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SNAP vs CAT: Which MBA Entrance Exam is Tougher? Key Differences & Comparison
SNAP vs CAT, which MBA entrance exam is tougher, can be a daunting question. The difficulty level of SNAP and CAT varies depending on individual strengths and weaknesses, preparation, level of competition, and the specific MBA programme a candidate is targeting. Many MBA aspirants take multiple exams to get admission in a good management college. SNAP is one of the top MBA entrance exams in India that aspirants choose along with the CAT exam. The CAT is for MBA/ PGDM/ PGP admission to IIMs and many B-schools, while SNAP is a way to get into SIU institutes offering different MBA courses. Read more below to understand SNAP vs CAT, which is tough.
SNAP vs CAT: Overview
This Story also Contains
- Key Differences Between CAT vs SNAP
- SNAP vs CAT Exam Pattern
- SNAP vs CAT 2025 Syllabus
- SNAP vs CAT: Selection Process
- Weightage for Final Merit List (in %)
- SNAP Selection Process
- Top Colleges Accepting CAT 2025 Score and SNAP score 2025
SNAP and CAT entrance exams are the two most important MBA entrance exams every year. The CAT exam is generally considered more challenging and competitive than SNAP, as it is a widely recognised entrance exam for prestigious IIMs and other top B-schools.
SNAP is conducted only for MBA/PGDM admission in colleges of Symbiosis International University (SIU) and is considered less challenging than the CAT exam. When comparing the SNAP and CAT exam, it is important to consider a multifaceted perspective beyond just difficulty levels.
17 SIU-affiliated colleges in India accept SNAP 2025, whereas IIMs and many B-schools in India accept CAT 2025. Let's see the detailed comparison between CAT and SNAP mentioned below!
Key Differences Between CAT vs SNAP
Before knowing the differences between SNAP and CAT exam pattern, syllabus, and selection process, check the conducting body, eligibility, and other important differences here.
Particulars | CAT 2025 | SNAP 2025 |
Full form | Common Admission Test | Symbiosis National Aptitude Test |
Conducting by | Indian Institute of Management (IIM) | Symbiosis International University (SIU) |
Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor's degree with 50 % aggregate (45% for SC/ST students) | |
Age limit | There is no age restriction to apply for CAT or SNAP | |
Work experience | No work experience is required to take the exam | |
Exam mode | Online Computer-based test (CBT) | |
Marking Scheme |
|
|
Type of Questions | MCQ & TITA (Type In The Answer) | MCQ-based questions |
Exam fee |
| Rs 2,250 per test |
Mode of registration process | Online | |
Number of applicants | More than 3 lakh candidates | More than 1 lakh applicants |
Number of accepting B-schools | 21 IIMs & 1000+ B-schools in India | 17 SIU-affiliated colleges in India |
SNAP vs CAT Exam Pattern
To decide which MBA examination is tougher, SNAP vs CAT, the first two important dimensions to consider while differentiating between the CAT vs SNAP are the exam pattern and syllabus. Both of these form the basis of any exam. Here is the exam pattern for both SNAP vs CAT:
Particulars | CAT | SNAP |
Number of Sections | Three
| Three
|
Sectional Time |
| None |
Number of Questions | 68 | 60 |
Duration of Examination | 120 minutes (2 hours) | 60 minutes (One hour) |
Negative Marking |
| -0.25 for each incorrect response |
Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult | Easy to Moderate |
Learn More |
SNAP vs CAT Marking Scheme
The marking scheme for CAT and SNAP differs. In the SNAP exam, each correct answer attracts a +1 mark, while for every incorrect answer, -0.25 marks are deducted. However, in the CAT exam, each correct answer attracted +3 marks, and for every incorrect answer, -1 mark is deducted.
| SNAP 2025 exam | CAT 2025 exam |
| +1 for the correct answer | +3 marks for every correct answer |
| +1 marks for correct answer | -1/4 for every incorrect answer |
SNAP vs CAT 2025 Syllabus
The syllabus of both SNAP and CAT consists of Verbal Ability, Quant, and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. For CAT and SNAP, you need to study the following topics and subjects:
Subject | CAT | SNAP |
English |
|
|
Quantitative Ability |
|
|
Data Interpretation |
|
|
Analytical and Logical Reasoning |
|
|
Learn More |
SNAP vs CAT: Selection Process
The selection process for CAT and SNAP varies. For CAT, the admission will be based on the CAT score, GD, and PI, and for SNAP, it is based on the SNAP score, GE, and PI. Take a look below to know more about the SNAP vs CAT selection process.
