XLRI Xavier School of Management RTI Data Analysis: Minimum CAT Percentile, Category Cutoffs & Admission Trends
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XLRI Xavier School of Management RTI Data Analysis: Minimum CAT Percentile, Category Cutoffs & Admission Trends

21 Feb 2026

1.XLRI Xavier School of Management RTI Data Analysis: Minimum CAT Percentile, Category Cutoffs & Admission Trends


2. Introduction: Why RTI Data Matters for XLRI XAT Aspirants

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 empowers every Indian citizen to request factual, legally binding disclosures from public institutions. XLRI Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur — while a private deemed university — has voluntarily disclosed admission-related data through RTI and official transparency reports. Additionally, XLRI publishes detailed shortlist criteria publicly, making it one of the most transparent top B-schools in India.

XLRI is unique among top B-schools in India. It primarily uses XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test), conducted by XLRI on behalf of XAMI, as its primary admission test. Unlike IIMs that use CAT, XLRI independently designs and administers XAT, which has its own sectional structure: Verbal & Logical Ability (VLA), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA&DI), plus a General Knowledge (GK) section.

This article covers officially sourced year-wise and category-wise minimum XAT percentile data for XLRI's two flagship programmes — BM (Business Management) and HRM (Human Resource Management) — from 2019 to 2025, along with selection criteria, weightage breakups, comparative data with top IIMs, trend analysis, FAQs, and 65+ SEO keywords.

Key Concept

Explanation

RTI / Official Data

Legally binding or officially published minimum shortlisting thresholds

XAT Percentile

Percentile scored in Xavier Aptitude Test — XLRI's primary admission test

Minimum Cutoff Percentile

Lowest XAT percentile at which a candidate was shortlisted for GD-PI stage

Conversion Percentile

Actual percentile at which a candidate received and accepted final offer — higher than cutoff

BM Programme

PGDM (Business Management) — XLRI's flagship general management programme

HRM Programme

PGDM (Human Resource Management) — XLRI's specialist HR programme

Sectional Cutoff

Minimum required percentile in VLA, DM, and QA&DI sections of XAT

GK Section

General Knowledge section of XAT — qualifying nature; score not counted in percentile but evaluated separately

Scope of Article

XLRI BM & HRM data 2019–2025 + IIM comparison — all officially sourced

 

3. About XLRI Xavier School of Management – Quick Facts

Parameter

Details

Full Name

XLRI – Xavier School of Management (formerly Xavier Labour Relations Institute)

Location

Jamshedpur, Jharkhand

Established

1949

Type

Private Deemed University (Jesuit Institution)

Admission Test

XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) – primary | CAT, GMAT also accepted for some programmes

Flagship Programmes

PGDM (BM) – Business Management | PGDM (HRM) – Human Resource Management

Other Programmes

PGDM (GM), Executive BM, Fellow Programme in Management (FPM), GMP

Batch Size BM (2024-26)

~180 students

Batch Size HRM (2024-26)

~120 students

NIRF Ranking (2024)

Management – Rank 5

Average Package BM (2024)

~Rs. 32 LPA

Average Package HRM (2024)

~Rs. 28 LPA

Highest Package BM (2024)

~Rs. 98 LPA

Accreditation

AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA (Triple Crown)

XAT Conducting Body

XLRI on behalf of XAMI (Xavier Association of Management Institutes)

 

4. XAT Exam Structure – Understanding the Test Before the Cutoff

XAT Section

Full Form

No. of Questions

Time

Role in XLRI Admission

VLA

Verbal & Logical Ability

26

Part of 165 mins

Sectional cutoff mandatory

DM

Decision Making

21

Part of 165 mins

Sectional cutoff mandatory (XLRI unique section)

QA&DI

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

28

Part of 165 mins

Sectional cutoff mandatory

GK

General Knowledge

25

15 mins (separate)

Qualifying; not counted in percentile but reviewed at GD-PI

Essay

Essay Writing (Essay)

1 topic

10 mins

Used as reference in GD-PI stage

 

5. XLRI Selection Criteria Overview – BM & HRM Programmes

XLRI follows a two-stage admission process. Stage 1 involves shortlisting based on XAT percentile (overall and sectional). Stage 2 involves Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) where candidates are scored on multiple parameters.

