XAT Colleges Accepting Low Percentile (80–90): Admission Chances & Strategy (2026)

Scoring 80–90 percentile in XAT often leaves MBA aspirants confused about their chances. While top Xavier institutes like XLRI usually demand higher percentiles, many reputed MBA colleges still accept candidates in the 80–90 percentile range through XAT.

The key is not just which colleges to apply to, but how to apply strategically.

This blog explains:

• Which XAT colleges accept 80–90 percentile

• Realistic admission chances at different percentile ranges

• A smart strategy to convert calls into final admission in 2026

Is 80–90 Percentile in XAT a Bad Score?

No. An 80–90 percentile in XAT is a workable score.

At this range:

• Tier-1 colleges are difficult

• Tier-2 and Tier-2.5 colleges are very much possible

• Interview performance becomes more important than percentile

Many students convert good colleges every year with 85–90 percentile.

How XAT Colleges Actually Shortlist Candidates

Most XAT colleges do not shortlist only based on percentile. They consider:

• Overall percentile (not extreme sectionals)

• Academic consistency

• Work experience (if any)

• Diversity (academic / gender)

• PI–GD performance

👉 This is where students with 80–90 percentile still stand a chance.

XAT Colleges Accepting 80–85 Percentile (High Probability)

These colleges offer strong admission chances for candidates in the 80–85 percentile range.

College	Expected XAT Range	Chance Level
XISS Ranchi	80–85	High
IMT Nagpur	80–85	High
IFMR GSB Chennai	80–85	High
Woxsen University	80–85	High
Jaipuria Institute of Management	80–85	High

Best for: Students looking for affordable MBA programs with decent placements.

XAT Colleges Accepting 85–90 Percentile (Moderate to High Probability)

This range opens up better brand value and placement options.

College	Expected XAT Range	Chance Level
XIMB Bhubaneswar	88–92	Moderate
IMT Ghaziabad	90–93	Borderline
TAPMI Manipal	85–90	High
Great Lakes Chennai	85–90	High
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management	85–90	High

Best for: Candidates with decent profiles, internships, or work experience.

What You Should NOT Expect at 80–90 Percentile

Be realistic. At this percentile:

• XLRI Jamshedpur is very unlikely

• Top-tier consulting roles are limited

• Competition is high for IMT Ghaziabad and XIMB

👉 This is why strategy matters more than optimism.

Smart Admission Strategy for 80–90 Percentile in XAT

1. Apply to a Mix of Colleges

• 2–3 safe colleges (80–85 range)

• 2–3 moderate colleges (85–90 range)

• Avoid applying only to dream colleges

2. Focus Heavily on PI & GD Preparation

At this percentile:

• Interviews decide final selection

• Colleges expect clarity, not perfection

Prepare for:

• “Why MBA?”

• “Why this college?”

• Current affairs

• HR-based questions

3. Highlight Profile Strengths

Even average percentiles convert with:

• Work experience

• Internships

• NGO / leadership exposure

• Academic consistency

4. Avoid Sectional Cutoff Mistakes

Some colleges silently reject candidates due to:

• Very low QA or VARC section

Ensure balanced sectional scores.

ROI Reality at 80–90 Percentile Colleges

College Tier	Avg Fees	Avg Package	ROI
Tier-2	₹10–15 L	₹7–10 LPA	Good
Tier-2.5	₹7–10 L	₹5–7 LPA	Moderate

👉 Choosing a lower-fee college with stable placements is smarter than chasing brand names.

Who Should Target XAT Colleges at 80–90 Percentile?

This range is suitable if you:

• Want a decent MBA without wasting a year

• Are flexible with roles and locations

• Are willing to work hard during MBA

• Prefer ROI over hype

Common Mistakes Students Make

• Applying only to top colleges

• Ignoring interview preparation

• Choosing colleges only by cutoff

• Not checking placement reports

Final Verdict

An 80–90 percentile in XAT is not the end of the road. With the right college selection and interview strategy, students can secure admission to good MBA colleges with solid ROI.

The key is:

Smart applications + strong PI preparation > chasing unrealistic cutoffs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get admission with 80 percentile in XAT? 

Yes. Many Tier-2 colleges accept candidates in the 80–85 percentile range.

2. Is IMT Ghaziabad possible at 85 percentile? 

It is borderline and depends heavily on profile and interview performance.

3. Which is the best college at 80–85 percentile in XAT? 

XISS Ranchi, IFMR GSB, and TAPMI are strong options.

4. Should I repeat XAT if I score 85 percentile? 

Repeat only if you are confident of significant improvement. Otherwise, a good Tier-2 college is a safer choice.

5. Does work experience help at low percentile? 

Yes. Work experience significantly improves shortlisting and final conversion chances.