Xavier Aptitude Test

XAT 2026 Cutoff for XLRI PGDM Programs

XLRI Jamshedpur released the XAT 2026 cutoff for PGDM (BM and HRM) programs on 30 January 2026 on its official website. The cutoff for PGDM BM male has been reduced to 94 percentile this year.

The shortlist and PI call letters were released on January 28, 2026. Shortlisted candidates must complete the interview slot booking process by January 30, 2026.

GD-PI and Final Selection Process

The participating colleges have scheduled the GD-PI rounds for mid-February and March 2026. The final merit list for XAT 2026 admissions will be prepared after the interview rounds conclude.

The final selection is based on a holistic evaluation. The weightage is as follows:

• XAT 2026 scores: 60%
• Analytical Essay Writing (AEW)
• GD/PI, with the interview stage carrying 25% weightage

XLRI expects to interview approximately 4,000–4,500 candidates during the 2026–2027 admissions cycle, as per XLRI Jamshedpur.

Key Summary of XAT 2026

• The XAT 2026 response sheet was released on January 6, 2026 to help candidates check their responses and calculate raw scores.
• The provisional answer key is expected around January 7–8, 2026, followed by a 2-3 day objection window.
• Scores should be calculated out of 75 marks, as GK is excluded from percentile calculation.
• Score vs percentile trends show that 40+ marks can place you in 99+ percentile, 36–39 to 97–98, 32–35 to 95–96, and 28–31 marks to 92–94 percentile.
• XAT 2026 results are expected around 12th January 2026, followed by the next selection steps (GD/PI rounds) to admission into B-Schools.
• The XAT 2026 Cutoffs are expected to drop slightly in 2026 due to the moderately difficult paper, especially in DM and QA.

What is the XAT Exam?

The XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) is a national-level management exam conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur. It is used for admission to MBA, PGDM, and other Management programs in over 150+ top business schools across India.

After the XAT exam, the XAT score becomes a primary criterion for shortlisting to the next process. Your overall percentile, sectional cutoff, academic background, and work experience determine your shortlisting chances, especially for XLRI Jamshedpur and XLRI Delhi.

What it is used for:

• Admission to MBA/PGDM programs in XLRI and other top B-schools
• Shortlisting candidates for group discussions, personal interviews, and final selection
• Eligibility for scholarships in participating institutes

XAT 2026 Exam Important Dates

XAT Results 2026

The XAT 2026 results are expected to be announced on 12th January 2026 on its official website. As per the previous years' trends, XLRI releases the results around 18-20 days after the exam, along with individual scorecards on the official XAT website.

XAT Score vs Percentile 2026 (Expected)

The XAT score vs percentile data shows that even a small increase in marks can greatly improve your chances of getting into a top college.

• A 40+ score in XAT usually means 99th percentile, placing candidates in the top 1% with a strong chance of XLRI selection.
• Scores of 36–39 fall in the 97–98 percentile range, a key zone where crossing 36 significantly improves chances of XLRI and top private B-school calls.
• A score of 32–35 places candidates in the 95–96 percentile range, considered safe for an XLRI interview call.
• Those scoring 28–31 (92–94 percentile) often receive calls from XIMB, IMT, GIM, and TAPMI.
• While 25–27 marks (90–91 percentile) can limit options to Tier-2 B-schools.

XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

XLRI Jamshedpur released the XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 along with the official notification. The XAT eligibility includes age limit, minimum educational qualification, aggregate marks, and other criteria to apply for the exam.

• Candidates must have a 3 years bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
• No minimum aggregate marks are required to fill the XAT application form.
• Students in their final year of a bachelor's degree are also eligible to apply.
• There is no upper age limit to appear for the XAT exam.
• NRI and Foreign nationals are also eligible to apply for XLRI admissions provided they have a valid GMAT score.
• Candidates with backlogs in their bachelor's degree must clear them before the admission process.
• Degrees from universities not recognized by UGC or AIU will not be accepted.

The XAT exam date is 4th January, 2026. The XAT registration last date is December 5th, 2025. You must pay the XAT registration fee of INR 2200 for taking the test.

XAT Eligibility Criteria In a Nutshell

XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: A Brief Discussion

XAT has minimum eligibility requirements. XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 is different across nationality, age, education, and program chosen by the candidate.

XAT Eligibility Criteria: Does Nationality Matter?

Yes, in XAT Eligibility, the Nationality will matter. If you are a foreign national, you can also apply provided you have a valid GMAT score.

• Candidates must be citizens of India.
• NRI & foreign candidates are also eligible to apply for the exam.
• Foreign nationals can apply for XLRI admissions through GMAT scores.

XAT Eligibility Criteria: Is there any Age Limit?

• There is no upper age limit for the exam.
• Candidates need to complete their graduation before applying.

Note: Final Year Students are also eligible for the exam.

XAT Eligibility Criteria: Academic Qualification and Marks

• A graduation degree of 3 years duration is the minimum requirement. There are no minimum marks criteria.
• Candidates of any discipline can fill the application form.
• Candidates in their final year of graduation can also apply. However, they will be required to submit the graduation marksheet and degree before the admission year ends.
• There is no limit on the number of attempts.

Documents Required for XAT Application Form

You must submit several documents while filling out the XAT application form. Keep these documents ready before you start the application process.

• Class 10, 12 and graduation mark sheets
• Email ID, mobile number, and address proof
• Date of birth proof and Aadhaar card
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• A scanned photo and signature in JPG or JPEG format (20 KB-50 KB)
• Debit/credit card for payment of the application fee.

XAT Eligibility Criteria: XLRI Program Points to Consider

To be eligible for XAT XLRI programs, you can check the points below. We have provided XAT Eligibility for different programs.

Human Resource Management (PGDM HRM)

• Minimum 3 years of bachelor’s degree from a recognized institute.
• NRI and foreign candidates can apply through a valid GMAT score.
• The program fee for HRM is INR 11.80 lakh per year.

Note: The above-mentioned fee may vary as per the university decision for the year 2024-25, the candidates can for the time being refer to it accordingly.

XAT Eligibility Criteria for Business Management (PGDM BM)

• A bachelor’s degree of 3 years duration in any stream.
• NRI and foreign-origin students can apply through GMAT.
• Work experience is not mandatory for this program.

General Management (PGDM GM)

• Recognized bachelors from any Indian or foreign university with 3 years of duration.
• Managerial/supervisory experience of 5 years of experience.
• Job experience will be considered only for full-time employees. Internships/part-time employees are not qualified.
• The organization must be a reputable private/public/government organization.
• XAT 2024 score and GMAT score will be considered.
• The yearly fee for this program is INR 20.95 lakh.

Part-Time Business Management Program

• A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum duration of three years of education after completing higher secondary education (10 + 2) or equivalent.
• The bachelor’s degree should be from any of the universities incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or possess an equivalent qualification from an institution approved by AICTE.
• Work experience is not mandatory for this program.

Want Admission to XLRI Jamshedpur? Check the XAT Eligibility Criteria

To take admission to XLRI Jamshedpur, you must check the XAT Eligibility criteria below. We have provided various programs, their fees and their XAT eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions on XAT Eligibility

I will be completing my graduation in June 2026 but I have a backlog. Am I eligible to apply for XAT 2026?

Yes, you can apply for XAT 2026 but you need to clear all backlogs before the admission cycle closes. However, candidates can apply for the exam provided they clear all their backlogs before June 2026.

Is work experience before graduation counted?

No, XLRI does not consider work experience before graduation. Only the full-time work experience after graduation is considered valid while filling the application forms.

I have done an internship, will that be counted as work experience?

According to XLRI, internships and articleships will not be counted as valid work experience for admission to PGDM courses.

How many times can I appear for the exam?

XLRI has not put any limit on the number of attempts a candidate can take at XAT exam. Hence, one can appear for XAT exam every year provided they meet all the minimum eligibility criteria.

I am from an Arts background, am I eligible to fill application form?

Yes, candidates from any discipline can apply for XAT 2024 provided they have completed their graduation (10+2+3) from a recognized university.

Are XAT eligibility criteria and XLRI eligibility criteria the same?