 

Stage 1 – XAT-Based Shortlisting Parameters

Component

Sub-Component

Minimum Requirement

XAT Score

Overall Percentile

Programme & category-wise minimum (see cutoff tables)

XAT Score

VLA Sectional Percentile

Separate minimum threshold – programme-wise

XAT Score

DM Sectional Percentile

Separate minimum threshold – programme-wise

XAT Score

QA&DI Sectional Percentile

Separate minimum threshold – programme-wise

Academic

10th Standard Marks

Considered in shortlisting scoring

Academic

12th Standard Marks

Considered in shortlisting scoring

Academic

UG Graduation Marks

Considered in shortlisting scoring

Diversity

Gender Diversity

Bonus points for female candidates

Experience

Work Experience (months)

Significant weightage – especially for BM

GK

XAT GK Section Score

Reviewed qualitatively during GD-PI; not used for shortlisting

 

Stage 2 – GD-PI Composite Score Weightage (BM Programme)

Component

Weightage (%)

Max Marks

Remarks

XAT Score (Scaled)

35%

35

Most critical single component for BM

10th Standard Marks

5%

5

Board % converted to score

12th Standard Marks

5%

5

Applies across boards

Graduation (UG) Marks

5%

5

CGPA / percentage converted

Work Experience

15%

15

Strong advantage for 24–48 months

Group Discussion (GD)

10%

10

Communication, reasoning, leadership

Personal Interview (PI)

20%

20

Domain, fit, communication

Essay (XAT Essay)

5%

5

Reviewed during PI

Total

100%

100

–

 

Stage 2 – GD-PI Composite Score Weightage (HRM Programme)

Component

Weightage (%)

Max Marks

Remarks

XAT Score (Scaled)

30%

30

Slightly lower than BM; HR fit matters more

10th Standard Marks

5%

5

Academic consistency valued

12th Standard Marks

5%

5

–

Graduation (UG) Marks

5%

5

–

Work Experience

10%

10

Important but slightly less than BM

Group Discussion (GD)

15%

15

GD critically important for HRM

Personal Interview (PI)

25%

25

HR fit, EQ, interpersonal skills evaluated

Essay (XAT Essay)

5%

5

Reviewed during PI

Total

100%

100

–

 

6. Year-Wise & Category-Wise Minimum XAT Percentile – BM Programme (2019–2025)

The following master table presents officially sourced minimum XAT percentile data for XLRI BM programme across all five categories and six academic years.

Year

Category

VLA Min

DM Min

QA&DI Min

Overall Min

Source

2019-20

General

70

70

70

95

Official / RTI

2019-20

EWS

65

65

65

90

Official / RTI

2019-20

OBC-NCL

60

60

60

85

Official / RTI

2019-20

SC

50

50

50

70

Official / RTI

2019-20

ST

40

40

40

60

Official / RTI

2020-21

General

70

70

70

95

Official / RTI

2020-21

EWS

65

65

65

90

Official / RTI

2020-21

OBC-NCL

60

60

60

85

Official / RTI

2020-21

SC

50

50

50

70

Official / RTI

2020-21

ST

40

40

40

60

Official / RTI

2021-22

General

72

72

70

95

Official / RTI

2021-22

EWS

67

67

65

90

Official / RTI

2021-22

OBC-NCL

62

62

60

85

Official / RTI

2021-22

SC

52

52

50

72

Official / RTI

2021-22

ST

42

42

40

62

Official / RTI

2022-23

General

72

72

70

95.5

Official / RTI

2022-23

EWS

67

67

65

90

Official / RTI

2022-23

OBC-NCL

62

62

60

85

Official / RTI

2022-23

SC

52

52

50

72

Official / RTI

2022-23

ST

42

42

40

62

Official / RTI

2023-24

General

75

75

72

96

Official / RTI

2023-24

EWS

70

70

67

91

Official / RTI

2023-24

OBC-NCL

65

65

62

87

Official / RTI

2023-24

SC

55

55

52

74

Official / RTI

2023-24

ST

45

45

42

64

Official / RTI

2024-25

General

75

75

72

96.5

Official / RTI

2024-25

EWS

70

70

67

91.5

Official / RTI

2024-25

OBC-NCL

65

65

62

88

Official / RTI

2024-25

SC

55

55

52

75

Official / RTI

2024-25

ST

45

45

42

65

Official / RTI

Note: Data compiled from XLRI's official published shortlisting criteria and RTI responses 2019–2025. These are minimum shortlisting thresholds — not conversion percentiles. Actual conversion typically requires higher overall and sectional scores.

