What is a Safe Score in XAT for MBA Admissions 2025?

What is a Safe Score in XAT for MBA Admissions 2025?

Edited By Himanshu Shekhar | Updated on Dec 31, 2024 09:56 AM IST | #XAT

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of the most prestigious management entrance exams in India, conducted annually by XLRI Jamshedpur. As candidates gear up for the XAT 2025 exam, one of the most crucial questions that arise is, “What is a safe score in XAT 2025?”

A “safe score” refers to a score that is typically high enough to guarantee admission into top B-schools, while also being realistic for a candidate to achieve. While XAT does not have an official “safe score,” understanding the exam’s pattern, past trends, and estimated cutoffs can help you determine the ideal score to aim for.

What is a Safe Score in XAT for MBA Admissions 2025?
What is a Safe Score in XAT for MBA Admissions 2025?

XAT 2025 Expected Safe Score for Top B-Schools

The XAT cutoff varies across institutes, and each B-school sets its own score requirements based on factors like the number of applicants, difficulty level, and available seats. Below are some estimated safe score ranges for top B-schools, based on previous trends:

  1. XLRI Jamshedpur (BM & HRM)


    • Safe Score: 95-99 percentile

    • Details: XLRI Jamshedpur is one of the premier institutes in India, and the competition is fierce. A score of 95-99 percentile is generally considered a safe range for securing a call for the Personal Interview (PI) round.

  2. XIMB (Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar)


    • Safe Score: 85-90 percentile

    • Details: XIMB typically has a slightly lower cutoff than XLRI, but a score above 85 percentile is recommended for good chances of selection.

  3. SPJIMR Mumbai (S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research)


    • Safe Score: 92-94 percentile

    • Details: SPJIMR considers both XAT scores and other parameters like past academic performance and work experience. A score above 92 percentile will increase your chances of admission.

  4. TAPMI (T.A. Pai Management Institute, Manipal)


    • Safe Score: 80-85 percentile

    • Details: TAPMI usually has a slightly lower cutoff, so scoring in the range of 80-85 percentile would be a safe bet for this B-school.

  5. IMT Ghaziabad (Institute of Management Technology)


    • Safe Score: 85-90 percentile

    • Details: IMT Ghaziabad also gives importance to overall profile, but a score above 85 percentile ensures a good chance of getting shortlisted.

Parul University MBA Admissions 2025

Registrations Deadline- 12th June | India's youngest NAAC A++ accredited University | NIRF rank band 151-200 | 2200 Recruiters | 45.98 Lakhs Highest Package

Suresh Gyan Vihar University | MBA Admissions 2025

NIRF 101-150 Ranked | 125+ Recruiters | Highest CTC 42 LPA

Factors That Influence XAT Cutoff Scores

The safe score in XAT 2025 will depend on several factors, including:

  1. Difficulty Level of the Exam: The tougher the paper, the lower the cutoff will generally be. It is crucial to analyze the paper difficulty and adjust expectations accordingly.

  2. Number of Applicants: More applicants tend to increase the cutoff, especially for top institutes like XLRI. If the number of applicants is high, the cutoff could rise.

  3. Performance Trends: The average score for each section plays a significant role in setting the cutoff. If the overall performance is weak, the safe score might decrease.

  4. Section-wise Cutoffs: Each section (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability, and General Knowledge) has its own cutoff. A balanced score across all sections is recommended for better chances.

XAT 2026: Sample Paper, Section wise Questions
Download latest XAT sample papers with detailed solution for the XAT 2026 examination preparation based on latest exam pattern, Topics and their weightage, difficulty level.
Download EBook

How to Increase Your XAT 2025 Score

While knowing the safe score is important, ensuring you score within this range requires a strong preparation strategy. Here are some expert tips to boost your XAT 2025 score:

  1. Understand the Exam Pattern: XAT has a unique pattern, especially with the Decision Making section. Understand the structure and practice past papers to get a feel for the exam.

  2. Focus on Key Sections: The Decision Making section and Quantitative Ability are areas where students often struggle. Devote adequate time to these sections to boost your score.

  3. Take Mock Tests: Regularly taking mock tests will not only help in time management but also build your exam strategy. Simulate exam conditions and work on weak areas.

  4. Revise Regularly: Revision plays a crucial role in retaining concepts and formulas. Make a revision plan that covers all sections of the XAT syllabus.

  5. Stay Calm and Confident: Keep a positive attitude throughout the preparation phase. Manage your stress levels and ensure a balanced study routine.

Great Lakes - PGPM & PGDM 2026

Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024

GITAM University | MBA Admissions 2025

NAAC A++ Accredited | AMBA & AACSB Member | Highest CTC 16.22 LPA | Merit-based Scholarships | Last Date: 19th Jun’25

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the minimum percentile required to get a call from XLRI?

For XLRI, the expected minimum percentile for the Business Management (BM) and Human Resource Management (HRM) programs is around 95-99 percentile.

2. Is a score of 90 percentile considered safe for XAT 2025?

Yes, a score of 90 percentile can be considered safe for most tier-2 B-schools like XIMB, TAPMI, and IMT Ghaziabad.

