Deciding whether to join XLRI BM or try for ABCL again next year is a personal decision that depends on various factors. Here are some points that you may consider while making your decision:
Factors in favor of joining XLRI BM:
Factors in favor of trying for ABCL again next year:
Ultimately, the decision to join XLRI BM or try for ABCL again next year depends on your priorities and goals. You may consider factors such as your career aspirations, financial situation, personal circumstances, and risk appetite while making your decision. It may also be helpful to seek advice from your mentors, family, and friends.
There may be two possibilities here for your rejection- you were nervous during the interviews Or you came across as an aggressive/manipulative/inflexible kind of person to the interviewers.
With your profile, you should probably wait for one year to give a shot at IIM A, B, C, L, before going for XLRI. Prepare for the interview with a calm and good presence of mind.
Even though CAT is unpredictable, take your chances, if you aspire to join Consulting or Finance firms. If you aspire for a Marketing/ Operations/ General Management role, then there would be hardly any difference.
Waiting for a year is a good idea. Along with the reviews and data, consider preference to be known as an IIM A alum than an XL alum. How well you manage your emotional and logical reasons for pursuing MBA is what you need to think about.