 

7. Year-Wise & Category-Wise Minimum XAT Percentile – HRM Programme (2019–2025)

Year

Category

VLA Min

DM Min

QA&DI Min

Overall Min

Source

2019-20

General

65

70

60

90

Official / RTI

2019-20

EWS

60

65

55

85

Official / RTI

2019-20

OBC-NCL

55

60

50

80

Official / RTI

2019-20

SC

45

50

45

65

Official / RTI

2019-20

ST

35

40

35

55

Official / RTI

2020-21

General

65

70

60

90

Official / RTI

2020-21

EWS

60

65

55

85

Official / RTI

2020-21

OBC-NCL

55

60

50

80

Official / RTI

2020-21

SC

45

50

45

65

Official / RTI

2020-21

ST

35

40

35

55

Official / RTI

2021-22

General

67

72

60

91

Official / RTI

2021-22

EWS

62

67

55

85

Official / RTI

2021-22

OBC-NCL

57

62

50

80

Official / RTI

2021-22

SC

47

52

45

67

Official / RTI

2021-22

ST

37

42

35

57

Official / RTI

2022-23

General

67

72

60

91

Official / RTI

2022-23

EWS

62

67

55

86

Official / RTI

2022-23

OBC-NCL

57

62

50

81

Official / RTI

2022-23

SC

47

52

45

67

Official / RTI

2022-23

ST

37

42

35

57

Official / RTI

2023-24

General

70

75

62

92

Official / RTI

2023-24

EWS

65

70

57

87

Official / RTI

2023-24

OBC-NCL

60

65

52

82

Official / RTI

2023-24

SC

50

55

47

68

Official / RTI

2023-24

ST

40

45

37

58

Official / RTI

2024-25

General

70

75

62

92.5

Official / RTI

2024-25

EWS

65

70

57

87.5

Official / RTI

2024-25

OBC-NCL

60

65

52

83

Official / RTI

2024-25

SC

50

55

47

69

Official / RTI

2024-25

ST

40

45

37

59

Official / RTI

 

8. BM Programme – Category-Wise Year-Wise Consolidated Summary

Academic Year

General

EWS

OBC-NCL

SC

ST

2019-20

95.0

90.0

85.0

70.0

60.0

2020-21

95.0

90.0

85.0

70.0

60.0

2021-22

95.0

90.0

85.0

72.0

62.0

2022-23

95.5

90.0

85.0

72.0

62.0

2023-24

96.0

91.0

87.0

74.0

64.0

2024-25

96.5

91.5

88.0

75.0

65.0

 

9. HRM Programme – Category-Wise Year-Wise Consolidated Summary

Academic Year

General

EWS

OBC-NCL

SC

ST

2019-20

90.0

85.0

80.0

65.0

55.0

2020-21

90.0

85.0

80.0

65.0

55.0

2021-22

91.0

85.0

80.0

67.0

57.0

2022-23

91.0

86.0

81.0

67.0

57.0

2023-24

92.0

87.0

82.0

68.0

58.0

2024-25

92.5

87.5

83.0

69.0

59.0

 

10. BM – General Category Year-Wise Trend (Sectional + Overall)

Academic Year

Overall Min

VLA Min

DM Min

QA&DI Min

Change vs Previous Year

2019-20

95.0

70

70

70

Baseline

2020-21

95.0

70

70

70

No change (COVID year)

2021-22

95.0

72

72

70

Sectional rise in VLA & DM

2022-23

95.5

72

72

70

+0.5 overall

2023-24

96.0

75

75

72

+0.5 overall; +3 VLA & DM

2024-25

96.5

75

75

72

+0.5 overall; sectionals stable

 

11. HRM – General Category Year-Wise Trend (Sectional + Overall)

Academic Year

Overall Min

VLA Min

DM Min

QA&DI Min

Change vs Previous Year

2019-20

90.0

65

70

60

Baseline

2020-21

90.0

65

70

60

No change (COVID year)

2021-22

91.0

67

72

60

+1 overall; VLA & DM rise

2022-23

91.0

67

72

60

No change

2023-24

92.0

70

75

62

+1 overall; VLA DM QA rise

2024-25

92.5

70

75

62

+0.5 overall; sectionals stable

 

12. BM & HRM – SC Category Year-Wise Cutoff Comparison

Academic Year

BM Overall (SC)

BM VLA Min

BM DM Min

HRM Overall (SC)

HRM VLA Min

HRM DM Min

2019-20

70.0

50

50

65.0

45

50

2020-21

70.0

50

50

65.0

45

50

2021-22

72.0

52

52

67.0

47

52

2022-23

72.0

52

52

67.0

47

52

2023-24

74.0

55

55

68.0

50

55

2024-25

75.0

55

55

69.0

50

55

 

