Is SNAP Tougher Than CAT Exam? - Know Differences and Similarities
SNAP is easier than CAT, 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.
'Is SNAP easier than CAT?'. Yes, SNAP is much easier than CAT, but it has it own challenges. You cannot rely on CAT preparation only to crack SNAP exam. There are a lot of similarities between CAT and SNAP, but they are very different in several aspects.
For an MBA aspirant, it is tough to prepare for multiple entrance exams and score high in all of them. Some candidates have aptitude for certain type of tests whereas some have the aptitude for other types of test. The dilemma of CAT vs SNAP is fair and natural because both are top MBA exams and gateway to some of the top MBA colleges in India. What makes one tilt more towards CAT is that it is accepted by IIMs, top B-schools and over 1300 MBA colleges in India. SNAP on the other hand is accepted by only 16 SIU colleges. However, what makes SNAP popular is that it is easier than CAT and SIU constituent institutes offer some of the most popular as well as niche MBA programmes. So, in the debate on CAT vs SNAP, one should choose an exam that leads them to their desired B-School.
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In this article, we have shared all about SNAP and CAT such as syllabus, pattern, marking scheme and exam preparation to help you know the differences and similarities between the two. This will help in deciding whether SNAP is tougher than CAT or not.
- SNAP VS CAT: Which is Easier?
- SNAP vs SNAP: Which One to Choose?
- Difference Between SNAP and CAT
- SNAP VS CAT: Syllabus
- SNAP VS CAT: Exam Pattern
- SNAP vs CAT: Marking Scheme
- SNAP Preparation 2025
- CAT Preparation 2025
- Admission Process Through CAT
- Admission Process Through SNAP
- Colleges Accepting CAT Score
- Colleges Accepting SNAP Score
- CAT vs SNAP FAQs
SNAP VS CAT: Which is Easier?
The difficulty level of SNAP is much lower than CAT despite having same syllabus and parameters for candidate selection. CAT is a higher difficulty level exam. SNAP is easier than CAT also because it is more student friendly also.
In SNAP, candidates are allowed three attempts in the same session and candidate can choose to appear in a session of their choice. Even though, CAT in the past two year, has made efforts to become a more student friendly exam (with reduction in the total number of questions, lowering of the difficulty level of Quantitative Aptitude, etc.), it is still more difficult than SNAP.
SNAP vs SNAP: 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 2025 you must also appear for CAT 2025.
Difference Between SNAP and CAT
To choose between CAT and SNAP, you must know the key points about both. Given below is the table indicating key differences and similarities between CAT and SNAP.
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| 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 2,250 for all candidates + INR 1000 (per SIU institute) |
INR 2,500 for General and OBC candidates and INR 1,250 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.
| Setions |
SNAP Syllabus |
CAT Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
| English |
Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Parajumbles, Para Completion, Odd Sentence Out |
Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, 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 2025
Check: CAT syllabus 2025
SNAP VS CAT: 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.
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.
| Details |
SNAP Exam |
CAT Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Questions |
60 |
66 |
| Total Marks |
60 |
198 |
| 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 2025
Check: CAT Exam Pattern 2025
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 2025
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:
CAT Preparation 2025
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
CAT Mock Test by Shiksha
| CAT_Mock_Test 1 | CAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| CAT_Mock_Test_2 | CAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
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
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.
Check: List of Colleges Accepting CAT score for Admission
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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- Difference between CAT and NMAT
- Difference between CAT and MAT
CAT vs SNAP FAQs
Q: Which exam is easier, CAT or SNAP?
A: Compared to CAT, SNAP is an easier exam. It is of shorter duration and has less number of questions than CAT. The total number of questions are 60 and candidates get 60 minutes to solve it. Since the last two years, SNAP also doesn’t have DI sets and RC passages. The difficulty level of SNAP is way too low than CAT.
Q: What is the difficulty level of SNAP exam?
A: SNAP is an easy exam. The sectional as well as overall difficulty levels are usually easy to moderate. There is no sectional time limit in SNAP and candidates need not solve all 60 questions too. There is no worry of sectional cut off in SNAP. Moreover, candidates can reappear in SNAP to improve their score.
Q: How many MBA colleges accept SNAP score for admission?
A: SNAP exam score is accepted by all 16 Symbiosis International (Deemed) University affiliated institutes. The SIU admission process includes Group Exercise (GE), Writing Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI).
Q: How many MBA colleges accept CAT score for admission?
A: There are about 1,200 MBA colleges that accept CAT score for admission. These include all 20 IIMs, SPJIMR, MDI, IMT, FMS, IITs (DoMS), IMI, GLIM, LIBA, etc. CAT is the top most exam in India for MBA, so all government and a large number of private institutions accept CAT score for admission. The CAT score is accepted by almost all colleges of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3.
Q: What are the benefits of SNAP over CAT?
A: One of the main benefits of SNAP over CAT is that, in SNAP, one gets the chance to improve their score in the same academic session whereas in CAT, there is no provision of second attempt in the same academic session. In SNAP, candidates get three attempts and the score of the best attempt is taken into consideration for SIU MBA admission.
Q: Is the syllabus of SNAP different from CAT?
A: No, the syllabus of SNAP and CAT are same. Both the exams have questions from Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency, Quantitative Aptitude and English. The preparation plan is also same for both CAT and SNAP. In fact, if you prepare for the CAT, you will not have to prepare for SNAP separately. You can gain control on SNAP by solving sample questions and mock tests only.
Q: How many times is SNAP conducted in a year?
A: SNAP exam is conducted on three days in one academic session. The gap between every session is of one to two weeks. Candidate can register for one, two or three attempts at the time of registration process and appear for one, two or three sessions as per their choice. The best score of all attempts will be valid for admission.
Q: What is the difference between CAT and SNAP?
A: CAT is an annual exam, conducted only once a year. SNAP is also an annual exam but it allows candidates three attempts. Those who want to improve their score can take the test again. CAT is a high difficulty level exam where as SNAP is a low difficulty level exam. CAT score is valid for admission to over 1200 B-Schools but SNAP is valid for admission to only SIU institutes.
Q: How much time is needed to prepare for SNAP?
A: SNAP is an easy exam so it doesn’t require a lot of time for preparation. One can prepare for it within six months if they have a strong base in Mathematics and English. If a candidate is preparing for CAT, they can prepare for SNAP in three or two months also.
Q: Is the eligibility criteria for SNAP different from CAT?
A: No, the eligibility criteria for SNAP is not different from CAT. For appearing in both exams, candidates need to have completed graduation with minimum 50 per cent aggregate (45 per cent for reserved category) or should be final year student.
Q: Is giving SNAP worth it?
A: Yes. SNAP is one of the popular MBA entrance exams in India as it is a gateway to the prestigious Symbiosis International (Deemed) University and its 15 affiliated colleges. SNAP is also worth appearing for because SIU institutes offer some of the niche MBA specializations in India and admission is possible only through SNAP.