CAT Selection Process
CAT score is the most important criterion to qualify for an MBA course and other graduate management courses in Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and other top business schools like JPIMS, PUMBA, MDI, SPJIMR, etc.
However, apart from that, one should also ensure IIM Common Admission Process (CAP) 2025 or the remaining rounds of the CAT selection process. The CAT selection process generally includes the following stages:
- CAT Score
- Written Ability Test
- Group Discussion/Personal Interview
Weightage for Final Merit List (in %)
Parameters for Selection | Weightage |
CAT Score | 40% |
Bachelor’s Degree Marks | 20% |
Class 10 Marks | 10% |
Class 12 Marks | 10% |
Work Experience | 10% |
Diversity Factor (Gender/Academic) | 10% |
Know more about How to Prepare for GD-PI & WAT Rounds of Top B-Schools?
SNAP Selection Process
SNAP is a university entrance exam conducted by Symbiosis International Deemed University for admission to various courses offered by its affiliated universities. The SNAP selection process is based on three stages:
- SNAP score
- Group Exercise (GE)
- Personal Interaction (PI)
SNAP Sample Paper, Preparation & Study Material
Download latest SNAP sample paper based on latest exam pattern prescribed by the conducting body, past years question and answers, multi choice VARC, DILR practice questions with expert's solution.
Download NowWeightage for Final Merit List (in %)
Parameters for Selection | Weightage |
SNAP Score (out of 60, scaled down to 50 marks) | 50 |
Personal Interaction (PI) | 40 |
Group Exercise (GE) | 10 |
Total | 100 |
Top Colleges Accepting CAT 2025 Score and SNAP score 2025
Here is the list of top colleges accepting CAT score and SNAP score, applicants can check it here:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can i appear for both CAT and SNAP 2025?
A:
Yes, a candidates can take both CAT and SNAP 2025. This will increase the number of college options for a candidate.
Q: Which exam should one take CAT or SNAP?
A:
If a candidate is aiming for IIMs, they should appear for CAT 2025. Whereas, if a candidate wishes to take admission in SIU colleges they should give SNAP 2025.
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Questions related to SNAP
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to SNAP ?
Hello
Here are some resources where you can get free CAT and SNAP mock tests:
*CAT Mock Tests:*
1. *MBA Universe*: Offers free CAT mock tests, analysis, and solutions.
2. *Career Launcher*: Provides free CAT mock tests, with detailed analysis and feedback.
3. *CAT Prep*: Offers free CAT mock tests,
Hello,
Losing your admit card after the results have been announced is not an issue. Most institutions and examination boards maintain digital records of admit cards and results. You can usually obtain a duplicate admit card or necessary documentation by contacting the examination authority or the institution's administrative office. Provide
Hi there,
If we consider the cut-off trends for each category along with common waitlist movements, your conversion chances can be roughly estimated. ST category cut-offs for Symbiosis institutes that accept SNAP are always lower than those for the General category. According to the latest admission trends, the ST cut-offs
Hi there,
With a 70 percentile in SNAP, it may be tough to get into top Symbiosis institutes like SIBM Pune or SCMHRD, since their cut-offs are much higher. They often require scores of 90 percentile and above. However, you might still have opportunities at other Symbiosis schools and related
Hello,
As you have mentioned that you have attempted the 32 questions but only on the basis of that questions one cannot guess that you will receive call from the university or not but than too, I will recommend you to prepare for the interview because in case if you
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