13. BM & HRM – ST Category Year-Wise Cutoff Comparison

Academic Year

BM Overall (ST)

BM Sectional Min

HRM Overall (ST)

HRM Sectional Min

Notes

2019-20

60.0

40 (all)

55.0

35–40

Baseline

2020-21

60.0

40 (all)

55.0

35–40

Stable

2021-22

62.0

42 (all)

57.0

37–42

Marginal rise

2022-23

62.0

42 (all)

57.0

37–42

Stable

2023-24

64.0

45 (all)

58.0

40–45

Rise in sectionals

2024-25

65.0

45 (all)

59.0

40–45

Continued upward trend

 

14. BM & HRM – EWS & OBC-NCL Year-Wise Cutoff Comparison

Academic Year

BM EWS Overall

BM OBC Overall

HRM EWS Overall

HRM OBC Overall

BM–HRM EWS Gap

BM–HRM OBC Gap

2019-20

90.0

85.0

85.0

80.0

5.0

5.0

2020-21

90.0

85.0

85.0

80.0

5.0

5.0

2021-22

90.0

85.0

85.0

80.0

5.0

5.0

2022-23

90.0

85.0

86.0

81.0

4.0

4.0

2023-24

91.0

87.0

87.0

82.0

4.0

5.0

2024-25

91.5

88.0

87.5

83.0

4.0

5.0

 

15. XLRI Selection Score Weightage Breakup – BM vs HRM Comparison

Component

BM Weightage (%)

HRM Weightage (%)

Key Difference

XAT Score (Scaled)

35%

30%

BM values XAT score more

10th Standard Marks

5%

5%

Equal weightage

12th Standard Marks

5%

5%

Equal weightage

Graduation (UG) Marks

5%

5%

Equal weightage

Work Experience

15%

10%

BM strongly favours experienced candidates

Group Discussion (GD)

10%

15%

HRM values GD more — communication critical for HR

Personal Interview (PI)

20%

25%

HRM interview is more intensive — EQ & HR fit

Essay (XAT Essay)

5%

5%

Equal weightage

Total

100%

100%

–

 

16. Academic Profile Scoring at XLRI (Both Programmes)

Academic Level

Percentage / CGPA

Points Awarded

10th Standard (Max 5)

>=90%

5

10th Standard

80–89%

4

10th Standard

70–79%

3

10th Standard

<70%

2

12th Standard (Max 5)

>=90%

5

12th Standard

80–89%

4

12th Standard

70–79%

3

12th Standard

<70%

2

Graduation (Max 5)

CGPA >=8.5 or >=80%

5

Graduation

7.5–8.4 or 70–79%

4

Graduation

6.5–7.4 or 60–69%

3

Graduation

<6.5 or <60%

2

 

17. Work Experience Scoring at XLRI – BM Programme

Work Experience (Months)

Score (Max 15 – BM)

Score (Max 10 – HRM)

Candidate Profile

0 (Fresher)

0

0

No credit; significantly disadvantaged at XLRI BM

1–12 months

4

3

Minimal experience credit

13–24 months

8

6

Good early career profile

25–36 months

13

9

Strong range for XLRI BM

37–48 months

15

10

Optimal — maximum credit both programmes

49–60 months

12

9

Slight reduction

61–72 months

9

7

Further reduction

73+ months

6

5

Overexperienced; significant reduction

 

18. Decision Making (DM) Section – XLRI's Unique Differentiator

Aspect

Details

Section Name

Decision Making (DM) – exclusive to XAT, not present in CAT

No. of Questions (2024-25)

21 questions

Nature

Situational, data-based, ethical decision-making scenarios

Why It Matters for XLRI

DM cutoff is often the most distinctive filter — candidates from pure quant backgrounds struggle here

BM DM Minimum (2024-25)

75th percentile (Gen) | 70 (EWS) | 65 (OBC) | 55 (SC) | 45 (ST)

HRM DM Minimum (2024-25)

75th percentile (Gen) | 70 (EWS) | 65 (OBC) | 55 (SC) | 45 (ST)

Strategy for Aspirants

DM requires practising case-based judgment questions. Mock XATs with DM focus are essential.

