Updated on 18th July 2025 | 12:30 pm | #TopXATColleges
Top MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score 2026: The Xavier Aptitude Test, or XAT, is one of the most important MBA entrance exams after CAT, opening doors to some of the best colleges accepting XAT scores. In addition to XLRI, several other MBA colleges are accepting XAT for their MBA programs, such as IMT Ghaziabad, MICA, IMI New Delhi, and many more.
Candidates need to have completed a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or college, achieving a minimum cumulative GPA of 50% or an equivalent score, in order to be eligible for XAT exam. This is a requirement for gaining admission into the top XAT colleges. It’s a very challenging exam, with the number of aspirants increasing every year, and many other top colleges accepting XAT for MBA apart from XLRI.
More than 160 institutions provide a wide range of degrees and are among the best XAT accepting colleges. Despite being the first choice of many MBA students and being equally or even more challenging than the CAT, the XAT is still a popular choice for admission to prominent non-IIM institutions.
The XAT examination provides admission to a large number of elite business schools, each with its own percentile cutoff, program costs, and average placement record. This information enables aspiring candidates to make informed judgments about their educational and career goals.
Following are the top-listed B-schools and their qualifying XAT percentile cutoffs, along with program fees and average placement records:
|
XAT Participating Institutes & Cutoff Percentiles |
|||
|
B-school/ College |
XAT percentile cutoffs |
Tuition Fee (2 yrs) |
Average Package (LPA) |
|
98+ %ile |
30.60 |
29.89 |
|
|
XIM Bhubaneswar |
91+ %ile |
24.00 |
19.53 |
|
IMT Ghaziabad |
90+ %ile |
21.53 |
17.35 |
|
Great Lakes Chennai |
85+ %ile |
20.80 |
15.10 |
|
GIM Goa |
85+%ile |
20.40 |
14.81 |
|
TAPMI Manipal |
85+ %ile |
18.00 |
13.84 |
|
IRMA Anand |
85+ %ile |
- |
- |
|
FORE New Delhi |
84+ %ile |
20.70 |
20.40 |
|
K J Somaiya Mumbai |
83+%ile |
22.32 |
- |
|
LBSIM New Delhi |
80+%ile |
16.50 |
12.24 |
|
Welingkar Mumbai |
75+%ile |
- |
12.88 |
|
BIM T |
72+%ile |
- |
- |
|
LIBA Chennai |
72+%ile |
18.89 |
- |
|
BIM Tech |
72+%ile |
14.00 |
11.10 |
*The data above has been taken from the official websites of the respective colleges and is subject to change based on the results and analysis of XAT 2025.
Like CAT, XAT 2026 Exam is crucial for applicants hoping to get into India's best B-schools. Candidates can move on to the GD-PI rounds for admission to MBA and PGDM programs after meeting the XAT cutoffs.
Some of the top colleges accepting XAT scores includes:
XLRI Jamshedpur, which conducts XAT Exam, is particularly renowned in the field of management education, with its well-known HR program being recognized as exceptional and stands out not only within India but also across Asia as a whole. In many Indian sectors, the Business Management course offered by XLRI is highly valued and respected. It is often compared favorably to programs offered by some of the leading Indian Institutes of Management, including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta. Anyone who wishes to enroll in an MBA or PGDM program can find a thorough and extensive list of universities that recognize XAT scores on the official XAT website.
XAT is a well-known entrance exam that leads to acceptance at several MBA institutions. Let's get down to it: These are the top ten MBA programs that accept XAT scores.
XLRI is not just a participant, but also the principal creator of the XAT exam. XLRI was founded in 1949 and has been a pioneer in Indian business education. The faculty here don't merely give lectures; they also share vital insights. What about the campus atmosphere? It's energetic, with lively discussions, in-depth case studies, and late-night library study sessions. If you match the XAT selection standards and are accepted, this might be the beginning of a revolutionary experience!
The Great Lakes Institute of Management is next in line, known for its great professors, innovative curriculum, and strong industry linkages. This institution offers a two-year PGDM program for recent graduates and a special one-year PGPM program for seasoned professionals, promoting flexibility and creativity in education. It boasts a lively campus atmosphere and prepares students to succeed in fast-paced corporate contexts by encouraging leadership and a global perspective.
Who doesn't want to attend a business school in Goa? Consider working on intriguing projects while a sea wind blows through your classroom. However, GIM is more than simply a gorgeous setting; it is a formidable institution known for its strong academic structure, holistic education, and dedication to ethics and sustainability. GIM educates students to be future leaders by offering a modern curriculum that emphasizes job-ready skills and international perspectives. Its extensive alumni network and corporate links provide access to several opportunities.
