• Updated on Aug 07, 2025 by Souvik
XAT Counselling 2026: The schedule for XAT 2026 counselling is yet to be released by XLRI, but the process is expected to begin around January or February 2026. Candidates need to clear the institute cut-offs to register for the counselling process individually at each institute. XAT Selection Process typically includes a group discussion with other candidates and a round of personal interview with departmental heads, but additional rounds also take place. Shortlisted candidates for the XAT counselling process need to carry their marksheets, undergraduate degree, XAT scorecard, XAT Admit Card and the selection letter.
XAT Counselling 2026 Important Dates
XLRI has not announced the counselling dates for XAT 2026. However, the registration window is open from July 10 to December 5, 2025. Admit cards are expected to be released in January, prior to the examination scheduled for January 4, 2026. The table below lists the full schedule for XAT 2026.
Check XAT Exam Dates 2026
XAT 2026 Cut Offs
In XAT admissions, candidates must meet the institute's cut-offs, which are the minimum marks required in the XAT exam to proceed to the next round in the selection process. Each participating institute of XAT has its cut-offs, which are released after XAT Results are declared. XAT 2026 is expected to follow the same cut-off trends as 2025.
Previous Year’s XAT Cut Offs
For admission to the PGDM Business Management and Human Resource Management programs at XLRI in 2025, the required percentiles were approximately 95 for engineering graduates and 96 for those from non-engineering backgrounds. Here are the detailed cut-offs for XLRI’s PGDM BM and HRM programs for different student categories.
Check XAT Cutoff 2026
XAT Counselling 2026: Documents Required
XAT requires candidates to carry certain documents for the counselling process. Besides marksheets, XAT scorecard, admit card and selection letter, one must also bring a bank draft. Candidates can also bring caste certificates if it is applicable. Here is the list of documents needed for XAT counselling.
- Marksheets of classes 10th, 12th, and undergraduate
- XAT scorecard
- XAT admit card
- XAT selection letter
- Bank draft, as mentioned in the official brochure
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- Medical documents, if applicable
- Passport-size photographs
XAT 2026 Counselling Process
XAT counselling process is conducted individually by participating institutes, as it is not unified or centralised. After the declaration of the XAT results, institutes release their cut-offs and invite candidates to register for the counselling process. Invited candidates participate in group discussions and personal interviews before being allotted seats. Here is a description of each stage of the XAT counselling process:
Registration for XAT Counselling
The first stage of XAT counselling is registration. Candidates register for the program of choice at the official website of a participating institute. International candidates need to have a GATE score for this stage. Registration will require payment of a fee through an online payment gateway.
Group Discussions and Personal Interviews
Candidates who meet the institute's cut-offs can apply for the second stage of counselling. While this stage varies with each institute, generally they hold a round of group discussion and personal interviews. There could be additional rounds in the process. For instance, XLRI also conducts a Written Assessment Test (WAT) to assess candidates.
Seat Allotment
The final stage of counselling involves the allotment of seats, where shortlisted candidates receive invitations to take admission and pay an admission fee to secure their allotted seat. Institutes release a final merit list of shortlisted candidates who are judged based on their performance at different stages of the counselling process. XLRI places different weights for the counselling stages, which are as follows.
XLRI Course-Wise Selection Criteria
At XLRI, candidates go through different selection processes for various courses. Round one requires candidates to meet the minimum qualifying marks in XAT. Candidates who meet phase 1’s criteria proceed to round 2, where group discussion and/or personal interviews take place. The table below lists the selection criteria for courses at XLRI.
XAT Counselling 2026: Participating Institutes
Over 250 MBA institutes and colleges across India accept XAT scores for admission. Besides the Xavier group of institutions, Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Chennai, Mount Carmel Institute of Management (MCIM), Bengaluru and the Great Lakes Institutes also accept XAT scores. Here is the list of the top institutes that accept XAT scores:
- Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur
- Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
- Goa Institute of Management, Goa
- International Management Institute, Delhi
- Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad
- Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad
- T.A.Pai Management Institute, Manipal
- KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
- XIM University, Bhubaneswar
- IRMA, Gujarat
XAT Counselling 2026 FAQs
When does XAT 2026 counselling start?
The XAT 2026 counselling process is expected to start in February 2026. Participating institutes post their XAT cut-offs and invite candidates to register for counselling during this period.
Is there a centralised counselling process for XAT 2026?
No. XAT does not have a centralised counselling process. Each participating institute will have its selection process, which can include group discussions and/or personal interviews.
What documents are required for XAT counselling 2026?
Candidates need to carry their marksheets and XAT documents, like the scorecard, admit card and selection letter for counselling. Additionally, caste certifications are also necessary if it is applicable.
What are the eligibility criteria to take part in the XAT 2026 admission process?
To take part in the XAT admission process, candidates must have an undergraduate degree and a valid XAT score. They must clear the XAT cut-offs to take part in the counselling process.
Is there any fee to apply for the XAT counselling process 2026?
Yes. Institutes that accept XAT scores have counselling registration fees. The range of fees differs for each institute.
Will XLRI conduct GD and PI for all of its courses for XAT 2026?
No. XLRI does not conduct GD-PI for all of its courses. Both processes are conducted only for the PGDM General Management and PGDM Human Resource Management courses. For other courses, personal interviews take place after qualifying the XAT cut-offs.
Do candidates need to meet the cut-offs for each institute for XAT 2026?
Yes. Each participating institute releases its cut-off lists. Candidates who meet the cut-offs can register for the counselling process.
Is work experience necessary for XAT 2026 counselling?
Work experience is not mandatory for the XAT 2026 counselling process. However, relevant work experience will strengthen the candidate's profile.
Where can one apply to with an 82 percentile in XAT 2026?
Based on the previous year’s XAT cut-offs, an 82 percentile in XAT is enough for admission at K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM), and Goa Institute of Management (GIM).
How will candidates know if they have converted the XAT interview call?
Institutes inform candidates via email if they clear the personal interview round. The email will contain an offer letter inviting the candidate to take admission.