SNAP and CAT are both MBA entrance exams. However, CAT is a national-level exam offering admission into hundreds of colleges, whereas SNAP offers admission into 16 institutes under Symbiosis International Deemed University.
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SNAP vs CAT: Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is a management entrance test for admission to MBA/PGDM programs offered by any of the 16 constituent institutes of Symbiosis International Deemed University. Whereas, Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam that is used as a criterion for admission to MBA/PGDM programmes in IIMs and other premier business schools in India.
SNAP vs CAT: Overview
Both CAT and SNAP are MBA entrance exams but some very distinct differences between both exams make them miles apart. The table below shows the key differences between CAT and SNAP.
| Particulars | CAT | SNAP |
| Administered by | Indian Institute of Management (Rotational) | Symbiosis International (Deemed) University |
| Duration | 60 Minutes | 120 Minutes |
| Difficulty | High | Moderate to High |
| Registration Fee | 2000 (INR) | 1750 (INR) |
| Acceptance | Indian Business Schools | Symbiosis International Deemed University |
Also Check: NMAT vs SNAP
Colleges Accepting SNAP Scores
Here is a list of colleges/universities that accept SNAP scores as an admission criterion. However, candidates must note that the cutoff for all these colleges is on the higher side.
| Institute Name | Course(s) Offered | Location |
| Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology | MBA/PGDM | Pune |
| Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development | MBA/PGDM | Pune |
| Symbiosis Institute of Business Management | MBA/PGDM | Pune |
| Symbiosis Institute of Business Management | MBA/PGDM | Bangalore |
| Symbiosis Institute of Business Management | MBA/PGDM | Hyderabad |
| Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies & Research | MBA/PGDM | Pune |
| Symbiosis Institute of Digital And Telecom Management | MBA/PGDM | Pune |
| Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences | MBA/PGDM | Pune |
| Symbiosis Institute of International Business | MBA/PGDM | Pune |
| Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies | MBA/PGDM | Pune |
| Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication | MBA/PGDM | Pune |
| Symbiosis Institute of Operations Management | MBA/PGDM | Nashik |
| Symbiosis School for Media & Communication | MBA/PGDM | Bangalore |
| Symbiosis School of Banking and Finance | MBA/PGDM | Pune |
| Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences | MBA/PGDM | Pune |
Also Check: SNAP Participating Colleges
Colleges Accepting CAT Scores
Various IIMs and top B-schools accept CAT scores, but the seat intake is variable. Nonetheless, here is a list of colleges/universities that accept CAT scores as an admission criterion.
Also Check: CAT Participating Institutes
CAT vs SNAP: Exam Pattern
SNAP exam has its own set of distinct features as its conducting body, and Symbiosis International Deemed University has autonomy over the exam.
Whereas the CAT exam is conducted for admissions to almost all top-ranked and reputed management institutes and business schools in India, making the competition fierce. Here is an overview of the exam pattern of SNAP vs CAT.
| Particulars | SNAP | CAT |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-based | Computer-based |
| Language of Examination | English | English |
| Duration of Examination | 60 Minutes | 120 Minutes |
| Sections Included | General English | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
| Analytical & Logical Reasoning | Data Interpretation | |
| Quantitative Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Logical Reasoning | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | ||
| Number of Questions | 60 | 100 |
| Total Marks | 60 | 228 |
| Marking Scheme | ‘- 0.25' for each incorrect answer | ‘+3' for correct MCQ answers'-1' for incorrect MCQ answers negative marking for Non-MCQ questions |
SNAP vs CAT: Marking Scheme
In the SNAP Exam, for every correct question, there will be +1 and for every wrong answer, -0.25 marks will be deducted. Whereas in the CAT exam, each correct answer will award you +3 marks and for every wrong answer, -1 mark will be deducted.
SNAP vs CAT: Syllabus
Preparation for SNAP or CAT preparation, accomplishing either one successfully will require students to have a thorough knowledge of what is going to be assessed in both the exams.