Yes, the basic eligibility criteria for taking XAT exam and XLRI admission criteria are the same. Although there are certain variations in XLRI admission criteria based on the choice of program, the overall basic criteria is the same.

XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 defines the minimum basic requirements for applying for the exam. Check the points below:

• Graduates of the 1980s with a 2-year bachelor's degree.
• Candidates who fail to pay their registration fees within the stipulated time.
• Candidates whose final year of examination will not be over by June, 2026.
• Candidates who graduated from an unrecognized institution.

XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 for Foreign Nationals/ NRI/ PIO

Candidates belonging to the following categories are eligible to apply for XAT. They have the option of either applying via XAT or GMAT.

• NRI: A person is treated as "not ordinarily resident/ NRI" when any of the following conditions are satisfied:
  • If they have not been resident in India in nine out of ten preceding years; or
  • If they have not been in India for a period of 730 days or more during the preceding seven years.
• Persons of Indian Origin: "Persons of Indian Origin" (PIO) means a person having foreign citizenship (except Pakistan and Bangladesh) without "NRI" status, but who holds a Foreign Passport at the time of sending application, consideration for admission and during the period of his study and he/she or anyone/ both of their parents or anyone / both of his /her grandparents is (or was) / are (or were) citizen (s) of India by virtue of the provisions of the Constitution of India.
• Foreign National: "Foreign National" (FN) is an individual having citizenship of a foreign country (citizens of all countries other than India) and not having the status of "NRI" and/or "Persons of Indian Origin" (PIO).

Reservation Policy

XLRI does not give any relaxations to candidates on the basis of caste or category for admission to its management courses through XAT exam.

• However, other participating colleges may follow specific reservation criteria which the candidates must check on their respective websites before application.
• Also, no concession is granted in XAT application fee for candidates belonging to the reserved categories (ST/ SC/ OBC/ PwD).
• The application criteria and fee are the same for all candidates irrespective of their category, i.e., INR 1800.

XAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 FAQs

Ques. What factors are included in XAT Eligibility Criteria?

Ans. XAT Eligibility Criteria includes factors like age, academic qualification, marks acquired in graduation, course selected. You can check the highlight section above for further information.

Ques. I am a final year student, what to fill in the percentage field?

Ans. While filling in the academic details in XAT application form, add the aggregate percentage of marks obtained in the last semester.

Ques. Is there any reservation policy that is defined by the authority?

Ans. As per the conducting body, there are no defined Reservation Criteria / Policies for any category. No caste-based reservations are provided.

Course Fees and Eligibility

XAT Eligibility Criteria

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) eligibility criteria include factors like age, academic qualification, marks in graduation, and the course selected. The highlight section above provides further information on these factors.

Percentage Field for Final Year Students

Final year students must fill in the aggregate percentage of marks obtained in the last semester. This is the value to enter in the percentage field of the XAT application form.

Reservation Policy

There is no defined reservation criteria or policy for any category as per the conducting body. No caste-based reservations are provided for the XAT exam.

XAT 2026 Registration Started

XAT Registration for 2026 started on 10th July 2025 on the official website xatonline.in. The last date to register for XAT 2026 has been extended to December 11, 2025.

XAT scores are accepted for admission into XLRI and other 250+ B schools. The XAT Exam 2026 will be held on 4th January 2026, from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. in more than 110 Exam Cities in India.

• For XAT registration, candidates have to create a profile, fill in their personal and academic details, and pay the XAT examination fees.
• The XAT Registration fee is Rs. 2200, and an additional fee of Rs. 200 is required for XLRI Program selection.
• To be eligible, candidates should have a minimum 3-year bachelor’s degree; final-year students can also apply.
• There is no minimum percentage requirement or age limit.

Last year, more than 1.35 lakh candidates registered for XAT, and it is expected to increase this year. After registration, candidates can download the confirmation page for future reference. The XAT 2026 admit card is expected to be made available on December 20, 2025.

XAT Registration Dates 2026

XAT Registration opened on July 10, 2025 with specific advantages for applicants who sign up in advance. The last date to register for XAT 2026 has been extended to December 11, 2025.

XAT Registration 2026 Exam Schedule

The XAT exam has been scheduled for January 4th, 2026. Check the key dates below:

XAT Registration Process

XAT Registration 2026 will be conducted only on the official website. Candidates will have to register, fill in their details, select the course, upload documents, and pay the required fees.

Candidates should keep the required documents ready to avoid any delay.

XAT Registration Process Stages

The XAT registration process is explained below step by step.

XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates should have a minimum 3-year bachelor’s degree to be eligible for XAT 2026. Final-year students can also apply.

There is no minimum percentage requirement or age limit for the exam.

XAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Any graduate can apply for XAT 2026. There is no age limit and no restriction on the number of attempts.

The basic eligibility criteria for XAT 2026 are:

• Must have a bachelor's degree of 3 years in any branch.
• Final year students whose results are declared by June 2026 are also eligible.
• No minimum graduation percentage is required.
• No age limit for appearing in the exam.
• No work experience is required, except for XLRI's GMP, which requires more than 5 years of experience.
• NRI or foreign candidates must apply with GMAT or GRE scores.

XAT Registration Statistics

XAT has seen a high number of registrations over the last 3 years. The data shows an increase in participation among MBA candidates.

XAT Registration and Attendance Data (2025-2023)

XAT Registration 2026: Important Documents

Keep the following documents ready before filling out the XAT Application Form. These are required to register for the XAT examination.

Important Terms Related to XAT Application Form

Candidates must be familiar with the following terms to understand each stage of the application process and avoid errors.

1. New User Registration: This is for first-time registrations. Name, email, mobile number, and password must be entered to start the application process.
2. Registered Candidate Login: Candidates who have already provided the above data can log in and start applying anytime using their credentials.

Important Instructions For XAT Registration 2026

Keep the following points in mind before filling the XAT 2026 Application form online.

• Use the latest version of a good browser (Google Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge).
• Clear the cache before starting the application process.
• Use a desktop or laptop. Avoid using mobile phones or tablets to fill the application form.
• Make sure your internet is stable with optimum speed to complete registration without any hassles.
• Do not fill out the form in a hurry as there is no form correction facility.
• Do not wait for the last moment to apply to avoid technical failures.

XAT Application Process

I did not receive my XAT ID and Password. What to Do?

Check your spam folder in your email. For emergencies, call the helpline numbers at +91 657 665 3203 and +91 657 665 3204.

When will XAT 2026 Registration start?

XAT Registration 2026 begins from July 10, 2025 tentatively. XLRI has released the application forms on the official website, xatonline.in.

Does XLRI provide the option to edit the details entered in the application form?

No, XLRI does not provide any separate form correction facility to edit the details entered in the application form. However, in crucial circumstances, the authority may consider a request to change a few details. For this, candidates need to raise a query on their login dashboard by clicking on the 'Any Query/ Ask Us' tab.

I am in my final year of graduation, can I fill the XAT 2026 application form?

Yes, final year students are eligible to fill the XAT 2026 application form provided you complete your graduation by June 2025. In such cases, candidates must enter the details of the marks obtained in the last semester while filling the application form. Such candidates will be required to provide their bachelor's degree or provisional certificate and mark sheet by the end of the admission year.

What are the reasons for the rejection of the application form?

The application form might get rejected due to incomplete application in any of the following respects:

• Not uploading photo and signature as per the correct specifications
• Failure to pay registration fee
• Candidate's face being unclear in the uploaded photograph

How do I apply for the XLRI Delhi BM program?

To apply for the XLRI Delhi BM program, fill the XAT application form and select the choice of the program as BM and the campus preference as Delhi. To apply for XLRI programs, you need to pay an additional fee of INR 200 per program.

Important Documents You Need to Upload

Candidates must upload the below-mentioned documents in the specified dimension and size during this step of filling the XAT Application Form.

Educational Details Required for XAT Registration

You need to provide the aggregate percentage of marks, marks obtained, maximum marks, board name, and year of passing for the following:

• 10th standard
• 12th standard
• Graduation
• Post-graduation, if any
• Details of other academic qualifications and professional degrees like CA, CS, etc. held by a candidate
• Enter other mandatory fields and press Save and Continue

Candidates can convert their CGPA into percentages using this formula:

• CGPA * 9.5 = %age of marks

Is Work Experience Details Mandatory?