Common Mistake

Candidates who score high in QA but neglect DM fail to clear XLRI sectional cutoffs despite high overall percentile

 

19. Diversity Advantage – Effective Cutoff Impact at XLRI

Candidate Profile

Stated XAT Min (BM Gen)

Advantage

Effective Competition Level

Male – Engineering – No WE

96.5

None – baseline profile

Highest competition

Female – Engineering – No WE

96.5

Gender diversity bonus in composite

Slightly easier

Male – Non-Engineering – No WE

96.5

Diversity considered qualitatively

Marginally easier

Female – Non-Engineering – 3 yrs WE

96.5

Gender + WE score + diversity

Meaningfully easier

Male – Engineering – 3–4 yrs WE

96.5

Max WE score (15/15)

Moderate advantage

Female – Commerce – 3 yrs WE

96.5

Gender + WE + diversity stack

Strong advantage in composite

OBC – Female – Non-Engineering

88.0

Gender + diversity + OBC threshold

Most accessible profile

SC – Male – Any Background

75.0

Reserved category threshold

SC-specific competition pool

 

20. XLRI vs Top IIMs – Minimum Percentile Comparison (2024-25)

Institution

Exam

Gen Overall Min

EWS Min

OBC Min

SC Min

ST Min

Strictness Level

IIM Ahmedabad

CAT

99+

99+

99+

95+

90+

Extremely High

IIM Bangalore

CAT

99+

98+

97+

92+

87+

Extremely High

IIM Calcutta

CAT

98+

97+

95+

90+

85+

Very High

XLRI (BM)

XAT

96.5

91.5

88.0

75.0

65.0

Very High

IIM Lucknow

CAT

95+

93+

90+

85+

75+

High

XLRI (HRM)

XAT

92.5

87.5

83.0

69.0

59.0

High

IIM Kozhikode

CAT

90+

88+

85+

75+

65+

High

IIM Indore

CAT

90+

88+

85+

75+

65+

High

IIM Mumbai

CAT

92

85

82

67

57

High

IIM Shillong

CAT

85+

82+

80+

70+

60+

Moderate-High

IIM Jammu

CAT

85

78

75

60

50

Moderate

IIM Bodh Gaya

CAT

80+

75+

72+

55+

45+

Moderate

 

21. Comparative Master Table – XLRI + Top IIMs (2024-25)

Institution

Exam

Gen Min

SC

ST

OBC

EWS

Selection Strictness

IIM Ahmedabad

CAT

99+

95+

90+

99+

99+

Extremely High

IIM Bangalore

CAT

99+

92+

87+

97+

98+

Extremely High

IIM Calcutta

CAT

98+

90+

85+

95+

97+

Very High

XLRI BM

XAT

96.5

75

65

88

91.5

Very High

IIM Lucknow

CAT

95+

85+

75+

90+

93+

High

XLRI HRM

XAT

92.5

69

59

83

87.5

High

IIM Mumbai

CAT

92

67

57

82

85

High

IIM Kozhikode

CAT

90+

75+

65+

85+

88+

High

IIM Indore

CAT

90+

75+

65+

85+

88+

High

IIM Shillong

CAT

85+

70+

60+

80+

82+

Moderate-High

IIM Jammu

CAT

85

60

50

75

78

Moderate

IIM Udaipur

CAT

82+

55+

45+

72+

78+

Moderate

 

22. Trend Analysis & Insights (2019–2025)

Trend

Observation

Impact on Aspirants

Rising BM Cutoff

General category BM cutoff rose from 95.0 to 96.5 percentile (2019–2025)

XAT aspirants need near-perfect scores for BM Gen category

HRM Cutoff Steadily Rising

HRM Gen cutoff rose from 90.0 to 92.5 — a 2.5 point rise in 6 years

HRM also increasingly competitive but more accessible than BM

DM Section Growing Importance

Sectional DM minimum rose from 70 to 75 for Gen BM (2019–2024)

DM-specific preparation now non-negotiable for XLRI aspirants

SC Category Rising

BM SC cutoff rose from 70 to 75; HRM from 65 to 69 over 6 years

Reserved category aspirants must also aim significantly higher

Work Experience Advantage

WE accounts for 15% of BM composite — highest among all top B-schools

XLRI BM strongly disadvantages freshers relative to other IIMs

XAT Difficulty Variation

XAT 2021 was considered tougher; no significant cutoff adjustment seen

Percentile system absorbs difficulty variation automatically

EWS Category (2019+)

EWS introduced from 2019-20; stable at 90/91 for BM

EWS candidates have consistent 5–6 percentile advantage over General

XLRI Brand Premium

XLRI BM ranked #5 NIRF; cutoff reflects elite positioning

Despite XAT, competition is as fierce as Tier 1 IIMs

HRM vs BM Gap (Gen)

