XAT 2026 Cutoffs: Real Scores and MBA Colleges You Can Actually Convert

Every year, XAT aspirants walk out of the exam hall with a strange mix of confidence and confusion.

The paper felt manageable. The percentile looks respectable. And yet, unlike CAT percentiles, there’s no immediate clarity on where you stand.

That’s because XAT is not a percentile-first exam.

It is a Decision Making–first exam.

While CAT rewards raw speed and accuracy, XAT quietly filters candidates through a section most aspirants underestimate, Decision Making (DM). And for institutes like XLRI, DM isn’t just another section. It is the gatekeeper.

This is why candidates with similar overall percentiles often see wildly different outcomes in XAT admissions.Why a 40+ raw score can unlock XLRI calls, while a higher percentile with weak DM gets filtered out.And why women and non-engineers quietly gain one of the largest diversity advantages in Indian MBA admissions, especially for XLRI HRM.

This article breaks down the real XAT 2026 admission reality, not the simplified coaching narratives.

Using verified data from recent XAT cycles, we explain:

• What a safe XAT score actually looks like

• How DM and sectionals change outcomes

• Which MBA colleges are realistically achievable at each percentile band

• And how to build a conversion-first application strategy, not a hope-based one

If CAT is about percentile wars, XAT is about judgment, balance, and profile fit. This guide shows you how to play that game correctly.

The "Decision Making" Difference

Unlike CAT, XAT has a unique Decision Making (DM) section that makes or breaks admission to top institutes like XLRI.

• The "Safe" Score: A raw score of 40+ (out of 75) is the golden ticket for 99%ile.

• Diversity Advantage: XLRI explicitly lowers cutoffs for Women (by 5–7%ile) and Non-Engineers (by ~1–2%ile).

• No Reservation (Most Colleges): Private institutes like XLRI, IMT, TAPMI, and GIM do not have caste-based reservations. They are strictly merit-based. Only state-backed institutes like XIMB (Domicile) have quotas.

1. XAT 2026 Score vs. Percentile Mapping

Based on standard exam difficulty levels (similar to Jan 2024/2025).

Percentile	Raw Score (Out of 75)	Proficiency Level	Strategic Notes
99.9+ %ile	44 – 46+	Elite (Rank 1–100)	XLRI BM/HRM Sure Shot
99.0+ %ile	40 – 43	Top Tier Contender	XLRI Delhi / Jamshedpur Safe
95.0+ %ile	34 – 37	Strong Candidate	XLRI (Female/HRM) / XIMB
90.0+ %ile	29 – 33	Competitive	IMT Ghaziabad / IMI Delhi
85.0+ %ile	25 – 28	Good	TAPMI / GIM Goa / GLIM
80.0+ %ile	22 – 24	Moderate	KJ Somaiya / FORE Delhi
75.0+ %ile	19 – 21	Tier 3 Qualifying	Welingkar / LIBA

Critical Note: GK and Essay scores are not counted in the percentile calculation but are vital for the XLRI interview stage.

2. Achievable B-Schools by Percentile & Profile

Tier 1: XLRI Jamshedpur & Delhi (The Dream)

Admissions are purely based on XAT Score + Interview. No weightage for past academics in the initial call.

Program	Profile	Safe Percentile	Sectional Cutoffs (Verifiable)
BM (Business Mgmt)	Male (Eng/Non-Eng)	96+	VALR: 86 | DM: 85 | QA: 86
	Female (Eng/Non-Eng)	91+	VALR: 83 | DM: 80 | QA: 75
HRM (Human Resources)	Male (Engineer)	95+	VALR: 90 | DM: 85 | QA: 80
	Male (Non-Eng)	93+	VALR: 90 | DM: 85 | QA: 75
	Female (Engineer)	90+	VALR: 85 | DM: 80 | QA: 73
	Female (Non-Eng)	88+	VALR: 85 | DM: 80 | QA: 68

Strategy: If you are a Female Non-Engineer, XLRI HRM is your best bet at 88%ile. You do not need 99%ile like in CAT.

Tier 2: Top Private B-Schools (90–95%ile)

Target Schools: XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad, IMI New Delhi.

Institute	Profile	Safe Percentile	Key Insight
XIMB (Bhubaneswar)	Domicile (Odisha)	82 – 85+	Massive advantage for Odisha residents.
	All India (General)	91 – 94+	BM Program is tough. HR Program achievable at 87–90.
IMT Ghaziabad	General	90 – 92+	"Core" program needs 90+. Marketing is their flagship.
IMI New Delhi	General	88 – 90+	Strict on cutoffs. 88 is the hard floor for the main program.

Tier 3: The "Safe" Zone (80–90%ile)

Target Schools: GIM Goa, TAPMI Manipal, Great Lakes (Chennai), FORE Delhi, KJ Somaiya.

