Difference SNAP VS CAT 2024
SNAP:
SNAP is an online test conducted by Symbiosis International University in India, exclusively for admission to its different MBA programs. This test evaluates a candidate on General English, Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, and Analytical & Logical Reasoning. This test normally consists of multiple-choice-type questions. It tests a candidate's aptitude and preparedness for business management studies. SNAP is one of the intrinsic phases of the selection process of many Symbiosis institutes and forms a vital decision factor in admissions to all its postgraduate management courses.
CAT:
The CAT is one of the toughest entrance examinations that enable admission to the best business schools in India for management and other related courses. It is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management, commonly known as IIMs, and other participating institutions. CAT tests a candidate on Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning. The CAT examination includes objective-type and short answer-type questions, designed to assess a candidate's analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. High marks in CAT would be an important requirement for entry into all the prestigious business schools in India.
| Particulars |
CAT |
SNAP |
|
Purpose and Institutions
|
Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis, CAT is the gateway to a huge array of management programs at the IIMs and some other management schools in India. |
Conducted by Symbiosis International, this SNAP is primarily used for admission to various management programs offered by the Symbiosis group of institutes. |
|
Exam Pattern and Structure
|
- 60 Minutes
- 66 Questions
- Sections such as erbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
- Each question carries 3mark with negative marking for incorrect answers
|
- 60 Minutes
- 60 Questions
- Section Includes General English, Quantitative Ability, and Analytical & Logical Reasoning.
- Each question carries 1 mark with a negative marking for incorrect answers
|
| Difficulty Level |
high |
Moderate |
| Syllabus and Focus |
Covers a broader and more in-depth syllabus, including complex data interpretation and advanced quantitative problems. It also tests analytical abilities extensively. |
Focuses on general aptitude, emphasizing English language skills, basic quantitative ability, and logical reasoning.
|
| Frequency and Availability |
Once a year in November |
Once a year in December
|
|
Application Process
|
Students have to apply separately to each Symbiosis institute of their choice CAT score is used for admissions |
Students have to apply separately to each Symbiosis institute of their choice SNAP score is used for admissions |
CAT VS SNAP Number of Applicants
The number of applicants for the CAT and SNAP can vary yearly, depending on various parameters like the popularity of an exam, the number of participating institutions, or some general trends in management education.
CAT
There are generally many more applications for the CAT than SNAP. In recent times, the number of CAT applicants has varied between 2 to 2.5 lakh (200,000 to 250,000) per year. This high number is because CAT is widely accepted by most of the prestigious management institutions, including all IIMs and most of the other top business schools in the country. Its wide reach, coupled with the number of participating institutions, makes it a popular choice among MBA aspirants.
SNAP
NAP typically sees a smaller number of applicants than CAT. The number of applicants for SNAP stays between 50,000 to 70,000 annually. SNAP is only for admissions to the Symbiosis group of institutes. But again, though Symbiosis is a very good network of business schools, it does not have the same level of nationwide reach compared to CAT; this explains the lower number of applicants
Summary:
- CAT: 2 - 2.5L
- SNAP: 50,000 - 70,000
SNAP VS CAT Syllabus
| SNAP |
CAT |
|
1. General English
- Reading Comprehension
- Verbal Ability
- Antonyms and Synonyms
- Sentence Completion and Jumbled Sentences
|
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Reading Comprehension
- Verbal Ability
- Para Jumbles
- Sentence Completion
- Fill in the Blanks
|
|
2. Quantitative Ability
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Data Interpretation
|
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Data Interpretation
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Sufficiency
|
|
3. Analytical & Logical Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Sufficiency
- Critical Reasoning
|
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Number Systems
- Modern Mathematics
|
|
4. General Awareness
- Current Affairs
- General Knowledge
- Business Awareness
|
|
SNAP VS CAT Exam Pattern
| Particulars |
SNAP |
CAT |
| Duration |
60 minutes for all sections combined |
20 minutes, with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes per section |
| Sections and Number of Questions |
4 sections with a total of 95 questions |
3 sections with a total of 66 questions |
| Sectional Time Limit |
No sectional time limits |
40 minutes per section |
| Types of Questions |
Primarily MCQs with a focus on general knowledge and current affairs in addition to core aptitude sections |
A mix of MCQs and non-MCQs, with a focus on analytical and reasoning skills as well as an in-depth understanding of quantitative concepts. |
CAT VS SNAP Marking Scheme
The marking schemes of the CAT and SNAP are different, which proves the different approaches of the two exams. Here's a detailed comparison.
