Life After XAT 2026: Expected Cutoffs, Score vs. Percentile, and Top Colleges in India & Gujarat

CL Team January 04 2026

7 min read

The XAT 2026 is finally over! As the dust settles on one of the most crucial management entrance exams of the year (held on January 4, 2026), the focus now shifts from preparation to analysis. At Career Launcher, we know that the immediate question on every aspirant's mind is: "What score do I need to get into my dream B-School?"

Whether you are targeting the prestigious XLRI Jamshedpur or looking for top-tier MBA institutions closer to home in Gujarat, understanding the post-exam landscape is vital. This blog provides a detailed breakdown of expected scores vs. percentiles, cutoffs, and a curated list of the best colleges accepting XAT scores for the 2026 academic session.

XAT 2026: The "Good Score" Benchmark

Before we dive into college lists, let’s decode the numbers. Based on the difficulty level trends and historical data, the raw score required to achieve a high percentile varies slightly every year. However, estimates derived from previous years (specifically XAT 2025 trends) give us a solid prediction for XAT 2026.

Expected XAT 2026 Score vs. Percentile

Understanding the correlation between your raw marks and your percentile is the first step in shortlisting colleges. Here is the estimated Score vs. Percentile analysis for XAT 2026:

XAT Score Range	Estimated Percentile	Performance Level
35 - 39+	98 - 99+%ile	Excellent: Ticket to XLRI (BM/HRM) & Top Tier
32 - 34	95 - 97%ile	Very Good: Safe zone for XLRI & SPJIMR
29 - 31	90 - 94%ile	Good: Qualifies for XIMB, IMT-G, & Premium Tier 2
26 - 28	85 - 89%ile	Competitive: Clears cutoffs for MICA, GIM, GLIM
20 - 25	75 - 84%ile	Decent: Opens doors to FORE, TAPMI, IRMA

Key Takeaway:

For Top Colleges (XLRI/SPJIMR): A score of roughly 32+ marks (90-95%ile) is considered the "safe zone".
For Tier-1 Programs (MICA/IMT/XIMB): A score of roughly 28+ marks (85%ile+) is a strong starting point.

Expected XAT 2026 Cutoffs: XLRI & Beyond

The cutoff is the minimum score required to receive a call for the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. These cutoffs are influenced by the paper's difficulty, the number of test-takers, and the intake capacity.

1. XLRI Jamshedpur: The Flagship

XLRI remains the holy grail for XAT aspirants. The institute usually releases separate cutoffs for its Business Management (BM) and Human Resource Management (HRM) programs.

PGDM - Business Management (BM):

Male (Engineer): Expected >96%ile.
Male (Non-Engineer): Expected >96%ile.
Female (Engineer): Expected >91%ile.
Female (Non-Engineer): Expected >91%ile.

PGDM - Human Resource Management (HRM):

Male (Engineer): Expected >95%ile.
Male (Non-Engineer): Expected >93%ile.
Female (Engineer): Expected >90%ile.
Female (Non-Engineer): Expected >87%ile.

Note: XLRI also has strict sectional cutoffs for Verbal Ability (VALR), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) that candidates must clear individually.

2. Other Top B-Schools Cutoffs

Apart from XLRI, several other institutes accept XAT scores. Here are the expected percentile cutoffs for 2026 admission:

XIMB (Bhubaneswar): 91-92%ile
SPJIMR (Mumbai): 93-95%ile
IMT (Ghaziabad): 90-91%ile
GIM (Goa): 85-90%ile
MICA (Ahmedabad): 80-85%ile
IRMA (Anand): 80-85%ile
TAPMI (Manipal): 80-85%ile
Great Lakes (Chennai): 80-85%ile

Spotlight: Top Colleges in Gujarat Accepting XAT

For students from Gujarat or those looking to study in this vibrant industrial hub, XAT opens doors to two of India’s most specialized and prestigious institutes: MICA and IRMA.

1. MICA, Ahmedabad

Known as the "Mecca of Marketing," MICA is the premier destination for students interested in Strategic Marketing and Communication.

Program Focus: PGDM-C (Communications) and PGDM (Strategic Marketing). It is synonymous with the best advertising and brand management education in India.
XAT Cutoff: Typically 80-85%ile.
Fees: Approx. â¹21 Lakhs.
Average Placement: â¹20 Lakhs per annum.
Why MICA? Located in Ahmedabad, MICA offers a unique curriculum in digital marketing and brand communication that is rarely found elsewhere.

2. IRMA (Institute of Rural Management Anand)

Located in Anand, Gujarat, IRMA is a pioneer in Rural Management education.

