XAT 2026 Sectionwise Preparation Tips

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:

• 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.

With a 43 percentile in XAT, getting into top-tier colleges may be tough, but you still have options. Many institutions with flexible cutoffs might consider your application, especially if other parts of your profile—like academics, work experience, or interview performance—are strong.

Here are some colleges that could be within reach:

Jaipuria Institute of Management (Indore, Ghaziabad)

NSB Academy

FIIB Delhi

Pune Business School

XIME (Kochi, Chennai)

Globsyn Business School, Kolkata

SRM School of Management, Chennai

ITM Navi Mumbai

Make sure to check each college’s specific cutoffs and admission requirements for the year. Focusing on your interview and group discussion skills could also boost your chances.

Based on your high academic background (a CGPA of 9.5), you have a strong profile overall. Regarding your XAT score of 32.7 percentile, it's important to keep in mind that different institutes have varying cutoff criteria and selection processes.

XIME typically considers the following criteria for admissions:

• XAT/ CAT/ GMAT score
• Academic performance
• Work experience

Your XAT percentile is on the lower side, getting a direct call for GD/PI from XIME may be unlikely, as they generally prefer candidates with higher percentiles (around 50 or above). However, the fact that you have an excellent academic record can make you a standout candidate in the holistic evaluation process.

Hello Kritika,

Here’s a categorized list of top colleges accepting CAT , XAT , SNAP , and NMAT scores for MBA/PGDM programs:

Colleges Accepting CAT Scores

• IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) : Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore, etc.
  
  
• FMS Delhi (Faculty of Management Studies)
• SPJIMR Mumbai (SP Jain Institute of Management and Research)
• MDI Gurgaon (Management Development Institute)
• IITs offering MBA: Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kharagpur, etc.
• IIM Rohtak Integrated Program (IPM)
• NITIE Mumbai (Now IIM Mumbai)
• IMT Ghaziabad (Institute of Management Technology)
• TAPMI (T.A. Pai Management Institute), Manipal
  
  Colleges Accepting XAT Scores
  
  
• XLRI Jamshedpur (Xavier School of Management)
• XIM University Bhubaneswar (Xavier Institute of Management)
• SPJIMR Mumbai (also accepts CAT)
• IMT Ghaziabad (also accepts CAT)
• Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai/Gurgaon
• TAPMI Manipal
• LIBA (Loyola Institute of Business Administration), Chennai
• GIM (Goa Institute of Management)
  
  Colleges Accepting SNAP Scores
• Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune
• Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD), Pune
  
  
• Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB), Pune
• Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Bangalore
• Symbiosis Institute of Digital & Telecom Management (SIDTM)
  
  Colleges Accepting NMAT Scores
• NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies), Mumbai
  • NMIMS campuses: Bangalore, Hyderabad, Navi Mumbai, Indore, Chandigarh.
    
    
• XIM University, Bhubaneswar (MBA-HRM)
• K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
• Alliance University, Bangalore
• Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida
• Woxsen University, Hyderabad
  
  Tips for Selecting Colleges
  
  
• Focus on Rankings: Check NIRF, QS, or Business Today rankings.
• Placement Records: Ensure the college has strong placement partnerships in your desired industry.
  
  
• Location and Fees: Consider location and affordability based on your budget and goals.
  
  
  I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
  
  Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.

Hi,

Based on the previous year analysis, According to your XAT percentile it seems no chance forbyou to get a seat in any of the Management colleg. It is better for you to prepare for next XAT and score good percentile to get admission in best Management colleges through XAT.

You can predict colleges in which you can get admission using the XAT college predictor tool.

Hope this information will help you

Hello aspirant,

The XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) is a national-level entrance exam administered by XLRI Jamshedpur for admission to various management programs offered by XLRI and other partner institutes. Example - XLRI Jamshedpur (for various MBA programs), SPJIMR (S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai) IMT Ghaziabad , IM I Delhi , and several other top management schools across India accept XAT scores.

It is traditionally held in January each year and is regarded as one of the most essential admission tests for aspiring MBA students in India.

The XAT examination centre in Nagpur varies from year to year. To obtain an accurate and up-to-date list of centres, visit the official XAT exam website during the registration process.

However, in Nagpur, XAT exam centres are frequently established in renowned educational institutions or exam centres, such as:

1. Nagpur University (RTMNU)

2. Shri Ramdeobaba College of Engineering and Management (RCOEM)

3. Yashwantrao Chavan College of Engineering

4. Institute of Management and Career Development (IMCD)

5. Bapurao Deshmukh College of Engineering

These are just examples; it's vital to visit the XAT official website during registration to select your desired centre. You will be assigned to a specific centre based on your availability and preferences. Following registration, you will receive the specific address and location of your exam centre closer to the exam day.

Important Dates (Tentative):

Registration Period: Usually starts in August and ends in November. However for the year 2025 it has been already closed.

XAT Exam Date: XAT 2025 will be conducted on Sunday, January 5, 2025

Result Declaration: Usually in late January or early February.

For more information on XAT examination you can visit-

https://bschool.careers360.com/exams/xat