XAT Latest Updates
05 Jan, 2026 XAT 2026 Memory-Based questions with solution PDFs are available – Download PDF
05 Jan, 2026 Find your expected percentile and potential top B-schools with XAT 2026 Score vs Percentile – Here
The XAT Score vs Percentile shows how both overall and sectional raw scores are converted into percentiles, helping candidates estimate their performance, where higher scores will result in higher percentiles.
Scores above 35-40 can place you in the 95th percentile, while 45-50 can place you above 98 percentile, depending on exam difficulty and the number of candidates.
In XAT 2026, top B-Schools like XLRI, SPJIMR, and IMT consider both overall and sectional percentiles, and even a 1-3 mark difference per section can shift your percentile from 90 to 99.
- VARC: A score of 16-17 can place you in the 99 percentile, while 11–12 can get you 90 percentile.
- DM: Scoring 14–15 marks may give you 99 percentile, while 11 marks can secure 90 percentile.
- QA-DI: This section was the toughest, where with the marks ranging from 16-17, you can achieve 99 percentile, and 10 marks are enough to secure 85-88 percentile.
Note: As per the official XAT notice, scores of the GK section will be used by XLRI in the final selection process, so make sure to attempt it well.
XAT Score Vs Percentile 2026 (Expected)
| XAT Score (out of 75) | Expected Percentile (2026) | What It Indicates |
|---|---|---|
| 40+ | 97–99+ | Excellent performance; opens top calls (XLRI, SPJIMR). |
| 37–39 | 95–97 | Very strong score; likely calls from XIMB, IMT, etc. |
| 31–36 | 93–95 | Strong performance; good to excellent options. |
| 25–30 | 90–93 | Good score; suitable for tier-2 and some tier-1 colleges. |
| 23–24 | 85–90 | Decent performance for many good colleges. |
| 21–22 | 80–85 | Acceptable for mid-tier programs. |
| ≤20 | <80 | Lower percentile; may still be useful for some colleges. |
Also Check:
What is the Difference Between XAT Score and Percentile?
The XAT Score and XAT Percentile are two different ways of measuring a candidate’s performance in the exam.
- XAT Score: The XAT score is the raw marks that you obtain based on correct and incorrect answers in the exam.
- XAT Percentile: The percentile adjusts your scores based on the exam’s difficulty and the number of test takers, which is why B-schools primarily use percentile for shortlisting.
For example, A 90th percentile means that you have scored more than 90% of the total candidates.
How to Calculate Your XAT Percentile from Raw Score
Before you compute your percentile, you must first work out your raw score based on how many questions you got right, wrong, or left unanswered.
Marking Scheme:
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Incorrect Answer: −0.25 marks
- Unattempted Questions: First 8 unattempted questions, there is no penalty, but from the next unattempted question, -0.10 will be deducted.
The GK section is not counted in the percentile. Only the first three sections (VARC, DM, QA-DI) matter for the percentile.
Raw Score Formula
Example:
If you answered 50 questions correctly and got 10 wrong (out of 75 scored questions total):
XAT Percentile Calculator
To calculate the percentile, here is the formula you can use:
So if you ranked 500th in a field of 50,000 candidates:
This means you scored better than 99% of the candidates.
Check: XAT 2026 Rank vs College Predictor
Ques. With a 93-95 percentile in XAT 2026, which colleges can I target?
Ans. A 93-95 percentile in XAT 2026, you can expect to get admission into college like,
- IMT Ghaziabad
- IMT Ghaziabad - PGDM Core
- KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
- GIM Goa - PGDM
- FORE School of Management, Delhi
- TAPMI Manipal
Ques. CAT bombed me. I'm a general non-engineering female. how much percentile do I need in XAT to get a call from XLRI Jamshedpur? BM and HRM both
Ans. If you are not satisfied with your performance in CAT exam, then you can still get admission into top B-schools through XAT Exam.
