Is SNAP Tougher Than CAT Exam? - Know Differences and Similarities
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Is SNAP is easier than CAT? Yes, but has its own challenges. Preparation for CAT and SNAP has to run in parallel as they are conducted a week apart. Know the differences and similarities between SNAP and CAT to judge which of the two exams is tougher.
SNAP vs CAT - Detailed Comparison
Yes, SNAP is easier than CAT, but it has its own challenges. If you have not prepared for it well enough, you will end up in a sticky situation. Even though the syllabus of both exams is same, you cannot rely on CAT preparation for cracking SNAP exam. You will have to prepare for it separately.
SNAP and CAT serve different purpose. So, applicants category is also different. While CAT score is accepted by IIMs and over 1300 MBA colleges in India; SNAP is accepted by only SIU institutes. While the number of CAT applicants is nearly 2.9 lakh, SNAP applicantion numbers reach up to 1.25 lakh. Thus, SNAP applicants have to be far more focused. CAT applicants have a wider range of option, but SNAP applicants don’t. Most of MBA aspirants register for both exams.
The difficulty level of SNAP is much lower than CAT. SNAP is easier than CAT also because it is more student friendly also. Candidates are allowed three attempts in the same SNAP exam session. However, SNAP is a 60 minute exam wherein candidates have to address 60 questions. There lies the challenge.
- SNAP vs CAT: Which One to Choose?
- SNAP vs CAT
- SNAP VS CAT: Syllabus
- CAT vs SNAP: Exam Pattern
- SNAP vs CAT: Marking Scheme
- SNAP Preparation 2026
- SNAP Mock Test Papers
- CAT Preparation 2026
- Admission Process Through CAT
- Admission Process Through SNAP
- Colleges Accepting CAT Score
- Colleges Accepting SNAP Score
SNAP vs CAT: Which One to Choose?
By appearing for CAT one can be assured that they will be able to pursue MBA in the same session, if not from a top institute then from a Tier-2 college at least. However, if one appears for SNAP only and fails to meet the cut off requirement of the SIU institutes they stand to lose an entire year because SNAP score is accepted by only SIU institutes. Thus, if any MBA aspirant is planning to appear for SNAP 2026 they must also appear for CAT 2026.
SNAP vs CAT
To plan CAT and SNAP preparation simultaneously, you must know the key differences. Given below is the table indicating key differences and similarities between CAT and SNAP.
| Details |
SNAP Exam |
CAT Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Full form |
Symbiosis National Aptitude Test |
Common Admission Test |
| Conducting Body |
Indian Institute of Management (on rotational basis) |
|
| Eligibility |
The candidate must have completed Graduation with minimum 50% aggregate (45 % for SC/ST/PwD candidates) |
The candidate must have completed Graduation with minimum 50% aggregate (45 % for SC/ST/PwD candidates) |
| Sections |
3 |
3 |
| Exam mode |
Online |
Online |
| Exam Duration |
60 minutes |
120 minutes |
| Difficulty level |
Moderate to Difficult |
Difficult |
| Exam Fee |
INR 2,550 for all candidates + INR 1000 (per SIU institute) |
INR 2,700 for General and OBC candidates and INR 1,350 for Reserved category candidates |
| Registration Process |
Online |
Online |
SNAP VS CAT: Syllabus
The syllabus of both CAT and SNAP is more or less the same having Quant, Verbal Ability and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning topics. However, SNAP questions are much easier than CAT questions. There is no RC passages in SNAP, and the questions are straightforward. Given below are the subjects one needs to study for SNAP and CAT.
