UditVani, Jamshedpur: XLRI, one of India’s premier B-schools, has announced the launch of the Xavier Scholar Entrance Test (XSET), a national-level examination designed for scholars aspiring to pursue doctoral studies in management.
The test will serve as the gateway for admission to XLRI’s prestigious Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) and Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EFPM).
The initiative underscores XLRI’s vision to nurture not just capable managers, but thought leaders and academic pioneers who can shape the future of management education, research, and ethical business practices.
“India has plenty of managers. What it now needs more than ever are management thinkers and thought leaders who question assumptions, draw insights from research, and make decisions that truly matter,” said an XLRI spokesperson, emphasizing the need for research-driven leadership.
About the Programmes
Both the FPM and EFPM at XLRI are designed to equip scholars with the expertise and analytical skills required for careers in academics, research-based consulting, corporate training, and industry leadership. Over the past 75 years, XLRI has built a strong reputation for combining academic rigor with a deep sense of social responsibility.
The doctoral programmes are structured to create scholar-leaders who bring theoretical relevance and practical depth to the world of management. The courses offer specialization across nine key management areas:
Economics
Finance
General Management (Entrepreneurship, Law, Ethics, Communication)
Human Resource Management
Information Systems
Marketing
Production, Operations & Decision Sciences
Organizational Behaviour
Strategy
Scholars benefit from mentorship by faculty with global research exposure and are trained through intensive coursework, seminars, research projects, and thesis guidance. Full-time FPM scholars also receive financial aid and free hostel accommodation on XLRI’s lush 40+ acre Jamshedpur campus.
“Doctoral scholars across age groups and work experience come together in the intellectual melting pot that XLRI is. We believe in free knowledge flow across subject areas and knowledge groups to foster uninhibited knowledge creation,” said Dr. J. Ajith Kumar, Associate Dean of FPM & Research.
XSET Exam Details
The Xavier Scholar Entrance Test (XSET) will be conducted on Sunday, January 4, 2026, as a computer-based exam across 12 cities in India.
The test will assess candidates on:
Interest in management research
Understanding of management concepts
Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Ethical orientation
Candidates must secure a minimum of 50% to qualify for the interview stage, although certain areas may prescribe higher cut-offs. The shortlisting process will also take into account academic background and relevant professional experience.
A Step Toward Research-Driven Leadership
XLRI’s FPM and EFPM programmes are designed for those who wish to transcend management practice and contribute to the world of ideas. Scholars graduating from these programmes are expected to influence business models, shape public policy, and drive organizations toward ethical and human-centred leadership.
The institute has invited aspiring researchers and working professionals from across India to register for XSET 2026 and take their first step toward a career in research-driven management leadership.
Registration for XSET 2026 is now open.
For details and registration for the FPM-cum-XSET, candidates can visit XLRI’s official website.
