam timings and reporting time in the table below:

Check complete details of XAT exam date and time.

9. XAT 2026 Exam Day Rules 
XLRI has released XAT Exam Day Rules 2026 for candidates taking XAT exam. Important XAT exam rules are as below:

• Candidates should carry a printed Admit Card with Photo
• Candidates should carry a valid Government ID,
• Candidate must report on time.
• Candidates must not carry prohibited items,
• Candidate should follow biometric and frisking procedures, and comply with dress code and follow XAT exam rules to avoid disqualification.

10. XAT Exam Helpline 
If there is any error in your XAT admit card or you require help for the XAT Exam, you can contact XAT help desk on Phone +91 657 665 3203 and +91 657 665 3204. You can also contact on XAT helpline via Email ID [email protected].

11. XAT Exam Day Checklist 2026 
Follow these XAT 2026 exam day checklist to make sure you have all the things required for the exam day.

1. Recheck Admit Card Details: Thoroughly verify your Name, Application Number, Test Centre address, Slot, and Reporting Time on your XAT Admit Card.
2. Print and Affix Photo: You must carry a hard copy printout of your XAT Admit Card on A4 paper with a passport-sized photograph affixed to the designated spot. The photo must be identical to the one uploaded during registration.
3. Carry Original Photo ID: Bring the original copy of a valid Photo ID proof (Aadhar, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card, or Driving License) for verification at the gate.
4. Visit the Centre in Advance: Locate your test centre days before the exam using the Google Map link provided on the admit card. Plan your mode of transport and commuting time to ensure you arrive punctually.
5. Comply with XAT Dress Code 2026: Wear simple, comfortable clothing that adheres to the XAT dress code given above. Avoid garments with large buttons, heavy jewellery, or thick-soled footwear.
6. Do Not Carry Prohibited Items: Leave all electronic gadgets (mobile phones, watches), bags, wallets, and any stationery items (pen, pencil, paper) outside the centre. Only permitted items (Admit Card, ID) are allowed.

In summary, XAT 2026 exam will be held on January 4, 2026 from 2.00-5.00 PM. XAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026 are issued by XLRI Jamshedpur to ensure smooth conduct of the exam. Read complete XAT Exam Day Dos and Don’ts, XAT 2026 Dress Code and XAT Exam Day Instructions in the above article below. Also read XAT last minute preparation guide 2026 and take XAT previous years’ question papers.