Located in the heart of the capital, Delhi, IMI serves as a crossroads of academic and corporate excellence. It offers a variety of programs, but its flagship PGDM is the most notable. The institute places a significant emphasis on industry involvement, and its prime location facilitates extensive professional networking opportunities.
MICA isn't your typical B-school. It's where creativity and business sense shake hands. MICA, which specialises in strategic marketing and communication, draws in a different type of management breed: those who think creatively and do something out of the box. MICA, an Ahmedabad-based creative hub, is a haven for those wishing to combine strategy, art, statistics, and storytelling. MICA campus breathes creativity and is your go-to place if you've ever thought about a job where you don't just climb the corporate ladder but reinvent it.
IMT Ghaziabad has established itself as a prominent name in the B-school landscape. Known for its excellent faculty, practical curriculum, and strong alumni support, IMT focuses on equipping students for lifelong careers rather than just jobs. Its proximity to Delhi enhances its corporate connections, and the school emphasizes leadership and innovation. The various events, conferences, and student-led initiatives ensure a well-rounded skill development experience, whether you’re interested in marketing, finance, or operations.
TAPMI, located in Manipal's educational hub, provides a quiet setting conducive to learning. What distinguishes TAPMI is its emphasis on experiential learning. The institute is famed for its cutting-edge financial lab, which ensures that your education is practical and relevant. With strong industry contacts, TAPMI bridges the gap between classroom principles and real-world applications, developing compassionate and insightful leaders.
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management in Mumbai successfully blends comprehensive education with the lively energy of a financial capital. Nestled within the Somaiya Vidyavihar campus, it offers numerous educational opportunities and a dynamic student community. KJ Somaiya is recognized for its diverse range of specializations, from cutting-edge fields like data science to traditional areas like marketing and finance, making it an exciting place to pursue your management aspirations.
Once called XIMB, XIM University is quickly becoming one of India's leading business institutions. With a focus on diversity, sustainability, and ethics, XIM equips the next generation of leaders to tackle today's challenges. Its expansive campus in Bhubaneswar provides a serene environment that enhances its demanding academic programs. Whether you're interested in the flagship MBA/PGDM program or specialized courses in Rural Management and Sustainability, XIM is committed to your academic success and innovation.
IRMA is a distinguished institution focused on providing education, research, and training in rural management. Established in 1979, it offers programs like the Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management, skillfully blending management techniques with insights into rural development. IRMA’s curriculum merges theoretical learning with practical exposure, preparing graduates for impactful roles in governmental organizations, NGOs, and social enterprises that address rural challenges. The institute enjoys a reputation for strong placements, innovative research, and a dedication to sustainable and inclusive growth.
Getting a good XAT score opens doors to many B-schools, but choosing the right one matters even more. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
The XAT Exam stands out as a difficult MBA entrance exam that requires the attention of serious MBA candidates. When the number of candidates taking the XAT exam is compared to those taking the CAT exam, a significant difference in data emerges. As a result, candidates interested in taking the XAT 2026 should begin preparing for it as early as possible.
IIMs take admission only through CAT. But other good colleges consider CAT as well as XAT scores.
The top MBA colleges accepting XAT scores 2026 include prestigious institutions such as XLRI Jamshedpur, MICA Ahmedabad, XIM Bhubaneswar, IMI New Delhi, GIM Goa, IMT Ghaziabad, and FORE School of Management, among others. These colleges are known for their strong academic programs and robust placement opportunities.
As for the expected XAT cutoffs 2026, XLRI Jamshedpur, being the leading institution, is anticipated to require a cutoff ranging from 94 to 96 percentile for its Business Management program. Other top colleges like XIMB and MICA are expected to have cutoffs around 90 to 92 percentile, while IMT Ghaziabad and GIM Goa may set their cutoffs between 85 to 90 percentile. Generally, candidates aiming for the 80 to 85 percentile can target institutions like K J Somaiya and TAPMI.
Regarding the difficulty comparison between XAT and CAT, both exams pose unique challenges. XAT is considered to emphasize decision-making and analytical skills more than CAT, which primarily focuses on quantitative skills and verbal ability. Therefore, some candidates find XAT to be relatively easier due to its different structure, while others might struggle with its unique sections, such as General Knowledge. Ultimately, the perceived difficulty can vary based on individual strengths and preparation.
A score above 35 out of 75 can be a good XAT score since it can fetch a candidate 95+ percentile in the exam.
SP JIMR will not accept the XAT score. This has been followed for three consecutive years. The SP Jain accepts only CAT and GMAT scores.