It is not mandatory to provide work experience details. However, candidates possessing relevant work experience after graduation must add the same.

• Only full-time work experience after graduation will be considered valid
• Industrial training, workshops, part-time jobs, etc. will not be considered as relevant work experience

Selection of Program: What You Should Know?

Select the program of your choice from the given options:

• Business Management (BM)
• Human Resource Management (HRM)
• Fellow Management Programme

If you are not interested in applying for XLRI programs, you can skip this step. Along with the selection of programs, candidates also need to choose the desired campus for each selected program.

Selection of Test City Preferences

• You need to select your exam city preferences for XAT 2026
• You can choose 2 cities from the given list
• Test city preference can be changed only once before the closure of the registration process

XAT Registration Fees 2026

Candidates must pay the XAT registration fee to appear for the XAT Exam 2026. The fee is paid online along with the application form.

• Review the application form once before making the online fee payment.
• Choose a preferred online payment method, such as credit card, debit card, or internet banking.
• After the fee is paid successfully, candidates receive a confirmation of their XAT Registration form submission.
• Do not press the back or refresh button during the online payment process.

Note: If a payment fails, the candidate must repeat the process. The information filled in previously is saved, so it does not need to be entered again.

Important Points to Remember Regarding Fee Payment

• An e-receipt is generated when the XAT 2026 application fee is paid successfully. If it is not generated, the payment has failed.
• Log in again with your credentials and make the fee payment again.
• Keep a printout of the fee receipt as proof along with the application form for XAT 2026.
• Keep a printout of the confirmation page for future correspondence.

Acceptable Modes of Payment

XAT Registration Document Upload Guidelines (Photo & Signature)

Candidates must upload all documents as per the guidelines provided by XLRI. The guidelines for photo and signature uploads are given below.

XAT Application Photo Upload Guidelines

The table below lists the do's and don'ts for uploading a photo in the XAT application form.

XAT Application Form Signature Upload Guidelines

XAT Registration Document Scanning Guidelines

Guidelines for scanning documents are provided by XLRI. Candidates should follow them while uploading documents.

Image Specifications for XAT Registration

Set the camera resolution to a minimum of 200 dpi. The colour setting should be 'True color'.

• The photo must be against a light-colored background, preferably white.
• Crop the image in the scanner to the edge of the photograph or signature. Use the upload editor to crop the image to the final size.
• Images must be in JPG or JPEG format, for example image01.jpg or image01.jpeg.
• Candidates can get the desired image size not exceeding 80kb using MS Paint or MS Office Picture Manager.
• Scanned images can be saved using the "save as" option. They can be cropped or resized using the specific options.

XAT Registration 2026: Important Points

Only after successful registration will candidates be able to log in with the generated ID and Password. XAT scores help in getting admission to MBA programs in XLRI, XIME, and various other B-Schools.

• Review the application form carefully for errors before final submission. No changes are possible once the form is submitted.
• After online fee payment, an e-receipt will be generated for the candidate's reference.
• Do not press the back or refresh button during the payment process.
• Images must match the specifications mentioned by the authorities. If an image does not match the specifications, it cannot be uploaded.
• Candidates are advised to keep all necessary information and documents ready beforehand.

XAMI Member Institutes

XAT Exam Centres 2026

More than 110 exam cities in India will host the XAT Exam on January 4, 2026. This provides a wider audience for applicants from both Tier-2 and metro areas.

XAT Test Cities by Region

Top B-Schools Accepting XAT Exam Scores 2026

XLRI Jamshedpur is the conducting body of the exam. It and other 250+ B-Schools in India accept XAT 2026 Scores for admission to MBA/PGDM programs.

These include top private institutes known for high academic standards, industry connections, and placements.

XAT Accepting B-Schools

XAT scores are accepted by multiple management institutes across India. The table below lists the main B-schools that accept XAT scores.

Also read: XAT Exam Centres and XAT College Predictor.

XAT Registration 2026 FAQs

Can I get into XLRI without XAT?

No, you cannot get direct admission to XLRI. XLRI accepts XAT and GMAT scores for admission to master-level management courses.

By registering and paying for XAT 2026, am I eligible for XLRI and other Associate Member Institutes?

Candidates interested in XLRI need to apply for the programs of their choice. Each institution independently decides the weightage to be given for each of the test components on the basis of its needs.

XLRI does not play any role in the selection of candidates in these institutes. For XAT Associate Member Institutes (refer XAT Associate Institutes website), XAT is a common test for admission into academic programs of XLRI.

I have done a 5 years integrated course, so how will I enter my percentage?

Candidates who have done a 5 years integrated course can fill up the same percentage for graduation and post-graduation.

XAT Exam Pattern 2026

The XAT 2026 exam will have 95 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) across 4 sections. The sections are Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.

The exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The total duration is 180 minutes, split into Part 1 of 170 minutes and Part 2 of 10 minutes.

Exam Structure

The XAT exam pattern is divided into two parts. Part 1 is the Aptitude Test and Part 2 is the General Knowledge section.

Part 1 has three sections: Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI). Part 2 contains the General Knowledge section.

• Part 1 has 75 questions: 26 from VALR, 21 from DM, and 28 from QA & DI.
• Part 2 has 20 questions from General Knowledge.
• Part 1 is allotted 170 minutes.
• Part 2 is allotted 10 minutes.

Marking Scheme

Each correct answer in the XAT exam carries +1 mark. An incorrect answer in Part 1 leads to a deduction of 0.25 marks.

There is a penalty for unattempted questions. A deduction of 0.10 marks applies if more than 8 questions are left unattempted.

The General Knowledge section carries 20 marks. There is no negative marking in this section, and it does not affect the percentile score. It is considered in the GD-PI stage for XLRI and other participating institutes.

Key Changes

The Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) section has been removed from XAT 2026. It has been integrated into XLRI's GD/PI process.

Candidates should check the official website xatonline.in for the latest exam pattern, syllabus, marking scheme, schedule, and test cities.

XAT Exam Pattern Summary

XAT 2026 Total Marks and Negative Marking

The XAT 2026 exam has a total of 115 marks. Part 1 is worth 95 marks, and the General Knowledge (GK) section in Part 2 carries 20 marks.

There is no negative marking for the General Knowledge section. In Part 1, each correct answer gives +1 mark, and each incorrect answer deducts 0.25 marks.

XAT Exam Pattern: Overview

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur. It is a Computer-Based Test (CBT).

XAT Exam Duration and Maximum Marks

The XAT exam is 3 hours long and is divided into 2 parts. Part 1, the Aptitude section, has a time limit of 170 minutes, and Part 2, General Knowledge, is 10 minutes long.

The maximum marks for XAT 2026 is 115 marks. Part 1 is worth 95 marks, and the General Knowledge section carries 20 marks.

Essay writing is no longer part of XAT. It has been removed from the exam starting XAT 2025 onwards.

XAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-Wise

The XAT Exam Pattern is divided into 4 sections: Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.

• Part 1 is 170 minutes long and covers the first 3 sections without any sectional time limit.
• Part 2 is 10 minutes long and includes the General Knowledge section.
• The General Knowledge section is scored but excluded from the percentile, and is considered only at the GD-PI stage.

XAT Exam Pattern: Verbal & Logical Ability (VALR)

• It includes Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Analogies, Grammar and Critical Reasoning.
• It tests language skills, comprehension and logical reasoning.
• It carries 26 marks and has 27% weightage in Paper 1.

XAT Exam Pattern: Decision Making (DM)

• It includes Caselets, Data Arrangement, Ethical Dilemmas, and Situational Judgements.
• It tests problem-solving skills, critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
• The Decision Making section has a total of 21 questions with a weightage of 22%.

XAT Exam Pattern: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)

• It covers Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, and Data Interpretation.
• The major focus is on numerical reasoning and data analysis skills.
• The Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section has a total of 28 questions with a weightage of 29% in Part 1.

XAT Exam Pattern: General Knowledge (GK)

• It includes Current Affairs, Economics, Awards, Books & Authors, and Science & Technology.
• The General Knowledge section has 20 questions to be answered in 10 minutes, with no negative marking.
• It is not included in the percentile and is only considered in the GD-PI evaluation.

