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SNAP vs CAT: A Comparative Guide for MBA Aspirants
If you're aiming for an MBA in India, two of the most prominent entrance exams you'll come across are CAT (Common Admission Test) and SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test). While both lead to reputable B-Schools, they differ significantly in structure, difficulty, and purpose. Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right path.
Overview
| Feature | CAT | SNAP |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) | Symbiosis International (Deemed) University |
| Frequency | Once a year (usually in November) | Three attempts in one year (Dec-Jan) |
| Mode | Computer-based | Computer-based |
| Eligibility | Graduation with min. 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwD) | Same as CAT |
| Validity | 1 year | 1 year |
Target Institutes
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CAT: Required for admission into IIMs and over 1,200+ B-Schools including FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IMT, etc.
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SNAP: Specifically for Symbiosis institutes like SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, SIIB, etc.
Exam Pattern
CAT Pattern (2024)
| Section | Duration | No. of Questions | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) | 40 mins | ~24 | MCQ & TITA |
| DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) | 40 mins | ~20 | MCQ & TITA |
| QA (Quantitative Aptitude) | 40 mins | ~22 | MCQ & TITA |
| Total | 120 mins | ~66 | Mixed |
- Marking Scheme: +3 for correct, -1 for wrong (MCQs only)
SNAP Pattern (2024)
| Section | Duration | No. of Questions | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| General English | - | 15 | MCQ |
| Analytical & Logical Reasoning | - | 25 | MCQ |
| Quant, DI, and Data Sufficiency | - | 20 | MCQ |
| Total | 60 mins | 60 | MCQ |
- Marking Scheme: +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong
Difficulty Level
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CAT: Considered one of the toughest MBA entrance exams in India. It tests deep analytical skills and time management.
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SNAP: Moderate difficulty. It's more speed-based and requires quick thinking and smart strategy.
Time Management
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CAT: Time-bound sections (40 mins each). Switching sections is not allowed.
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SNAP: One-hour duration for the entire paper. You can switch freely between sections.
Strategy Differences
| Criteria | CAT | SNAP |
|---|---|---|
| Speed vs. Accuracy | Focus on accuracy and depth | Focus on speed and smart guesses |
| Preparation Time | 6–12 months (avg) | 3–6 months (avg) |
| Mock Tests | Heavy reliance on mocks & analysis | More mocks for speed and decision-making |
Admission Process
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CAT:
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Percentile-based shortlisting
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Followed by WAT, GD-PI (varies by institute)
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SNAP:
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Raw score considered (no normalization)
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Shortlisting by individual Symbiosis institutes
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Followed by GE-PI-WAT
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Which One Should You Choose?
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Choose CAT if:
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You're aiming for top-tier IIMs or elite B-schools like FMS, MDI, IITs.
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You’re good at handling complex logic, reading comprehension, and math-heavy sections.
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Choose SNAP if:
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You prefer speed-based exams.
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You're targeting Symbiosis institutes, which are among the best private B-schools.
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You're giving multiple exams and want a solid backup.
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Final Thoughts
Both CAT and SNAP have their place in the MBA landscape. While CAT opens doors to a broader range of institutes with global recognition, SNAP offers focused access to the highly reputed Symbiosis colleges.
Smart aspirants often appear for both, using SNAP as a strategic backup to CAT. The key lies in understanding the exam patterns, aligning with your strengths, and preparing accordingly.
