XISS Ranchi offers PGDM admission through an online, test-score-based process followed by GD & PI, with clear policies on test acceptance, seat distribution, and category reservation. Student feedback online highlights strong HR/RM branding and faculty, decent but not premium placements, and an average campus with scope for infrastructure upgrades.​

Key highlights of PGDM at XISS Ranchi

  • Flagship 2-year full-time PGDM with specialisations in Human Resource Management, Rural Management, Finance and Marketing.​
  • Admission is strictly through national-level entrance tests (CAT, XAT, CMAT) followed by GD–PI conducted by XISS Ranchi.​
  • 50% of total seats are reserved for Christian minorities, SC, ST and other specified minorities, with additional supernumerary seats for EWS candidates.​

Eligibility and accepted entrance exams

  • Candidates must hold a recognised bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) and are required to appear in at least one of CAT, XAT or CMAT for shortlisting to XISS Ranchi.​
  • Aspirants must apply separately for the tests on their respective official portals and then register on the XISS admission page.​

Seat matrix and reservation

  • Total sanctioned PGDM seats: 120 in Human Resource Management, 75 in Rural Management, and 60 in Finance & Marketing Management.​
  • Of the total seats, 50% are reserved for Christian minorities, SC, ST and other minority categories; unfilled reserved seats are later converted to unreserved, and EWS candidates are accommodated through supernumerary seats.​

Step-by-step admission process

The admission process is fully online and follows AICTE guidelines.​

  1. Register and apply online
    • Visit the XISS admission page and complete the online registration form; only one application per candidate (per Aadhaar) is allowed.​
    • Within the same form, candidates can choose up to two programme preferences (Program Preference I and II) without extra charges.​
  2. Appear for CAT/XAT/CMAT
    • Candidates must separately register for one or more of these exams on their official websites and obtain valid scores in the admission cycle.​
  3. Shortlisting for GD & PI
    • XISS uses notified cut-offs on CAT/XAT/CMAT scores to shortlist candidates for GD–PI; 50% of PGDM seats are filled by CAT/XAT applicants and 50% by CMAT applicants.​
    • Shortlisted candidates receive a GD–PI admit card that clearly mentions their eligibility status for each selected programme preference.​
  4. GD–PI rounds (online/offline)
    • XISS usually conducts GD–PI in two phases: Phase I around February (after XAT) and Phase II in April/May (after CMAT), with the mode (online/offline) decided as per prevailing conditions.​
    • The selection process assesses entrance-test performance, group interaction, and personal interview qualities including communication, clarity of goals, and fit for the chosen specialisation.​
  5. Final selection and offer
    • After GD–PI, XISS prepares a final merit list using a weighted formula that includes entrance test score, past academics, GD, PI, and diversity/extracurricular profile.​
    • Successful candidates receive admission offers, and classes commence as per the AICTE-approved academic calendar for that year.​

Selection weightage and evaluation

Multiple credible MBA portals mapping XISS’s process indicate the broad weightage structure below, which aligns with the official description that “final selection is based on a diverse set of attributes.”​

XISS PGDM selection parameters

Parameter Typical weightage range Notes
Entrance test score (CAT/XAT/CMAT) 40% Primary shortlisting and major contributor in final composite score.​
Past academic record 20% 10th, 12th, and graduation marks.​
Group Discussion / Extempore 10% Evaluates communication, teamwork and clarity; sometimes labelled GD/Extempore.​
Personal Interview 20% Assesses profile, motivation, and programme fit.​
Extracurriculars & diversity 10% Recognises work-ex, gender/geography diversity, and achievements.​

Application fee

  • The registration fee (cost of application form) for the 2025–27 PGDM batch is 2,000 INR plus 18% GST, payable only via the online form.​
  • GD–PI are broadly scheduled in Phase I (February) and Phase II (April–May), with exact dates announced on the admission page in line with XAT and CMAT result timelines.​

Practical notes and tips for aspirants

  • Target test profile: From multiple counselling and review platforms, candidates are advised to aim for at least around 60 percentile in CAT/XAT and 70 percentile in CMAT to have a realistic shot at GD–PI shortlisting, especially for HRM.​
  • Program preference strategy: Use the free second preference wisely—typical combinations are HRM–RM or RM–Finance & Marketing, depending on your interest and perceived competitiveness; remember that GD–PI eligibility for each preference is strictly cut-off driven.​

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