XAT Exam Pattern 2026

The XAT 2026 exam has 95 questions across 4 sections. The total exam duration is 180 minutes.

Part 1 has no sectional time limit and lasts 170 minutes. Part 2 has a fixed time limit of 10 minutes.

Does XAT 2026 Have Logical Reasoning?

Yes, XAT 2026 includes logical reasoning within the verbal and logical ability section. The VALR section consists of 26 questions, and each question carries 1 mark.

In case of a wrong answer, 0.25 marks are deducted.

Is GK Score Counted in XAT?

No, the GK score is not counted in the final XAT percentile. However, it will be considered in the selection process.

VALR Section Topics

The VALR section in XAT covers reading comprehension, para jumbles, analogies, grammar and critical reasoning. It also includes language skills, comprehension and logical reasoning.

Decision-Making Section in XAT

The decision-making section tests the candidate's problem-solving skills, critical thinking and ethical reasoning. The section covers topics of caselets, data arrangement, ethical dilemmas, and situational judgements.

Sectional Time Limit in XAT

There is no sectional time limit for the 3 sections in Part 1 (VALR, decision making and quantitative ability). Part 1 has a total time limit of 170 minutes.

For Part 2, there is a 10 minutes time limit.

XAT Section-Wise Syllabus 2026

XAT syllabus is divided into sections such as VALR, DM, QA & DI, and General Knowledge. The syllabus for each section of the XAT question paper is discussed below.

XAT Syllabus for VALR

XAT syllabus for VALR includes the topics as listed below.

• Reading Comprehension: Understanding main ideas, inferences, vocabulary in context, tone, and purpose of passages.
• Verbal Ability
  • Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, analogies)
  • Para Jumbles
  • Sentence Completion
  • Fill in the Blanks
  • Grammar (sentence correction, error spotting)

XAT Syllabus for Verbal and Logical Ability (VALR)

The Verbal and Logical Ability (VALR) section covers both verbal ability and logical reasoning topics.

Important topics for the VALR section are:

• Reading Comprehension: understanding main ideas, vocabulary in context, tone and purpose of passages.
• Verbal Ability: Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, analogies), Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion.
• Fill in the blanks and grammar (sentence correction, error spotting).
• Logical Reasoning: Critical Reasoning, Analogies, Logical Sequences, Assumptions and Conclusions.

XAT Syllabus for Decision Making (DM)

Topics included in the XAT syllabus for Decision Making (DM) are listed below.

• Analytical Reasoning (decision-making sets)
• Situational Decision Making
• Ethical Dilemmas
• Business Issues
• Social Dilemmas
• Caselets
• Assumptions
• Premises and Conclusions

XAT Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)

The XAT syllabus for QA and DI is discussed below.

Quantitative Aptitude

• Arithmetic: Percentages, Ratios and Proportions, Averages, Profit and Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Time and Work.
• Algebra: Linear and Quadratic Equations, Inequalities.
• Geometry: Triangles, Circles, Mensuration, Coordinate Geometry.
• Number System: HCF, LCM, Surds and Indices.
• Modern Mathematics: Probability, Permutations and Combinations, Set Theory.

Data Interpretation

• Bar Graphs
• Pie Charts
• Tables
• Line Graphs
• Data Sufficiency
• Mixed Graphs

XAT Syllabus PDFs

Section-wise syllabus PDFs are available for download.

General Knowledge Syllabus Scope

General knowledge is broad and covers both static and current affairs.

Topics include Current Affairs (National & International), Business & Economy, Awards, Books & Authors, Geography, History, Science & Technology.

XAT Syllabus - Important Books

Books for XAT preparation are listed in this section.

Recommended Books for XAT Preparation

Some important books that match the XAT exam pattern and syllabus are listed below.

XAT Exam Pattern - Sectional Weightage

The XAT question paper is divided into 2 parts: Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 includes Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI). Part 2 of the XAT exam pattern includes General Knowledge.

As per the XAT exam pattern, 26 questions come from VALR, 21 from DM, 28 from QA & DI, and 20 from General Knowledge.

XAT Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme

The XAT marking scheme is the same as it was last year. Candidates must note the following points.

• There will be a total of 95 MCQs in the paper, carrying 1 mark each.
• The GK section will not have negative marking for incorrect answers.
• The scores obtained in the GK section will not be counted for calculating the final score.

Should I attempt all questions in XAT?

Answering in XAT should be balanced. It has negative marking for wrong answers as well as negative marking for unanswered questions.

A wrong answer gets you -0.25 marks for each question. Each unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions will cost you -0.1 mark. Keep these in mind before answering.

Is there a negative marking in GK?

No, there is no negative marking for general knowledge. The score in the GK section does not add to the XAT percentile calculation, but it is used in the selection process.

XAT Previous Year Question Papers

To have an analysis of the XAT Exam pattern, you should also practice the XAT Previous Year question paper.

Does XAT repeat questions from previous years' questions?

XAT does not repeat the same questions. The concepts and structure of the questions get repeated.

XAT Exam Pattern: Changes in the Last 4 Years

In the last few years, the XAT Exam pattern has undergone certain changes. These include the removal of the essay writing component and changes in the total number of questions.

As the main topics remain the same, XLRI has changed the exam structure to balance the fairness and time distribution.

XAT Exam Pattern Changes (2025–2022)

• The Essay writing section was introduced again in the last few years. It started again from 2024 and was removed in 2025 again.
• The total question count has changed between 75 and 101, which makes changes in the difficulty and balance sections.
• It includes 25 to 21 questions, is not included in the percentile, and makes an impact in the GD-PI Round.

XAT Exam Pattern: Time Duration & Number of Questions

XAT Preparation Strategy 2026

The XAT is one of the toughest MBA exams. Its decision-making section, high-level QA-DI difficulty, and GK section make it challenging.

The exam has 95 questions in total. Candidates need a balanced plan covering accuracy, time management, and decision-making skills.

Can I clear XAT with CAT preparation?

CAT preparation builds a strong foundation for XAT. However, it may not be enough because XAT has unique sections like decision making and general knowledge.

After preparing for XAT, focus on these unique sections. Analyse previous years' papers and take XAT mock tests to improve.

How should I prepare for the general knowledge section?

The GK section in XAT tests general awareness about national and international affairs. Preparation for GK should be broad.

• For current affairs, focus on national and international events. Gather information from newspapers, TV channels, and social media platforms. Focus on events from the past 6–12 months. Cover business and economy, recent developments and innovations, and major tournaments.
• For Static GK, study history and geography, Indian politics, and famous books and their authors.
• GK is not considered for percentile calculation. However, B-schools use it during the final selection process.

FAQs for XAT Exam Pattern 2026

What is the pattern of XAT 2026?

The XAT Exam Pattern 2026 is expected to be the same as last year. It will be conducted in CBT mode and will include 2 parts.

Was XAT 2025 harder than 2024?

XAT 2025 was comparatively easier than XAT 2024. This was mainly because of the decision-making and VALR sections.

Is 27 a good score in XAT?

In XAT, a raw score of 27 on Part 1, excluding G.K., is considered moderate to good as per the difficulty level.

Is XAT harder than CAT?

Yes, XAT is tougher as compared to CAT. The reasons include its unique question types and evaluation method.

XAT Exam Pattern 2026

The XAT Exam Pattern 2026 is expected to be the same as last year. It will be conducted in a CBT Mode and will include 2 parts.

The XAT exam pattern includes a total of 95 questions asked from 4 sections. From VALR section, 26 questions will be asked, from DM, a total of 21 questions will be asked. 28 questions will be asked from the QA & DI section of the XAT paper and 20 questions will be asked from General Knowledge section.

1 mark will be awarded for each correct answer. -0.25 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer. -0.1 mark will be deducted for each unanswered question after 8th skipped question.

XAT vs CAT Difficulty

Yes, XAT is tougher as compared to CAT because of the following reasons:

XAT 2025 vs 2024 Difficulty

XAT 2025 was comparatively easier than XAT 2024, mainly because of the decision-making and VALR Section.

