SNAP vs CAT: Which is Tougher? - Know Differences and Similarities

SNAP vs CAT: Which is Tougher? - Know Differences and Similarities

Edited By Sundararajan | Updated on Dec 08, 2024 10:14 PM IST | #SNAP

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 tougher!.

This Story also Contains
  1. Key Differences Between CAT vs SNAP
  2. SNAP vs CAT Exam Pattern
  3. SNAP vs CAT Syllabus
  4. SNAP vs CAT: Selection Process
  5. Weightage for Final Merit List (in %)
  6. SNAP Selection Process
  7. Top Colleges Accepting CAT Score and SNAP score
SNAP vs CAT: Which is Tougher? - Know Differences and Similarities
SNAP vs CAT: Which is Tougher? - Know Differences and Similarities

SNAP vs CAT: Overview

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 recognized 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.

16 SIU-affiliated colleges in India accept SNAP 2024, whereas IIMs and many B-schools in India accept CAT 2024. 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 2024

SNAP 2024

Full form

Common Admission Test

Symbiosis National Aptitude Test

Conducting by

Indian Institute of Management (IIM)

Symbiosis International University (SIU)

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor 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 2,500 for General category
  • Rs 1,250 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

16 SIU-affiliated colleges in India

SNAP vs CAT Exam Pattern

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

66

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 examCAT 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 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) 2024 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 2024 College Predictor
Know your college admission chances in premium institutes like SIBM, SCMHRD, SIOM, SPJIMR, JBIMS Mumbai, KJ Somaiya, Welingkar Mumbai, etc based on your SNAP Score, Caste and Academic Profile.
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Weightage for Final Merit List (in %)

Parameters for Selection

Weightage

SNAP Score

50

Personal Interaction (PI)

30

Group Exercise (GE)

10

Writing Ability Test (WAT)

10

Top Colleges Accepting CAT Score and SNAP score

Here is the list of top colleges accepting CAT score and SNAP score, applicants can check it here:

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Questions related to SNAP

Have a question related to SNAP ?

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.

Hello Greetings

As a ward of defence, you may be eligible for a concession in the admission process at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS). However, the GD-PI call is based on various factors, including your SNAP percentile, academic performance, and work experience.


SNAP Percentile and GD-PI Call

A SNAP percentile of 62 is a decent score, but it may not guarantee a GD-PI call from SIMS. The institute typically shortlists candidates with higher percentiles, usually above 70-75.


Defence Quota

As a ward of defence, you may be eligible for a concession in the admission process. SIMS has a defence quota, which reserves a certain percentage of seats for wards of defence personnel. However, this quota is subject to certain conditions and eligibility criteria.


Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the defence quota, you'll need to meet the following conditions:


1. *Defence personnel*: Your parent/spouse should be a serving or retired defence personnel.

2. *Certificate*: You'll need to produce a certificate from the defence authorities, confirming your parent's/spouse's defence background.

3. *SNAP registration*: You should have registered for SNAP and applied to SIMS under the defence quota.


GD-PI Call

While your SNAP percentile of 62 may not guarantee a GD-PI call, your defence quota eligibility may improve your chances. SIMS may consider your application under the defence quota and shortlist you for the GD-PI process.


Next Steps

To increase your chances of getting a GD-PI call, make sure to:


1. *Apply under the defence quota*: Ensure that you've applied to SIMS under the defence quota and provided the required certificate.

2. *Meet the eligibility criteria*: Verify that you meet the eligibility criteria for the defence quota.

3. *Prepare for GD-PI*: Prepare for the GD-PI process by practicing your communication skills, staying updated on current events, and preparing your resume and SOP.


Keep in mind that the GD-PI call is subject to the institute's discretion, and meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee a call.

Have a great day

Hi Saijal,

Based on previous years' trends, SIBM Noida's SNAP cutoff typically falls between the 80th and 90th percentile.

With an 87.9 percentile, your score is within this range, making it likely that you'll receive a call for the next stages of the admission process, such as the Group Exercise (GE), Personal Interview (PI), and Written Ability Test (WAT).

However, please note that cutoff percentiles can vary each year based on factors like the overall performance of candidates and the number of applicants. Therefore, while your percentile is competitive, it's advisable to monitor official communications from SIBM Noida for confirmation and further instructions.

Additionally, performing well in the subsequent selection rounds is crucial for securing admission. The final merit list considers not only your SNAP score but also your performance in GE, PI, WAT, academic records, and other criteria.

For the most accurate and updated information, regularly check the official SIBM, or you can check out the given link for Cutoff trends of SIBM Noida.

Best wishes!

https://www.careers360.com/colleges/symbiosis-institute-of-business-management-noida/courses

Hi Ashmita,

Based on the available information, a SNAP score of 22.75 is approximately equivalent to a percentile between 60 and 70

This percentile range may qualify you for consideration at certain Symbiosis International (Deemed University) institutes, as some programs have cutoffs in this bracket.

Here’s a list of potential colleges under a SNAP score of 22.75 (approximately 60–70 percentile):

  1. Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences (SIHS), Pune

    • Focus: Healthcare Management
    • Expected Cutoff: Around 58th percentile
  2. Symbiosis School of Banking and Finance (SSBF), Pune

    • Focus: Banking and Finance
    • Expected Cutoff: Around 60th percentile
  3. Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Hyderabad

    • Focus: MBA with various specializations
    • Expected Cutoff: Around 58th percentile
  4. Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences (SSSS), Pune

    • Focus: Sports Management
    • Expected Cutoff: Around 55th percentile

These institutes are likely options for your SNAP score. For confirmation, refer to the official websites and stay updated on announcements regarding cutoffs and admissions.

You can check out the given link for knowing about the Cutoff of SNAP.

Best wishes!

https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/snap-2024

Hello Greetings

With a SNAP percentile of 53, your admission prospects to top Symbiosis Institutes might be challenging. The cutoff percentiles for renowned institutes like SIBM Pune and SCMHRD Pune are typically above 95


However, there are other Symbiosis Institutes that may consider your application. Here are a few options:


- *Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Bengaluru*: The expected cutoff percentile is around 90-91, with an expected SNAP score of 40-41

- *Symbiosis Institute of Digital and Telecom Management (SIDTM), Pune*: The expected cutoff percentile is around 80-81, with an expected SNAP score of 30-31 ¹.

- *Other Symbiosis Institutes*: There are 15 constituent institutes of Symbiosis International University that accept SNAP scores. You can explore these options and check their individual cutoff percentiles.


Keep in mind that meeting the cutoff percentile is not the sole criterion for admission. Your overall profile, including academic performance, work experience, and extracurricular activities, will also be evaluated during the selection process.

Have a great day

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