| Sections |
SNAP Syllabus |
CAT Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
| English |
Verbal Ability, Grammar, Idioms, Synonyms-Antonyms, Word Meaning, Fill in the Blanks, Odd Sentence Out |
Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Parajumbles, Para Completion, Odd Sentence Out |
| Quantitative Ability |
Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Number System |
Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Number System |
| Data Interpretation |
Pie Chart, Graphs, Tables, Venn Diagrams |
Pie Chart, Graphs, Tables, Venn Diagrams |
| Analytical and Logical Reasoning |
Blood Relations, Alphanumeric Series, Odd One Out, Input-Output, Statement and Assumptions, Calendars, Cause and Effect, Coding-Decoding, Statement and Conclusions, Pattern Series and Sequences, Syllogism and Seating Arrangements |
Blood Relations, Alphanumeric Series, Odd One Out, Input-Output, Statement and Assumptions, Calendars, Cause and Effect, Coding-Decoding, Statement and Conclusions, Pattern Series and Sequences, Syllogism and Seating Arrangements |
Check: SNAP syllabus 2026
Check: CAT syllabus 2026
CAT vs SNAP: Exam Pattern
The time duration of CAT exam is more and the number of questions is less than SNAP. However, what makes CAT tougher is the sectional time-limit.
In CAT, the candidate is supposed to complete each section within 40 minutes. As soon as the 40 minutes gets over, the candidate is directed to the next section. Also, in CAT, candidates are bound to solve the question paper in the given sequence.
Given the time limit, one would wonder is SNAP exam tough to crack? No, because SNAP is flexible. In SNAP, there is no sectional time-limit and the candidates can choose the sequence of questions to solve as per their choice. However, lack of sectional time limit in SNAP may prove detrimental, if you do not keep a tab on it.
| Details |
SNAP Exam |
CAT Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Questions |
60 |
68 |
| Total Marks |
60 |
204 |
| Negative Marking |
Yes |
Yes |
| Types of Questions |
MCQs |
MCQs and non-MCQs |
| Number of choices in MCQs |
4 |
4 |
| Sectional Time limit |
No |
Yes (40 minutes per section) |
Check: SNAP Exam Pattern 2026
Check: CAT Exam Pattern 2026
SNAP vs CAT: Marking Scheme
There is negative marking in both CAT and SNAP, which makes them both tricky. It is crucial to choose questions which you can answer with 100 per cent accuracy and leave out the ones you are not sure of. Wrong choice of question adversely impacts the score in both CAT and SNAP.
| SNAP Marking Scheme |
CAT Marking Scheme |
|---|---|
| +1 for correct answer |
+3 marks for correct answer |
| -1/4 marks for incorrect answer |
-1 mark for incorrect answer |
Check: SNAP Exam Analysis
Check: CAT Exam Analysis
SNAP Preparation 2026
SNAP question paper is divided into three sections. Let’s look at each of them section wise:
General English: This section of SNAP consists of grammar, vocabulary and verbal ability. As per past years trends, this section of SNAP exam is usually of easiest of the three. The verbal ability section typically contains questions from grammar and word-power. Just stick to basics and practice mock tests for RC passages.
Also Read: How to ace in General English section of SNAP
Quantitative Ability: This section of SNAP exam includes three subjects – quantitative ability, data interpretation and data sufficiency. To score well in this section, just focus on basic Maths – geometry, mensuration and algebra.
Also Read: How to crack QA, DI-DS section of SNAP
Analytical and Logical Reasoning: In this section of SNAP, candidates will be asked questions from puzzles, number, series coding and decoding, blood relations, non-verbal reasoning, etc. Focus on choosing the right questions and solving it faster.
Also Read:
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SNAP Mock Test Papers
Check out SNAP mock test papers by Shiksha for free download. Practice these PDFs to perform well in SNAP 2026.
| SNAP Mock Test 1 | SNAP Mock Test 3 |
| SNAP Mock Test 2 | SNAP Mock Test 4 |
CAT Preparation 2026
The CAT question paper is divided into three sections. Let’s look at each of them section-wise:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: This section of CAT exam consists of RC passages and General English - fill in the blanks, parajumbles, missing word, one-word substitution and generic grammar. This is the first section the CAT question paper hence opportunity to perform well is immense.
Also Read: CAT Preparation Plan for Verbal Ability
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: This section includes questions from number series, puzzles, blood-relations, tables, graphs, caselets, etc. This section, generally turns out to be the toughest in the exam each year. The key to crack DILR section is practicing mock questions. The more puzzles you’ll solve, the better you’ll get.
