Martha Divakar · February 19, 2026 
Why XAT Matters for MBA Aspirants
Every year, thousands of MBA aspirants across India appear for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), making it the second-largest MBA entrance exam after CAT. With over 250 colleges accepting XAT scores, the exam opens doors to some of the country’s most prestigious business schools. Whether you’re aiming for a general management degree or a specialized MBA, understanding which colleges accept XAT and what they offer is crucial for your career path.
What Makes XAT Unique?
XAT stands out for its rigorous Decision-Making section and its thorough assessment of analytical and managerial skills. XLRI Jamshedpur conducts the exam and attracts candidates who seek high-quality education and strong placement outcomes. Participating colleges include premier institutions such as XLRI and XIMB, along with several reputed private and government-run business schools. As a result, XAT serves as a golden gateway for MBA aspirants aiming for top-tier management education.
Top MBA Colleges Accepting XAT 2026
XLRI Jamshedpur & XLRI Delhi-NCR
XLRI Jamshedpur consistently ranks among India’s top MBA colleges, with a NIRF ranking of 2. The average XAT cutoff is above 95 percentile, and the average placement package is around ₹29.89 LPA, with the highest reaching ₹75 LPA. The fee is approximately ₹23.15 lakh. XLRI Delhi-NCR offers similar standards, with slightly different placement and fee structures.
XIM University, Bhubaneswar
XIMB is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and strong industry connections. The XAT cutoff is typically 93-95 percentile, with an average placement package of ₹19.53 LPA and a highest package of ₹30 LPA. The fee is about ₹9.90 lakh, making it one of the most cost-effective top-tier options.
MICA Ahmedabad
MICA specializes in marketing and communications, attracting students with a keen interest in these fields. The XAT cutoff is 92-94 percentile, with average placements around ₹17.45 LPA and the highest at ₹36 LPA. The fee is ₹23 lakh, reflecting its premium status.
IMT Ghaziabad & IMI New Delhi
Both IMT Ghaziabad and IMI New Delhi are NIRF-ranked institutions. IMT Ghaziabad has a XAT cutoff of 90-92 percentile, with an average placement of ₹17.35 LPA and the highest at ₹34 LPA. IMI New Delhi’s cutoff is 91-93 percentile, average placement is ₹17.01 LPA, and the highest package is ₹50 LPA. Fees are approximately ₹21.53 lakh and ₹20.95 lakh, respectively.
GIM Goa, TAPMI Manipal, FORE School of Management
GIM Goa is known for its international exposure and strong alumni network. The XAT cutoff is 89-91 percentile, with average placements at ₹14.72 LPA and the highest at ₹55 LPA. TAPMI Manipal and FORE School of Management offer average placements of ₹13.84 LPA and ₹13.50 LPA, respectively, with cutoffs around 87-89 and 86-88 percentile.
Other Notable XAT Colleges
| College Name | Location | NIRF Rank | XAT Cutoff | Avg Fee (₹ lakh) | Avg Placement (₹ LPA) |
| Great Lakes Chennai | Chennai | 15 | 88–90 | 20.80 | 17.30 |
| KJ Somaiya Mumbai | Mumbai | 20 | 87–89 | 20.88 | 13.30 |
| BIMTECH Greater Noida | Greater Noida | 25 | 83–85 | 14.00 | 11.70 |
| XIME Bangalore | Bangalore | 30 | 81–83 | 12.50 | 10.45 |
| Welingkar Mumbai | Mumbai | 35 | 77–80 | 7.00 | 12.47 |
| KIIT School of Management | Bhubaneswar | 40 | 75–76 | 16.90 | 9.50 |
| IMI Kolkata | Kolkata | 45 | 74–76 | 9.75 | 10.65 |
| IMT Nagpur | Nagpur | 50 | 73–75 | 13.80 | 10.81 |
| Woxsen University | Hyderabad | 55 | 71–73 | 12.45 | 9.30 |
| Jaipuria Institute | Lucknow | 60 | 65–68 | 8.95 | 8.95 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which colleges accept 90+ percentile in XAT?
XLRI, XIMB, MICA, IMT Ghaziabad, IMI New Delhi, GIM Goa, and TAPMI Manipal are among the top colleges accepting 90+ percentile scores.
Q. What is the average fee for top XAT colleges?
Fees range from ₹7 lakh (Welingkar) to ₹23 lakh (XLRI, MICA).
Q. How does XAT differ from CAT?
XAT is known for its Decision-Making section and is conducted by XLRI, while CAT is conducted by IIMs and focuses more on quantitative and verbal ability.
Q. What are the best MBA specializations offered by XAT colleges?
General Management, Marketing, Finance, Business Analytics, HR, and International Business are popular choices.
Conclusion
Selecting the right MBA college can shape your career trajectory. With over 250 colleges accepting XAT 2026, you have a wide range of options—from XLRI Jamshedpur to TAPMI Manipal. Research thoroughly, consider your career goals, and seek expert
