Do You Have to Apply Separately for XAT Colleges?

Updated on May 16, 2025 11:37

When applying for MBA programs through the XAT exam, it's a common misconception that one application is sufficient for all participating institutes. In reality, registering for the XAT exam is only the first step?it does not automatically enroll you for admission to all XAT-accepting colleges. While XLRI allows you to apply to its programs directly within the XAT registration form (by paying an additional fee), most other institutes that accept XAT scores require separate applications through their individual portals.

Each of these B-schools has its own admission criteria, application deadlines, and fee structure. This means candidates must stay informed, organized, and proactive in submitting separate applications to each college they are targeting. Proper planning is essential to ensure you don't miss out on opportunities due to overlooked deadlines or incomplete applications.

Application Process to XLRI through XAT

XLRI (Xavier School of Management), Jamshedpur, is the conducting body of the XAT exam and also one of the top-ranked management institutes in India. If you're planning to pursue an MBA from XLRI, it's important to understand that applying for XLRI programs is not automatic when you register for XAT. You must specifically choose and pay for XLRI programs during the XAT registration process.

XLRI Programs You Can Apply Through XAT

XLRI offers multiple flagship management programs, including:

PGDM (Business Management) - BM
PGDM (Human Resource Management)-HRM
PGDM (General Management Programme) - GMP (for candidates with work experience)
These programs are offered at the Jamshedpur and Delhi-NCR campuses.

How to Apply to XLRI During XAT Registration

Visit the official XAT website: xatonline.in.
Fill in the XAT application form with your personal and academic details.
During the registration process, you'll find an option to select XLRI programs.
You can choose one or more programs based on your interest and eligibility.
For each program you apply to, you'll need to pay an additional fee (usually around INR 200-INR 300 per program).

Important Points to Remember About XAT Admission Process

If you don't select XLRI programs during XAT registration, you will not be considered for admission, even if your XAT score is high.
Once the application window closes, you cannot apply separately for XLRI later.
Make sure you meet individual program eligibility criteria before selecting them (e.g., work experience for GMP).
After XAT results are declared, XLRI will shortlist candidates based on XAT scores for the next rounds: Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), and/or Written Ability Test (WAT).

XLRI Fees Summary Through XAT

XAT registration fee: INR 2,100 (as per recent years)
Additional fee per XLRI program: INR 200-INR 300 (varies year to year)

Benefits of Applying During XAT Registration

Saves time and effort with a single-window application.
No need to visit separate portals for XLRI programs.
Ensures you're in the official shortlist pool when results are announced.

Applying to Other XAT-Accepting Colleges

Apart from XLRI, over 150 top B-schools across India accept XAT scores for admission to their management programs. However, unlike XLRI-which allows you to apply directly through the XAT registration form-other XAT-accepting institutes require candidates to apply separately through their own application portals. Understanding this process is crucial to ensure you don't miss out on opportunities.

Separate Application Required

Each B-school that accepts XAT scores handles its own application process, which includes:

Filling out the institute's online application form
Paying the individual application fee
Uploading academic documents, certificates, and other required information

Merely appearing for XAT or scoring well does not automatically qualify you for further selection by these institutes. You must express your intent to join each institute individually.

XAT Accepting Colleges

Some well-known B-schools that accept XAT scores include:

XIMB (Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar)
IMT Ghaziabad
TAPMI (Manipal)
GIM Goa
IRMA (Anand)
FORE School of Management (New Delhi)
Great Lakes Institute of Management
LIBA (Loyola Institute of Business Administration)
BIMTECH, MICA (PGDM-C with XAT), and others

Each of these institutes has different cut-off scores, program offerings, fee structures, and selection criteria such as GD-PI rounds, academic profile evaluation, and work experience.

XAT Accepting Colleges Application Timelines and Deadlines

Application timelines and deadlines Many of these colleges:

Open their applications around October to January, before the XAT exam is conducted.
Close applications soon after the XAT results are announced (in January).
Shortlist candidates for further rounds based on XAT score and other criteria.

It is essential to:

Track application deadlines of each institute separately.
Apply early, especially if you're aiming for institutes that shortlist before the XAT results.

XAT Accepting Colleges Application Fees and Documents

Each college has a different application fee, typically ranging from INR 1,000 to INR 2,500 per institute. While applying, you'll generally need to provide:

Academic transcripts
Identity proof
Work experience details (if applicable)
Recent passport-size photo
XAT ID and score (if applying post-result)

Some colleges allow you to submit your XAT score later, as long as you register within the deadline.

XAT Accepting Institute-Specific Criteria

While all these colleges use the XAT score as a shortlisting tool, they may differ in:

Weightage given to academics, work experience, and XAT score
Cut-offs and normalization process
GD-PI rounds (some may conduct WAT or case discussions)
Location preferences and program specializations

Read More:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ans: No, you don’t need to apply separately if you select XLRI programs while filling out the XAT application form. However, you must choose the programs and pay the additional fee during registration, as you cannot apply for XLRI later.

Ans: Yes, most colleges that accept XAT scores require you to apply individually through their own websites. Each institute has a separate application process, fee, and selection criteria.

Ans: Many colleges open their applications before the XAT exam and close them shortly after the results. It’s best to apply early to avoid missing deadlines. You should check the institutes website for the last date of application and other related details.

Ans: Some institutes allow you to apply after the XAT results are declared, but many require you to apply in advance. Always check individual deadlines on each college’s official website.

Ans: No, there isn’t a centralized portal for applying to all XAT-accepting institutes. You need to apply separately to each college you’re interested in.

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