Overview
Choosing the right business school is one of the most important decisions in your professional journey. In India, two names consistently stand out when you think of top-tier management education: S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) Mumbai and Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur.

While both institutions are renowned for their academic rigor, strong industry interface, and excellent placement records, the decision between SPJIMR and XLRI often depends on individual career goals, preferred specialization, and the entrance exam one chooses to appear for—CAT or XAT.

In this detailed guide by Planet E, we will break down every aspect you need to know:
✅ NIRF rankings
✅ Average salary packages
✅ Specializations offered
✅ Fee structures
✅ Admission processes
✅ Key differences between CAT and XAT
✅ ROI (Return on Investment) considerations

Read on to discover which college aligns best with your ambitions.

Why Compare SPJIMR vs XLRI?

Over the past decade, SPJIMR Mumbai and XLRI Jamshedpur have emerged as two of the most coveted destinations for MBA aspirants in India.

Here’s why candidates often get stuck between these two:

• SPJIMR is known for its flexible specialization options, strong focus on values-based leadership, and proximity to Mumbai’s corporate hubs, especially in finance and consulting.

• XLRI boasts a legacy brand, especially famous for its Human Resource Management program, and has consistently ranked among the top 10 management institutes in India.

So how do you choose between them? Let’s start with a high-level comparison.

SPJIMR vs XLRI: Quick Comparison Highlights

Below is an overview table to help you see the big picture:

SPJIMR vs XLRI Rankings 2025

Rankings matter because they reflect academic excellence, faculty quality, research output, and employer perception.

As per the NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) 2024, here is how the two colleges stand:

• XLRI Jamshedpur: Ranked #9 among management institutes in India.

• SPJIMR Mumbai: Ranked #20 in the same list.

This gap may seem large numerically, but in practical terms, both schools command a strong reputation. XLRI’s consistent top 10 presence, however, does indicate a stronger national perception overall.

If you are targeting global consulting firms or HRM leadership roles, XLRI’s brand often carries more weight internationally. Conversely, SPJIMR’s unique strengths in Finance and Operations and its cost advantage make it highly appealing to many candidates.

SPJIMR vs XLRI Placements 2025

For most MBA aspirants, placement outcomes are the ultimate metric.

Here’s a snapshot of recent placement figures:

Key Insights from Planet E:

• XLRI has a stronger pipeline for consulting and general management roles.

• SPJIMR, thanks to its Mumbai location, is exceptionally strong in Finance and BFSI sector placements.

• SPJIMR has recently reported the highest average CTC, even though XLRI remains more consistent historically.

Pro Tip: If you want to target IB roles or niche finance careers, SPJIMR can be a strategic advantage.

SPJIMR vs XLRI Fees 2025

Cost of education significantly impacts your Return on Investment (ROI).

Here’s the current fee structure:

Analysis:

• SPJIMR’s program costs ~₹8 lakhs less.

• Considering comparable average placements, SPJIMR edges ahead in ROI.

• However, if brand equity and historical consistency are critical, XLRI still commands a premium.

SPJIMR vs XLRI Admission Process 2025

XLRI Jamshedpur: Admission Process

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks.

• Final year students eligible.

• Work experience valued but not mandatory.

Process:

1. XAT Score: Primary filter for shortlisting.

2. GD & Essay Writing: Critical for assessing thought clarity.

3. Personal Interview: Evaluates personality, motivation, and alignment.

4. Final Merit List: Composite of XAT, GD-PI, and profile.

Note: XLRI is highly selective, and the XAT Decision-Making section often makes a big difference in shortlisting.

SPJIMR Mumbai: Admission Process

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks.

• Accepts CAT and GMAT scores.

• Open to freshers and candidates with up to 5 years of experience.

Process:

1. Profile Evaluation: SPJIMR emphasizes holistic assessment.

   • Profile-Based Shortlisting: Outstanding academic/work achievements can get you shortlisted early.

   • Profile-Cum-Score Based Shortlisting: Candidates are also assessed by entrance exam performance.

2. Group Interviews: SPJIMR’s unique selection process emphasizes collaborative problem-solving.

3. Final Selection: Based on profile, test score, group interviews, academics, and versatility.

Unique Point: You must select your specialization during the application itself.

CAT vs XAT: Which Exam to Choose?

Choosing between SPJIMR and XLRI often starts with deciding which entrance exam you want to take.

Here’s a detailed comparison:

Planet E Tip:

• If you are confident in Decision-Making and GK, XAT is your exam.

• If you prefer a familiar structure and have strong DILR skills, consider CAT.

SPJIMR vs XLRI Specializations

Both colleges offer diverse electives, but some stand-out domains can guide your choice.

XLRI Specializations:

• Human Resource Management (India’s #1 HRM program)

• Business Management

• Finance

• Marketing

• Production & Operations

• Strategic Management

SPJIMR Specializations:

• Finance

• Information Management

• Marketing

• Operations & Supply Chain

Planet E Insight:
If you aspire to a career in HR leadership, XLRI is unmatched. For Finance and Operations, SPJIMR’s location in Mumbai offers a distinct advantage.

SPJIMR vs XLRI: Programs Offered

SPJIMR Mumbai

Full-Time Programs:

• PGDM (flagship)

• PGDM-BM

• PGPM (1-year)

• GMP (Global Management)

Part-Time / Executive:

• PGEMP

• PGPGM

• PGPDM

• PGP-MBM

Modular / Family Business:

• PGPFMB

Online:

• PGDM Online

XLRI Jamshedpur

Full-Time Residential:

• PGDM-BM

• PGDM-HRM

• Fellow Programme in Management (FPM)

• One-Year GMP

Part-Time / Satellite-Based:

• PGCBM

• PGCHRM

• PGCLSCM

• PGCSMM

SPJIMR vs XLRI: Campus and Alumni Networks

XLRI:

• Historic campus in Jamshedpur + Delhi NCR campus.

• Global alumni in HR, Consulting, and General Management.

SPJIMR:

• Vibrant Mumbai campus.

• Strong BFSI and IT/Consulting networks.

SPJIMR vs XLRI: ROI and Final Verdict

Considering fees, placements, and rankings, here’s how the ROI compares:

Planet E Recommendation:

✅ Choose XLRI if:

• You want a brand with a historic legacy.

• You are targeting consulting or HRM.

• You prefer the XAT exam.

✅ Choose SPJIMR if:

• You want better ROI.

• You prefer Finance, Operations, or IT.

• You are strong in CAT/GMAT.

• You value Mumbai’s industry exposure.

Final Tips from Planet E

Before making your choice:
✅ Talk to recent alumni on LinkedIn.
✅ Attend info sessions/webinars.
✅ Reflect on your career goals and preferred exam.
✅ Consider location, culture, and specialization fit.

About Planet E

At Planet E, we guide thousands of students every year in achieving their MBA dreams. From CAT and XAT preparation to B-School selection, we are your trusted partner in your MBA journey.

Ready to start your preparation? Connect with Planet E today!