Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2026
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The safe score in XAT 2025 will depend on several factors, including:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Revise Regularly: Revision plays a crucial role in retaining concepts and formulas. Make a revision plan that covers all sections of the XAT syllabus.
Stay Calm and Confident: Keep a positive attitude throughout the preparation phase. Manage your stress levels and ensure a balanced study routine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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.
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.
Practice previous year papers, analyze caselets, and work on decision-making scenarios to improve your performance in this section.
Yes, a score of 90 percentile can be considered safe for most tier-2 B-schools like XIMB, TAPMI, and IMT Ghaziabad.
For XLRI, the expected minimum percentile for the Business Management (BM) and Human Resource Management (HRM) programs is around 95-99 percentile.
On Question asked by student community
GIBS Business School in Bangalore accepts multiple national and state-level entrance exam scores for admission to its PGDM program. You can apply using scores from exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, or various state-level CETs.
The admission process typically considers your entrance exam score along with your academic record, performance in the group discussion and personal interview, and any work experience you may have. For the BBA program, admissions are generally based on your Class 12 marks and do not require entrance exam scores.
If you're planning to apply, it's a good idea to keep your exam score, academic documents, and personal statement ready for the selection rounds.
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:
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.
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Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024