Top MBA Colleges Accepting XAT 2026: Courses, Fees, Placements & Career Scope

If you’re preparing for XAT 2026 (Xavier Aptitude Test), you’re targeting one of India’s most prestigious management entrance exams conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur. XAT scores are accepted by 150+ top B-schools across the country for admission into MBA and PGDM programs.

XAT has consistently been the gateway to India’s most reputed private management institutions such as XLRI, IMT Ghaziabad, MICA Ahmedabad, FORE Delhi, GIM Goa, and TAPMI Manipal. Known for its emphasis on decision-making, verbal ability, and analytical reasoning, the XAT exam is a true test of a candidate’s managerial aptitude.

Let’s take a deep dive into the Top MBA Colleges Accepting XAT 2026, their program highlights, fees, placements, and career outcomes — helping you make an informed choice for your MBA journey.

1. XLRI Jamshedpur – The Flagship XAT Institute

Fees: Rs. 30.6 Lakh
Highest CTC: Rs. 75 LPA
Average CTC: Rs. 31.08 LPA

XLRI Jamshedpur continues to be the dream destination for XAT aspirants. Offering programs like PGDM in Business Management (BM) and PGDM in Human Resource Management (HRM), it consistently ranks among India’s top 5 B-Schools.

Known for its ethics-driven management education, XLRI’s curriculum blends academic rigor with leadership and social sensitivity. With recruiters like Amazon, BCG, Accenture Strategy, and Deloitte, XLRI’s placement record speaks for itself.

In 2025, XLRI achieved a 100% placement rate with a median salary of Rs. 28.5 LPA, reaffirming its leadership among private B-Schools in India.

2. XLRI Delhi-NCR – The New Era Campus

Fees: Rs. 30.6 Lakh
Highest CTC: Rs. 75 LPA
Average CTC: Rs. 29.89 LPA

The Delhi-NCR campus of XLRI has rapidly established itself as a centre of academic excellence. Built on the same values and pedagogy as the Jamshedpur campus, XLRI Delhi offers programs in Business Management and Human Resource Management, with direct mentorship from the parent institute.

The strategic location near Gurugram — India’s corporate hub — provides exceptional industry exposure. The first few batches have already secured placements with top consulting, FMCG, and fintech firms, mirroring Jamshedpur’s success trajectory.

3. FORE School of Management, New Delhi

Fees: Rs. 23.24 Lakh
Highest CTC: Rs. 29 LPA
Average CTC: Rs. 16.4 LPA

Located in South Delhi, FORE School of Management (FSM) is one of the most prominent B-Schools accepting XAT scores. Its programs in PGDM, PGDM-IB, and PGDM-Financial Management are designed to align with global business needs.

FORE offers students an enriching learning environment with international exchange programs and strong corporate partnerships. Recruiters like EY, PwC, Infosys, and KPMG are frequent participants in campus drives.

4. IMT Ghaziabad – Innovation Meets Leadership

Fees: Rs. 22.85 Lakh
Highest CTC: Rs. 41.55 LPA
Average CTC: Rs. 16.07 LPA

IMT Ghaziabad stands out for its corporate immersion and international exposure programs. Known for its industry-aligned PGDM program, IMT emphasizes innovation, technology, and leadership.

Its 2025 placement report highlights top recruiters such as Google, Amazon, Deloitte, Cognizant, and Accenture, with over 150+ companies visiting campus. The Marketing and Finance specializations remain IMT’s strongest domains.

5. Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai (GLIM)

Fees: Rs. 21.63 Lakh
Highest CTC: Rs. 39.3 LPA
Average CTC: Rs. 15 LPA

Great Lakes, Chennai, founded by Dr. Bala Balachandran (Professor Emeritus, Kellogg School of Management), has established itself as a pioneer in analytics-driven management education.

The PGDM and PGPM programs accept XAT, CAT, and GMAT scores. With a focus on AI, analytics, and digital strategy, Great Lakes offers unmatched academic flexibility. The school’s corporate network ensures placements with top recruiters like Deloitte, Accenture, and Cognizant.

6. MICA Ahmedabad – The Marketing & Communication Leader

Fees: Rs. 28 Lakh
Highest CTC: Rs. 40.91 LPA
Average CTC: Rs. 19.22 LPA

MICA Ahmedabad is India’s only premier institute dedicated to Strategic Marketing and Communications. Known for its PGDM-C program, it combines business management with creativity, data analytics, and branding.

MICA accepts XAT, CAT, and GMAT scores, followed by the MICAT exam and GE-PI rounds. Top recruiters include Google, Amazon, Nestlé, L’Oréal, and Tata Consumer Products. MICA alumni dominate leadership positions in marketing, media, and brand strategy across the globe.