XAT Score vs Percentile

The Score of the 99th percentile in XAT falls between 40 to 42 marks out of 95.

Is 27 a Good Score in XAT?

In XAT, a raw score of 27 on Part 1, excluding G.K., is considered moderate to good as per the difficulty level.

Is the GK Score Counted in XAT?

No, the GK section is not counted in the XAT percentile.

XAT 2026 VALR Syllabus: Official Details

XLRI Jamshedpur has released the XAT 2026 syllabus on its official website, https://xatonline.in/.

The XAT VALR section includes topics such as critical analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, vocabulary, English grammar, para jumbles, and cloze tests.

XAT VALR Section: Key Features

The VALR section of the XAT exam has roughly 26 questions. Reading comprehension carries the most weight, with around 12 to 15 questions that mostly feature poems, cartoons, and passages.

Questions in this section test command over the English language and logical structuring of thoughts.

• There are approximately 26 questions in the VALR section, with each question carrying +1 mark.
• As per the XAT marking scheme, every right answer gets +1 mark, and 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
• A 0.10 mark is deducted for every un-attempted question after the 8th un-attempted question.
• There is no separate sectional time limit for the VALR section, but the time limit for part 1 is 170 minutes.

XAT VALR Exam Pattern 2026

Key Summary of XAT VALR Section

• The XAT VALR section usually gets 26 questions, making it the second highest weightage in XAT after the Quantitative section.
• XAT VALR sections consist of questions from topics such as reading comprehension, critical reasoning, error correction, grammar, vocabulary, and para jumbles.
• Reading comprehension has the highest weightage in the VALR section with 12-15 questions, while critical reasoning has the second highest weightage with 5-7 questions.
• Error correction, jumbled paragraph, and filling in the blanks have equal weightage of 2 questions each.
• Taking mock tests regularly and solving previous year's papers is the most important step in the XAT VALR preparation strategy.

XAT 2026 VALR Syllabus Details

The syllabus of the VALR section of XAT 2026 has remained consistent with previous years' XAT syllabus. It mainly focuses on testing comprehension, critical thinking, and logical deduction skills.

The VALR section typically consists of 26 questions, with a mix of Verbal Ability (VA) and Logical Reasoning (LR).

The XAT VALR syllabus overlaps with the CAT VARC/DILR section but is tougher because of:

• 5 options per question
• Abstract passages
• Integrated VA-LR topics

XAT VALR Section: Structure and Key Topics

The XAT Verbal and Logical Reasoning (VALR) section tests comprehension, critical thinking, and logical reasoning. The section is divided into two main parts: Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning.

The Verbal Ability part covers reading comprehension, para jumbles, fill in the blanks, grammar, and vocabulary. The Logical Reasoning part covers analogies, series completion, puzzles, and critical reasoning.

Verbal Ability

Common Questions About the VALR Section

Ques. Does XAT ask a poem every year?

Ans. Yes, since 2019 XAT has consistently asked 2 questions on one short poem, which is usually based on a modern or 20th century poem.

Ques. Are there logical reasoning sets in XAT VALR?

Ans. XAT contains 1 or 2 small sets ( 3 - 4 questions) on arrangements, blood relations or coding - decoding.

Ques. Is vocabulary high level in VARC?

Ans. The level of vocabulary is moderate to high. Direct synonyms/antonyms usually never asked. Mostly used in context to fill in the blanks, odd word out type questions.

XAT 2026: Important Topics to Focus on in the VALR Section

Reading Comprehension is the highly weighted topic in the VALR section, with 12-15 questions appearing consistently throughout the years. Critical reasoning is the second most important topic in VALR with 5-7 questions in XAT every year with approx weightage of 19- 27%. Error correction, Jumbled paragraph and fill in the blank questions has the equal weightage with 2 questions.

Here is the expected detailed topic-wise weightage of the VALR section of the XAT 2026 paper.

Frequently Asked Questions on VALR Topics

Ques. How many questions come from reading comprehension?

Ans. Usually, there are about 12-15 questions (3 - 4 passages) that come from reading comprehension. RC dominates the XAT VALR section with 55- 65%.

Ques. Is grammar very important for XAT VALR?

Ans. The importance of grammar in XAT is moderate. 1- 3 grammar questions asked in the form of sentence correction. But grammar helps in para jumbles, fill in the blanks and spotting errors.

Previous Year Exam Analysis on XAT VALR Section

The VALR section XAT has consistently tested candidates' comprehension skills, critical thinking, and logical reasoning skills. Based on the analysis of the previous year's papers VALR section difficulty stayed moderate overall with little fluctuation over the years.

Reading comprehension questions have the highest weightage every year with 13 - 15 questions with heavier passages and often contain 2 conceptual poem questions. Critical reasoning questions are more on the difficult side due to the 5 options.

Here is the detailed analysis on the XAT VALR section on its weightage and difficulty level.

XAT VALR Section Analysis (2023-2025)

The Verbal and Logical Reasoning (VALR) section of XAT has consistently had 26 questions in the last three years. The difficulty level has ranged from moderate to high.

XAT VALR Topic-Wise Preparation Strategy for 95+ Percentile

The VALR section carries the second highest weightage after the quant section. It is moderately difficult but hard to prepare for because it includes complex topics like poem-based questions, abstract passages, and critical reasoning.

The most important strategies for VALR preparation are:

• Review and analyse the previous years' XAT papers
• Consistently take XAT Mock Tests to improve speed and accuracy

Use the topic-wise preparation strategies below to score 90+ percentile in XAT.

How to Crack Poem Based RCs in XAT 2026?

Poem-based RCs are unique to the XAT exam. XAT consistently gives 1 passage with 2 questions from the poem every year. Poems are usually very short (50 - 100 words), metaphorical, and the questions are not straightforward.

Here are tips and tricks to solve poem-based RCs:

• Know that poems are not literal; they are metaphorical. You have to see beyond the sentences.
• For the first read, go through the poem line by line without looking for the meaning. Just determine the general tone of the poem.
• Understand how the author feels. Is the author angry, melancholic, sarcastic, or hopeful?

Identify the trinity of the poem:

The subject: What is the poem literally about?

The Metaphor: What does the subject represent? (for example, loss of innocence, greed, youthfulness)

The Tone: The author's attitude towards the subject.

• Translate the poet's English to plain English.

For example, the poem "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood" in plain English means "The author had to make a choice between two different options in life."

• Eliminate the options that relate to the poem's physical meaning rather than its metaphorical meaning, and eliminate options with a tone mismatch.

XAT Previous Year's Question Papers

Check out the XAT previous year's question papers with the solution PDF of the last 10 years.

XAT Previous Year Papers

Previous year papers are available for XAT 2025, XAT 2024, XAT 2023, XAT 2022, XAT 2021, XAT 2020, XAT 2019, XAT 2018, XAT 2017, and XAT 2016.

You can also check the XAT VALR practice papers.

Books to Help Crack the VALR Section of XAT with High Percentile

Having the best resources is the first step to start preparing for the VALR section. Toppers use a minimum of 4 resources to get a high score in the VALR section.

• XAT Previous Papers
• How to prepare for VARC by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
• GMAT official Guide
• Word Power by Norman Lewis

Here are the few best and recommended books to prepare for the VALR to get 90+ percentile.

Also read: Best Books for XAT 2026 Preparation.

XAT VALR Syllabus FAQs

Ques. Is the XAT VALR syllabus exactly the same as CAT VARC?

Ans. No, the syllabus is not exactly the same; they overlap about 60-70% of the syllabus. CAT VARC emphasizes verbal ability and reading comprehension, while XAT VALR focuses on both verbal ability and logical reasoning. There is heavy critical reasoning involved in XAT VALR but not in VARC.

Ques. Is it true that XAT has a negative marking of -0.10 if you leave questions unanswered?

Ans. Yes, as per the XAT marking scheme, the correct answer gets +1 mark, the wrong answer gets -0.25 marks, and -0.10 marks for each unanswered question beyond 8 unanswered questions.

XAT 2026 Cutoff Released by XLRI Jamshedpur

XLRI Jamshedpur released the XAT 2026 cutoffs for its PGDM (BM and HRM) programs on 30 January 2026 on its official website. XAT Cutoff 2026 is the minimum percentile required for admission into XLRI and other top B-schools like XIM and IMT.

