XAT Score vs Percentile 2026: Expected Analysis, Trends, Calculator

XAT score vs percentile 2026 understanding is important for every aspirant who are targeting top B-schools like XLRI Jamshedpur. Since the XAT 2026 exam is yet to be conducted, the final data is unavailable. However, based on the difficulty level, the number of test takers, and the trends from previous year exams XAT 2025, 2024, 2023, experts have developed an expected score vs. percentile analysis for 2026.

Generally, a raw score above 40 out of 75 is likely to fetch a 99+ percentile. A score around 35-37 is expected to secure a 95 percentile. Here we provide an expected analysis, previous year sectional, and overall score cut-offs, and details on the XAT percentile calculator method.

XAt Score vs Percentile 2026 Overview

The terms XAT score and XAT percentile are fundamentally different metrics used to evaluate a candidate’s performance:

XAT Score vs Percentile 2026 Analysis

The expected XAT 2026 score vs percentile is determined by analysing trends from past years and assuming a similar exam difficulty level. This table works as a reference point to set a target score for the upcoming examination.

Note: This is an expected analysis for XAT 2026. The actual scores may differ based on the final exam difficulty and total test takers.

XAT Score vs Percentile: Previous Years Trends of 2025, 2024, 2023

Analyzing XAT score vs percentile previous years data is important for understanding the volatility and setting realistic targets. The table below compares the overall raw scores required to hit various percentiles across the last few years.

Observation: The difference in scores between XAT 2023 and the previous years 2024 & 2025 is primarily due to changes in the difficulty and structure of the exam. This emphasises the need to target a high score relative difficulty of the current paper.

XAT Score vs Percentile 2026 Section Wise Expected 

XLRI and other top XAT-accepting colleges apply sectional cut-offs. These cut off are applied to ensure a balanced performance in all three main sections including Verbal and Logical Ability (VALR), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI). The scores mentioned below are the expected raw scores that are required to achieve a certain percentile in each section for XAT 2026.

How to Calculate XAT Percentile 2026?

The XAT percentile calculator methodology involves two main steps. One is calculating the raw score, and the second is converting it to a percentile. Here are steps to calculate XAT percentile  2026:

Step 1: Calculate the XAT Raw Score

The XAT raw score is calculated using the marking scheme for the three main sections (VALR, DM, QADI):

Raw Score = (No. of Correct Answers × 1) – (No. of Incorrect Answers × 0.25) – (Excess Unattempted Questions × 0.10)

Step 2: Calculate the XAT Percentile

The percentile is based on the comparative performance of all candidates who appeared for the XAT 2026 exam. 

• Candidate's Rank: The number of candidates who scored more than the candidate.

• Example: If 1,00,000 candidates appear for the exam and a candidate is ranked 50th (meaning 49 candidates scored more than them), their percentile would be:
  (1,00,000 – 50) / 1,00,000 × 100 ≈ 99.95

XAT Percentile = ((Total number of candidates – Candidate's Rank) / Total number of candidates) × 100

XAT score vs Percentile last 5 years

Here’s a compiled overview of XAT Score vs Percentile (last 5 years) the rough marks you needed to hit certain percentiles and what the trend shows. Use this as a guide (not an absolute guarantee) since paper difficulty and candidate pool vary year to year. Candidates can check out XAT score vs percentile previous years here.

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Factors Affecting XAT Score vs Percentile

Several factors influence how a raw score translates into a percentile. This makes the XAT 2026 score vs percentile predictions dynamic. Here are some factors affecting XAC score vs percentile:

Exam Difficulty Level: If the XAT 2026 paper is tougher, the required raw score for a high percentile will be lower. Conversely, an easier paper will drive up the scores needed for the same percentile.

Number of Test Takers: A higher number of candidates increases competition. To maintain a high percentile, a candidate needs to score better than a larger pool of aspirants.

Normalization Process: XLRI uses a statistical normalization process to account for variations in difficulty across different sections and potential future shifts (if the exam were conducted in multiple slots, which XAT historically has not done).

Sectional Performance: XLRI and most B-schools mandate minimum sectional percentiles. A high overall score might not be sufficient if a candidate fails to clear the cut-off in a single section like DM or QADI.