To get a call from XLRI Jamshedpur, as a general, non-engineer and female, you are required to score around 95-96 percentile for BM and around 92-94 percentile for HRM.
| Program | Typical Cutoff (Past 5 Years) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BM (Business Management) | 95–96+ percentile | Very competitive; highest cutoffs every year. |
| HRM (Human Resource Management) | 92–94 percentile | HRM has relatively lower cutoff but still competitive. |
Ques. Is there any official sectional cutoff list released by XLRI ever or only overall?
Ans. Yes, XLRI releases both overall and sectional cutoffs every year for its BM and HRM programs. XLRI checks performance in VALR, DM, and QA-DI.
- Sectional Cutoffs (BM): VALR (75-80%ile), DM (70–76 %ile), and QA-DI(80–85 %ile)
- Sectional Cutoff (HRM): All Sections (70-75%ile)
XAT Score vs Percentile Section-wise
According to experts' prediction, XAT 2026 is expected to require a balanced sectional performance instead of more attempts, especially because QA-DI is likely to remain the toughest section.
- To score 99 percentile, you’ll likely need about 16-17 marks in VALR and QA-DI and 14–15 marks in DM with 45-50 accurate attempts.
- The 95 and 90 percentiles should fall in the 11-14 mark range, while the 85 percentile may be achievable with 9-11 marks per section.
| Percentile | VALR (Marks) | DM (Marks) | QA-DI (Marks) | Total Attempts Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99 | 16–17 | 14–15 | 16–17 | 45–50 (low errors) |
| 95 | 13–14 | 12–13 | 12–13 | 38–42 |
| 90 | 11–12 | 11–12 | 11–12 | 34–37 |
| 85 | 10–11 | 9–10 | 9–10 | 28–32 |
Ques. 1 section at 50-60%ile, rest 90-95—will it tank my overall to <99 for top ranks?
Ans. Yes, the overall percentile of XAT is heavily dependent on the section, especially on VARC and QA-DI.
To secure 99+ percentile you are required to score ≥75–80 percentile in all 3 sections, with atleast one section with >90 percentile.
Ques. When to expect the XAT sectional cutoff? Can VALR drop to 78%ile for GNEF top rank?
Ans. The XLRI releases the sectional cutoffs only after the declaration of the XAT results, which is expected in last week of January 2026.
As per the previous 5 years trends for VALR sectional Cutoff:
- BM: 78-80 percentile
- HRM: 70-72 percentile
VALR can dip to 78 percentile for BM even for GNEF (General Non-Engineer Female)
XAT Score vs Percentile Top Colleges
| College / Program | Expected XAT Percentile (2026) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| XLRI Jamshedpur – BM | 96–97%ile | Most competitive XAT program requires exceptional overall and sectional performance |
| XLRI Jamshedpur – HRM | 93–96%ile | Slightly more flexible than BM but still highly competitive |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | 93–95%ile | Strong profile-based selection with high weightage to PI |
| XIMB Bhubaneswar | 91–94%ile | Consistently high cutoff among non-IIMs |
| IMT Ghaziabad | 90–92%ile | High competition; profile and GD-PI matter |
| MICA Ahmedabad | 90–91%ile | Also requires MICAT qualification |
| IMI New Delhi | 90–92%ile | Strong placements; competitive cutoff |
| GIM Goa | 85–90%ile | Good ROI; popular XAT-accepting institute |
| TAPMI Manipal | 85–88%ile | Balanced selection with academic focus |
| FORE School of Management | 85–88%ile | Consistent mid-tier performer |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management | 85–88%ile | PGPM/PGDM with profile emphasis |
| LIBA Chennai | 80–85%ile | Sectional performance plays a role |
| KJ Somaiya | 80–85%ile | Solid regional and sectoral reputation |
Ques. How will exam difficulty impact XAT 2026 cutoffs vs. 2025?
Ans. If XAT 2026 remains moderate like 2025, cutoffs should stay similar, with only a 1–2 mark rise in the 95–98 percentile range.