In XAT 2026, the cutoff for PGDM BM has been reduced to 94 percentile. In previous years, it was 96 percentile.

• PGDM BM: XAT 2026 overall cutoff is 94 percentile (male) and 88 percentile (female/third gender) with sectional cutoffs in QADI, VALR, and DM.
• PGDM HRM: Overall cutoff ranges from 90–92 percentile (male) and 84–87 percentile (female/third gender), with higher emphasis on VALR and DM.

Female and non-engineering candidates have a lower cutoff. The overall percentile drops to 88 for PGDM-BM and as low as 84–87 for PGDM-HRM, as specified in the official XAT 2026 cutoff notification.

XAT 2025 Cutoff Percentile

Here are the college-wise cutoff PDFs for different XAT 2025 percentile ranges below. Each PDF provides a detailed breakdown of cutoffs across the specified percentile range.

XAT Cutoff PDF Year-wise

Key Summary

• XAT cutoffs are percentile-based, with top colleges requiring 80–96 percentile.
• 35 marks in XAT is a strong score, usually translating to 95–99 percentile.
• XLRI BM cutoff is expected around 96 percentile, and HRM around 95 percentile.
• Female and non-engineering candidates get a 3–6 percentile relaxation.
• 95 percentile can fetch XLRI calls, especially for HRM, if sectionals are cleared.
• Sectional cutoffs are mandatory for XLRI in QA-DI, VALR, and DM.
• IITs do not accept XAT scores; they consider CAT only.
• 40+ marks: 99+ percentile, 30+ marks: 95 percentile, 23–24 marks: 90 percentile.
• HRM focuses more on VALR and DM, while BM emphasizes QA-DI.

What is the Cutoff for XAT?

The XAT Cutoff is the minimum percentile required by an MBA institute to shortlist candidates for the next stage of admission like WAT, GD/PI. Many top colleges also consider sectional cutoff along with the overall.

How XAT Cutoffs are decided?

The XAT cutoffs vary on the basis of:

XAT 2026 Difficulty and Test-Taker Numbers

The difficulty level of XAT 2026 was similar to XAT 2025. Around 1.35–1.4 lakh candidates took the test.

Other factors that influence the cutoff include the seat intake of institutes and past year cutoff trends.

XAT Cutoff Category-wise

The XAT Cutoff 2026 for XLRI varies across different categories. These categories are based on gender, academic background, and sections.

• For the PGDM-BM, male engineering and non-engineering candidates are expected to require a 96th percentile overall. Females will require a relaxed cutoff of 91 percentile and slightly lower sectional cutoffs.
• In PGDM-HRM, the VALR cutoff is expected to be the highest at 90 for males and 85 for females. The QA-DI cutoffs are lower, especially for non-engineer females at around 68 percentile.

The PGDM-HRM course will focus on verbal and decision-making skills more than quantitative skills.

XAT Cutoff 2026 for PGDM (BM) & PGDM (BM–International)

XAT Cutoff 2026 PGDM–Human Resource Management (HRM)

Marks to Percentile Estimates

The following marks in XAT correspond to specific percentile estimates.

• 8 Marks in XAT Percentile
• 15 Marks in XAT Percentile
• 24 Marks in XAT Percentile
• 17 Marks in XAT Percentile
• 12 Marks in XAT Percentile

XAT Cutoff 2026 for Top College-wise (Expected)

The expected XAT cutoff 2026 for top B-schools shows a slight increase compared to previous years. This reflects rising competition.

• XLRI Jamshedpur remains the most competitive with around 98% percentile. SPJIMR, IMT, and XIMB will require around 92% percentile.
• Mid-tier colleges like GIM, KJ Somaiya, and FORE are expected to have cutoffs around 86-87%. Institutes like MICA, XLRI Delhi, Great Lakes, IRMA, TAPMI, and LIBA are around 81–82%.
• Lower-tier colleges like BIMTECH, XIME, and Welingkar have cutoffs near 77–78%.

XAT 2026 Expected Cutoff for Top MBA Colleges

The table below shows the expected XAT 2026 cutoff percentiles for major MBA colleges, compared with the XAT 2025 cutoffs. These are expected figures based on trends.

MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Cutoff 80-90 Percentile

Several MBA colleges accept XAT scores in the 80-90 percentile range. The cutoff varies by institute.

MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Cutoff 70-80 Percentile

Some MBA colleges accept XAT scores in the 70-80 percentile range. The cutoff varies by institute.

XLRI Delhi XAT Cutoff 2026

The XAT cutoff 2026 for XLRI Delhi will be based on academics, with stream-based and gender-based flexibility.

For PGDM-BM, male applicants (engineering/non-engineering) will need an overall percentile of about 96. Their sectional cutoffs will be approximately 86–88 in QA-DI. Female applicants (engineering/non-engineering) will need about 91 percentile overall. Their sectional cutoff will be nearly 81–83 in QA/DI.

For PGDM-HRM, the cutoff will focus on verbal and decision-making abilities. Male engineers will need an overall percentile of about 95. Female engineers are expected to need around 90 percentile. Female non-engineers will have the lowest overall cutoff of about 87 percentile.

XLRI Delhi aims for a diverse, balanced intake without compromising standards.

Do IITs Accept XAT Score?

No, IITs do not accept the XAT score for their MBA or any other management programs. Their admission is based on the CAT exam.

• The XAT scores for MBA admission are not accepted by the Department of Management Studies.
• The CAT exam is conducted by the IIMs and many top management programs in India, like IIMs and IIT MBA, use CAT as their admission test.
• The IITs want to maintain comparability with the other top B-schools, relying on the CAT exam as the benchmark for admission.
• XAT is conducted by XLRI/XAMI and used by institutions aligned with it (XAT's associate institutes).

XIMB XAT Cutoff

The cutoff for the XIMB XAT is the minimum score or percentile (overall and sometimes sectional) in the XAT exam that you must achieve to get admission into MBA programs at XIMB.

• Expected XAT Cutoff 2025 (MBA): General category – 90–93 percentile
• Expected XAT cutoff 2026 (MBA): General category – 88–91 percentile.
• MBA BM (General) 2024 Cutoff: Domicile engineering male – 88 percentile; non-engineering – 87 percentile
• MBA BM (General) 2024 Cutoff: Non-domicile engineering – 91–92 percentile; non-engineering – ~91 percentile
• MBA HRM 2024 Cutoff: General category – ~81 percentile for both engineering and non-engineering backgrounds
• Gender & Domicile Breakdown 2024: Domicile (Engg) – Male 88, Female 87; Non-Engg – Male 87, Female 86.
• Gender & Domicile Breakdown 2024: Non-domicile (Engg) – Male 92, Female 91; Non-Engg – Male 91, Female 90.

Sectional Cutoffs (Approximate)

• For MBA BM (Domicile Engineering, 2024): VA – 50, DM – 40, QA – 40 percentile.
• For Non-domicile candidates: Sectional thresholds slightly higher (VA ~70, DM ~60, QA ~60).
• XAT 2026 Expected: VA = 50, DM = 40, QA = 40

XAT Cutoff Marks vs Percentile 2026

The XAT Score vs Percentile 2026 provides the analysis of the estimated percentile range as per the raw scores in the XAT exam. It also shows that a small change in the raw score can lead to a big shift in the percentile.

• A score of ≥40 can provide the candidates 99+ percentile, while a raw score ranging from 35–36 can place the candidate in 99 percentile.
• A 30–31 score can result in the ~95 percentile, which is required by the Top B-schools like XLRI.
• The mid-tier colleges accept the XAT marks ranging from 23–28 marks with ~90–95 percentile.
• Even a minimal raw score, like a 14–15 mark, can provide the ~65 percentile, reflecting the XAT exam's difficulty level and strict scoring.

XAT Marks vs Percentile 2026

The table below shows the approximate percentile for different raw scores in XAT 2026.

XAT Marks vs Percentile 2026 for Top MBA Colleges

For admission to top MBA colleges via XAT 2026, a raw score of ~32–34 is needed for XLRI BM and SPJIMR (~96 percentile). A score of ~31–32 is enough for XLRI HRM (~95 percentile).

