The results for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 have been declared. Students who appeared for the exam can now check their scores and percentiles. This is a big step for those looking to get admission into MBA (Master of Business Administration) and PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) courses.
Around 800 MBA colleges in India accept XAT scores for their admission process. Now that the results are out, students need to plan their next steps carefully. This includes checking college cut-offs, applying to suitable institutes, and preparing for further selection rounds.
Understanding XAT Scores and Percentiles
Your XAT score card shows your marks in different sections of the exam, as well as your total score. More importantly, it shows your XAT percentile 2026 . A percentile tells you how many students scored less than you. For example, if you have a 90 percentile, it means 90% of the students who took the exam scored less than you.
This percentile is very important because colleges use it to decide who they will consider for admission. Colleges set a minimum percentile, called the cut-off . If your percentile is equal to or higher than a college's cut-off, you have a chance to get into that college.
Checking College Cut-Offs and Shortlisting Institutes
After getting your XAT results, the first thing to do is to compare your percentile with the cut-offs of your preferred colleges. Many students would have already thought about which colleges they want to join, even before the results came out. Now, with your actual score, you can confirm your options.
Here are the expected XAT cut-off percentiles for some top MBA colleges in India:
| XAT Colleges | XAT Cut-Off Percentile |
| XLRI | 91 - 96 |
| XIMB-Bhubaneswar | 90 - 93 |
| SPJIMR-Mumbai | 93.50 - 95 |
| IMT-Ghaziabad | 90 - 92 |
| GIM-Goa | 85 - 90 |
| TAPMI-Manipal | 80 - 85 |
| IRMA-Anand | 80 - 85 |
| MICA-Ahmedabad | 80 - 85 |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management | 80 - 85 |
| LIBA-Chennai | 80 - 85 |
| KJ Somaiya-Mumbai | 85 - 90 |
If your score is close to or above these cut-offs, these colleges could be good options for you. If your score is lower, you should look for other colleges that accept XAT scores with lower cut-offs.
Applying for Admission to Colleges
Many colleges that accept XAT scores are still open for applications. Some colleges might have already asked for applications earlier and will now make a shortlist for their next admission rounds based on XAT scores. It is important to check the websites of your target colleges for their specific application deadlines.
Keep a close eye on your email and the college admission portals. Colleges will send updates about interview shortlists and further steps. Make sure you apply to all the colleges where you meet the cut-off criteria and are interested in joining.
Preparing for Personal Interview (PI) and Writing Ability Test (WAT)
The MBA admission process after XAT results usually includes a Personal Interview (PI) and a Writing Ability Test (WAT) . These rounds are very important and are looked at very carefully by the colleges. Your performance in PI and WAT can decide if you get admission or not, even if you have a good XAT score.
- Personal Interview (PI): In a PI, you will be asked questions about yourself, your career goals, your strengths and weaknesses, and your knowledge about current affairs or your chosen field. You need to present yourself well, answer questions clearly, and show your interest in the MBA program.
- Writing Ability Test (WAT): In a WAT, you will be given a topic to write about within a limited time. This test checks your writing skills, how well you can put your thoughts on paper, and your ability to argue a point or present an idea logically.
It is crucial to start preparing for these rounds right away. Practice speaking clearly, structure your thoughts, and improve your writing skills. You can read newspapers, practice group discussions, and mock interviews to get ready.
Important Things to Remember
- Download Scorecard: Make sure you have downloaded and saved your official XAT 2026 scorecard from the XAT website.
- Check College Websites: Always refer to the official websites of individual colleges for their exact cut-offs, application forms, and deadlines.
- Stay Updated: Keep checking for updates from the colleges you have applied to or plan to apply to.
The time after XAT results is critical. Planning well and preparing properly for the next stages will help you get into your desired MBA college.
