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SNAP vs CAT: Is SNAP Easier Than CAT? Know The Differences

Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

September 19, 2024

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Overview: Is SNAP easier than CAT? Although both entrance exams provide a gateway to prestigious MBA institutes, it is important to look for the features that make them different. Read on to know more about SNAP vs CAT here!

  • While looking for the top MBA entrance exams in India, students always get confused between SNAP vs CAT as they share the same syllabus and standards for candidate selection.
  • On one side, CAT opens the door for more than 1000 B-schools, while SNAP is the gateway to SNAP SIU constituent institutes in India.

Read the complete details here to clear your doubts about CAT vs SNAP!


Also Read | Key Differences Between CAT and CMAT Exam

Is SNAP Tougher Than CAT?

When pursuing an MBA, many individuals opt to take entrance exams such as CAT and SNAP in India. While CAT, or Common Admission Test, provides access to a wide range of MBA colleges, SNAP or Symbiosis National Aptitude Test, is specifically geared towards securing admission to SIU institutes that offer specialised MBA programs. 

Although both exams cover similar topics, SNAP is generally more approachable than CAT. This is because SNAP allows candidates to attempt the exam three times in one session, ultimately selecting the best score for admissions. 

On the other hand, while CAT has made efforts to be more student-friendly in recent years, it is still perceived as a more challenging exam than SNAP.

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Is SNAP Easier Than CAT: The Major Differences 

Choosing SNAP vs CAT is always a juggling situation among MBA aspirants. While registering for either the CAT exam 2024 or the SNAP exam 2024, you should know the key differences between the two. 

Here are the key differential features that will help you easily understand the CAT vs SNAP:

Important Features  SNAP 2024 CAT 2024
Examination Full Form Symbiosis National Aptitude Test Common Admission Test (CAT)
Conducting Body Institute of Symbiosis International (Deemed University) Indian Institute of Management (IIMs)
Exam frequency Thrice a year Once a year
Exam Sections General English
Analytical & Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Quantitative Ability (QA)
Sectional Timings  It has no sectional Time limit Each section in the CAT exam has a sectional time of 40 minutes.
Number of Questions  60   66
Exam Duration  1 hour  2 hours
Negative marking  -0.25 marks for each wrong answer -1 for MCQs questions and 0 for TITA questions 
Application fee INR 2250 per test SC/ST/PwD - INR-1250/-
GEN - INR 2500/-
Number of SNAP applications Over 1 Lakh as per SNAP 2023 3.28 lakh (in 2023)
Difficulty Level Easy- Moderate level  Moderate- Difficult Level

Also Read | Is CAT Compulsory for MBA Admissions? Explained in Detail

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 CAT Online Coaching

Also Read |CAT Exam Shift Timings

Is SNAP Easier Than CAT: Syllabus 

While looking for the better option between CAT vs SNAP, it is best to go through their entire syllabus. The SNAP exam syllabus and the CAT exam syllabus are somewhat similar, consisting of three major sections: Quant, Verbal Ability and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.

Here is what you need to study in these three sections of the CAT vs SNAP exams:

Exam Sections  SNAP Exam Syllabus  CAT Exam Syllabus
Verbal ability or English

Reading Comprehension

General grammar

Sentence Completion

Sentence Correction

Synonyms and Antonyms

One word substitution

Jumbled paragraphs

Contextual usage

Odd one out

Fill In the blanks

Idioms

Syllogisms

Vocabulary

Reading Comprehension

General grammar

Sentence Completion

Sentence Correction

Synonyms and Antonyms

One word substitution

Jumbled paragraphs

Contextual usage

Odd one out

Fill In the blanks

Idioms

Syllogisms

Vocabulary

Quantitative, Data Interpretation, & Data sufficiency

Number system

HCF and LCM Number base system

Work and time

pipes and Cisterns

Averages

GM

Percentages Compound Interest

Arithmetic Progression

Quadratic and Linear equations

Trigonometry Arithmetic Mean

Geometric

Progression

Permutations and Combinations

Menstruation Partnership

Ratio and proportion

Simple interest

Time

speed and distance

Profit and loss Venn diagram

Number system

HCF and LCM Number base system

Work and time

pipes and Cisterns

Averages

GM

Percentages Compound Interest

Arithmetic Progression

Quadratic and Linear equations

Trigonometry Arithmetic Mean

Geometric

Progression

Permutations and Combinations

Menstruation Partnership

Ratio and proportion

Simple interest

Time

speed and distance

Profit and loss Venn diagram

Analytical and Logical Reasoning

Arrangements

Analogies

Critical Reasoning

Coding and Decoding

Clock and Calendar

Sequence and series

Blood relations

Directions

Syllogisms

Puzzles

Arrangements

Analogies

Critical Reasoning

Coding and Decoding

Clock and Calendar

Sequence and series

Blood relations

Directions

Syllogisms

Puzzles

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 CAT Online Coaching

Also Read | CAT Exam 2024 Detailed Syllabus

Is SNAP Easier Than CAT: Exam Pattern 

Knowing the exam pattern makes it easier to understand and compare the SNAP vs. CAT difficulty level. Analysing the SNAP exam pattern and comparing it with the CAT exam pattern will help you prepare well in advance. 

The SNAP exam is easier than the CAT exam because the questions are more difficult. The CAT exam has a sectional time limit of 40 minutes, whereas the SNAP exam does not.

Additionally, the CAT exam is conducted in a regular pattern VARC>DILR>QA, and you can not switch between the sections. At the same time, SNAP provides you with the opportunity to choose the section that suits you.