SNAP Syllabus Topics
Although the number of questions and total marks of the SNAP exam is significantly less than standard entrance exams, the exams are quite sophisticated to make up for that amount of time. The topics covered by the 3 sections in the SNAP exam are given below.
General English
- Antonym-Synonym
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para jumbles
- Passages
- Syllogisms
- Analogies
- One Word Substitution,
- Similar Sounding Words
- Grammar
Quantitative Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency
- Algebra
- Data Interpretation
- Geometry
- Percentages,
- Partnership
- Ratio and Proportion
- Time-Speed-Distance
- Trigonometry
Analytical & Logical Reasoning
- Column Graphs
- Coding and Decoding
- Pie Chart
- Puzzles
CAT Syllabus Topics
CAT test is designed as a standard test for assessing the aptitude of management aspirants to ascertain their readiness for an MBA program. The topics covered by the 3 sections of CAT are given below.
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension
- Verbal Ability
- Para jumbles
- Para summary
- Sentence Completion and Inferences
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- Tables
- Graphs
- Data Caselets
- Blood Relation
- Seating Arrangement and Syllogism
Quantitative Aptitude
- Geometry
- Algebra
- Number System
- Arithmetic
- Mensuration
Only after proper analysis of both SNAP and CAT and comparing every relevant option can a student decide correctly which exam is better suited to their needs, demands and career goals.
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How to Prepare for SNAP Exam?
Students preparing for SNAP exam may refer to some of the preparation tips below:
- Make your base strong for the DI, DS and Reasoning sections. These will carry important marks and giving all correct answers (as answering these questions is less time consuming if practised well) will make a difference between getting a call and not getting a call.
- Dedicate 1 daily hour of practice for the quants section. Do not stray away from this routine.
- Online dictionaries will help you reduce your search time for any word in comparison with physical books. Create a vocabulary bank by noting down all the uncommon words you will be coming across.
- Try to think rationally and make a habit of solving any logical reasoning questions whenever you see them. Do not discard questions because they seem to have come in other exams.
- It may pose a challenge for the working individuals to balance their SNAP preparation with their employment as committing time to SNAP preparation may be a problem. Consistency, on the other hand, is crucial in such situations. Keep in mind that this is “survival of the fittest”. As a result, consider devoting some time to sensible planning even if you're fatigued or exhausted. So give your best.
- Do not try to use "guess the answer" or "hit and trial" methods. Make sure whatever answers you have marked are correct. Even if it seems that you have given fewer number answers is very less, do not try to give answers by guessing.
Read More: SNAP Preparation
How to Prepare for CAT Exam?
CAT is a hard exam to crack and so, step-by-step preparation and strategy are required for this exam. We will see a few points in the below article.
- Make regular time-bound study a habit. Dedicate your precious time to study and in return, the result will reflect back when the time comes.
- While studying a specific subject, make a separate notebook for that subject. These one-liners will work as a last-minute revision tool before the exam. Making the note is time-consuming but if you do this, you can notice the output in the final result.
- First, give sectional mock tests. Then gradually switch to complete mocks.
- After every mock, note down the weak areas and work on them. Do this regularly, only then you can strengthen all the weak spots.
- Many times though people practice hard, people are concerned about scoring poorly in mock exams. The main reason behind this is that we aren't arranging our attempts according to the time required for each section practically. While answering a question, keep a check on the time.
Read More: CAT Preparation 2023
SNAP vs CAT: Admission Procedure
For the SNAP exam, candidates will be shortlisted for Group Exercise, Personal Interaction, and Writing Ability Test (GE-PI/ WAT) based on their SNAP result 2021 overall percentile. Candidates will be required to attend all GE-PI/ WAT components/tests in order to be considered for admission to any PG programme.
For the CAT exam, the IIMs will shortlist candidates based on the CAT score and the selection procedure, which they have detailed on their website. Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview will be part of the CAT selection procedure (PI).
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