NMAT vs SNAP: Difficulty Level, Syllabus & Cutoff for Top Colleges
NMAT and SNAP exams are similar in several aspects, including the syllabus, eligibility, and more. Read here the differences in the NMAT and SNAP syllabus, exam pattern, difficulty level, cutoff for top colleges, etc.
NMAT vs SNAP; Check Differences and Similarities
NMAT vs SNAP: Deciding between NMAT and SNAP is a common challenge for MBA aspirants. While both exams share similar syllabi and difficulty levels, they cater to different career paths. NMAT by GMAC is accepted by over 50 institutions, including NMIMS, TAPMI, and KJ Somaiya. In contrast, SNAP is the primary gateway to Symbiosis International University (SIU) campuses like SIBM and SCMHRD.
The exam patterns differ significantly. NMAT features 108 questions over 120 minutes with sectional time limits but no negative marking. SNAP is a 60-minute sprint with 60 questions, allowing free navigation between sections but imposing a 25% penalty for wrong answers. Both allow three attempts, but NMAT’s window spans months, while SNAP occurs on three specific dates in December. Choosing between them depends on your target colleges and preferred testing style.
Also Check:
- NMAT vs SNAP: Exam Pattern and Difficulty Level
- NMAT vs SNAP: Exam Pattern Differences
- NMAT Vs SNAP: Difference in Syllabus, Pattern, Competitive Scope
- NMAT Vs SNAP: Timeline
- NMAT Vs SNAP: Comparative Levels of NMAT & SNAP Cutoff
NMAT vs SNAP: Exam Pattern and Difficulty Level
Both tests have went through major changes previously. NMAT is a unique MBA entrance exam as it is conducted in a test window ranging from 45 to 90 days while SNAP will be conducted over three different days. Candidates can attempt SNAP thrice. Best of three scores will be considered for admission. Similary, one can appear for NMAT thrice within one test window, including the first attempt and two retake test opportunities to improve the score. The best of the three scores obtained by any candidate is taken to prepare the result. NMAT score acceptance by colleges vary as some accepts score from the first attempt only while some colleges accept best of three scores.
Commonly asked questions
Freshers should start Quantitative Aptitude preparation with NCERT Mathematics books of Class 9 and 10 for getting fundamental understanding of the topics and concepts. Once they have grasped the concepts of Algebra, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Geometry and other topics of Arithmetic, then move on to books with advanced level of Quantitative Aptitude topics. Arun Sharma’s books on preparation for Quantitative Aptitude (also VARC and DILR books) are highly recommended as they are exhaustive and contain test papers of various difficulty levels. With the help of Arun Sharma books, you can understand the concepts and learn application to different type of Mathematical problems. In addition to that, you should refer to other Quant books and sample papers.
The SNAP exam is short and simple to pass compared to other MBA tests. The exam takes only 60 minutes for 60 questions and covers English, Reasoning and Math.
It leaves out hard topics like long reading stories and tricky data puzzles and you can try the test three times to get your best score.
A good attempt of around 80 per cent of questions with 85-90 per cent accuracy is considered good score in SNAP. The SNAP exam has 60 questions only, so the number of attempts considered good are 40-45. Candidates must aim to solve a good number of questions in every section of SNAP, so that their overall score is good and they have a better chance of getting selected for admission. If you do not clear the SNAP cut off may not be eligible for admission to MBA programmers offered by SIU institutes. Meeting the minimum cut off is a mandatory requirement to be eligible for the Group Exercise (GE), Personal Interview (PI) and Writing Ability Test (WAT). Thus, when preparing for SNAP, keep in mind a target score. The SNAP cut offs are lower for Reserved category candidates.
SNAP syllabus is not difficult as it contains the same topics as other MBA entrance exams. But the key to SNAP preparation lies in practicing SNAP specific questions.