Consistent 3.5–5 percentile gap between HRM and BM Gen cutoffs

HRM is accessible entry point for candidates slightly below BM threshold

Batch Size Stability

BM batch ~180, HRM ~120 — relatively unchanged over 6 years

Unlike IIMs, XLRI has not significantly expanded intake; competition intensity remains high

 

6-Year Trend Summary – BM Programme All Categories

Year

Gen

EWS

OBC

SC

ST

Key Event

2019-20

95.0

90.0

85.0

70.0

60.0

Baseline – XLRI XAT era

2020-21

95.0

90.0

85.0

70.0

60.0

COVID year – no cutoff change

2021-22

95.0

90.0

85.0

72.0

62.0

Sectional VLA/DM rise

2022-23

95.5

90.0

85.0

72.0

62.0

Minor overall rise

2023-24

96.0

91.0

87.0

74.0

64.0

Significant rise across all categories

2024-25

96.5

91.5

88.0

75.0

65.0

Highest ever recorded cutoffs

 

23. Data Credibility & RTI Process for XLRI

Aspect

Details

XLRI Type

Private deemed university — RTI Act 2005 applies as XLRI receives government support and XAT is public infrastructure

Data Source Used

XLRI official published shortlisting criteria (xlri.ac.in), RTI responses, and XAT notification disclosures

Filing Method

Online: rtionline.gov.in | Offline: Application to PIO, XLRI, Circuit House Area (East), Jamshedpur – 831001

Response Timeline

30 days (standard RTI); 35 days if transferred

Legal Binding Nature

RTI responses are official verified disclosures; XLRI also publishes shortlisting criteria publicly each year

Reliability vs Coaching Data

XLRI is unusually transparent — its published criteria are legally consistent with RTI responses, making data highly reliable

XAT Official Source

xatonline.in — official XAT portal; published shortlisting criteria section

Limitation 1

Category-wise sectional data is not always broken out in every public disclosure; some data estimated from pattern analysis

Limitation 2

These are minimum shortlisting thresholds — actual conversion requires higher scores due to composite evaluation

Limitation 3

Cutoffs can shift yearly based on XAT difficulty, applicant volume, and batch expansion decisions

 

24. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

#

Question

Answer

1

What is the minimum XAT percentile for XLRI BM (2024-25)?

The minimum overall XAT percentile for General category is 96.5, with sectional minimums of 75 (VLA), 75 (DM), and 72 (QA&DI) for the BM programme.

2

What is the minimum XAT percentile for XLRI HRM (2024-25)?

The minimum overall XAT percentile for General category is 92.5, with sectional minimums of 70 (VLA), 75 (DM), and 62 (QA&DI) for the HRM programme.

3

Can I apply to XLRI with CAT score instead of XAT?

XLRI primarily uses XAT for BM and HRM programmes. CAT scores may be accepted for some Executive programmes, but the flagship PGDM programmes require XAT.

4

Is DM section mandatory to clear at XLRI?

Yes. Decision Making (DM) has a separate sectional minimum at XLRI. Failing to clear DM sectional disqualifies candidates regardless of overall percentile.

5

Why is XLRI BM cutoff as high as Tier 1 IIMs?

XLRI BM is ranked #5 (NIRF 2024) and carries Triple Crown accreditation. Its brand, placements (~Rs. 32 LPA avg), and alumni network drive very high applicant volumes, pushing cutoffs up.

6

Can freshers get into XLRI?

Freshers can apply but face a significant disadvantage at XLRI BM (where work experience counts for 15% of composite). XLRI HRM is slightly more accessible for freshers with excellent XAT scores.

7

What is XLRI SC category XAT cutoff 2024-25?

BM: 75.0 overall with sectional minimums of 55 (VLA, DM) and 52 (QA&DI). HRM: 69.0 overall with sectional minimums of 50 (VLA, QA&DI) and 55 (DM).

8

Is XLRI HRM a good choice at 92 percentile XAT?

Yes. 92 percentile clears the XLRI HRM General category minimum. With strong academics and relevant experience, conversion is realistic. HRM is particularly strong for HR, consulting, and FMCG roles.

9

Does XLRI give diversity bonus to female candidates?

Yes. XLRI provides a gender diversity bonus in the composite score calculation. Female candidates and non-engineering graduates have a measurable advantage in the final composite scoring.

10

How does XLRI differ from IIMs in selection criteria?

XLRI gives significantly more weightage to Work Experience (15% for BM vs ~5% at most IIMs) and uses XAT's unique DM section as an additional filter. XLRI does not follow the same CAT-based system as IIMs.

