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Is SNAP tougher than CAT: MBA aspirants nowadays sit for various exams. Some of these exams are SNAP and CAT. These two exams often make the candidates question as to which one is easier to crack. To help you out, we have compiled a blog on the same which will help you answer this question. You can make your decision by comparing exam patterns, exam syllabi, marking schemes, and preparation strategies. Continue reading this blog to find out all the answers.
Table of Contents
- 1 Is SNAP Tougher than CAT? Exam Highlights
- 2 Is SNAP Tougher Than CAT? Syllabus
- 3 CAT vs SNAP: Number of Applicants
- 4 SNAP vs CAT- Exam Pattern
- 5 SNAP vs CAT- Marking Scheme
- 6 Is SNAP Tougher than CAT? Preparation Tips
- 7 Admission Process Through CAT
- 8 Admission Process Through SNAP
- 9 Top Colleges Accepting CAT and SNAP Score
- 10 FAQs
Is SNAP Tougher than CAT? Exam Highlights
Both the Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) and the Common Admission Test (CAT) are national-level entrance exams which are taken by candidates who want to pursue their higher education in a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) course. To get yourself familiar with both exams, take a look at the table below.
| Details | SNAP Exam | CAT Exam |
| Full Form | Symbiosis National Aptitude Test | Common Admission Test |
| Conducting Body | Symbiosis International (Deemed) University | Indian Institute of Management |
| Eligibility Criteria | The candidate must have completed Graduation with a minimum of 50 per cent aggregate (45 per cent for SC/ST/PwD candidates) | Candidate must have completed Graduation with a minimum 50 per cent aggregate (45 per cent for SC/ST/PwD candidates) |
| Sections | 3 | 3 |
| Mode of Exam | Online | Online |
| Duration of Exam | 60 Minutes | 120 Minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult (varies every year) | Difficult (varies every year) |
| Exam Fees | INR 2,250 for all candidates + INR 1000 (per SIU institute) | INR 2,400 for General and OBC candidates INR 1,200 for Reserved category candidates |
| Registration Process | Online | Online |
Must Read: SNAP Exam 2024
Is SNAP Tougher Than CAT? Syllabus
The syllabus for both CAT and SNAP are quite similar. Both encompass Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning sections. Take a look below to find out the syllabus for the exams.
| Sections | SNAP Syllabus | CAT Syllabus |
| English | Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability, Para Completion, Para Jumbles, Grammar, Odd Sentence Out | Grammar, Para Jumbles, Reading Comprehension, Odd Sentence Out, Verbal Ability |
| Qunatitative Aptitude (QA) | Geometry, Algebra, Arithmetic, Number System, Mensuration, Trigonometry | Number System, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Algebra, Geometry |
| Data Interpretation (DI) | Graphs, Tables, Pie Charts, Venn Diagrams | Venn Diagrams, Tables, Pie Charts and Graphs |
| Analytical and Logical Reasoning (LR) | Blood Relations, Odd One Out, Pattern Series and Sequences, Alphanumeric Series, Coding-Decoding, Statement and Conclusions, Input-Output | Calendars, Blood Relations, Alphanumeric Series, Coding-Decoding, Statement and Conclusions, Pattern Series and Sequences, Syllogism and Seating Arrangements |
Also Read: SNAP Syllabus 2024
CAT vs SNAP: Number of Applicants
SNAP faces less competition as compared to CAT. This year, approximately 1.25 lakh candidates appeared for the SNAP 2023 exam, whereas 3.20 lakh candidates took the CAT 2023 exam. CAT scores are accepted by 1,200 MBA colleges, ensuring that candidates can pursue an MBA in the same academic session, even if not from a top-tier institute, at least from a Tier-2 college. On the other hand, SNAP scores are only accepted by SIU institutes; failing to meet their cutoff could result in a year’s loss. Therefore, MBA aspirants are advised to take both CAT and SNAP exams.
