B-schools start releasing shortlisting updates based on XAT 2026 performance

Following the release of the XAT 2026 results on January 16, premier management institutes across India have begun communicating shortlists to successful candidates. Xavier School of Management and other participating B-schools are issuing interview call letters via email based on sectional and overall percentile performance. Shortlisted aspirants are now being invited to register for the subsequent selection stages, including Group Discussions, Personal Interviews, and Written Ability Tests.

The focus of the management admission season has officially shifted from scoring to selection. Following the declaration of the XAT 2026 results on January 16, leading B-schools have initiated the process of identifying top talent for their flagship programs. XLRI Jamshedpur and Delhi-NCR, along with over 250 participating institutions, are now reaching out to candidates who have met the rigorous sectional and overall cutoffs required for the next stage of the admission process.

The communication of these shortlists is being managed primarily through digital channels, with several institutes activating their interview registration portals today. For many students, this represents the culmination of months of preparation and the beginning of a high-stakes evaluation period.

1. Delivery of Interview Call Letters and Notifications

Institutes are utilizing automated systems to ensure that shortlists are communicated promptly to all eligible individuals. The primary mode of contact remains the registered email address provided by the candidate during the initial application phase.

• Email Dispatch: Most B-schools have started sending out formal invitations that contain the candidate's percentile details and specific instructions for the interview round.
• Portal Updates: In addition to emails, students can log in to the respective university websites to check their status and download their formal call letters.
• SMS Alerts: Supplementary notifications are being sent via SMS to alert shortlists about upcoming deadlines for slot booking and document submission.

2. Selection Criteria and Evaluation Components

While the entrance test score is the primary filter, the current communication from B-schools highlights a holistic approach to the final selection. The 2026 cycle continues to place heavy weightage on academic consistency and professional background.

• Sectional Performance: Top-tier programs, especially at XLRI, are emphasizing the "Decision Making" and "Verbal Ability" scores as much as the overall percentile.
• Profile-Based Calls: Several institutes are including candidates with slightly lower test scores if they possess exceptional work experience or diverse academic backgrounds.
• Analytical Essay Writing: Candidates are being informed that the essay component, which was previously part of the main exam, will now be evaluated during the upcoming personal interaction rounds.

3. Conclusion

The 2026 admission calendar is progressing rapidly as B-schools move to fill their seats with the highest-caliber students. With the results already in hand, the release of these shortlists provides the necessary clarity for students to begin their final preparations. XLRI and other partner institutions are expected to conclude the first wave of communications by the end of this week, allowing the focus to shift entirely to the Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds. As the January 21 milestone passes, the administrative path for the 2026-27 management batch is now firmly established, emphasizing a comprehensive assessment of both intellect and character.