Also Read: CAT Preparation Plan for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude: This section of CAT exam is usually moderate to difficult. Most of the questions are asked from mensuration, algebra and geometry. Since this section is the last section of the paper and calculation heavy, the key here is to not only know all the formula and concepts but also to build stamina to last two hours.
Also Read:
- CAT Preparation Plan for Quantitative Aptitude
- How to Prepare for CAT 2026
- Best Books for CAT 2026 preparation
CAT Mock Test by Shiksha
Take free CAT Mock Test by Shiksha to analyse you preparation level and progress viz. CAT syllabus.
| CAT Mock Test 1 | CAT Mock Test 2 |
Commonly asked questions
CAT exam is held in about 170 cities across India. Candidates can choose up to six cities as their preferred test location. The list of test cities for CAT is available in application form. Candidates should choose the test city carefully as the request to change the test city later may or may not be accepted due to non-availability of seats at the centres in that particular city. Given below are the cities where CAT exam is usually held.
India's premiere b-schools accept CAT for MBA admissions. More than 2.5 lakh candidates fighting for limited seats at these institutes make the exam tough to crack.
The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT is the third and the last section of the question paper. It has 22 questions and the total marks is 66. This section of the CAT exam is usually dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra. Most of the questions out of 22 are asked from these two topics. There are about 7-9 Algebra questions and 7-9 Arithmetic questions (the exact number varied for all three slots). Apart from these two topics, there are questions from Mensuration Modern Math and Number System in the Quantitative Aptitude section CAT. Some of the important sub topics in this section include: Arithmetic topics: Ratio and Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss Mixtures and Allegations Averages, Percentages, Mean Median Mode, Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance Algebra topics: Basics Algebraic Formulae, Number of integer solutions, Quadratic Equations, Finding out roots, Maxima and Minimal, Higher Degree Equations, Linear Equations, Problems on ages, Descartes Rule of Signs, Inequalities, Logarithm, Functions, Modifications of Graphs, The smallest Value in a Maximum Function Number System topics: Finding Out Last Two Digits, Number of Trailing Zeroes, Finding out Remainders based on, Basic Divisibility Rules, Binomial Theorem, Simplifying the Dividend (Single and/or Multiple Divisors), Basics of Numbers, Properties of Numbers, Divisibility Rules, Divisibility and Factors, the highest Common Factor and the lowest Common Multiple, Finding Out the Last Digit, Fermat's Theorem, Euler's Theorem, Pattern Recognition and Cyclicity of Remainders, Wilson's Theorem, Base Systems, Conversion of Bases, Addition/Subtraction/ Multiplication in different bases Geometry Topics: Lines and Angles, Triangles Basic Concepts, Area, Angles, Similar Triangles Polygons, Circles, Solids / Mensuration 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry Modern Math topics: Sequence and Series Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Permutation and Combination, Probability.
CAT exam conducted only once a year in the month of November. It is conducted in three shifts on a single day.
Admission Process Through CAT
The IIMs and other top ranked MBA colleges in India select candidates for admission on the basis of CAT score. The selection criteria includes Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). Some of the institutes conduct group discussions instead of written ability test. The selection of candidates for admission round is based on CAT cut offs and final admission list is prepared on the basis of the candidate’s performance on several criteria. Given below is the table indicating parameters taken into consideration for admission to MBA programmes offered by IIMs through CAT:
| IIM Selection Parameters |
|
|---|---|
| CAT score |
Class10 and 12 marks |
| WAT |
Graduation marks |
| PI |
Weighted Work Experience |
Also Read:
IIM Admission Criteria and Selection Process
Admission Process Through SNAP
Admission process of SIU constituent institutes for MBA/PGDM courses includes Group Exercise (GE), Writing Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). The GE-WAT-PI round is conducted by each constituent institute individually. Selection of candidates is based on SNAP cut offs. However, the parameters of final selection is common for all of them. Given below is the table indicating parameters taken into consideration for admission to MBA/PGDM programmes of SIU:
| IIM Selection Parameters |
|
|---|---|
| SNAP exam score |
WAT |
| GE |
PI |
Also Read: How to Prepare for SNAP GE-WAT-PI
Commonly asked questions
The total number of questions in the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section of CAT exam is 22 (as per CAT 2024 question paper). Earlier, the number of DILR questions was 20.