Program Focus: Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Rural Management). It is renowned for its research excellence and significant impact on policy-making.
XAT Cutoff: Typically 80-85%ile.
Fees: Approx. â¹16.09 Lakhs.
Average Placement: â¹15.5 Lakhs per annum.
Why IRMA? IRMA boasts excellent placements and unmatched exposure to social transformation projects through its 11 Centres of Excellence.

Top National Colleges Accepting XAT (Outside Gujarat)

If you are looking beyond Gujarat, the XAT score is your gateway to over 200 institutes across India. Here are the heavyweights you should consider applying to immediately after the exam:

1. XLRI, Jamshedpur

Overview: The conducting body of XAT and the oldest B-School in India. It is on par with the top IIMs.
Fees: â¹27.04 Lakhs | Avg Package: â¹32.7 LPA.
Top Recruiters: BCG, Deloitte, Amazon, Accenture.

2. XIM University, Bhubaneswar (XIMB)

Overview: Known for its academic excellence, specifically in Business Management (BM) and Rural Management. It consistently achieves 100% placement.
Fees: â¹21.5 Lakhs | Avg Package: â¹20.03 LPA.
Cutoff: 91+ %ile.

3. IMT, Ghaziabad

Overview: A marketing powerhouse located in the Delhi NCR region. It is highly selective and known for its PGDM Marketing program.
Fees: â¹19.53 Lakhs | Avg Package: â¹17.6 LPA.
Cutoff: 90+ %ile.

4. Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM), Chennai

Overview: Offers a flagship one-year PGPM for experienced candidates and a two-year PGDM for freshers. It focuses heavily on industry-relevant skills.
Fees: â¹19.95 Lakhs | Avg Package: â¹14.5 LPA.
Cutoff: 85+ %ile.

5. Goa Institute of Management (GIM), Goa

Overview: Located on a beautiful 50-acre campus, GIM combines academic rigor with a serene environment. It has a strong reputation for Healthcare Management and Sustainability.
Fees: â¹21.04 Lakhs | Avg Package: â¹14.87 LPA.
Cutoff: 85+ %ile.

6. TAPMI, Manipal

Overview: Known for its case-based learning approach and consistent placement record.
Fees: â¹19.45 Lakhs | Avg Package: â¹14.6 LPA.
Cutoff: 80+ %ile.

Important Factors for Selection

While the overall cutoff is the first hurdle, Career Launcher advises students to keep the following factors in mind during the application process:

Sectional Cutoffs Matter: Unlike some other exams, XAT (and specifically XLRI) places high importance on sectional balance.

Verbal/Logical Ability: You need to clear the sectional cutoff (approx. 75-83%ile for XLRI BM).
Decision Making (DM): This unique section often catches students off guard. Ensure you meet the minimum requirement (approx. 75%ile+).
Quantitative Aptitude (QA): High scorers in QA must ensure they don’t neglect the other two sections.

The GK Section: Remember, the General Knowledge section in XAT does not count towards the percentile calculation for the initial shortlisting. However, it plays a role in the final selection process at XLRI and other top institutes during the PI round.
Profile-Based Calls: Institutes like SPJIMR and IMT Ghaziabad often look at a candidate's overall profile (academics + work experience) in addition to the XAT score. Even if your score is slightly below the 95%ile mark, a stellar profile can still get you an interview call.

The Road Ahead: What Next?

With XAT 2026 concluded, the results are tentatively expected by the third week of January (around Jan 18-20, 2026).

Action Plan for Career Launcher Students:

Check the Answer Key: Once the official response sheet is released (likely by the second week of January), use the Score vs. Percentile table above to estimate your standing.
Apply to Colleges: Many top colleges close their applications shortly after the exam. Don't wait for the official result if you are confident of clearing the cutoffs for institutes like MICA, IRMA, or GIM.
Prepare for GD/PI: If you are scoring above 25-26 marks, you have a high probability of receiving calls from decent B-Schools. Start preparing for your interviews now.

At Career Launcher, we believe that every exam is just a stepping stone. Whether you are aiming for the corporate heights of XLRI or the creative corridors of MICA in Ahmedabad, your journey to a top B-School is well within reach. Stay tuned to our channels for the detailed exam analysis and official answer key updates!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog, including expected cutoffs, score vs. percentile analysis, fee structures, and placement figures, is intended for general guidance and planning purposes only. All data is estimated based on historical trends (specifically XAT 2025), previous years' statistics, and market analysis.

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, actual XAT 2026 results, official cutoffs, and institute policies are subject to change at the discretion of XLRI and the respective participating institutes. Career Launcher does not guarantee admission or interview calls based on these predictions. Students are strongly advised to verify the latest figures on the official XAT website and the respective college portals before making final decisions. Career Launcher is not liable for any discrepancies between these estimates and the final official data.