Top MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score

Timeline, Structure, B-schools Accepting XAT, Strategic Selection

Updated on 18th March 2024 | 10:29 am | #TopXATColleges

The XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) is an important exam conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur for admission to the MBA/PGDM program. In addition to XLRI, several other reputable colleges accept XAT scores for their MBA programs such as IMT Ghaziabad, MICA, IMI New Delhi, and many more.

To qualify for the XAT, candidates must have completed a bachelor's degree from a renowned university or college with a minimum aggregate of 50% or an equivalent GPA. It’s a very challenging exam with the number of aspirants increasing every year. It is conducted once every year and registrations are carried out through the official XAT website.

More than 160 colleges provide a variety of programs that consider XAT exam scores for admissions. Despite being viewed by many candidates as equally or even more demanding than CAT, XAT continues to be the popular choice for getting into prestigious non-IIM colleges.

Considering XAT 2025?

XAT 2025 Tentative Timeline

Here are the tentative dates for the XAT exam 2025:

Event

Dates

Notification Release

1st week of July 2025

Registration Date

2nd week of July 2025

Last Date of Registration

2nd week of December 2025

Admit Card Release

4th week of December 2025

Exam Date

1st week of January 2025

XAT Answer Key 2025

2nd week of January 2025

XAT Result 2025

Third/Fourth week of January 2025

To know more about XAT 2025, click here.


Premier B-Schools that Accept XAT Score

The XAT 2025 Exam, similar to CAT, is essential for candidates seeking admission to top B-schools in India. Upon meeting the XAT cutoffs, candidates can advance to the GD-PI rounds for admissions to MBA and PGDM programs.

Some of the leading B-Schools that consider XAT scores include

XLRI Jamshedpur, which conducts the XAT Exam, is particularly renowned, with its HR program recognized as exceptional not only in India but also across Asia. The Business Management course is highly valuable in India and is often considered comparable to IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta. A comprehensive list of colleges accepting XAT scores will be available on the official XAT 2025 website.


B-schools Accepting XAT Scores

The XAT examination opens doors to numerous top B-schools with varying percentile cutoffs for admission, accompanied by program fees and average placement records for each institution. This information helps aspiring candidates make informed decisions about their educational and professional pursuits.

Following are the top listed B-schools and their percentile cutoffs along with program fees and average placement records:

College Name

Percentile Cut off

College Fees

Placement (Average CTC)

XLRI Jamshedpur

94-96

23.6 LPA

32.7 LPA

XIM Bhubaneswar

90-91

20.9 LPA

20.03 LPA

IMT Ghaziabad

90-91

19.5 LPA

17.35 LPA

IMI New Delhi

89-90

28.8 LPA

17.01 LPA

Great Lakes Chennai

85-90

11.2 LPA

18.1 LPA

GIM Goa

85-90

18.3 LPA

14.87 LPA

FORE New Delhi

85-86

16.98 LPA

14.5 LPA

LBSIM New Delhi

85-86

13.9 LPA

12.42 LPA

Welingkar Mumbai

85-86

13 LPA

12.25 LPA

K J Somaiya Mumbai

84-85

19.94 LPA

12.32 LPA

LIBA Chennai

80-85

17.09 LPA

11 LPA

MICA Ahmedabad

80-84

23 LPA

20.09 LPA

TAPMI Manipal

80-84

16.5 LPA

15.7 LPA

IRMA Anand

80-84

13.6 LPA

12 LPA

Great Lakes Gurgaon

80-84

20.25 LPA

15.8 LPA

IFMR Chennai

79-80

14.6 LPA

13.5 LPA

Amrita Coimbatore

74-79

11.2 LPA

6.72 LPA

Jaipuria Institute of Management

50+

13.5 LPA

12.34 LPA

*As per January 2024 Analysis


XAT Structure and Exam Pattern

The XAT exam structure is tailored for candidates seeking admission to MBA/PGDM programs, designed to evaluate aptitude and management-related perspectives. The exam is computer-based and consists of three parts with varying time limits. Part 1 includes 100 objective questions, along with an essay writing and GK section.

The overall exam covers five sections: Verbal Ability & Analytical/Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability & DI (Data Interpretation), Decision Making, General Knowledge, and Essay Writing.


What after XAT Exam?

After the XAT exam, each college that accepts XAT scores employs its unique admission procedures and interview evaluations. For XLRI Jamshedpur, the admission process through XAT involves three primary steps:

Step 1: Shortlisting Candidates

Candidates must meet XAT cutoffs to qualify for subsequent admission rounds.

Step 2: Group Discussion and Interview

Selected candidates participate in group discussions and interviews across multiple cities, with the option to choose their preferred location.

Step 3: Final Selection

The final candidate list is determined based on XAT scores, GD-PI rounds, academic background, and other criteria, with the selected candidates required to complete admission formalities.


Strategic Selection of XAT-Accepting Colleges

When selecting colleges for MBA admission through the XAT exam, candidates should consider the following key factors and approaches:


Conclusion

The XAT Exam stands out as a challenging MBA entrance test that demands attention from dedicated MBA aspirants. The degree of difficulty becomes evident when comparing the number of candidates appearing for the XAT exam with those taking the CAT exam, revealing a notable contrast in figures. Therefore, candidates who are interested in taking XAT 2025 should need to start preparing for it well in advance.

FAQS

IIMs take admission only through CAT. But other good colleges consider CAT as well as XAT scores.

The leading B-school that accepts XAT scores includes XLRI in Jamshedpur and Delhi. Following these, there are numerous other B-schools in the list:

  • XIMB Bhubneshwar
  • TAPMI
  • MICA
  • IMI New Delhi
  • IMT Ghaziabad
  • GIM Goa
  • Great Lakes Chennai
  • FORE, New Delhi
  • K J Somaiya

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.

Suggested Readings

XAT 2025 What after XAT XAT Preparation Tips XAT PYQs