- A tougher QA/DM section will lower raw cutoffs by 2–3 marks, while an easier paper (like 2023) can push 99%ile back to 40–45 marks.
- Overall, percentiles shift directly with difficulty, but XLRI sectional cutoffs remain mostly stable year to year.
Ques. Is 94 percentile safe for XLRI HRM female engineer in 2026?
Ans. Yes, 94 percentile is generally safe-but-borderline for XLRI HRM. Historically, HRM cutoffs for female candidates fall around 92–94%ile, but depend heavily on clearing sectional cutoffs (especially VALR & QA-DI). With strong sectionals and a decent profile, 94%ile usually converts a shortlist.
Ques. 10/9/8 GEM fresher, what is the minimum safe percentile for XLRI BM?
Ans. For a GEM fresher, XLRI BM is highly competitive,as per the past trends you should target 96–97+ percentile for a safe shortlist.
The academic profile (10/9/8) is strong but not exceptional, so a higher percentile helps. Sectionals (especially QA-DI ≥ 80–85%ile) remain important for clearing the first stage.
XAT Score vs Percentile Last 5 Years
As per the previous years' XAT data (2025-2021) shows that the percentile varies as per the difficulty of the exam.
- Easier years (e.g., 2023) needed 43–46 marks for 99 percentile, while tougher years (e.g., 2021) required 33–36.
- Moderate years (2024–2025) saw 99 percentile around 36–40 marks.
Score Variation: "just 2–3 marks can push percentile by 5–6 points in XAT." -Reddit
XAT Score Vs Percentile 2025
| Total Percentile | Total Score | Quants (Score) | Verbal (Score) | Decision Making (Score) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99.5 | 37–38 | 17–18 | 18–19 | 17–18 |
| 99 | 34–35 | 13–14 | 16–17 | 14–15 |
| 95 | 27–28 | 9–10 | 13–14 | 12–13 |
| 90 | 23–24 | 7–8 | 11–12 | 11–12 |
| 80 | 18–19 | 5–6 | 8–9 | 9–10 |
XAT Score Vs Percentile 2024
| Total Percentile | Total Score | Quants (Score) | Verbal (Score) | Decision Making (Score) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99.5 | 36.3 | 17 | 18-19 | 17-18 |
| 99 | 33.5 | 13 | 16-17 | 14-15 |
| 95 | 26 | 9 | 13-14 | 12-13 |
| 90 | 23 | 7.5 | 11-12 | 11-12 |
| 80 | 18 | 5 | 8-9 | 9-10 |
XAT Score Vs Percentile 2023
| Total Percentile | Total Score | Quants (Score) | Score in Verbal | Score in Decision Making |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99 | 46.5 | 20.5 | 18.5 | 14.5 |
| 95 | 38 | 16 | 15 | 12.4 |
| 90 | 34.5 | 14 | 13 | 11 |
| 85 | 32.2 | 12.5 | 11.5 | 10.5 |
| 80 | 29.2 | 11 | 11 | 9.6 |
| 75 | 27 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
XAT Score Vs Percentile 2022
| Total Percentile | Total Score | Score in Quants | Score in Verbal | Score in Decision Making |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99 | 36 | 18.3 | 15 | 9.8 |
| 97 | 32.1 | 15.8 | 13.3 | 9 |
| 95 | 29.5 | 14.3 | 12.3 | 8.2 |
| 90 | 25.6 | 11.9 | 10.6 | 7.2 |
| 85 | 23.2 | 10.3 | 9.5 | 6.1 |
| 80 | 21 | 9 | 8.6 | 5.7 |
XAT Score Vs Percentile 2021
| Total Percentile | Total Score | Score in Quants (QA-DI) | Score in Verbal (VALR) | Score in Decision Making (DM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99+ | 36.25 | 17 | 14.75 | 12.5 |
| 97 | 32.75 | 14.25 | 13.25 | 11.5 |
| 95 | 30.25 | 12.75 | 12 | 10.5 |
| 90 | 27 | 10.5 | 10.5 | 9.5 |
| 85 | 24 | 9 | 9.5 | 8.75 |
| 80 | 22.25 | 7.75 | 8.5 | 8.25 |
| 70 | 19.75 | 6 | 7.25 | 7.5 |
| 50 | 14.25 | 3.25 | 4.75 | 5.5 |
Also Check:
- XAT 2019 Score vs Percentile: How 40+ Marks Secured 99 Percentile?
