The Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur is currently at the center of the Indian management education landscape as the admission cycle for the 2026-28 batch hits its peak. Following the declaration of the XAT 2026 results on January 16, thousands of MBA aspirants are now awaiting the official cutoff release and subsequent interview calls. Known for its rigorous selection process and its status as India’s oldest B-school, XLRI continues to set high benchmarks for excellence in both Business Management (BM) and Human Resource Management (HRM).
This year is particularly significant as XLRI expands its focus on emerging technologies. The institute recently launched a specialized hybrid executive program in Digital HR Transformation and AI-driven Analytics, reflecting the growing demand for tech-savvy leaders in the corporate world.
XAT 2026 Results and Expected Cutoffs
The first major milestone of the season was the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) held on January 4, 2026. With the scorecards now available at the official portal, the focus has shifted to the “calls.” While XLRI usually releases official cutoffs in late January or early February, industry experts suggest that the percentiles will remain competitive, similar to the previous year.
For the flagship PGDM Business Management (BM) program, male engineers should target a 95-96 percentile, while female candidates and non-engineers may see slightly relaxed cutoffs around 90-92. The HRM program, which is globally recognized as one of the best, typically sees overall cutoffs ranging from 92 to 95 percentile. It is important to note that XLRI places heavy emphasis on sectional cutoffs, particularly in the unique “Decision Making” section.
Read more: CCRAS Answer Key 2026 Out
The GD-PI Process: What to Expect Next
Shortlisted candidates will soon receive interview call letters via email. The next stage of the journey—comprising the Written Analytical Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI)—is scheduled to take place between mid-February and March 2026 across major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Jamshedpur, and Kolkata.
XLRI’s interview process is famously holistic. While the XAT score holds a 60% weightage, the remaining 40% is distributed among interview performance, academic consistency (Class X, XII, and Graduation), and work experience. The institute is known for its “ethics-first” approach, often testing candidates on their moral reasoning and social responsibility through situational case studies.
Placement Performance and Industry Trust
Despite global economic fluctuations, XLRI has maintained its 100% placement record. The 2025 placement report highlighted an average CTC of approximately ₹31.08 LPA, with the highest domestic offer touching ₹75 LPA. An impressive 34% of the batch secured Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs) through their summer internships, proving the high degree of trust top recruiters place in XLRI students.
Key recruiting sectors continue to be Consulting (30%), BFSI, and FMCG. Major names like Accenture Strategy, BCG, Amazon, HUL, and ITC remain regular visitors. Furthermore, the newer Delhi-NCR campus has successfully integrated its placement process with the Jamshedpur campus, ensuring that students from both locations have access to the same high-tier opportunities.
New Academic Frontiers: AI and Digital HR
In a move to bridge the skill gap in the modern workforce, XLRI Jamshedpur has introduced a 10-month hybrid executive program focused on Digital HR and AI Analytics. This program is designed for working professionals who wish to master tools like Generative AI and Machine Learning within people management. By blending online learning with on-campus sessions, XLRI is making premium management education more accessible to the working elite in India’s growing tech hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does XLRI accept CAT or NMAT scores?
No, XLRI Jamshedpur only accepts XAT scores for its flagship PGDM-BM and PGDM-HRM programs. For certain executive programs, GMAT or GRE scores may be considered, but for the standard two-year MBA, XAT is mandatory.
What is the fee structure for the 2026-28 batch?
The total academic fee for the flagship two-year PGDM programs is approximately ₹28 Lakhs to ₹30 Lakhs. Including hostel, mess, and other living expenses, the total investment is estimated to be around ₹33 Lakhs.
Is work experience mandatory for admission?
Work experience is not mandatory for the regular PGDM (BM) or PGDM (HRM) programs. However, for the Executive PGDM (General Management) program, a minimum of five years of managerial or professional experience is required.
When will the final admission results be declared?
The final list of selected candidates is typically released in the middle of April. Successful candidates are then expected to join the campus for the new session starting in June 2026.
How does the Delhi-NCR campus compare to the Jamshedpur campus?
Both campuses follow the same curriculum, faculty standards, and placement process. While Jamshedpur holds the legacy of being the founding campus, the Delhi-NCR campus offers a strategic location advantage near the corporate hubs of Gurgaon and Noida.