Also Read | SNAP Exam for MBA

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Is SNAP easier than CAT? Here is the detailed SNAP vs CAT exam pattern:

Exam Sections  SNAP Exam Syllabus  CAT Exam Syllabus
Total Number of Questions  60  66
Types of Questions  Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) MCQs and TITA (Type in the answer) Questions
Total Marks  60  198
Sectional Time limit There is no sectional time limit  40 minutes is provided for each section
Negative marks  -0.25 marks for each wrong answer -1 for MCQs questions and 0 for TITA questions 
Difficulty Level  Easy to moderate  Moderate to difficult

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 CAT Online Coaching

Also Read | Check the Detailed CAT Marking Scheme 2024

Is SNAP Easier Than CAT: Marking Scheme

It's important to note that the marking schemes for the SNAP and CAT exams are different. In the SNAP exam, you get a +1 mark for each correct answer and -0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.

In the CAT exam, a correct answer earns you +3 marks, while an incorrect answer results in a deduction of -1 mark. Understanding these marking schemes is essential for devising an effective strategy when tackling questions in both exams.

Features  SNAP Marking Scheme  CAT Marking Scheme 
Total Number of Questions  60  66
Total Marks  60 198
Marks for Correct Answer +1 marks for every correct answer +3 marks for every correct answer
Negative Marking -0.25 marks for every incorrect answer -1 for every incorrect MCQ and no negative marking for TITA questions 

Also Read | CAT Previous Year Papers | Download All PDFs

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 CAT Online Coaching

Is SNAP Easier Than CAT: Cut-Off

When comparing the cutoffs for the SNAP and CAT exams 2024, notable differences reflect the varying levels of difficulty and competition.

For SNAP 2024, the expected cutoffs for top Symbiosis institutes like SIBM Pune and SCMHRD range around 94-98 percentile. Other institutes under Symbiosis have cutoffs ranging from 58 to 90 percentiles depending on the specific program and campus.

In contrast, the CAT exam, generally considered more challenging and competitive due to its wider acceptance among top Indian management institutions, shows higher cutoffs for IIMs and other prestigious institutes. For instance, the top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta typically have cutoffs in the 99 to 100 percentile range for general category students. 

Also Read | SNAP Exam tips and tricks

Download Free QA Sample Questions for CAT Exam

SNAP Vs CAT: Types of Questions

One notable difference between SNAP and CAT is the exam format. SNAP consists entirely of multiple-choice questions, while CAT 2024 includes multiple-choice and non-multiple-choice questions (TITA). Regarding question types, CAT has a higher proportion of non-MCQs (TITA) at 20%, while 80% of the questions are MCQs. Which exam is easier ultimately depends on individual strengths and preferences.

Is SNAP Harder Than CAT? Key Strategy to Attempt Questions

To do well on both the SNAP and the CAT exams, it's important to recognize that they are distinct tests requiring different approaches and preparation. The best way to prepare for both exams is to practise with CAT mock tests and the previous year's questions.

Download Free Geometry Practice Questions Part 1

Admission Process Through CAT 

Top MBA colleges in India, including the IIMs, use the CAT score as a major factor in selecting candidates. The selection process usually involves a Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI). While IIMs have WAT and PI, other B-schools typically have GD and PI. The final admission list is based on a candidate's performance across various criteria. The weightages for admission to MBA/PGP programs at IIMs are outlined in the table above.

Parameters for Selection in IIMs  Weightage
CAT Score 40%
Class 10 Marks 10%
Class 12 Marks 10%
Bachelor’s Degree Marks 20%
Work Experience 10%
Diversity Factor (Gender/Academic) 10%

Also Read | How to Start Preparation for CAT Exam 2024

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 CAT Online Coaching

Admission Process Through SNAP Exam

The admission process for MBA/PGDM courses at SIU constituent institutes includes a thorough evaluation through Group Exercise (GE), Writing Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI). Each institute conducts the GE-WAT-PI round separately, but the final selection criteria are the same. The table above shows the requirements and weights for admission to the SIU MBA/PGDM program.

Parameters for Selection Weightage
SNAP Score 50%
Group Exercise (GE) 10%
Writing Ability Test (WAT) 10%
Personal Interview (PI) 30%

Also Read | SNAP Exam Centres

Download Free Number Theory Practice Questions by Supergrads

List of Top Colleges Accepting SNAP vs CAT score

CAT, or the Common Admission Test score, is accepted by 1000+ B schools and reputed IIMs. Similarly, the SNAP score is accepted by all institutes affiliated with Symbiosis International (Deemed) University. 

Here is the list of the top institutes accepting the CAT and SNAP scores:

Management colleges Accepting CAT scores  Management Colleges Accepting SNAP Scores
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad  Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) Pune 
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore  Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD), Pune
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB) Pune 
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta  Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) Bengaluru
SPJIMR Mumbai Symbiosis Institute of Operations Management (SIOM) Nashik
Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Delhi Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies & Research (SICSR) Pune
Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad Symbiosis Institute of Telecom Management (SITM) Pune 

Note* The list above features the top B-schools in India. Many other management colleges also accept CAT and SNAP scores.

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 CAT Online Coaching

Also Read | CAT Exam Answer key

Conclusion 

When comparing SNAP vs CAT, it's evident that there are notable differences in the difficulty level, exam frequency, exam structure, and marking scheme. Is SNAP easier than CAT? While both exams cover similar topics, SNAP's approachability and flexibility make it a more accessible option for many MBA aspirants.

Also Read | CAT Exam For Commerce students

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SNAP harder than CAT?

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How many sections are there in CAT and SNAP?

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How is the marking scheme different in CAT and SNAP?

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Does IIM accept SNAP score?

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Is the syllabus for SNAP different from that for CAT?

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