XAT Latest Updates
- XAT 2027 registration is open until December 6, 2026, with the exam scheduled for January 3, 2027. Know More.
The updated XAT eligibility criteria 2027 outline the basic academic requirements and other conditions candidates must fulfil to apply for the exam. XAT does not impose any age limit or minimum percentage requirement in graduation.

Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline, completed over a minimum of three years from a recognized university or institute. Final-year students awaiting results are also eligible to apply. However, specific eligibility requirements may vary for different XLRI programs, such as BM, HRM, or GMP. Therefore, applicants are advised to review both general and program-specific eligibility before registering for XAT 2027 to ensure compliance.
If you are preparing for XAT 2027, you need to read the details of XAT eligibility criteria presented in the following sections of this article.
What Should You Know About the XAT 2027 Eligibility Criteria?
Check the key highlights of XAT 2027 eligibility criteria as presented in the following table:
| Eligibility Component | Details |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree (minimum 3 years) in any discipline |
| Final Year Students | Eligible to apply, subject to completing the degree by the admission date |
| Minimum Marks Requirement | No minimum percentage required |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Eligibility for XLRI Programs | Varies by program (e.g., BM, HRM, GMP may have additional criteria) |
| Recognized Institutions | Degree must be from a recognized university or institute |
| Foreign/NRI Candidates | Can apply through GMAT (except for XLRI's BM program) |
What Academic Qualifications Are Required for XAT 2027?
As an aspirant, you need to have a bachelor's degree to fit the XAT Eligibility criteria 2027. You can check some key points of academic criteria, as follows:
- You must have a bachelor's degree of at least 3 years ' duration in any discipline from a recognized university or institution.
- Final-year students who are expected to complete their degree by June 2026 are also eligible to apply for XAT 2027.
- There is no minimum percentage of marks required in graduation.
- As long as the candidate has passed the graduation exam, they are eligible to apply for XAT.
Does XAT 2027 Have an Upper Age Limit?
There is no age limit to apply for the XAT exam. Candidates of any age who meet the educational qualifications are eligible to appear for XAT 2027.
Who Can Apply for XAT 2027 Based on Nationality?
XAT 2027 is open to Indian citizens, as well as foreign and NRI candidates.
- NRI and foreign-national candidates who wish to apply for PGDM (Business Management - BM), PGDM (Human Resource Management - HRM), or Executive PGDM (General Management) at XLRI may use their GMAT/GRE scores taken between December 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018.
- Indian candidates applying for the Executive PGDM (General Management) programme can also apply using a valid GMAT or GRE score, subject to the score validity period specified by XLRI for the 2027 admission cycle.
Can CA, CS, and ICWA Qualified Candidates Apply for XAT 2027?
XAT eligibility criteria 2027 for candidates with professional qualifications (CA / CS / ICWA):
- Candidates who have completed a professional qualification such as CA, CS, or ICWA (CMA) are eligible to apply for XAT 2027, even if they do not yet hold a bachelor's degree.
- They must have completed the professional course from a recognized institute and meet any minimum marks requirement where applicable (e.g. some sources mention 55% for general category, 50% for SC/ST candidates).
- No age limit is imposed - candidates of any age who meet the educational or professional qualification criteria may apply
You may also be interested to know about the application process from our XAT Registration 2027 page.
XAT Eligibility 2027 - Key Takeaways
- Academic Qualification - You must hold a bachelor's degree of at least 3 years in any discipline from a recognized university. Final-year students completing their degree by June 2026 are also eligible.
- Minimum Marks - There is no minimum percentage requirement in graduation. Passing the degree is sufficient to apply for XAT.
- Professional Qualification Route - Candidates with professional degrees like CA, CS, or ICWA are also eligible, even if they don't have a bachelor's degree, provided the qualification is from a recognized institute.
- Age Limit & Nationality - There is no age restriction for XAT. Both Indian and foreign/NRI candidates can apply. NRI/foreign applicants to XLRI can also apply using valid GMAT/GRE scores within the specified timelines.
Enjoy Extra Benefits with SR
Counselling
Processing fees on loan
Discounted Applications
GD PI preparation
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: To apply for XAT 2027, candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree of at least three years’ duration in any discipline from a recognized university or institution. Final-year students who expect to complete their degree by June 2027 are also eligible. There is no minimum percentage requirement in graduation, which means students from any academic background can apply as long as they have passed. Additionally, those with professional qualifications such as CA, CS, or ICWA are also considered eligible.
Ans: No, there is no age limit for taking the XAT exam. Candidates of any age can appear for the exam, provided they meet the educational eligibility criteria. This makes XAT a flexible choice for professionals or individuals looking to pursue management education later in their careers. The absence of an age cap also accommodates working professionals with varied academic timelines.
Ans: Yes, candidates who have completed professional courses such as Chartered Accountancy (CA), Company Secretary (CS), or Cost and Works Accountancy (ICWA) are eligible to apply for XAT 2027. These qualifications are considered equivalent to a graduation degree for the purpose of eligibility. However, candidates must have completed the full course from a recognized body. Some programs may have specific score cutoffs or additional requirements, so it’s advisable to check the program-wise criteria.
Ans: Foreign nationals and NRI candidates can apply to XLRI using their GMAT scores instead of appearing for XAT. However, this is applicable only for specific programs -like the HRM and GMP programs - and not for the BM program, which generally requires a XAT score. The GMAT scores should be valid and within the date range specified by XLRI (usually within five years of the exam date). Candidates should consult the official XLRI admissions portal for the exact requirements.
Ans: Yes, final-year graduation students are eligible to apply for XAT 2027, provided they are expected to complete their degree by June 2027. They must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements by the time of admission. During the application process, such candidates may need to submit a provisional certificate or proof of enrolment from their institution. Admission to management programs will be provisional until final results are submitted.
Are You Interested in XAT?










