XAT 2026 counselling is expected to begin in February 2026. Candidates seeking admission to the participating Xavier institutes will undergo the counselling process organized by XLRI Jamshedpur. Candidates who are shortlisted must participate in the XAT counselling, which involves a Group Discussion followed by a Personal Interview. The final merit list will be prepared based on the performance of all phases of the XAT counselling 2026.

For admission to its Executive PGDM programme, XLRI considers not only XAT 2026 scores but also accepts GRE and GMAT results. As per the admission standard of XLRI, the XAT 2026 and GD/PI rounds will be weighted 60% and 25% in the final score calculation. You can view the shortlisted candidates on the official website of XAT.

XAT Counselling 2026: Important Dates

XLRI Jamshedpur is set to hold the XAT 2026 exam in January 2026. XAT 2026 results are likely to be declared by late January 2026. You can check the expected schedule for the XAT 2026 selection process and all the related events in the table below:

XAT Counselling 2026 by XLRI

Candidates who score above the XAT 2026 cutoff will be eligible to join the counselling round. The counselling process is expected to start in February to March 2026. After the announcement of XAT 2026 results, counselling sessions will commence at the participating institutes. If you make it to the cutoff list released by various institutes will be called for the XAT counselling 2026. The counselling process will unfold in three distinct stages:

Stage 1: Registration for XAT Counselling

This stage begins with the registration for the XAT counselling process:

• Candidates must pay for the program they want to pursue in XLRI campuses. However, they have to register on the official websites of the other participating institutes that accept the XAT score for admission.
• For IMT, XIMB, and others, you have to apply separately.
• Foreign candidates looking for admission to XLRI must apply through the GATE
• Once registration is complete, candidates must pay the applicable fees for their chosen courses.
• You can make the payment through the online payment gateway.

Stage 2: Program Selection

You can select any program while applying for XAT by paying INR 300 for each program:

• XLRI will select candidates for shortlisting based on their performance in the XAT 2026 exam. A candidate's evaluation will take into account the XAT score, results in the Essay Writing and General Knowledge sections, performance in GD-PI rounds, academic history, and relevant work experience.
• The weightage for each component is discussed below:

Stage 3: Final Seat Allotment

The final seat allotment will be offered based on your overall performance.

• Admission into the XLRI depends on your performance in the XAT exam and the counselling rounds.
• Once all the selection rounds are over, your performance will be evaluated based on various factors, such as Essay Writing and General Knowledge section, GD-PI rounds, academic performance, and work experience.
• After completing all the stages, you have to pay the fees for admission.

Preparation of XAT Merit List

Here is the weightage of these components for XAT final selection is mentioned in the table below:

XAT 2026 Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for the PGDM programme will be announced by XLRI. If you are appearing for the XAT exam, must check the XAT selection criteria discussed below:

You must have secured the minimum cutoff score XLRI release to clear Phase 1. Candidates who qualify in Phase 1 will be invited to participate in Phase 2. To qualify for the exam and get into the XLRI, you must have to clear all the phases.

XAT Counselling 2026: GD/PI Preparation

XAT counselling 2026 is expected to be conducted in late February or early March 2026, after the releasing the XAT results. You must have to take part in the XAT GD and PI round, once the XAT cutoff 2026 is cleared.

These are some strategies that you can follow to be prepared for the XAT selection rounds:

• Practice Interpersonal Skills: Your interpersonal skills are the key factor in clearing the GD and PI rounds. You can clear these selection rounds while making an impression on the interviewers if they are particularly adept at navigating social circumstances.
• Grow Leadership Skills: Leadership skills are very important in the group discussion session. It will help you in the group discussion if you successfully manage the group and take a position of respect within the group.
• Be Assertive: You have to be assertive, which is the most valuable trait, regardless of any situation. Speaking your mind and declining whenever required are traits of assertiveness.
• Enhance Public Speaking Skills: This is a very important skill to have since an interview can instantly tell when the candidate is apprehensive or not. Make the most of every chance to speak like them by practicing regularly in front of a mirror.
• Well Versed in Various Topics: The interviews can ask you questions from any topic. Having a broad understanding of various subjects is essential. They might ask you questions about the economy, business, or politics.

XAT Counselling 2026: Documents Required

During the XAT counselling process, candidates are required to carry a prescribed set of documents. You are advised to prepare a folder of all the documents mentioned below:

• All the academic scorecards (Class 10, 12, & Graduation)
• XAT scorecard
• XAT admit card 2026
• XAT selection process letter
• Bank draft as mentioned in the official brochure
• Caste certificate
• Medical documents
• 4-6 passport-size photographs

XAT 2026 Admission Procedure

After qualifying all the rounds, you have to submit a specific set of documents for verification. You have to visit the XAT selection process centre 2026 allotted to you. After verifying all the documents, you will be asked to deposit the admission fee for the institute and selected course. You should remember that the fee payment process should be completed on the day itself at the institute.

XAT Counselling 2026: Participating Institutes

There are various institutes across India that accept the XAT counselling 2026. Meeting the cutoff marks is necessary to qualify for admission to these institutes. Once the counselling process is over and you are satisfied with the seat allotment, then you can proceed with the fee payment.

Here is the list of the top institutes that accept the XAT score:

• Xavier Institute of Management Bhubaneswar (XIMB)
• Xavier Labour Relation Institute (XLRI), Jamshedpur
• Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore
• Xavier Institute of Development Action and Studies (XIDAS), Jabalpur
• Xavier Institute of Management & Research (XIMR) Mumbai
• St Aloysius Institute of Management & Information Technology (AIMIT), Mangalore
• St Francis Institute of Management and Research (SFIMAR), Mumbai
• Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi
• Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Chennai
• Mount Carmel Institute of Management (MCIM), Bengaluru
• St Joseph's College of Business Administration, Bengaluru