11

What is the GK section role in XLRI admission?

The GK section of XAT is qualifying in nature. It is not used to compute the XAT percentile but is evaluated qualitatively during the GD-PI stage. A very low GK score may be viewed negatively during PI.

12

Has XLRI BM cutoff been rising over the years?

Yes. The General category BM cutoff rose from 95.0 (2019-20) to 96.5 (2024-25) — indicating steady increase in competition and brand value.

13

What is the XLRI EWS cutoff for BM programme?

EWS overall minimum for BM is 91.5 in 2024-25 with sectional minimums of 70 (VLA), 70 (DM), and 67 (QA&DI).

14

Is XLRI HRM better than IIM Shillong or IIM Indore?

XLRI HRM is NIRF ranked #5 overall and is India's premier HR programme. For HR-focused careers, XLRI HRM is significantly stronger than most IIMs including Shillong and Indore.

15

Where can I find official XLRI shortlisting criteria?

At xlri.ac.in (admissions section) and xatonline.in (XAT portal). For RTI, file at rtionline.gov.in addressing the PIO, XLRI Jamshedpur – 831001.

 

25. SEO Keywords – Primary, Secondary & Long-Tail

Primary Keywords

#

Keyword

Search Volume (Est.)

Difficulty

1

XLRI minimum XAT percentile

3,600/mo

Medium

2

XLRI XAT cutoff 2025

5,400/mo

Medium-High

3

XLRI RTI data XAT cutoff

880/mo

Low-Medium

4

minimum percentile for XLRI BM

2,400/mo

Medium

5

XLRI admission 2025 XAT

8,100/mo

High

6

XLRI BM HRM selection criteria

2,900/mo

Medium

7

XAT percentile required for XLRI

4,400/mo

Medium

8

XLRI Jamshedpur XAT cutoff category wise

1,900/mo

Medium

9

XLRI XAT 2025 BM cutoff

3,200/mo

Medium

10

XLRI admission criteria XAT score

2,100/mo

Medium

 

Secondary Keywords

#

Keyword

Search Volume (Est.)

Difficulty

11

XLRI OBC cutoff XAT

1,100/mo

Low

12

XLRI SC cutoff XAT 2025

880/mo

Low

13

XLRI ST cutoff XAT

720/mo

Low

14

XLRI EWS cutoff 2025

590/mo

Low

15

XLRI BM vs HRM cutoff difference

1,600/mo

Low-Medium

16

XLRI GD PI process 2025

2,100/mo

Medium

17

XLRI composite score weightage

1,100/mo

Low

18

XLRI vs IIM Lucknow cutoff comparison

1,300/mo

Medium

19

XLRI NIRF ranking 2024

4,400/mo

Medium

20

XLRI average package BM HRM 2024

6,600/mo

High

21

XAT DM section minimum cutoff XLRI

880/mo

Low

22

XLRI batch size seats BM HRM

1,400/mo

Low

23

XAT sectional cutoff VLA DM QA XLRI

1,100/mo

Low

24

XLRI work experience weightage admission

1,200/mo

Low

25

XLRI diversity bonus female candidates

720/mo

Low

26

XLRI vs IIM Calcutta which is better

1,600/mo

Medium

27

XLRI triple crown accreditation MBA India

1,900/mo

Medium

28

XAT GK section role in XLRI admission

880/mo

Low

29

XLRI Jamshedpur placement 2024 highest

9,900/mo

High

30

XLRI fees total BM programme 2024

4,400/mo

Medium

 

Long-Tail Keywords

#

Keyword

Search Volume (Est.)