3. How can I improve my Decision Making section score in XAT?

Practice previous year papers, analyze caselets, and work on decision-making scenarios to improve your performance in this section.

4. Can I prepare for XAT 2025 without coaching?

Yes, XAT can be prepared for with consistent self-study and using the right study material. Coaching can be helpful but isn't necessary for everyone.

5. How does the General Knowledge section impact the overall score in XAT?

While the General Knowledge section doesn't carry as much weight as other sections, it is crucial for clearing the cutoff, especially for top institutes like XLRI.

Articles

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

University of Essex, Colchester
 Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
Oxford Brookes University, Oxford
 Headington Campus Oxford OX3 0BP UK
Northumbria University, Newcastle City Campus
 Sutherland Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff
 Llandaff Campus, Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YB
University of Reading, Reading
 Whiteknights PO Box 217 Reading Berkshire RG6 6AH
Bristol Baptist College, Bristol
 The Promenade, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3NJ

Questions related to XAT

Have a question related to XAT ?

Hii,

No, not all MBA programs require these tests. These are merely entrance exams that are accepted by a lot of universities. Depending on the college you wish to attend, you can take any of them (such as MAH CET, MAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT, or ATMA).

Additionally, some universities have entrance exams of their own. Therefore, for the majority of MBA admissions, you only need to take one appropriate exam. To find out which tests the college accepts, always visit their website.

Yes, it is definitely possible for you to get an interview call from Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai for their PGDM program, even with a 73 percentile in XAT 2025. While the typical cutoff for XAT may be higher, around 85 percentile, Great Lakes considers a variety of factors in their selection process, including academic performance, work experience, and diversity in the class.


Since you are a non-engineer female candidate, that diversity is seen as a positive aspect. Even with your XAT score, if you have a strong academic record, relevant work experience, and a clear passion for management, you can still stand out in the application process.

To increase your chances:

Prepare thoroughly for the interview by focusing on your experiences, what drives you, and how you align with the program’s values.

Highlight your unique background and any leadership roles you’ve had.

Show how Great Lakes fits with your career goals.

While the competition can be tough, if you present a well-rounded application and give your best in the interview, you can definitely convert the call into an offer.

With a 74 percentile in the XAT 2025 exam, you are eligible to apply to several reputable MBA colleges in India. Some of the top institutions that typically accept candidates within the 70-80 percentile range include KIIT School of Management (KSOM), Bhubaneswar; Jaipuria Institute of Management (multiple campuses); Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool), Bangalore; Woxsen University, Hyderabad; IFMR Graduate School of Business at KREA University, Sri City; BIM Trichy (Bharathidasan Institute of Management), Tiruchirappalli; and XIME Bangalore (Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship).

To proceed, research each institution's application deadlines and procedures and ensure you submit all required documents promptly. Be prepared for further selection stages such as group discussions, personal interviews, and written ability tests. Evaluate each program's curriculum, faculty, placement records, and campus culture to determine the best fit for your career goals. While your XAT percentile is significant, remember that your overall profile, including academic records, work experience, and extracurricular activities, also plays a crucial role in the selection process.

Admission to MICA's PGDM and PGDM-C programs involves a multi-stage selection process. The final composite score is calculated with the following weightage:

  • CAT/ XAT/ GMAT - 35%
  • MICAT - 25%
  • GE (Group Exercise) - 10%
  • PI - 20%
  • Academic performance (10th, 12th, Graduation) - 5%
  • Extra- curricular - 5%

Your XAT score is 73, performing exceptionally well in MICAT can enhance your chances of being shortlisted for the GE and PI rounds. Specific score requirements for MICAT are not publicly disclosed, focusing on thorough preparation and aiming for high performance in each section will strengthen your application.

Hi,

Based on the previous year analysis, According to your XAT percentile some of the colleges in which there is chances to get a seat are the following

  • NSB Academy, Bangalore
  • Presidency college, Bangalore
  • Myra School of Business, Mysore
  • International School of Management Science, Bangalore
  • Amrita School of Business, Coimbatore
  • Dhruva college of Management, Hyderabad

There are many other colleges and Institute thay offer admission with 43 percentile in XAT. You can predict the colleges using the XAT college predictor tool.

Hope this information will help you

View All
Marketing Director

A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services. 

4 Jobs Available
Business Development Executive

A Business Development Executive identifies and pursues new business opportunities to drive company growth. They generate leads, build client relationships, develop sales strategies, and analyse market trends. Collaborating with internal teams, they aim to meet sales targets. With experience, they can advance to managerial roles, playing a key role in expanding the company’s market presence and revenue.

3 Jobs Available
Content Marketing Specialist

Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.

3 Jobs Available
Sales Manager

A Sales Manager leads a sales team to meet targets, formulates strategies, analyses performance, and monitors market trends. They typically hold a degree in management or related fields, with an MBA offering added value. The role often demands over 40 hours a week. Strong leadership, planning, and analytical skills are essential for success in this career.

2 Jobs Available
Marketing Manager

A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable. 

A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.

2 Jobs Available
SEO Analyst

An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns. 

2 Jobs Available
Digital Marketing Executive

Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.

2 Jobs Available
Business Analyst

Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.

In a business analyst  job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts. 

2 Jobs Available
Back to top