- XAT 2022 Score vs Percentile: Marks Needed for 90, 95 and 99 Percentile
Ques. What are the safe sectional scores/cutoffs for XLRI in XAT 2026?
Ans. As per the lat 5 years analysis, a safe sectional score/cutoffs for XLRI in XAT 2026 are:
- VALR: 10–11 marks with 78–82 percentile
- DM: 8-9 marks with 72–78 percentile
- QA: 9-10 marks with around 82–86 percentile
Ques. With 2025 trends, what's the safe score strategy for XAT 2026 comebacks or backups?
Ans. For XAT 2026, considering 2025’s tougher DM and moderate QA:
- Target 34–36 for a safe 95%ile, enough for XLRI-HRM, XIMB, IMT, MICA shortlists.
- Target 39–42 for 97–98%ile, giving stronger conversion chances at XLRI-BM/HRM.
Maintain sectional balance, since 10–12% of high scorers miss XLRI only due to <75–80%ile in one section.
Ques. Is 28 marks safe for XIMB BM non-Odisha male?
Ans. A score of 28 marks will place you in 88-90 percentile as per the previous years data. The XIMB BM cutoff for non-Odisha male candidates usually stays around 90–92%ile.
So, 28 marks will be borderline, may or may not convert depending on the year’s difficulty whereas, 30–31 marks is the safer zone for a consistent XIMB BM shortlist.
XAT Score Vs Percentile 2026 FAQs
Ques. Is 85%ile enough for Great Lakes Chennai PGDM?
Ans. Yes. Great Lakes Chennai PGDM typically shortlists candidates in the 85–86 percentile range in XAT. With solid academics and work experience, 85%ile is generally safe for a call.
Ques. Is XAT score alone enough or do colleges see Class 10/12 marks heavily?
Ans. For most colleges like IMT, TAPMI, GIM, GLIM, XAT percentile is the primary filter, and Class 10/12 marks carry only moderate weight during final selection.
XLRI, XIMB, MICA and a few top institutes consider academics, but they don’t reject candidates solely for 10/12 scores if the XAT percentile is strong.
Ques. GK section matters for final selection in XLRI or only for PI discussion?
Ans. GK does not affect XLRI cutoff or shortlist, but it is used in the final composite score and determine the PI/WAT evaluation.
A low GK won’t disqualify you, but a strong GK score improves your final merit ranking.
Ques. Lawyer with 3 years work ex, 94%ile — realistic chances for XLRI HRM?
Ans. Yes, 94 percentile with a legal background + 3 years’ experience is competitive for XLRI HRM.
As HRM values diverse profiles, and non-engineer can get calls at 92- 94 percentile, provided you clear the sectional cutoffs i.e, VALR: 75–80%ile, DM: 70–75%ile, QA-DI: 70–80%ile.
Ques. Is 25 a good score in XAT?
Ans. A score of 25 in XAT is a decent score, placing you in the range of 85-90 percentile, which can get you calls from Tier-2 colleges like KJ Somaiya, TAPMI, or GLIM.
Ques. How many marks is 85 percentile in XAT?
Ans. For an 85 percentile in XAT you are required to score around 24-32 marks out of 75 in XAT, with this percentile there is a good chance to get calls from mid-tier MBA colleges like FORE, GIM, KJ Somaiya, IRMA, TAPMI, Great Lakes, SOIL, NIA, Welingkar.
Ques. How much score is 99 percentile in XAT?
Ans. For 99 percentile in XAT you will have to score 38 to 42+ total marks overall. With this percentile you can get admission to top-tier B-Schools like XLRI Jamshedpur, XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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