There is equal number of question distribution between Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, which means both sections have 11 questions each. The total marks for DILR is 66. The questions on Data Interpretation as based on Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, whereas Logical Reasoning questions are based on Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Caselets and Syllogism. This section of the CAT is usually moderate in terms of difficulty level and about 12-14 correct attempts are good enough to score high marks. Some of the other important topics include Series, Proposition, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Assumptions, Clocks and Calendars, Statements, Binary Logic, Data Structures, Data Sufficiency and Data Arrangement. To score high in this section, candidates must practice a good number of practice tests and sectional mock tests. The better you learn to interpret given data and apply reasoning to a given situation, the better you get at solving related questions.
FIB is not important for CAT VARC as no direct questions are asked. However, it plays a role in VARC preparation and practice.
Colleges Accepting CAT Score
The CAT exam score is accepted by all IIMs and top B-Schools including SPJIMR-Mumbai, MDI-Gurgaon, IMT-Ghaziabad, FMS-Delhi and over 1,300 B-schools in India.
Commonly asked questions
Algebra is an important part of CAT Quant section. OF 7-8 Algebra based questions, 1-2 questions are directly based on Quadratic Equation.
Yes, Mensuration is an important topic for CAT Quantitative Aptitude. If forms a good chunk of Geometry questions.
Yes, Venn diagrams are very important for the CAT exam, especially for DILR and Set Theory in Quant. It helps solve overlapping data sets, and save time in exam.
IBS conducts IBSAT exam in remote proctired mode. In this mode of examination, exam can be taken from preferrable place. Students must make sure to fulfil the exam day guidelines to appear for online test.
Colleges Accepting SNAP Score
The SNAP exam score is accepted by all the constituent institutes of Symbiosis International (Deemed) University.
Check: List of Colleges Accepting SNAP score for Admission
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Commonly asked questions
SNAP exam is held in Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Aligarh, Ambala, Amravati, Amritsar, Anand, Asansol, Aurangabad, Bareilly, Belagavi (Belgaum), Bengaluru, Bhilai, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh), Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Cuttack, Dehradun, Dhanbad, Dibrugarh, Ernakulam, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Guntur, Guwahati, Gwalior, Hooghly, Howrah, Hubballi (Hubli), Hyderabad, Indore, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jammu, Jamshedpur, Jodhpur, Kakinada, Kanpur, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Kotak, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Kurnool, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangaluru (Bangalore), Meerut, Mohali, Moradabad, Mumbai, Mysuru, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi - Gurugram, Navi Mumbai, Noida, Palghar, Panaji, Patiala, Patna, Prayagraj, Pune, Raipur, Rajkot, Ranchi, Roorkee, Rourkela, Shillong, Siliguri, Surat, Thane, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Udaipur, Vadodara, Varanasi, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.
There is no passing mark in SNAP. Candidates scoring more than 0 in the exam are eligible for WAT-PI round of SIU institutes. However, shortlisting of candidates are based on SNAP cut offs, which are between 50 to 99 percentile across the 16 SIU institutes. For example, SIBM Pune cut off for PI shortlisting in 98+ percentile, while SSSS Pune cut off is 55 percentile.
Yes, SNAP can be considered easier than all other MBA entrance exams but one needs to still prepare for it with complete dedication. The SNAP may be considered easier as it is a 60-minute exam and the number of questions is also 60. The English section does not have RC passages and QA-DI are easy. Moreover, one can attempt it thrice in the same academic session and use the best score of all attempts to seek admission.
SNAP is usually not conducted in multiple shots. But in 2025, each of the 3 SNAP sessions had 2 slots.
Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8
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