• XIMB, IMT, MICA, and IMI Delhi require ~30–32 marks (~90–92 percentile).
• Mid-range colleges like GIM, TAPMI, and Great Lakes accept ~26–30 marks (85–90 percentile).
• Lower-tier institutes like LIBA and FORE consider ~25–27 marks (~80–85 percentile).

Expected Cutoffs for XAT 2026

Is 35 a Good Score in XAT?

A score of 35 out of 75 is an excellent score in XAT. This places the candidate in the 95+ percentile range, making them eligible for top Tier 1 and Tier 2 XAT colleges like MICA, IMT, IMI, and XIMB.

Colleges with a 35 Score in XAT

Can I Get XLRI at the 95 Percentile?

Based on previous years' analysis, the XLRI cutoff for PGDM BM for Male (Engineering or Non-Engineering) candidates was 96 percentile. The cutoff for female candidates was 91 percentile.

For XLRI PGDM HRM, the cutoff for male (engineer) candidates was 96 percentile, while female engineers required 90 percentile. Non-engineer male and female candidates had cutoffs of 93 percentile and 87 percentile respectively.

Is 27 a Good Score in XAT?

A score of 27 marks in XAT is considered moderate and places you in the 89th percentile. This score is not sufficient for admission into top-tier institutions like XLRI Jamshedpur, but it can get you admission into mid-tier colleges like FORE, KJ Somaiya, and GIM.

XAT Score vs Percentile: 30 Marks

A score of 30 marks in XAT places you in the approximate 90-95 percentile. This is considered a strong performance and is competitive for admission into tier-1 and tier-2 colleges like FORE, KJ Somaiya, and GIM.

XAT Cutoff for XLRI

The XAT cutoff for XLRI 2026 will be highly competitive. PGDM-BM is expected to require a cutoff of around 96 percentile for general males and around 91 percentile for females.

• PGDM-HRM will need the XAT cutoff percentile around 95 and 90, respectively.
• The PGDM-BM will have the highest sectional percentile of QA-DI up to 88 percentile.
• HRM will have 92 percentile for VALR, and DM will have up to 87 percentile.

Expected Cutoff for XLRI Programs

XAT 2026 Section-Wise Cutoff

As per the previous years’ analysis, to score in the 99.9th percentile in XAT 2026, a candidate will need to secure ~20–21 marks in QA-DI. Around 18 marks are needed in VALR and DM.

• A percentile range of 99.5 will require the sectional scores of around 19.25 in QA-DI, 16 in VALR, and DM.
• To achieve the cutoff ranging between 90–95 percentile, the candidate needs to score around 9–11.25 in QA, 9-11 in VALR and 9-10.75 in DM.
• Even a score of around ~7–8 in each section can secure an 80–85 percentile.

This shows that a small difference in score can lead to a major shift in the percentile, especially in higher ranges.

Sectional Score vs Percentile

What is a Good Score for XAT?

A score range of 25-34 marks out of 75 is considered a good score in XAT. This can place the candidate in the percentile range of 90–94 percentile.

This score provides the opportunity to get admission into mid tier institutes like XIMB, MICA, IMT, IMI.

Raw Marks vs Percentile

What is a Good XAT Score for XLRI?

The candidates set different goals depending on their scores in the XAT exam and college preference.

For XLRI (Jamshedpur/Delhi)

• 95–97 percentile (~35–38 marks): Ideal to meet shortlist criteria.
• 39–40+ marks — likely results in ≥96–97 percentile, strengthening your application for an interview call.

Tier‑1 B-Schools (XIM, MICA, IMT, IMI, SPJIMR)

• 90–96 percentile (~30–35 marks): Competitive for these colleges where overall percentile is key. Sectional cutoffs are typically waived.

Other Reputable Institutes (TAPMI, GIM, GLIM, LIBA, KJSomaiya, IRMA, FORE, etc.)

• 85–90 percentile (~25–30 marks): Solid for admissions into this batch of institutes.
• Even 80 percentile (~21–23 marks) can be enough for some emerging or niche programs.

Is 72 Percentile Good in XAT?

The 72 percentile is considered an average percentile. It can provide the opportunity to get admission into several recognized B-schools.

These include Woxsen University, Alliance School of Business (Bangalore), Rajagiri Business School, WeSchool (Mumbai), Amrita School of Business, and IBA Bangalore.

XAT Cut-offs 2021 to 2025: An Overview

An analysis of XAT cut-offs from 2021 to 2025 for XLRI’s BM and HRM programs shows a consistent focus on high aptitude, controlled competition, and strong diversity policies. XLRI has designed these thresholds to ensure a very diverse and highly competent pool of students while promoting inclusivity and gender diversity. The cut-offs are the same for both engineering and non-engineering candidates in some cases, meaning XLRI values diversity in education backgrounds and looks for aptitude.

XAT 2025 Cut-off for Business Management (BM) Program

For the BM program, the overall percentile cut-off for male candidates is 96%, and for female candidates it is 91%. This applies to both engineering and non-engineering streams.

The benchmark is relatively strong for males to maintain a better balance in admission.

XAT 2025 Cut-off for Human Resource Management (HRM) Program

The overall percentile cut-off for male engineering candidates is 95%, and it is marginally lower for non-engineering candidates at 93%. Female candidates have lower cut-offs: 90% for engineers and 87% for non-engineers.

XAT Cut-off 2024 for BM

Candidates can review the XAT cutoff for the BM course categorized for candidates belonging to engineering and non-engineering backgrounds.

XAT Cut-off 2024 for HRM

XAT cut off 2024 for the HRM program ranged between 88 and 95. Candidates can check the XAT cut off for the HRM course in the following table.

XAT Cutoff 2024 for BM

XAT BM cutoff in 2024 ranged between 88 and 95. The table below shows the sectional and overall cutoff for different candidate categories.

XAT Cutoff 2023 for BM

XAT BM cutoff in 2023 ranged between 92 and 95. The sectional and overall cutoff for each category is listed below.

XAT Cutoff 2023 for HRM

XAT HRM cutoff in 2023 varied by category. The section-wise and overall cutoff are given in the table below.

XAT Cutoff 2022 for PGDM HRM

XAT PGDM HRM cutoff in 2022 is shown below for each category. The cutoff is given for VALR, DM, QA, and overall.

XAT Cutoff 2022 for PGDM BM

XAT PGDM BM cutoff in 2022 is listed below for male and female candidates. The table shows the sectional and overall cutoff.

XAT Cutoff 2021 for Business Management (BM)

XAT BM cutoff in 2021 is provided below for male and female candidates. The table includes the overall and sectional cutoff.

XAT Cutoff 2021 for HRM

XAT HRM cutoff in 2021 is shown below for different categories. The cutoff for SC and ST categories is also included.

XAT Cutoff Marks vs Percentile

Comparing XAT score and percentile helps candidates know the marks needed for a specific percentile. The table below shows the cutoff vs percentile for the last 3 years.

How to Calculate XAT Percentile?

XAT percentile is calculated using a specific formula. The formula is given below.

• Your XAT

  XLRI Sectional Cutoff for XAT 2025

  XLRI has a sectional cutoff for XAT 2025. The cutoff depends on the exam sections, the candidate's gender, and their stream (Engineer or Non-Engineer).

  In 2024, the B-school interviewed 2200-2800 students based on these sectional and overall cutoffs. The cutoffs are released officially in the form of a PDF.

  MBA Colleges with 85 Percentile in XAT

  With 85 percentile in XAT, you can get into several MBA colleges. These include XIMB, SPJIMR, IMT-Ghaziabad, GIM, TAPMI, IRMA-Anand, MICA, Great Lakes Institute of Management, LIBA-Chennai, and KJ Somaiya.

  Candidates must check the official website of their preferred college before applying for admission.

  XAT Cutoff: College-wise Score vs Percentile

  The table below shows the expected XAT score and cutoff percentile for different colleges.

