Top 5 Colleges Accepting XAT 2026: Cut-Offs, Fees, Placements & Admission Chances

The XAT 2026 exam is a gateway to some of India’s most prestigious MBA colleges. Once the exam is over, thousands of aspirants search for answers to one key question:

Which are the best colleges I can get through XAT 2026?

In this detailed guide, we cover the Top 5 Colleges Accepting XAT 2026, along with their expected cut-offs, fees structure, placements, programs offered, ROI, and selection insights—all explained in a simple and aspirant-friendly way.

Why XAT 2026 Is Important for MBA Aspirants

XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) is one of the most trusted MBA entrance exams in India because:

• It is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur

• It is accepted by 150+ B-schools

• It tests Decision Making, a unique section not present in CAT

• It focuses on managerial thinking, ethics, and judgment

  
  

Because of this, many top institutes prefer XAT over CAT for shortlisting candidates.

Top 5 Colleges Accepting XAT 2026

1. XLRI Jamshedpur – The No.1 College Through XAT

XLRI Jamshedpur is not just a management institute; it is a legacy brand in Indian management education with over 75 years of excellence. Known for producing ethical business leaders, XLRI follows a rigorous academic structure combined with strong industry exposure.

The institute is especially respected for its Human Resource Management program, which is considered the best in Asia, and its Business Management program, which consistently competes with top IIMs. XLRI emphasizes decision-making under pressure, leadership development, and values-based management.

Official website - https://www.xlri.ac.in

Programs Offered via XAT 2026

• PGDM – Business Management (BM)

• PGDM – Human Resource Management (HRM)

  
  

Expected XAT 2026 Cut-Off

• BM: 95–96 percentile

• HRM: 90–92 percentile

Fees Structure

• ₹24–30+ Lakhs for the full 2-year program (Includes tuition + academic charges; hostel/mess may vary slightly)

  
  

Placements & Salary

• Average package: ₹30+ LPA

• Top recruiters: Consulting firms, FMCG giants, global MNCs

• One of the best ROI colleges in India

  
  

Why Choose XLRI?

• Top-tier brand value

• Excellent alumni network

• Strong focus on leadership and ethics

2. XIM University, Bhubaneswar (XIMB)

XIMB is known for its discipline-driven academic environment and structured management education. It has built a strong reputation for consistency in placements, academic rigor, and faculty quality.

The university follows a case-study-based learning approach, similar to top global B-schools. XIMB has a strong focus on ethics, leadership, and analytical thinking, making it a preferred choice for students aiming for long-term corporate growth.

Official website - https://ximb.ac.in

Programs Offered

• MBA – Business Management

• MBA – Human Resource Management

  
  

Expected XAT 2026 Cut-Off

• 90–93 percentile

  
  

Fees Structure

• ₹24–28 Lakhs (includes tuition + hostel and campus charges)

  
  

Placements Overview

• Average package: ₹15–18 LPA

• Strong roles in HR, Marketing, Operations, Analytics

  
  

Why XIMB?

• Strong academic rigor

• Consistent placement performance

• Good balance of brand value and affordability

3. IMT Ghaziabad

IMT Ghaziabad is one of India’s most industry-oriented management institutes and is particularly famous for its Marketing specialization. The institute has strong corporate partnerships and a curriculum aligned closely with real-world business challenges.

IMT follows a hands-on learning approach, with live projects, internships, and corporate interactions forming a core part of the program. The institute is also known for its student-driven culture, encouraging leadership through committees, clubs, and corporate events.

Official website - https://www.imt.edu

Programs Offered

• PGDM

• PGDM – Marketing

• PGDM – Financial Management

Expected XAT 2026 Cut-Off

• 90–95 percentile

  
  

Fees Structure

• ₹19.5–21.5 Lakhs

  
  

Placements & ROI

• Average package: ₹15–17 LPA

• Strong presence of FMCG, Banking, Tech, Consulting firms

  
  

Why IMT Ghaziabad?

• Excellent industry exposure

• Strong marketing legacy

• Solid ROI compared to fees

4. Goa Institute of Management (GIM Goa)

GIM Goa has rapidly grown into one of the most respected B-schools for Analytics, Consulting, and Strategy roles. The institute is known for its progressive curriculum, global exposure, and focus on data-driven decision-making.

The Big Data Analytics program at GIM is particularly popular and is designed to meet the growing demand for analytics professionals and consultants. The learning environment at GIM encourages innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Official website - https://www.gim.ac.in

Programs Offered

• PGDM

• PGDM – Big Data Analytics (BDA)

  
  

Expected XAT 2026 Cut-Off

• 85–90 percentile

  
  

Fees Structure

• ₹20–21 Lakhs

  
  

Placements Snapshot

• Average package: ₹14–15 LPA

• Recruiters from consulting, finance, analytics domains

  
  

Why GIM Goa?

• Consistent placement growth

• Good campus exposure

• Strong ROI for mid-percentile candidates

5. TAPMI Manipal

TAPMI Manipal is known for its strong academic foundation, experienced faculty, and structured MBA programs. The institute focuses heavily on finance, banking, HR, and marketing domains, making it a solid choice for specialization-focused candidates.

TAPMI adopts a research-driven and application-based teaching methodology, ensuring students develop both conceptual clarity and practical skills. The institute has strong ties with banks, financial institutions, and corporate organizations, especially beneficial for finance aspirants.

Official website - https://www.tapmi.edu.in

Programs Offered

• MBA – General

• MBA – Marketing

• MBA – HR

• MBA – Banking & Finance

  
  

Expected XAT 2026 Cut-Off

• 80–85 percentile

  
  

Fees Structure

• ₹16–19.5 Lakhs

  
  

Placements Overview

• Average package: ₹12–14 LPA

• Strong finance and banking roles

  
  

Why TAPMI?

• Strong academic structure

• Good faculty reputation

• Affordable compared to other top XAT colleges

XAT 2026 Score vs College Mapping

XAT Percentile	Best College Options
95+	XLRI Jamshedpur
90–94	XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad
85–89	GIM Goa
80–84	TAPMI Manipal

Factors That Matter Beyond XAT Percentile

Getting a call is not only about your score. Colleges also evaluate:

• Sectional cut-offs

• Academic background

• Work experience

• GD-PI performance

• GK score (especially important for XLRI)

  
  

A balanced profile significantly improves conversion chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is XAT 2026 better than CAT?

XAT focuses more on decision making and ethics, while CAT is purely aptitude-based.

Can I get XLRI with 90 percentile?

Generally no for BM, but possible for HRM with a strong profile.

Which college is best at 85 percentile in XAT?

GIM Goa and TAPMI Manipal are the best options.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right college after XAT 2026 depends on your percentile, career goals, specialization preference, and overall profile. While XLRI remains the top choice, institutes like XIMB, IMT, GIM, and TAPMI offer excellent opportunities across different score ranges.

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