Top MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Scores

09 November, 2025

Parthiva Mewawala

If you’re an MBA aspirant preparing for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), you’re already on the right path. Over 1.35 lakh students have chosen to appear for the XAT this year, clearly demonstrating the growing popularity of the top MBA colleges accepting XAT scores. XAT is one of India’s most respected management entrance exams, accepted by over 200 top B-schools across the country. Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, it opens doors not just to XLRI’s prestigious programs but also to other elite institutes that recognize the exam’s high analytical and decision-making standards.

XAT follows a different paper pattern than other management tests and includes decision-making, GK, and essay writing apart from the usual verbal, quantitative, logical reasoning, and data interpretation questions.

In this blog, we’ll cover the top MBA colleges accepting XAT scores in India, along with cut-off insights, program highlights, and why you should consider them for your management journey.

list of top MBA colleges accepting XAT scores in India

The Top MBA colleges accepting XAT score

With the XAT exam slated for 4th January 2026, students need to be aware of the options they have at their disposal, i.e., the top MBA colleges accepting XAT scores that they should target.

XAT Colleges	Fees (in lakhs)	Average Pkg (LPA)	XAT cut-off %ile
XLRI, Jamshedpur	27.04	32.7	94+
MICA, Ahmedabad	21	20	85+
XIM University, Bhubaneshwar	21.5	20.03	91+
IMT, Ghaziabad	19.53	17.6	90+
IRMA, Anand	16.09	15.5	80+
LBSIM, Delhi	17.25	12.25	80+
FORE, Delhi	20.42	14.5	75+
GIM, Panji	21.04	14.87	85+
TAPMI	19.45	14.6	80+
BITS Pilani	10.87	15.9	70+
K J Somaiya	21.78	12.28	70+
NIBM, Pune	16	15.22	94+
LIBA, Chennai	19.29	10	75+
GLIM, Chennai	19.95	14.5	85+
IFMR, Chennai	18.41	13	profile Based
IMT Nagpur	15.12	10.81	80+

Read More – XAT Cutoffs 2025 (Expected)

1. XLRI Jamshedpur

As the conducting body of XAT, XLRI sets the benchmark for management education in India. It offers flagship programs like PGDM (Business Management) and PGDM (Human Resource Management), known for their rigorous curriculum and outstanding placements.

Location: Jamshedpur, Jharkhand

Expected XAT Cut-off: 95+ percentile (for BM), 93+ (for HRM)

Top Recruiters: BCG, Deloitte, Amazon, Accenture, HUL

Most consider XLRI Jamshedpur to be at par with the country’s leading IIMs for its popular programs, PGDBM and PGDHRM. As the oldest B School in India, XLRI has pioneered management education. It has brought much-needed exposure and relevance to the Indian business landscape. Located in Jamshedpur, the 40-acre campus is dotted with greenery and world-class infrastructure. Known for creating business leaders with excellent acumen, XLRI continues to lead most ranking charts every year.

2. GLIM, Chennai (PGPM)

A fast-growing name among Indian B-schools, Great Lakes offers PGPM and PGDM programs designed for emerging business leaders.

Expected XAT Cut-off: 80+ percentile

Highlights: Strong industry integration, 1-year accelerated programs

The Great Lakes Institute of Management has gradually risen in rankings to the second spot on this table due to its industry connections, rigorous coursework, and placements. The PGPM is the flagship one-year management course for candidates with 24+ months of experience. With a focus on training individuals based on current industry standards, GLIM Chennai has managed to surpass expectations every year.

3. MICA, Ahmedabad

The Mudra Institute of Communications is synonymous with the best marketing and advertising management education in India. It offers well-regarded management courses in fields such as digital marketing and communication and brand communication management that prepare students for the dynamic world of advertising, marketing, and product management.

4. XIM University, Bhubaneshwar

Known for its academic excellence and leadership development focus, XIMB is a top-tier institute accepting XAT scores for its MBA-BM and MBA-HRM programs.

Expected XAT Cut-off: 90+ percentile

Specializations: Business Management, Rural Management, HR

The second-best college under the aegis of the Jesuit Society, Xavier Institute of Management, is affiliated with Xavier University, Bhubaneshwar. Its competitive business management program is well-respected in the industry, evidenced by its stellar placement record. It has achieved 100% placement for the past few years, along with pay packages better than most new IIMs.

5. IMI, Delhi

One of the best management colleges in the Delhi NCR region, the International Management Institute boasts a serene campus right in the heart of South Delhi, giving it unparalleled exposure to the thriving business and technology community. With average placements breaching Rs. 17 lakh, IMI has grown to become a premier choice for students looking to do their MBA within Delhi.

Read More – XAT Result 2025

6. IMT, Ghaziabad

Much like IMI, IMT Ghaziabad is also a renowned institution within the Delhi NCR region, primarily known for its marketing program. A highly selective school, candidates flock to the Institute of Management Technology for its marketing placements. It offers a variety of courses, two (PGDM and PGDM Marketing) of which are well-established and reputed in the industry.

7. Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, Delhi (LBSIM)

LBSIM was established in 1995 to perpetuate the vision and values of Bharat Ratna Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri – India’s 2nd Prime Minister, by his son – Shri Anil Shastri, former Union Minister and Chairman – Board of Governors, LBSIM. It is powered by 45+ PhD Faculty and 6000+ Alumni and is associated with 100+ Corporations to ensure robust placements and internships.

LBSIM offers AICTE approved 5 PGDM Programmes – General, Financial Management, Research & Business Analytics, AI & Data Sciences and E-Business in addition to an FPM (Doctoral Studies) Programme. LBSIM is AICTE-approved, NIRF-ranked and AACSB Member. The first 3 PGDM Programmes are MBA equivalent as per NBA and AIU accreditations. It has partnerships with leading technology firms like IBM, SAS, Bloomberg, and IIM Lucknow for entrepreneurial excellence. LBSIM Executive Education caters to the diverse requirements of learning and training needs of corporates, public sector undertakings and defence organisations, conducting several MDP and Certificate Programmes every year.

8. GIM, Goa

GIM Goa

GIM has built a strong reputation for its Sustainability and Healthcare Management programs.

Expected XAT Cut-off: 85+ percentile

Unique Factor: Blend of academic rigor and serene campus environment

The Goa Institute of Management is located next to the Sahyadris in the idyllic town of Sanquelim on a 50-acre campus. The green campus combines the tranquillity of a sleepy Goan town with the rigorous coursework required to become a great manager, allowing students ample opportunities to explore skills beyond the classroom. Their international exchange program is another facet that adds more heft to the quality of education they provide.

9. GLIM, Chennai (PGDM)

Apart from the flagship PGPM, Great Lakes Chennai also offers a 2-year PGDM program for candidates with less than 2 years of experience. Over the years, this program has managed to make its mark on the industry with well-rounded graduates in marketing, operations, HR, and finance.

10. IRMA, Anand

IRMA

The Institute of Rural Management Anand, or IRMA, is one of the best management colleges in Gujarat. Known for its specialised rural management program, IRMA has carved a name for its unmatched research excellence and impact on policy-making. It has 11 Centres of Excellence, serving more than 80 national and international social transformation projects. Apart from that, it also offers excellent placements to the tune of an average of Rs.15,00,000.

The top MBA colleges accepting XAT scores go beyond just XLRI. The list encompasses renowned institutions nationwide. Taking the XAT exam is as important as taking CAT for those looking to propel their careers in the right direction.

11. TAPMI, Manipal

T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) is known for its case-based learning approach and consistent placement record.

Expected XAT Cut-off: 85 percentile

Programs: PGDM (Core, HR, Marketing, BKFS)

12. FORE School of Management, New Delhi

A consistent performer among Delhi-NCR B-schools, FORE accepts XAT for its PGDM programs in International Business, Finance, and HR.

Expected XAT Cut-off: 85 percentile

Advantage: Excellent corporate exposure due to Delhi location

13. K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai

A well-regarded B-school offering a variety of specializations and strong placement opportunities in Mumbai’s corporate hub.

Expected XAT Cut-off: 85 percentile

Strength: Industry-linked curriculum and global partnerships

14. IFMR GSB (Krea University), Sri City

IFMR Graduate School of Business focuses on quantitative and analytical rigor — a perfect match for XAT’s decision-making oriented candidates.

Expected XAT Cut-off: 80 percentile

Highlight: Strong research-driven environment

Why Choose XAT for Your MBA Journey?

XAT exam is accepted by 200+ institutes across India and it tests decision-making. Many other exams often overlook this skill. XAT exam pattern encourages holistic thinking, not just speed and accuracy. Thus, it’s ideal for candidates aiming for diverse management careers.

Tips for XAT 2026 Aspirants

Focus on Decision Making (DM) and Verbal Ability (VA) — unique to XAT.
Practice essay writing and GK sections for overall percentile improvement.
Attempt previous year papers and XAT mocks regularly.

FAQs

What is a good XAT score to get into top B-schools?

A score above 95 percentile is generally required for XLRI, while 80–90 percentile opens doors to top private B-schools like IMT, TAPMI, and GIM.

Does XLRI accept any other exam score apart from XAT?

No, XLRI accepts only XAT scores for admission to its management programs.

Can I apply to multiple colleges through a single XAT score?

Yes, you can apply to multiple institutes that accept XAT scores — but you must fill out their individual application forms separately.

How tough is XAT compared to CAT?

XAT is slightly more challenging due to the Decision Making and GK sections, but overall competitiveness is similar.

When will XAT 2026 be conducted?

XAT 2026 is expected to be held on January 4, 2026, with registration typically closing in early December 2025.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right college is as important as cracking the exam. If you’re taking XAT 2026, aim for your target percentile, analyze institutes based on your career goals, and stay consistent with your preparation.