  Name of the College	XAT Score	XAT Cut Off Percentile
  XIMB Bhubaneswar	30.5-32.5	90-93
  SPJIMR Mumbai	32.5-34.5	93.50-95
  IMT Ghaziabad	30.5-32	90-92
  Great Lakes Institute of Management	26-27.5	80-85
  LIBA Chennai	26-27.5	80-85
  KJ Somaiya Mumbai	27.5-30.5	85-90
  GIM Goa	27.5-30.5	85-90
  TAPMI Manipal	26-27.5	80-85
  IRMA Anand	26-27.5	80-85
  MICA Ahmedabad	26-27.5	80-85

  Section-wise Raw Score vs Percentile

  The following tables show the raw score needed for a given percentile in each XAT section.

  Verbal & Logical Ability

  XAT Raw score	XAT Percentile score
  9.5	85
  10.5	90+
  13.5	95+

  Decision Making

  XAT Raw score	XAT Percentile score
  9.0	85
  10	90
  11.5	95+

  Quant & DI

  XAT Raw score	XAT Percentile score
  10.5	85
  12.5	90
  15	95+

  XAT Cutoff 2026 FAQs

  How much to score in XAT for 90 percentile?

  To achieve 90 percentile in XAT 2026, the candidate needs to secure 23–26 raw marks. This score can provide the opportunity to take admission into B-schools like IMT Ghaziabad, MICA, and IMI.

  The table below lists colleges accepting a 90 percentile score.

  College/Institute	Expected Percentile Range	Estimated Raw Score	Sources
  XIM Bhubaneswar (XIMB)	90–92%ile	23–26 marks	MBAUniverse, IMS India, Careers360
  IMT Ghaziabad	90–92%ile	23–26 marks	MBAUniverse, IMS India, Careers360
  MICA Ahmedabad	90–92%ile	23–26 marks	MBAUniverse, IMS India, Careers360
  IMI Delhi	90–92%ile	23–26 marks	MBAUniverse, IMS India, Careers360
  SPJIMR (via XAT route)	93–95%ile	24–26 marks	InsideIIM, IMS India, Careers360
  GIM Goa	85–90%ile	20–23 marks	CollegeDekho
  TAPMI Manipal	85–87%ile	20–23 marks	CollegeDekho
  Great Lakes Institute, Chennai	85–86%ile	20–23 marks	CollegeDekho
  KJ Somaiya, Mumbai	80–82%ile	20–23 marks	CollegeDekho
  LIBA, Chennai	80–85%ile	20–23 marks	CollegeDekho
  IRMA, Anand	80–85%ile	20–23 marks	CollegeDekho
  FORE School of Management, Delhi	80–87%ile	20–23 marks	CollegeDekho

  Do IIT accept XAT score?

  No, IITs do not accept the XAT score for admission to their MBA programs. They only consider the CAT score for their Department of Management Studies and related programs.

  What is the TAPMI XAT cut off?

  The TAPMI Manipal accepts XAT cutoff around 80-85+ percentile for the general category. Candidates generally need to score at least in the 80s percentile in XAT to be considered for shortlisting and further selection rounds at TAPMI.

  Is 74 percentile good in XAT?

  The 74 percentile is considered the below-average percentile in the XAT overall ranking. This percentile can be achieved with the 17–18 marks overall.

  This percentile range is not sufficient for the XLRI or any top-tier B-school. However, the candidate can get admission into BIMTECH Greater Noida, IFMR GSB, Great Lakes Gurgaon, Welingkar, XIME, and BIM Trichy.

  XAT 90 Percentile: Required Marks and Colleges

  To achieve 90 percentile in XAT 2026, a candidate needs to secure 23-26 raw marks. This score can provide admission into reputed B-schools like IMT Ghaziabad, MICA, and IMI.

  College/Institute	Expected Percentile Range	Estimated Raw Score
  XIM Bhubaneswar (XIMB)	90-92 %ile	23-26 marks
  IMT Ghaziabad	90-92 %ile	23-26 marks
  MICA Ahmedabad	90-92 %ile	23-26 marks
  IMI Delhi	90-92 %ile	23-26 marks
  SPJIMR (via XAT route)	93-95 %ile	24-26 marks
  GIM Goa	85-90 %ile	20-23 marks
  TAPMI Manipal	85-87 %ile	20-23 marks
  Great Lakes Institute, Chennai	85-86 %ile	20-23 marks
  KJ Somaiya, Mumbai	80-82 %ile	20-23 marks
  LIBA, Chennai	80-85 %ile	20-23 marks
  IRMA, Anand	80-85 %ile	20-23 marks
  FORE School of Management, Delhi	80-87 %ile	20-23 marks

  Do IITs Accept XAT Score?

  No, IITs do not accept the XAT score for admission to their MBA programs. They only consider the CAT score for their Department of Management Studies and related programs.

  TAPMI XAT Cut Off

  TAPMI Manipal accepts XAT cutoff around 80-85+ percentile for the general category. Candidates generally need to score at least in the 80s percentile in XAT to be considered for shortlisting and further selection rounds at TAPMI.

  Is 74 Percentile Good in XAT?

  The 74 percentile is considered the below-average percentile in the XAT overall ranking. This percentile can be achieved with 17-18 marks overall.

  This percentile range is not sufficient for XLRI or any top-tier B-school. The candidate can get admission into BIMTECH Greater Noida, IFMR GSB, Great Lakes Gurgaon, Welingkar, XIME, and BIM Trichy.

  Percentile Range	Interpretation / Possible Outcomes
  80-90 percentile	Eligible for many strong institutes such as FORE, TAPMI, Great Lakes, GIM, etc.
  70-80 percentile	Possible admission to mid-tier MBA colleges; placements around ₹10-12 LPA
  ~74 percentile	Too low for XLRI; OK for some mid-tier business schools that shortlist within 70-80 percentile

The XLRI Jamshedpur has released the XAT Answer Key 2026 on 9th January 2026 on its official website xatonline.in. You can object (s) against the answer key, if any. The Response sheet has been released on 6^th January 2026.

Direct Link to Download XAT Answer Key 2026 (Out)

You can also find here the answers and solutions of XAT 2026 prepared by subject-matter experts here.

XAT 2026 Question Paper with Answer Key

Download

Check Solutions

You can also calculate your scores using the answer key and response sheet. While calculating the marks, candidates must remember that each question carries 1 mark and 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. Check XAT Score Calculation

After you calculate your scores using XAT answer key and response sheet, you must check XAT 2026 score vs percentile analysis to know what percentile range your scores are likely to get you into.

Overall XLRI XAT Cut off 2026 for BM and HRM is expected between 90 to 95 percentile. Check XAT 2026 Expected Cut off

Ques: When will XAT answer key be released?

Ques: How can I check my XAT answer Key?

Ques: When is XAT 2026 unofficial answer key releasing?

XAT Answer Key 2026 Date

XLRI Jamshedpur Cutoff 2026 (Non Engineers)

XLRI Jamshedpur Cutoff 2026 (General Engineers)

Check XAT 2026 Cut off Category-wise and Course-wise Here

XAT Previous Years’ Answer Key

Candidates can go through XAT previous year answer key and question paper given below.

XAT Answer Key 2024

XAT Answer Key 2024 is provided below for your reference. You can access the answer key and question paper of XAT 2024 using the links given below:

XAT Answer Key 2023

XAT Answer Key 2023 is provided below for your reference. You can access the answer key and question paper of XAT 2023 using the links given below:

XAT Answer Key 2022

XAT Answer Key 2022 is provided below for your reference. You can access the answer key and question paper of XAT 2022 using the links given below:

XAT Answer Key 2021

GK ANSWERS:

QUANT ANSWERS:

VERBAL ABILITY ANSWERS:

DECISION MAKING ANSWERS:

Download XAT 2021 Question Paper

XAT Answer Key 2020

Download XAT 2020 Question Paper

XAT Answer Key 2019

Quick Links

• XAT 2026 Question Paper
• XAT GK Question Papers
• XAT Quant Question Papers

XAT Answer Key 2018

Disclaimer: The information on this page is compiled from official XAT and XLRI sources and is intended for general guidance. XAT admission is institute-specific, and cutoffs, fees, dates, and policies vary across institutes and may change. Always verify details on the official websites of XLRI (xatonline.in) and the respective B-schools before making any decision.