7. TAPMI Manipal – Excellence with Ethics

Fees: Rs. 23.9 Lakh
Highest CTC: Rs. 32.77 LPA
Average CTC: Rs. 15.7 LPA

TAPMI (T. A. Pai Management Institute) is one of India’s few AACSB-accredited institutions accepting XAT scores. Known for its finance and operations programs, TAPMI blends analytical rigor with ethical leadership.

The 2025 placements saw recruiters like HDFC Bank, Infosys Consulting, Deloitte, and ICICI Bank offering competitive packages. TAPMI’s campus in Manipal provides a unique ecosystem that nurtures personal and professional growth.

8. IRMA Anand – Management for Rural Transformation

Fees: Rs. 19.78 Lakh
Highest CTC: Rs. 31.16 LPA
Average CTC: Rs. 14.17 LPA

Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) is globally recognized for its unique mission — preparing managers to drive inclusive growth and rural development.

The PGDM-RM (Rural Management) program accepts XAT and CAT scores. Graduates often work in roles involving rural marketing, agribusiness consulting, and CSR initiatives. Top recruiters include Amul, NDDB, Tata Steel, and ITC.

9. Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIM-B)

Fees: Rs. 25.4 Lakh
Highest CTC: Rs. 30 LPA
Average CTC: Rs. 19.53 LPA

XIM University (XIM-B), part of the Xavier Group, is a highly reputed B-school known for its MBA in Business Management and Sustainability Management. The curriculum focuses on developing socially responsible global leaders.

In 2025, top recruiters such as Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Axis Bank, and Wipro participated in placements. The institute’s legacy and emphasis on ethics continue to attract top-tier students.

10. K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai

Fees: Rs. 22.33 Lakh
Highest CTC: Rs. 28.25 LPA
Average CTC: Rs. 15.8 LPA

K J Somaiya is among the most sought-after B-schools in Western India accepting XAT scores. The institute offers diverse specializations including Marketing, HR, Business Analytics, and International Business.

Strong corporate connect, vibrant campus life, and excellent ROI make KJSIM a top choice. Recruiters include HUL, Mahindra, Infosys, and Asian Paints.

11. GIM Goa – Where Values Meet Vision

Fees: Rs. 21.45 Lakh
Highest CTC: Rs. 32.2 LPA
Average CTC: Rs. 15.13 LPA

The Goa Institute of Management (GIM) offers an immersive learning experience with a focus on sustainability and responsible management. Its programs in Healthcare Management and Big Data Analytics are nationally acclaimed.

GIM’s strong industry network, ethical governance, and scenic campus make it a preferred destination for XAT aspirants seeking holistic education.

12. IFMR Graduate School of Business, Krea University (Chennai)

Fees: Rs. 19.85 Lakh
Highest CTC: Rs. 21.32 LPA
Average CTC: Rs. 12.04 LPA

IFMR-GSB combines business analytics with financial management. The school’s data-driven pedagogy and association with Krea University provide global exposure.

With recruiters like Cognizant, Deloitte, Barclays, and ICICI, IFMR offers excellent ROI for XAT aspirants aiming for corporate finance, consulting, or analytics roles.

Career Scope After XAT 2026

Graduates from top XAT-accepting B-schools are hired across sectors like:

• Consulting: Deloitte, BCG, Accenture Strategy
• Finance: ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC
• FMCG: Nestlé, P&G, Hindustan Unilever
• Technology: TCS, Infosys, Amazon, Flipkart
• Analytics & Media: NielsenIQ, GroupM, ZS Associates

The average salary range for top-tier colleges lies between Rs. 14–30 LPA, depending on specialization, institute, and profile.

Why XAT 2026 Stands Out

The XAT exam distinguishes itself through its Decision-Making (DM) section, which evaluates ethical reasoning and managerial judgment — traits valued by employers. Unlike other exams, XAT assesses not just aptitude but also leadership maturity and social awareness.

In 2026, the XAT pattern continues with:

• 100 Questions
• 175 Minutes Duration
• Negative Marking: -0.25 per incorrect answer
• Sections: VARC, DM, QA, and GK

Prof. Route’s Insight

“The XAT ecosystem is not just an exam — it’s a bridge connecting ethical leadership with business excellence. Every XAT college reflects a blend of intellect, inclusivity, and innovation.”
— Prof. Route, Academic Mentor, MyCollegeRoute.com

FAQs

Q1. What is the XAT 2026 exam date?

XAT 2026 will tentatively be held in January 2026 (first Sunday of the month).

Q2. Which colleges accept XAT scores?

Over 150 colleges across India, including XLRI, IMT, MICA, GIM, TAPMI, and FORE, accept XAT scores.

Q3. What is a good XAT percentile for XLRI?

A 95+ percentile is required for XLRI Jamshedpur BM program and 93+ percentile for HRM.

Q4. Which XAT college has the best ROI?

IRMA Anand, IFMR Chennai, and TAPMI offer the best ROI given their fee-to-placement ratio.

Q5. How is XAT different from CAT?

XAT includes a Decision-Making section, making it unique in assessing real-world leadership thinking.