SNAP vs CAT: Which MBA Entrance Exam is Tougher? Key Differences & Comparison

SNAP vs CAT: Which MBA Entrance Exam is Tougher? Key Differences & Comparison

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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.
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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 ?

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
• Percentages → % = (Value/Total) × 100
• Profit & Loss → Profit = SP − CP | Loss = CP − SP
• Discount → SP = MP − Discount
• Simple Interest → SI = (P × R × T) / 100
• Compound Interest → A = P (1 + R/100)^T

2. Ratio & Proportion / Mixtures
• Ratio → a : b = a/b
• Mixture formula → (Quantity × Difference) rule (Alligation)

3. Time, Speed & Distance
• Speed = Distance / Time
• Time = Distance / Speed
• Relative Speed → Same direction: (A − B), Opposite direction: (A + B
• Average speed → (2AB) / (A + B)

4. Time & Work
• Work = Rate × Time
• If A does work in X days → 1 day work = 1/X
• A and B together → 1/x + 1/y formula

5. Numbers
• HCF × LCM = Product of two numbers (for two integers)
• Divisibility rules (2,3,5,9 etc.)
• Sum of n natural numbers → n(n + 1)/2

6. Algebra
• (a + b)² = a² + b² + 2ab
• (a − b)² = a² + b² − 2ab
• a² − b² = (a + b)(a − b)
• Quadratic Equation → x = [−b ± √(b² − 4ac)] / 2a

7. Geometry / Mensuration
• Area of triangle → 1/2 × base × height
• Area of circle → πr²
• Circumference → 2πr
• Surface area of cuboid → 2(lb + bh + hl)
• Volume of cylinder → πr²h

8. Probability & Permutation
• Probability → Favourable / Total outcomes
• Permutation → nPr = n! / (n − r)!
• Combination → nCr = n! / [r! (n − r)!]

9. Data Interpretation
• Percentage change → ((New − Old) / Old) × 100
• Average → Sum of values / Number of values

If you revise these formulas along with short practice every day, your speed in SNAP Quant improves a lot. If you want, I can also share a chapter-wise important question list for quick practice.

All the best.

Hi there,

You have to apply separately for each symbiosis college, like SIBM Pune, as they as not automatically included. The CAT form automatically includes many IIMs, but the SNAP exam is a separate test that is given for admission to Symbiosis Institute, which requires its own separate application and fee.

Hope it helps!!!

Hello,

No, you don’t need to appear for SNAP for a PG Diploma in Bakery and Patisserie.

SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) is only for admission to MBA/PGDM programs in Symbiosis institutes. A PG Diploma in Bakery and Patisserie is a vocational/skill-based course , not an MBA. Admission usually depends on 10+2 marks, graduation, or the institute’s own entrance/interview .

Hope it helps !

With a 70 percent in CAT Examination, you can go for various B-Schools or private collages. The S. K. Patel Institute of Management in Gandhinagar is an option for those who score 70-80 percent in their CAT examination or The Gujarat Institute of Management (GIM) in Goa with a cutoff of 60-80 percentage. These are the collages you can look for in Gujarat or nearby.

Collage in other regions: BA Colleges Accepting 70-80 Percentile in CAT 2025

Thank You.

Top MBA colleges based on CAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT scores include some of India’s best institutions. For CAT, the IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta) and FMS Delhi are highly regarded. XAT results in prestigious colleges like XLRI Jamshedpur and XIMB. SNAP is known for Symbiosis Institutes, such as SIBM Pune and SCMHRD. NMAT scores open doors to NMIMS Mumbai, SPJIMR Mumbai, and ISB Hyderabad. Each exam has unique eligibility requirements, and their cutoffs vary, so it's important to research the specific criteria and select based on your preferences and strengths.