For many MBA aspirants, scoring in the 60–80 percentile range in the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) does not necessarily close the door to good MBA programmes. Several colleges reportedly accept candidates in this range, relying on additional evaluation parameters beyond just XAT scores — such as academic background, work experience, performance in group discussion/personal interview, and profile strength. The following sections list colleges in two broadly accepted percentile bands within 60–80: the lower band (60-70) and the middle band (70-80).
Colleges Accepting XAT Scores in 60–70 Percentile
Many private and smaller B‑schools, and some mid‑tier institutes, reportedly consider applicants with XAT percentiles in the 60–70 range. These institutes may place greater emphasis on academic record, work experience, or GD/PI performance rather than raw percentile.
Colleges Accepting XAT Scores in 70–80 Percentile
Scoring between 70 and 80 percentile in XAT often opens up more mid‑tier to upper‑mid-tier management institutes, some with decent infrastructure, specialisations, and placement records. The institutes listed here are often cited in publicly available cutoff reports for this percentile band.
How to Approach MBA Admissions with 60–80 Percentile in XAT
When applying with a moderate (60–80) XAT score, it helps to adopt a strategic, realistic, and comprehensive approach. Here are some recommendations:
- Apply to multiple colleges across both percentile bands to keep options open.
- Ensure academic consistency — good graduation marks may offset lower entrance percentiles.
- Prepare well for GD/PI rounds — many colleges give substantial weight to interviews, group discussions, and overall candidate profile.
- Leverage work experience (if any) — full-time work experience after graduation can improve selection chances.
- Be open to specialisations and institutes beyond “top-tier” — mid-tier or emerging B-schools often provide good ROI for focused students.
- Check official admissions notifications — cutoffs change yearly, so always verify on the institute’s official website before applying.
Also Check: 80 GD Topics For MBA Admission Through XAT 2026
Wrapping Up
Securing a 60–80 percentile in XAT does not mean the end of the MBA journey. There are many reputed B‑schools across India that reportedly accept candidates within this percentile range, especially those that value a holistic profile over just raw exam scores. By applying wisely, preparing thoroughly for selection rounds, and maintaining a strong academic and personal profile, aspirants can still gain admission to credible MBA or PGDM programmes.
While the colleges and percentiles listed above offer a good starting point, every aspirant should treat the data as indicative and verify details with the official admissions portal of each institute before applying.