Institute	Safe Percentile	Profile / Diversity Advantage
GIM Goa	85+	Achiever’s Round: If you have star achievements (State/National level), you can get a call at 80%ile. General: 85%ile is the "Hard" cutoff for Regular Round.
TAPMI Manipal	80 – 85	Profile-Based: English proficiency is key. They often give calls at 80%ile if you have work ex (12+ months).
Great Lakes	80+ (Chennai)	One Year MBA (PGPM): Needs Work Ex (2+ years). XAT 80+ is safe. Two Year (PGDM): Needs 85+.
KJ Somaiya	83 – 85	Recently increased cutoffs. 84-85 is the safe zone for the Core MBA.
FORE Delhi	84 – 86	Strict cutoff. 85+ usually guarantees a call for PGDM Core.

3. Recommendations by Candidate Type

1. For General Male Engineers (GEM):

   • High Risk: XLRI BM requires near perfection (96+ with high sectionals).

   • Safe Bet: XIMB BM (92+) and IMT Ghaziabad (90+). These are your fortresses if XLRI misses.

2. For Women (Any Background):

   • Golden Opportunity: XLRI HRM at 88-90%ile. This is the single biggest "Discount" in the Indian MBA circuit.

   • Backup: GIM Goa (85+) and TAPMI (80+). Both have excellent gender diversity ratios.

3. For Low Percentiles (70–80):

   • Apply To: Welingkar (Mumbai), LIBA Chennai (Best for Catholics/Christians), XIME Bangalore, BIMTECH Noida.

   • Niche: XIMB (Rural Management) accepts 72–75%ile. It is a fantastic program with Avg Package ~12-14 LPA.

Important Dates & Deadlines (2026 Cycle)

• XLRI Result: Usually last week of January 2026.

• GIM/TAPMI Applications: Often close before XAT results (early Jan). Apply Now.

• IMT/XIMB Applications: Close shortly after results. Do not wait.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a safe XAT score for 99 percentile?

A raw score of 40+ out of 75 is generally considered safe for the 99 percentile in XAT. Scores in the 44–46+ range place candidates in the top 0.1%, making XLRI BM and HRM calls highly likely—provided sectional cutoffs are cleared.

Why is Decision Making (DM) so important in XAT?

Decision Making is the single most critical section for XLRI. Unlike CAT, XLRI enforces strict DM sectional cutoffs, and candidates with high overall scores are routinely rejected if DM performance is weak. DM tests judgment, ethics, and prioritisation—not speed.

Is XAT easier than CAT?

XAT is not easier—it is different. While CAT focuses on speed and accuracy, XAT rewards balanced performance, decision quality, and sectional consistency. Candidates who struggle in CAT often perform better in XAT due to DM and less time pressure.

What XAT percentile is needed for XLRI BM and HRM?

• XLRI BM:

  • Males (Eng/Non-Eng): ~96%ile

  • Females: ~91%ile

• XLRI HRM:

  • Male Engineers: ~95%ile

  • Female Non-Engineers: as low as 88%ile

This makes XLRI HRM one of the most diversity-friendly top MBA programs in India.

Does XLRI consider past academics for interview calls?

No. XLRI shortlists candidates purely on XAT score and sectional cutoffs. Past academics and work experience are evaluated only at the interview stage, not for the call.

Are there reservations in XAT colleges like XLRI or IMT?

No. Most XAT-accepting institutes—XLRI, IMT, TAPMI, GIM, IMI—do not have caste-based reservations. Selection is strictly merit-based. Only certain state-backed institutes like XIMB offer domicile quotas.

Which MBA colleges can I target at 90 percentile in XAT?

At 90 percentile, strong options include:

• IMT Ghaziabad

• IMI New Delhi

• XIMB (All India programs)

• TAPMI Manipal

• GIM Goa

XLRI is possible only for high-DM, diversity profiles at this range.

Is GK counted in the XAT percentile?

No. GK and Essay scores are not included in the percentile calculation. However, GK performance plays a decisive role during XLRI interviews, especially in differentiating candidates with similar XAT scores.

What are good options for XAT scores below 80 percentile?

At 70–80 percentile, candidates should target:

• Welingkar Mumbai

• LIBA Chennai

• XIME Bangalore

• BIMTECH Noida

Additionally, XIMB Rural Management is an excellent niche option accepting candidates in the 72–75 percentile range, with strong ROI.

What is the biggest mistake XAT candidates make?

The biggest mistake is treating XAT like CAT, focusing only on overall percentile and ignoring Decision Making and sectional cutoffs. Many candidates with strong scores miss XLRI simply due to DM underperformance.

Should I apply to colleges before XAT results are out?

Yes. Institutes like GIM and TAPMI often close applications before XAT results. Waiting for results frequently leads to missed deadlines and fewer high-ROI options.