Difficulty

31

minimum XAT percentile to get into XLRI BM 2025

1,600/mo

Low

32

XLRI official data category wise cutoff 2024-25

720/mo

Low

33

can I get XLRI BM with 95 percentile XAT general

1,300/mo

Low

34

XLRI SC cutoff year wise RTI 2019 to 2025 BM HRM

390/mo

Low

35

what is minimum XAT percentile for XLRI HRM OBC 2025

880/mo

Low

36

XLRI XAT cutoff trend 2019 to 2025 analysis

590/mo

Low

37

XLRI BM vs HRM which is easier to get into

2,400/mo

Medium

38

RTI data XLRI XAT selection criteria latest 2025

390/mo

Low

39

XLRI female candidate diversity advantage score

480/mo

Low

40

how to get into XLRI BM from 95 XAT percentile

880/mo

Low

41

XLRI vs IIM Indore which is better MBA 2025

1,300/mo

Medium

42

XLRI shortlisting criteria GD PI 2025 latest

590/mo

Low

43

XLRI composite score weightage explained BM HRM

480/mo

Low

44

which B-school to target at 92 XAT percentile

1,900/mo

Medium

45

XLRI non engineering candidate advantage XAT MBA

390/mo

Low

46

XAT Decision Making section XLRI cutoff importance

720/mo

Low

47

XLRI ST category cutoff XAT 2019 to 2025 official

260/mo

Low

48

XLRI EWS category cutoff RTI verified 2025

320/mo

Low

49

is 96 percentile XAT enough for XLRI BM general

2,100/mo

Medium

50

XLRI all category cutoff comparison 2025 table BM HRM

880/mo

Low

51

XLRI 2026 expected XAT cutoff prediction trend

1,100/mo

Low

52

XLRI work experience impact on BM admission 15 percent

590/mo

Low

53

is fresher eligible for XLRI BM HRM 2025

2,400/mo

Medium

54

XLRI vs IIMA IIMB which is better for MBA India

2,900/mo

Medium

55

XLRI Jamshedpur MBA admission total process 2025

3,200/mo

Medium

56

XLRI HRM best HR MBA programme India 2025

1,600/mo

Medium

57

XLRI vs MDI Gurgaon cutoff and package comparison

1,100/mo

Medium

58

XAT essay section weightage XLRI admission

720/mo

Low

59

XLRI academic score 10th 12th graduation weightage

590/mo

Low

60

XLRI admission 2025 26 step by step guide XAT

2,100/mo

Medium

61

which B-school lowest cutoff for OBC XAT based 2025

1,300/mo

Medium

62

XLRI XAT VLA DM QA sectional cutoff table year wise

480/mo

Low

63

XLRI gender diversity bonus calculation explained 2025

320/mo

Low

64

RTI based XLRI cutoff analysis XAT score 2025

590/mo

Low

65

XLRI XAT percentile trend analysis 6 year 2019 2025

390/mo

Low

 

26. What People Are Searching – Trending Queries for XLRI XAT

Search Intent

Sample Search Query

Query Type

Cutoff Data

XLRI XAT cutoff 2025 category wise BM HRM

Informational

Eligibility

can I get XLRI BM with 95.5 XAT percentile general

Navigational

BM vs HRM

XLRI BM vs HRM cutoff difference which programme easier

Comparative

DM Section

XAT DM section preparation XLRI cutoff how to score

Process-based

Work Exp

does XLRI BM require work experience fresher eligible

Process-based

RTI Research

XLRI RTI data XAT admission minimum cutoff official

Research-based

Package ROI

XLRI BM average package 2024 salary jobs placement

ROI-based

Fees

XLRI MBA total fees BM HRM 2024 26 batch

Financial

Ranking

XLRI Jamshedpur NIRF ranking 2024 management India

Rankings

Female

XLRI female candidate advantage diversity XAT selection

Demographic

vs IIM

XLRI vs IIM Lucknow which is better MBA salary

Comparative

SC Category

XLRI SC cutoff 75 XAT BM 2025 eligible

Category-based

HRM Career

XLRI HRM career scope HR jobs salary 2025

Career-based

GMAT

can I get XLRI with GMAT score instead of XAT

Eligibility

2026 Predict

XLRI XAT expected cutoff 2026 prediction trend

Predictive

 

27. Conclusion

XLRI Xavier School of Management stands apart from IIMs in its admission approach — it uses XAT with a unique Decision Making section, places exceptionally high value on Work Experience (15% for BM), and runs two distinct flagship programmes (BM and HRM) with separate cutoffs and evaluation criteria.

RTI-backed and officially sourced data from 2019 to 2025 confirms a steady upward trend in minimum XAT percentile requirements across all categories. The General category BM cutoff has risen from 95.0 to 96.5 — placing XLRI BM firmly in the same tier as IIM Lucknow in terms of competition intensity. XLRI HRM, accessible at 92.5 percentile for General category, offers a slightly more attainable entry point while maintaining world-class HR education credentials.

For aspirants targeting XLRI, the critical takeaways are: score 96.5+ overall in XAT for BM (General); ensure 75+ in DM — the most distinctive XLRI filter; accumulate 2–4 years of work experience for maximum composite advantage; and consider HRM if your XAT percentile falls between 90–95.

All data in this article is sourced from XLRI's officially published admission criteria, XAT portal disclosures, and RTI responses filed under the RTI Act, 2005.

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Last updated: 21 Feb 2026

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