MBA aspirants need to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of SNAP versus CAT, such as difficulty level and preparation requirements. This article will provide comprehensive details about SNAP and CAT, including syllabus, exam patterns, marking schemes, and preparation tips, to help you understand the differences and similarities between the two exams. This information will assist you in determining whether SNAP is more challenging than CAT.
SNAP vs CAT- Exam Pattern
All candidates must note that the CAT exam has a longer duration but fewer questions than SNAP. Candidates appearing for the CAT paper need to complete each section in 40 minutes after which they are supposed to move on to the next section. On the other hand, candidates can complete the paper in any order.
| Details | SNAP Exam | CAT Exam |
| Total Number of Questions | 60 | 66 |
| Negative Marking | Yes | Yes |
| Type of Questions | MCQs | Both MCQs and non-MCQs |
| Number of choices in MCQs | 4 | 4 |
| Sectional Time limit | No | Yes (40 minutes for each section) |
| Total Marks | 60 | 198 |
Also Read: Best Books for SNAP 2024
SNAP vs CAT- Marking Scheme
The marking scheme for both the SNAP and CAT exam differs. In the SNAP exam, for each correct answer, the candidate earns a +1 mark, while for each incorrect answer, -0.25 marks are deducted.
Similarly, for the CAT exam, for each correct answer, the candidate is awarded +3 marks and -1 marks for an incorrect answer.
| SNAP Exam | CAT Exam |
| +1 will be awarded for a correct answer | +3 marks will be awarded for every correct answer |
| -1/4 marks will be deducted for incorrect answer | -1 mark for an incorrect answer |
Also Read: How To Prepare For Upcoming MBA Exams?
Is SNAP Tougher than CAT? Preparation Tips
When it comes to cracking any competitive exam, the candidate needs to prepare a proper exam strategy and follow some preparation tips that will help them in acing the exam. For this, we have compiled a few preparation tips for both SNAP as well as the CAT exam.
Preparation Tips To Crack SNAP
- Know the syllabus of the exam and prepare a timetable accordingly.
- Have the right books of well-established authors to study.
- Practice mental maths to save time when using the calculator.
- Lastly, make sure you regularly attempt quizzes to test your knowledge.
Preparation Tips To Crack CAT
- Regularly attempt mock tests.
- Make sure you have the right study material.
- Understand the exam structure.
- Create a study plan and follow it judiciously.
Also Read: Why is The MAT Entrance Exam Good for an MBA?
Admission Process Through CAT
CAT scores play a significant role in selecting a candidate’s eligibility for admission into these MBA programs making thorough preparation and a competitive score essential for success.
| IIM Selection Parameters | |
|---|---|
| CAT score | Class10 and 12 marks |
| WAT | Graduation marks |
| PI | Weighted Work Experience |
Admission Process Through SNAP
Getting admitted via the SNAP exam is a detailed process for aspiring MBA students. This process allows MBA candidates to pursue their academic goals through a standardized and accessible admission procedure.
| IIM Selection Parameters | |
|---|---|
| SNAP exam score | WAT |
| GE | PI |
Top Colleges Accepting CAT and SNAP Score
After taking the exam, you will find out that not many colleges accept the scorecard. So to help you out, below is the list of top colleges which will accept SNAP and CAT scores accordingly. One must note that to get admission to these colleges, the candidate will have to make sure they clear the eligibility criteria as mentioned for each college.
| Colleges Accepting SNAP Score | Colleges Accepting CAT Score |
| International Management Institute (IMI) | Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB), Pune |
| Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) | Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune |
| SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai | Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Bangalore |
| Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon | Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD), Pune |
| Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi | — |
Also Read: MBA Entrance Exams: India And Abroad
Related Reads on Management Exams!
FAQs
Candidates preparing for both CAT and SNAP exams need not prepare separately.
SNAP is considered to have a moderate difficulty level.
Not at all, with proper preparation the difficulty level of both exams are same.
Compared to exams like CAT and XAT, SNAP is known for being less competitive and considered one of the easier MBA entrance exams. Thus, aiming for a 99 percentile in SNAP should not be a challenging task.
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