XAT Cutoffs Explained for XLRI, XIMB, IMT & IMI (2026 Admission Guide)

Once the XAT exam is over, the most common question among aspirants is:

“What XAT percentile is actually required for top colleges?”

Unlike CAT, XAT cutoffs are not just about overall percentile. Institutes like XLRI Jamshedpur, Xavier Institute of Management Bhubaneswar, Institute of Management Technology Ghaziabad, and International Management Institute New Delhi follow different cutoff philosophies.

This blog explains:

• Expected XAT cutoffs (overall + sectional)

• How each college uses XAT scores

• Why clearing cutoff ≠ getting a call

• Realistic conversion expectations

How XAT Cutoffs Actually Work (Important)

XAT cutoffs usually involve:

1. Overall percentile cutoff

2. Sectional cutoffs (especially Decision Making)

3. Profile-based moderation

Clearing the cutoff only makes you eligible — it does not guarantee an interview call.

XAT Cutoff for XLRI Jamshedpur

Programs Considered

• Business Management (BM)

• Human Resource Management (HRM)

Expected XAT Cutoff (Indicative)

Program	Overall Percentile	Key Sectional Focus
BM	Very High	DM + QA
HRM	High	DM + VA

Key Points

• Decision Making (DM) sectional cutoff is critical

• High percentile with weak DM often gets rejected

• HRM cutoffs are slightly lower than BM

XLRI is highly profile-sensitive and interview-heavy.

XAT Cutoff for XIMB Bhubaneswar

Expected XAT Cutoff

• Overall: High

• Sectionals: Moderate but compulsory

Key Points

• XIMB gives strong weight to overall percentile

• Sectional balance still matters

• Strong option for candidates missing XLRI cutoff narrowly

XIMB is a popular XAT-based alternative.

XAT Cutoff for IMT Ghaziabad

Expected XAT Cutoff

• Overall: Moderate–High

• Sectionals: Flexible compared to XLRI

Key Points

• IMT places strong emphasis on profile + interview

• Candidates with good academics and work experience can convert at lower percentiles

• One of the best XAT colleges for marketing and consulting aspirants

IMT cutoffs are not rigidly percentile-driven.

XAT Cutoff for IMI Delhi

Expected XAT Cutoff

• Overall: Moderate

• Sectionals: Basic qualifying thresholds

Key Points

• IMI is profile-friendly

• Offers good ROI at mid-range XAT percentiles

• Strong chance for candidates with consistent academics

IMI is ideal for aspirants targeting balanced ROI + location advantage.

Comparative View: XAT Cutoffs (Indicative Trend)

College	Overall Cutoff Level	Sectional Strictness
XLRI	Very High	Very Strict
XIMB	High	Moderate
IMT	Moderate–High	Flexible
IMI	Moderate	Low–Moderate

Why Clearing XAT Cutoff Is Not Enough

Many candidates get rejected even after clearing cutoffs because of:

• Weak interview performance

• Poor profile clarity

• Academic inconsistency

• Weak DM section (for XLRI)

XAT colleges are interview-driven, not score-only.

How to Use XAT Cutoffs Strategically

• Apply to multiple XAT colleges, not just XLRI

• Balance ambitious + safe options

• Focus heavily on PI preparation

• Do not ignore mid-range colleges with strong outcomes

Smart applications matter more than percentile obsession.

Common Mistakes Students Make

• Applying only to XLRI

• Ignoring sectional cutoffs

• Assuming cutoff guarantees selection

• Underestimating interview weightage

Final Takeaway

XAT cutoffs are qualifying thresholds, not selection guarantees.

• XLRI demands high percentile + strong DM + maturity

• XIMB rewards overall performance

• IMT & IMI offer realistic opportunities at mid-range percentiles

A balanced XAT strategy maximizes conversion chances.

FAQs – XAT Cutoffs

1. Is XAT cutoff the same every year?

   No. It varies based on difficulty and applicant pool.

   
   

2. Is Decision Making mandatory for XLRI?

   Yes. Weak DM usually leads to rejection.

   
   

3. Can I convert IMT or IMI with lower XAT percentile?

   Yes, with strong profile and interview.

   
   

4. Does clearing cutoff guarantee interview call?

   No. Shortlisting is holistic.

   
   

5. Which college is best after XLRI through XAT?

   XIMB and IMT are the most popular choices.

   
   

6. Are XAT sectionals compulsory for all colleges?

   Most colleges require basic sectional clearance.