SNAP vs. NMAT: Which MBA Exam Should You Choose?
For a management aspirant in India, choosing the right MBA entrance exam is almost as important as choosing a good undergraduate college. Among the various options available the SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) and NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test) are the popular choices. Both are gates to prestigious business schools but have many distinct differences in terms of structure, content, and admission processes. Using an in-depth comparison of SNAP and NMAT, we will guide you on how to choose the best-suited exam for your academic and professional goals.
Overview of SNAP and NMAT
SNAP
SNAP is conducted by Symbiosis International University (SIU) and mainly offers admission to its 15 associate institutes. Some of these are renowned institutes such as SIBM Pune and SCMHRD. The exam attracts nearly 50,000 aspirants every year to its 2,257 seats in different programs
NMAT
The other one is the NMAT examination by the Graduate Management Admission Council or GMAC accepted by more than 20 B-Schools in India like NMIMS Mumbai, and Xavier School of Management, amongst others. The popularity of the NMAT examination has witnessed an unusual growth with about 88,000 candidates enrolling every year.
Exam Pattern and Design
SNAP Exam Pattern
- Time: 60 minutes
- No of Questions: 60
- Marking Scheme: Every question carries a score of 1 mark; there's a 25% negative marking for the wrong answer.
No. of Sections:
- General English
- Quantitative Ability
- Analytical & Logical Reasoning
- General Knowledge (25 questions focused on current affairs)
NMAT Exam Pattern
- Time: 120 minutes
- No of Questions: 108
- Marking Scheme: Every question carries a score of 3 marks; no negative marking.
No of Sections:
- Language Skills
- Quantitative Skills
- Logical Reasoning
Key Differences
| Feature’s |
SNAP |
NMAT |
| Duration |
60 minutes |
120 minutes |
| Total Questions |
60 |
108 |
| Negative Marking |
Yes (25% deduction) |
No |
| Sectional Time Limit |
NO |
Yes |
| Attempts Allowed |
One attempt only |
Up to three attempts |
Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of the two exams differs in numerous ways:
SNAP Difficulty
- SNAP is moderately difficult. However, it includes negative markings, and a candidate has to be highly careful in making guesses.
- The General Knowledge section is challenging as it contains a wide scope for study.
NMAT Difficulty
- NMAT is also of average difficulty but will allow the candidate to answer more strategically due to no negative marking.
- Candidates have a choice of order in which they want to attempt sections which may be beneficial if the candidates are strong in particular areas.
Syllabus Comparison
Although both tests cover broadly similar topics characterizing the MBA entrance tests, there are some differences:
Common Topics:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Logical Reasoning
- Verbal Ability
Unique Topics:
- SNAP: General Knowledge is specially dedicated.
- NMAT: Focuses on contextual usage and syllogisms that exemplify the language comprehension aspects.
Preparation Strategy for SNAP
Key Steps in Preparation
Formulating a Study Plan
- Prepare a systematic timetable and schedule specific hours for each section based on your evaluation.
- Study at least for 2-3 hours every day and time.
- Exercise with more rigor in the final days before the exam date.
Core Topics
- General English:
- Check your vocabulary by reading newspapers and books.
- Exercising grammar exercises and comprehension passages regularly.
- Numerical Ability:
- Brush up math basics w.r.t. problem-solving exercises using question papers from previous years.
- Focus areas: arithmetic, algebra, data interpretation
- Analytical & Logical Reasoning:
- Solving puzzles and logical reasoning will enhance your problem-solving skills.
- Use SNAP preparation-specific material
Practice Mock Tests
- Practice with frequent, fully timed practice tests under pressure conditions to simulate exam day experience.
- Check out your performance after each test and then keep improving on it.
- You'll need to attempt more than four mock tests before the real test.
Time Management
- As SNAP has no sectional time constraint, use your mock tests to practice effective time management.
- Allocations should be managed based on your comfort levels for each section of the test.
Revise
- Revise Important Concepts and Formulas Two weeks before the exam.
- Start revising important concepts and formulas while narrowing down the focus to high-weightage topics identified by your mock tests.
Current Affairs
- Use Apps or Websites Reading daily news and staying updated with current affairs through apps or websites will be more than enough for the General Knowledge section.
Preparation Strategy for NMAT
Key Steps to Prepare
Study Plan
- Create a study plan that can balance all three areas by accord to how hard an area is compared to your strengths and weaknesses.
Study Areas
- Language Skills:
- Read widely to strengthen its understanding and vocabulary.
- Do grammar practice and enhance the understanding of a given context while reading passages.
- Quantitative Skills:
- Focus on the gross subject including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.
- Use extensive NMAT-specific material for practicing.
- Logical Reasoning:
- Try logical reasoning questions in any of the types like syllogisms, arrangement, and analytical puzzles.
Conduct Regular Mock Testing
- Take sectional and full-length mock tests frequently to get used to the pattern and time distribution of the exam.
- Analyze your results deeply after every test to adjust your study plan accordingly.
Sectional Strategy
- Since in NMAT you are at liberty to choose the order of sections, plan what section you will attempt first based on your strengths.
- This will boost confidence and give you a good chance to score better.
Focus on Time Management
- Practice situational testing, according to all sections, to ensure that you cover all sections, as well as complete all sections without making any time to rush to get to all questions.
Revision of Important Concepts
- Dedicate one day a week for the revision of all the important formulas and concepts related to all the sections.
Keep Updated with Materials
- Use online resources or coaching material that provides updated study materials tailored especially for NMAT preparation.
SNAP or NMAT: Which Exam to Choose?
When you have to choose between SNAP and NMAT, you should consider the following aspects:
Targeted Institutions:
- You may opt for SNAP if the targeting institution is an SIU-affiliated colleges.
- You must opt for NMAT in case the targeting institution is NMIMS or any other affiliated school managed by GMAC.
Exam Format Preference
- If you would like a shorter exam with instant results but with negative markings, you might want to opt for SNAP.
- If you would like a longer format that does not use negative marking while giving freedom to answer sections, then you should opt for NMAT.
FAQ
Q1: Which one is easier, SNAP or NMAT?
It is subjective as each one differs; NMAT is considered to be easier since there is no negative marking and more questions can be attempted without penalty.
Q2: How many attempts are permitted for each test?
You are allowed once to take the SNAP exam, whereas in NMAT three attempts are allowed within the testing window.
Q3: What are the approximate cutoffs for each test?
For SNAP cutoffs usually range between 68-70 out of 150, whereas for NMAT cutoffs vary roughly around 150-200 out of 360 depending on the college.
Q4: Are there specific preparations for General Knowledge in SNAP?
Yes, candidates need to keep themselves updated with current affairs and general awareness as it constitutes a large part of the exam.
Q5: Can I prepare for both simultaneously?
The reason is that both the exams have almost similar syllabi except for certain sections like General Knowledge in SNAP. So parallel preparation is possible.
Q6: What are some good resources for preparing for these exams?
Online test papers, preparation books tailored for the syllabus of either of the exams and coaching classes that concentrate exclusively on preparation for the entrance tests for the MBA.
Q7: How crucial are GD/PI rounds post-written exams?
They are significant as they powerfully influence the final admissions; good performance in the rounds may boost your admission even if your written score is a little lower than the cutoff.
Q8: Are there any age limits or eligibility criteria for these exams?
Generally, no strict age limits; however, the candidate must have completed their undergraduate degree or be in their final year of study.
