• Updated on Aug 08, 2025 by Souvik
XAT Marks vs Percentile 2026: An analysis of XAT marks vs percentile provides an estimation of the percentiles candidates can expect to achieve based on their marks. For XAT 2026, the analysis suggests that marks of 40 and more will be equal to a percentile between 97 and 99. To get a percentile in the range of 95 to 96, one must score between 31 and 37.
Scoring an overall XAT mark above 35 will make candidates eligible for XAT Counselling at top institutes like XLRI, XIM, K.J. Somaiya Institute, BIM, IFMR, TAPMI, FORE School of Management, and Welingkar Institute of Management.
XAT Marks vs Percentile 2026 (Expected)
According to XAT 2025’s marks vs percentile, a score of 40 and above is needed to achieve a percentile of 97 to 99 in XAT 2026. Candidates with a percentile of 97 or higher will gain admission to top management institutes. To score 95 to 96 percentile, one must score 31 to 37 marks. On the lower end, a score of 20 to 22 is equal to a percentile of 80 to 85. Here are the likely XAT marks vs percentile for 2026.
Also Read XAT Cutoff 2026
XAT Marks vs Percentile 2026: Section-Wise
An analysis of previous XAT section-wise scores and percentiles shows that for 2026, a score of 16-17 in VA-LR, 14-15 in DM, and 16-17 in QA-DI corresponds to a percentile of 99. To get a percentile of 96, candidates must score at least 14 to 15 in the VA-LR and 12 to 13 in the QA-DI sections. The table below shows the expected sectional scores and their percentiles for XAT 2026.
XAT Marks vs Percentile 2025 to 2021
The XAT marks vs percentile data from 2025 to 2021 shows that an overall score of 36 to 43 fetches a percentile of over 99. Similarly, the 95th percentile requires scores of 32 to 37, and the 90th percentile requires overall scores of 26 to 30. On the lower end, scores of 21 to 24 brought a percentile of 80. The table below lists the XAT percentiles of 80 to 99 and their relevant marks:
XAT Marking Scheme 2026
XAT 2026 examination will contain 95 questions, for which candidates will have a time limit of 180 minutes. The multiple-choice questions are divided into two parts: Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning, Decision-Making and Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation, which are part one and General Knowledge, which is part 2. XAT scores one mark for each correct answer, deducts 0.25 for wrong answers and 0.10 for unattempted questions, after eight questions are left unattempted. Here are the number of questions in each section and their corresponding weightage.
XAT Marks vs Percentile 2026: Good Attempts
When estimating XAT marks vs percentile ranges for a year, it is essential to understand how many questions to attempt accurately. This will help candidates plan their strategy and manage their time effectively during the XAT exam. For instance, to get a score of 25, candidates must attempt 25 questions accurately with 100% accuracy. At 80% accuracy, 35 questions must be answered correctly to earn 24.5 marks. The table below lists the number of questions needed to be solved accurately to achieve a target overall mark:
XAT Marks and Percentile 2026 for Top Management Colleges
Good scores are XAT marks that candidates must achieve to get a percentile above 90. For top colleges like XLRI, one must have a percentile of above 95. XIM, Bhubaneshwar requires a 90 to 91 percentile, which equates to scores of 34 to 37. In the mid-range, colleges like GIM, Goa, and SPJIMR, Mumbai have a cut-off of 85 - 90. The table lists expected cut-offs and their associated marks at the top institutes that accept the XAT 2026 score:
XAT Marks vs Percentile 2026 FAQs
What is the XAT 2026 marks vs percentile comparison?
The comparison between XAT marks and percentile estimates involves correlating XAT scores with their corresponding percentile ranks. Candidates can use this comparison as a reference to predict what percentile they can achieve and match it with their target colleges. For instance, an XAT score or marks in the range of 31 to 36 equate to an XAT percentile of 95 to 97.
How many marks are needed to get a percentile of 95 in XAT 2026?
To get an XAT percentile of 95 and above, candidates need to achieve a score of 31 to 36. Section-wise, this is divided into scores of 13 - 14 for the VA-LR, 12 - 13 for DM, and 12 - 13 scores for the QA-DI sections.
Which colleges require an XAT percentile of above 95?
Top colleges like XLRI, XIM, K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management, BIM, IFMR, TAPMI, FORE School of Management, and Welingkar Institute of Management are some institutes that accept XAT percentiles of above 95.
How much XAT 2026 scores will candidates receive calls from XLRI?
XLRI typically invites candidates for GD-PI who score above 95 percentile in XAT. The XAT cut-offs are higher for programs such as Business Management and specific student categories, including engineering for males. Sectional cut-offs are also considered during this process.
Do sectional cut-offs impact the overall XAT percentile?
No. Sectional cut-offs are not important for the overall XAT percentile. They are, however, important for institutes that look at the overall percentile with sectional scores of candidates when shortlisting them for admissions.
Is the GK score considered for the XAT 2026 percentile?
No. GK marks are not considered the overall XAT percentile. It is accounted for during the counselling process, particularly during the personal interview round.
How many marks are needed to get into the XLRI BM program in 2026?
XLRI’s Business Management program requires candidates to have 96 percentile for the general male category. This percentile is equal to sectional percentiles in the range of 84 to 88.
How many marks is 70 percentile in XAT 2026?
To achieve 70 percentile in XAT 2026, candidates must score an overall mark of 16.5. Section-wise, this is equal to 6 marks for QA-DI, 5 marks in VA-LR, and 6 marks in DM. Institutes like Amrita School of Business, Coimbatore, and Rajagiri Business School, Kochi typically accept an XAT percentile of 70 and above.
Is 50 percentile a good XAT percentile for 2026?
50 percentile is on the lower end for XAT 2026. Top and mid-tier management colleges require higher XAT percentiles for counselling.
Where can one find the official XAT 2026 percentile and score?
XLRI publishes candidates’ percentiles and scores in the score card. It is available for download after logging into the official website.