MBA admission 2014-15: Snapshot of changes in CAT, XAT and SNAP

MBA aspirants appearing for CAT, XAT and SNAP this year don’t have it easy. Patterns have changed and new rules are being introduced.  Those trying to get into good B-schools now have to focus on time management, right selection of questions and prepare for rigorous group discussion session and extended personal interviews.

Here is a quick snapshot of what are changes taking place in the exam structure of top three management course entrance exams across the country. We are covering here CAT, XAT and SNAP for the current year. Take note of the changes to modify your exam strategies and score good percentiles.

CAT

Accepted by 13 IIMs and other reputed B-Schools, CAT is the most popular management entrance test of the country. The following changes have been introduced this year:

• The test duration has gone up to 170 minutes (two hours 50 minutes) while earlier it was 140 minutes.
• Exam will be held over  period of two days in a total of four slots.
• Questions in each section have gone up to 50, taking the total number to 100.
• Candidates can switch between sections at any point during the exam.
• This time, the exam is all about time management, selecting the right questions and correct attempts.

XAT

Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is also taken by various MBA aspirants. According to a report, XAT 2015 will witness quite a few changes in test pattern. These details have not been announced officially by XAT authorities, but it’s better to be prepared than repent later. Here are the expected changes:

• Test pattern may undergo a change. The questions could be much easier and general in nature, so that candidates, irrespective of their backgrounds, can attempt it.
• The format of personal interview (PI) can also be changed. PIs are going to be longer. The objective is to examine a person’s aptitude. 
• Essay writing will be taken into consideration while calculating of Percentile.

SNAP

Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP) Test is conducted by Symbiosis International University (SIU). Removed last year and reintroduced this year, Group Exercise (GE) process is again a part of SNAP. GE comprises of 10 marks (out of 100) in the final merit list.

Now, stop worrying and start practicing! Just thinking about these changes will not help. One has to act on test preparation immediately.

Changing things gradually could have been a better idea, but all changes in a year! Let us just wait and watch the actual effects of these changes.