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. 

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. 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 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 2026 they must also appear for CAT 2026. 

Difference Between SNAP and 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. 

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.

Check: SNAP syllabus 2026

Check: CAT syllabus 2026

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. However, lack of sectional time limit in SNAP may prove detrimental, if you do not keep a tab on it. 

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.

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:

• 8 key tips to crack Logical Reasoning section of SNAP
• How to Prepare for SNAP 2026
• Best Books and Study Material to Prepare for SNAP 2026

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

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:

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:

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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