Martha Divakar · February 19, 2026 
Introduction
Dreaming of a top MBA seat through XAT 2026? With over 250 colleges accepting XAT scores, choosing the right institution is crucial for your career. This blog covers the best XAT colleges in 2026, their placements, fees, and expected cutoffs. Whether you’re aiming for XLRI, XIM, IMT, or MICA, this guide will help you make an informed decision for your MBA journey.
What is XAT and Why It Matters
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur and is the second-largest MBA entrance exam in India after CAT. It is accepted by top MBA colleges for programs in HR, Business Management, and other specializations. XAT scores open doors to prestigious institutions with strong placements and robust alumni networks.
Top XAT Colleges 2026 (NIRF & Industry Rankings)
Here are the top XAT colleges for 2026, based on NIRF rankings, industry reputation, and placement records:
| College Name | NIRF Rank | Average Package (INR) | Expected XAT Cutoff |
| XLRI Jamshedpur | 1–2 | 27–32 LPA | 92+ |
| XIM University, Bhubaneshwar | 43 | 19–20 LPA | 91+ |
| IMT Ghaziabad | 47 | 17–19 LPA | 90+ |
| MICA Ahmedabad | 48 | 20–23 LPA | 90+ |
| GIM Goa | 50 | 16–18 LPA | 80+ |
| FORE School of Management | 53 | 16–17 LPA | 75+ |
| TAPMI Manipal | 55 | 15–17 LPA | 75+ |
| LIBA Chennai | 57 | 12–14 LPA | 75–80 |
| BIMTECH Greater Noida | 60 | 11–14 LPA | 75+ |
| KJ Somaiya Mumbai | 65 | 14–16 LPA | 75+ |
These colleges consistently attract top recruiters and offer strong career growth opportunities.
Placements and Average Packages
Top XAT colleges boast impressive placement records. Here’s a snapshot of their average and highest packages:
| College Name | Average Package (INR) | Highest Package (INR) | Top Recruiters |
| XLRI Jamshedpur | 27–32 LPA | 50+ LPA | Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Deloitte |
| XIM Bhubaneshwar | 19–20 LPA | 35+ LPA | Nestlé, Airtel, Deloitte |
| IMT Ghaziabad | 17–19 LPA | 30+ LPA | Deloitte, EY, KPMG |
| MICA Ahmedabad | 20–23 LPA | 40+ LPA | Amazon, Google, Deloitte |
| GIM Goa | 16–18 LPA | 30+ LPA | Nestlé, Deloitte, EY |
| FORE School of Management | 16–17 LPA | 25+ LPA | Deloitte, KPMG, PwC |
| TAPMI Manipal | 15–17 LPA | 28+ LPA | Deloitte, KPMG, EY |
| LIBA Chennai | 12–14 LPA | 22+ LPA | Deloitte, EY, KPMG |
| BIMTECH Greater Noida | 11–14 LPA | 20+ LPA | Deloitte, EY, KPMG |
| KJ Somaiya Mumbai | 14–16 LPA | 25+ LPA | Deloitte, EY, KPMG |
Recruiters include top names like Amazon, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, Nestlé, and Airtel.
Specializations Offered by Top XAT Colleges
Top XAT colleges offer a range of specializations, including:
- HR Management (XLRI, XIM)
- Business Management (XLRI, IMT)
- Marketing (MICA, TAPMI)
- Finance (IMT, FORE)
- Operations (GIM, LIBA)
- Analytics (KJ Somaiya, BIMTECH)
- Healthcare (XLRI, TAPMI)
Choose a college based on your preferred specialization and career goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which are the best XAT colleges for HR?
A: XLRI Jamshedpur and XIM Bhubaneshwar are the top choices for HR specializations.
Q: What is the expected XAT cutoff for top colleges in 2026?
A: XLRI requires 92+, XIM Bhubaneshwar 91+, IMT Ghaziabad 90+, MICA 90+, and others 75+.
Q: How do placements compare across top XAT colleges?
A: XLRI, XIM, IMT, and MICA offer the highest packages and top recruiters.
Q: Can I get into top colleges with a lower XAT percentile?
A: Yes, colleges like LIBA, TAPMI, and BIMTECH accept lower percentiles, but chances at XLRI and XIM are limited.
Q: What are the fees for top XAT colleges?
A: Fees range from ₹16 lakh at XLRI to ₹12 lakh at IMT, with most top colleges charging ₹10–16 lakh for the full program.
Conclusion
Choosing the right XAT college is the first step toward a successful MBA journey. With top colleges like XLRI, XIM, IMT, and MICA offering strong placements, diverse specializations, and excellent ROI, your MBA dream is within reach. Ready to secure your seat in a top XAT college? Contact Career Plan B for expert guidance and personalized support.
