The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 is a key MBA College Admission by XAT percentile 160+ top B-schools in India, including XLRI Jamshedpur, XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad, and many others. It evaluates candidates not just on quantitative and verbal skills but also on decision-making abilities, making it one of the most unique MBA entrance exams in India.
This guide provides detailed insights into MBA college admissions based on XAT percentile, including cut-offs, college lists, eligibility, fees, and key preparation tips.
XAT 2026 Overview
| Feature |
Details |
| Exam Name |
Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body |
XLRI Jamshedpur |
| Mode of Examination |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Frequency |
Once a year |
| Exam Duration |
3 hours + 10 minutes (essay) |
| Tentative Exam Date |
First/Second Sunday of January 2025 |
Top MBA Colleges by XAT Percentile 2026 (Expected)
| XAT Percentile Range |
Top Colleges Accepting Score |
| 98–99.9+ |
XLRI Jamshedpur (BM & HRM), SPJIMR (GMP), IMT Ghaziabad |
| 95–98 |
XIMB Bhubaneswar, TAPMI Manipal, GIM Goa, FORE School of Management |
| 90–95 |
KJ Somaiya, LIBA Chennai, IFMR Krea University |
| 80–90 |
BIMTECH Noida, Great Lakes Gurgaon, XIME Bangalore |
| 70–80 |
Amity Business School, Welingkar Mumbai & Bangalore |
| 60–70 |
Jaipuria Institute of Management, ITM Navi Mumbai |
Tip: While XLRI requires a very high XAT percentile, many other quality institutes offer admissions in the 70–90 range.
XAT 2026 Section-Wise Pattern
| Section |
Questions |
Duration |
Question Type |
Marking Scheme |
| Verbal & Logical Ability |
~26 |
Combined 175 min |
MCQs |
#ERROR! |
| Decision Making |
~21 |
Combined 175 min |
MCQs |
-4 |
| Quantitative Aptitude & DI |
~28 |
Combined 175 min |
MCQs |
-4 |
| General Knowledge |
~25 |
After 175 min |
MCQs |
No negative marking |
| Essay Writing |
1 |
10 minutes |
Subjective |
Evaluated at interview (not scored in exam) |
Admission Process Based on XAT Score
- Take XAT 2026 – Appear for the exam and receive your percentile.
- Apply to XAT-accepting Colleges – Either through XLRI’s portal or individual college websites.
- Shortlisting – Based on XAT percentile + academic profile + work experience (varies by college).
- GD-PI or WAT Rounds – Shortlisted candidates attend group discussions, written tests, and personal interviews.
- Final Selection – Based on overall performance including XAT score, GD-PI-WAT, academics, and diversity.
Eligibility for MBA Admission via XAT 2026
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) from a recognized university
- Final-year students are eligible
- No age limit
- Work experience is not mandatory but preferred by some institutes like XLRI and SPJIMR
Expected XAT Cutoff for Top Colleges (General Category)
| Institute |
Program |
Expected Cutoff (Percentile) |
| XLRI Jamshedpur |
BM |
95–96+ |
| XLRI Jamshedpur |
HRM |
92–94+ |
| XIMB |
MBA |
90–93 |
| IMT Ghaziabad |
PGDM |
90 |
| GIM Goa |
PGDM |
85–90 |
| TAPMI |
PGDM |
85–90 |
| FORE School of Management |
PGDM |
85–87 |
| Great Lakes (Chennai/Gurgaon) |
PGPM/PGDM |
80–85 |
Top MBA Specializations Offered via XAT Colleges
- Business Management (BM)
- Human Resource Management (HRM)
- Rural Management
- Finance & Marketing
- Operations & Supply Chain
- Business Analytics
Fees & ROI Overview
| Institute |
Program Fees (Approx.) |
Average Package (INR) |
| XLRI Jamshedpur |
₹24–27 Lakhs |
₹30 LPA |
| XIM Bhubaneswar |
₹20 Lakhs |
₹15–16 LPA |
| IMT Ghaziabad |
₹20 Lakhs |
₹13–15 LPA |
| TAPMI Manipal |
₹16 Lakhs |
₹12–13 LPA |
| GIM Goa |
₹18 Lakhs |
₹11–12 LPA |
Best Books for XAT 2026 Preparation
| Section |
Recommended Books |
| Decision Making |
“Analytical and Logical Reasoning” by Arihant, XAT Official Mocks |
| Verbal & Logic |
“How to Prepare for VARC for CAT” by Arun Sharma (also helpful for XAT) |
| Quant & DI |
“Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams” by R.S. Aggarwal, Arun Sharma QA |
| GK |
Manorama Yearbook, BusinessLine, GK Today App |
Final Thoughts
A good XAT score can get you into top-of-the-line MBA colleges that provide academic excellence, great placements, and global exposure. Preparation with a clear aim, practice of mock tests, and command over the decision-making section are essential for success. With the right percentile and interview performance, you can get into India’s top B-schools.
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