XAT Score vs Percentile 2026 (Expected), Previous Year Trend Analysis has been prepared for candidates who appeared in the XAT 2026 examination conducted on 04 January 2026. As the official results are yet to be declared, expected score-to-percentile estimates are helping candidates assess their performance and admission chances. The exam was reported to be of moderate difficulty based on candidate feedback. The Xavier Aptitude Test is evaluated on a 0–100 scale, where higher scores generally correspond to higher percentiles.
XAT Score vs Percentile 2026 Overall Expected Range
Understanding the overall expected score-to-percentile mapping allows candidates to estimate their standing among all test-takers. Based on difficulty level and historical data, the following estimates indicate likely percentile outcomes.
XAT Score vs Percentile 2026 for QA and DI Section
Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation play a critical role in sectional cut-offs. Candidates aiming for top institutes must clear both overall and sectional percentiles.
XAT Score vs Percentile 2026 for VALR Section
The Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning section tests comprehension, reasoning, and language skills. Expected percentile estimates are given below.
XAT Score vs Percentile 2026 for Decision Making Section
Decision Making is a unique section in XAT and often becomes a differentiator in shortlisting. Expected percentile trends are as follows.
How XAT Scores and Percentiles Are Calculated
The XAT score is calculated using the official marking scheme. Candidates receive +1 mark for each correct answer, -0.25 marks for each incorrect response, and -0.10 marks for each unattempted question after eight unattempted questions. There is no negative marking for the General Knowledge section. The percentile reflects a candidate’s relative rank among all test-takers and is calculated based on the proportion of candidates scoring equal to or below a given score.
Factors Affecting XAT Score vs Percentile 2026
Several variables influence the final percentile mapping every year. These factors are dynamic and change depending on exam participation and performance patterns. Key influencing elements include the total number of candidates, exam difficulty level, normalisation process, raw scores, sectional performance, and cut-off requirements of participating institutes.
XAT Percentile-Wise Top B-Schools Accepting Scores
XAT scores are accepted by over 250 management institutes across India. Admission chances depend on both overall and sectional percentiles.
XAT Score vs Percentile Previous Year Trends
Reviewing past-year data helps candidates set realistic expectations and understand score fluctuations across exam cycles. In XAT 2025, a score of around 35 corresponded to the 99 percentile, while in XAT 2024, a score of 34 fetched the 99 percentile. Earlier trends from 2022 and 2023 indicate that higher scores were required due to comparatively easier papers. These variations highlight the importance of exam difficulty and candidate performance distribution in determining percentiles.
Conclusion on XAT Score vs Percentile 2026
The XAT Score vs Percentile 2026 expected analysis indicates that candidates scoring above 37 are likely to be placed in the 99 percentile range, while those around 25–26 may achieve approximately 90 percentile. Final percentiles may vary slightly once official results are announced.

