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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? Key Differences & Comparison

    SundararajanUpdated on 11 Dec 2025, 03:22 PM IST

    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

    1. Key Differences Between CAT vs SNAP
    2. SNAP vs CAT Exam Pattern
    3. SNAP vs CAT 2025 Syllabus
    4. SNAP vs CAT: Selection Process
    5. Weightage for Final Merit List (in %)
    6. SNAP Selection Process
    7. Top Colleges Accepting CAT 2025 Score and SNAP score 2025
    SNAP vs CAT: Which MBA Entrance Exam is Tougher? Key Differences & Comparison
    SNAP vs CAT: Which is Tougher

    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

    • +3 marks for correct answer
    • -1 mark for incorrect answer
    • +1 mark for correct answer
    • -0.25 mark for incorrect answer

    Type of Questions

    MCQ & TITA (Type In The Answer)

    MCQ-based questions

    Exam fee

    • Rs 2,600 for General category
    • Rs 1,300 for SC/ST/PwD

    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

    • VARC
    • DILR
    • QA

    Three

    • General English
    • Quant, DI & DS
    • Analytical and Logical Reasoning

    Sectional Time

    • VARC - 40 minutes
    • DILR - 40 minutes
    • QA - 40 minutes

    None

    Number of Questions

    68

    60

    Duration of Examination

    120 minutes (2 hours)

    60 minutes (One hour)

    Negative Marking

    • 1 for MCQ-type questions
    • 0 for Non-MCQ type questions

    -0.25 for each incorrect response

    Difficulty Level

    Moderate to Difficult

    Easy to Moderate

    Learn More

    CAT Exam Pattern

    SNAP Exam Pattern

    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 examCAT 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

    • Para Completion
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Grammar
    • Verbal Ability
    • Para jumbles
    • Odd Sentence Out
    • Odd Sentence Out
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Grammar
    • Para jumbles
    • Para Completion
    • Verbal Ability

    Quantitative Ability

    • Number System
    • Arithmetic
    • Geometry
    • Algebra
    • Mensuration
    • Trigonometry
    • Mensuration
    • Arithmetic
    • Geometry
    • Algebra
    • Trigonometry
    • Number System

    Data Interpretation

    • Graphs
    • Pie Chart
    • Tables
    • Venn Diagrams
    • Graphs
    • Pie Chart
    • Tables
    • Venn Diagrams

    Analytical and Logical Reasoning

    • Input-Output
    • Alphanumeric Series
    • Odd One Out
    • Statement and Assumptions
    • Calendars
    • Blood Relations
    • Cause and Effect
    • Coding-Decoding
    • Statement and Conclusions
    • Syllogism
    • Seating Arrangements
    • Pattern Series and Sequences
    • Seating Arrangements
    • Alphanumeric Series
    • Odd One Out
    • Input-Output
    • Statement and Assumptions
    • Blood Relations
    • Cause and Effect
    • Coding-Decoding
    • Calendars
    • Statement and Conclusions
    • Pattern Series and Sequences
    • Syllogism

    Learn More

    CAT Syllabus

    SNAP Syllabus

    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
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    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 Percentile Predictor 2025
    Use the SNAP 2025 Percentile Predictor to estimate your performance before results, check expected cut-offs, and know your chances of getting shortlisted by SIU institutes.
    Try Now

    Weightage 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

    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 ?

    Dear Student,

    SIBM Nagpur SNAP 2025 Cutoff is expected to be on higher side this year, around 93+ percentile if we look at the trends of the previous years. As per the SNAP 2025 score vs percentile, to match the SIBM Nagpur SNAP 2025 cutoff one need to score around

    Hi Student

    Getting 70 percentile in the SNAP examination is well within the range of SSBF Pune. You can register and apply for admission to the college. Click on the link below to learn more about the admission process, dates, fees, etc.

    Hello candidate,

    SIBM Pune over the years has been known for its holistic development of students . SIBM Pune courses include MBA, MBA Executive and MBA Innovation and Entrepreneurship programmes in various specialisations.

    Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development, Pune was established in 1993. Admission to SCMHRD Pune

    Yes, you can definitely prepare better for the SNAP Quantitative Ability section by keeping a complete formula list with you. Instead of memorising everything randomly, it helps to organise formulas chapter-wise so you can revise faster.

    Here is a useful formula list for the SNAP Quant section:

    1. Arithmetic