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. To
foster this, the XLRI Xavier School of Management has launched the Xavier
Scholar Entrance Test (XSET), a national-level examination for admission to its
Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) and Executive Fellow Programme in
Management (EFPM). Both programmes prepare doctoral scholars for careers in
academics, research-driven consulting, corporate training, and industry
leadership.  

For over 75 years, XLRI has combined a commitment
to academic rigour with social responsibility. Its doctoral programmes are
designed not just to teach but to create scholar-leaders who bring depth to
practice and relevance to theory.

Why a doctoral study at XLRI matters

A doctoral study in management is not a silent
academic pursuit.  Researchers today shape public policy, influence
business models, and guide organizations toward ethical and human-centred
leadership. XLRI’s FPM and EFPM programmes are built for this purpose. They
provide:

·      
Specialization across nine
management areas: Economics, Finance, General Management (Entrepreneurship,
Law, Ethics, Communication), Human Resource Management, Information Systems,
Marketing, Production, Operations & Decision Sciences, Organizational
Behaviour, and Strategy

·      
Mentorship from faculty
with global research experience

·      
Rigorous coursework,
seminars, research projects, and doctoral thesis guidance

·      
(For full-time scholars)
financial aid and free hostel accommodation in XLRI’s 40+ acre green campus in
Jamshedpur.

“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,”
says Dr. J. Ajith Kumar, the Associate Dean of FPM & Research.

XSET: Exam Details

The Xavier Scholar Entrance Test (XSET) will be
held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, as a computer-based exam across 12 cities in
India. The test evaluates:

·      
Interest in management
research

·      
Understanding of
management concepts

·      
Logical reasoning and
analytical skills

·      
Ethical orientation

Candidates need a minimum score of 50% to qualify
for the next (interview) stage, though some areas in XLRI may require higher
cut-offs.  Academic background and relevant work experience will also be
considered for interview shortlisting.

Take the First Step Toward Research-Driven
Leadership

XLRI invites aspiring scholar-leaders from across
India to register for the XSET as their first step toward a career that goes
beyond management practice by shaping ideas, challenging assumptions, and
influencing the future of organizations and society.

Registration for XSET 2026 is now open.
 Visit,

for FPM-cum-XSET: 

https://erp.xlri.ac.in/anon_applRegistrationPage.htm?id=7cf2f9ccc832cc4c19c62b6fb46cc26d# 
 
for EFPM-cum-XSET: 

https://erp.xlri.ac.in/anon_applRegistrationPage.htm?id=7cf2f9ccc832cc4c19c62b6fb46cc26d