CAT
- Correct Answer: +3 marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 mark (negative marking)
- Unattempted Questions: No marks are awarded or deducted for unattempted questions.
SNAP
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Incorrect Answer: -0.25 mark (negative marking)
- Unattempted Questions: No marks are awarded or deducted for unattempted questions.
Key difference
| Particulars |
CAT |
SNAP |
| Marks for Correct Answers |
+3 marks per correct answer |
+1 mark per correct answer |
| Negative Marking |
-1 mark for each incorrect answer |
-0.25 mark for each incorrect answer |
| Unattempted Questions |
In both exams, there is no penalty or reward for questions that are left unattempted |
SNAP Preparation 2024
Preparation for SNAP 2024 requires a well-structured approach. It is important to understand the testing pattern and syllabus for the same. All the information concerning the above can be easily availed from the official website of SNAP.
After knowing the contents broadly, plan out a study plan that explains how much time a candidate will spend on each section. Mock tests and previous year's papers help in getting used to the test format and in building up time management skills. Now, focus is required on individual sections. Vocabulary building, grammar, and reading comprehension are to be worked out with the General English section. For the section on Analytical & Logical Reasoning, one can practice different types of logic puzzles and reasoning problems for developing problem-solving skills. One should concentrate on mathematical concepts and have a lot of practice in data interpretation in the Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency section.
also read : CMAT EXAM PATTERN 2025
Preparation guide
SNAP requires a structured preparation strategy with focused efforts to ace the SNAP 2024, Symbiosis National Aptitude Test. Here is a detailed guide to help you effectively.
1. Make a Study Plan
Evaluation:
- First, mark your current strengths and weaknesses in each section.
Time Management:
- Allot specific time blocks for each subject every day.
- More time is to be given to weaker subjects, but all subjects have to be covered.
Weekly Goals:
- Set achievable targets for the week and check on your progress.
Revision:
- Regularly revise topics to reinforce your understanding and retention.
2. Study Materials
Books:
- English Language: "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis, "High School English Grammar & Composition" by Wren & Martin.
- General Awareness: "Manorama Yearbook" or "Lucent's General Knowledge."
- Quantitative Aptitude: "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Agarwal.
- Analytical & Logical Reasoning: "A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Agarwal.
Online Resources:
- Educational websites and apps with practice tests and quizzes.
- Online courses or YouTube channels for extra explanation and tips.
3. Practice Regularly
Mock Tests:
- Attend full-length mock tests in a timewise fashion to simulate the actual examination hall.
- Bring out your performance from mock tests and work on your weaknesses.
4. Stay current.
Current Affairs:
- Read newspapers, follow credible sources of news, or subscribe to current affairs applications.
- Focus on key events and developments in various fields.
Study Groups:
- Form or join study groups to bounce off doubts, source out resources, and keep each other motivated.
5. Health
Routine:
- Stay active. Exercise will not only keep you vigorously energetic and focused but also relaxed and focused for your revisions.
Stress Management:
- Remember to practice relaxation, meditation, or simple deep breathing exercises to soothe your mind and body.
- Stay positive, handle the stress, and be healthy in mind.
6. Final Preparations
Revision:
- Revise important concepts weeks before the exam and practice the test.
- Revise the major formulae, shortcuts, and strategies of each section.
Exam Strategy:
- Develop a strategy for the attempted questions in the exam. Attend questions you are confident about first and use time wisely.
Conclusion
Though both SNAP and CAT are entrance examinations to the management programs in India, the former caters to different institutions that have different characteristics. The CAT is highly known for its tough valuation process is majorly associated with the prestigious IIMs, and other top business schools, and emphasizes a broad spectrum of quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills. On the other hand, SNAP is meant to be conducted only for Symbiosis International University and its constituent campuses; however, it tests the same skills through a different format and structure. Therefore, while choosing between SNAP and CAT, students should keep their target institutions and preferred test formats in mind along with the strategies they are going to adapt for preparation.
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FAQ
- Is SNAP tougher than CAT Quora?
Ans) SNAP is considered relatively easier
- What are the advantages of the SNAP exam?
Ans) an imperative National Level MBA Entrance test and MBA affirmation in 15 Symbiosis MBA universities tolerating SNAP score.
- Is CAT easier to crack?
Ans) It is not easy to score high percentile in CAT, but it can be achieved through dedicated and well-structured preparation.