NMAT vs SNAP: Exam Pattern Differences
Find the key differences between the two important MBA entrance test, NMAT and SNAP exams in the table below:
| Components |
NMAT by GMAC |
SNAP |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions |
108 |
60 |
| Total Duration of the Test |
2 Hours |
1 Hour |
| Type of Questions |
MCQs |
MCQs |
| Answer Options for MCQs |
4-5 |
4 |
| Marks Per Question |
3 |
1 Mark |
| Negative Marking |
No Negative Marking |
25% |
| Exam Difficulty Level |
Moderate to High |
Moderate |
| Number of Sections |
3 |
3 |
| Section 1: Broad Topic & Number of Questions |
Language Skills - 36 MCQs |
General English ( Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Ability) - 15 MCQs |
| Section 2: Broad Topic and Number of Questions |
Quantitative Skills - 36 MCQs |
Quantitative, Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency - 20 MCQs |
| Section 3: Broad Topic and Number of Questions |
Logical Reasoning - 36 MCQs |
Analytical & Logical Reasoning - 25 MCQs |
| Individual Sectional Time Limit |
Yes, varying time limit of 28 minutes to 52 minutes. |
No |
| Top MBA Colleges Accepting Exam Score |
NMIMS, Amity University, Shiv Nadar University and others |
SIBM Pune, SCMHRD Pune, SIIB Pune, SIBM Bangalore & all other Symbiosis Institutes |
NMAT Vs SNAP: Difference in Syllabus, Pattern, Competitive Scope
The space below mentions the differences between NMAT and SNAP in regard with the exam pattern, syllabus and overall competitiveness.
- The NMAT and SNAP syllabus are on similar lines. However, few topics in the syllabus are distinct to each test. For instance, in the NMAT syllabus, one can find topics such as contextual usage and syllogism in the language comprehension section. On the other hand, in the SNAP syllabus, one can find idioms, synonyms, antonyms and fill in the blanks in the General English, RC, VR, VA section.
- Pattern-wise, both NMAT and SNAP exams are essentially speed-based test. Going by the NMAT pattern, test-takers will get 120 minutes to solve 108 questions. Further, there is a sectional time limit in NMAT exam. Thus, candidates do not get a chance to switch between sections but follow a systematic order to answer questions. There is no negative marking in the NMAT exam. On the other hand, SNAP pattern suggests test-takers will get 60 minutes to answer 60 questions. Further, unlike NMAT, in the SNAP exam there will be a negative marking, but no sectional time limit; allowing test takers to switch between sections as per one’s convenience.
- On a competitive scale, both exams act as gateways to MBA/PGDM admission to top B-schools in India. However, NMAT exams receive about 88,000 applicants on average each year and this increases the competition level for the candidates. The primary reason for higher competition in NMAT is the number of NMAT participating institutes. NMAT score accepting colleges are not confined to SVKM’s NMIMS and its branches but other top B-schools in India such as ─ ICFAI Business School (IBS), Xavier’s University, ITM Business School and more. On the other hand, for SNAP, Symbiosis International University (SIU) receives nearly 50,000 to 60,000 applications every year. The scope of SNAP scores, however, is limited to SIU institutions and few other private B-schools.
Commonly asked questions
Between SNAP and NMAT, the former is considered easier in terms of difficulty level of the questions. However, SNAP is of 60 minutes in which candidates have to address 60 question. This makes SNAP more challenging than NMAT which is a test of longer duration (2 hours having 108 questions).
Two months may not be enough to prepare for SNAP exam, if you are attempting it for the first time. However, you can try with a very specific and focussed plan. Check SNAP question papers of previous years to know dominant subjects. Study only those thoroughly and practice mock tests side by side.
SNAP total marks is 60 so 40 to 45 marks can be considered a good score. It will convert into about 97-98 percentile. So, it the exam, candidates must aim to attempt 40 to 45 questions correctly.
Usually it is recommended that Arun Sharma series (Verbal, Quant, DI), R.S. Aggarwal's Reasoning/Quant books, and Word Power Made Easy, are enough for SNAP preparation. Sample questions papers, mock tests, sectional test series are also important.
NMAT Vs SNAP: Timeline
While planning for both NMAT and SNAP, candidates must keep the timeline in mind. The indicative timeline for both SNAP and NMAT followed every year is as follows:
| Events |
NMAT Timeline |
SNAP Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Registration commencement |
August to October | August to November |
| Admit Card |
Soon after scheduling the exam | December |
| Exam window |
November to December | December |
| Result |
Within 48 hours of taking the test |
Third week of January |
NMAT vs SNAP Preparation Strategy in Specified Timeline
NMAT Vs SNAP: Comparative Levels of NMAT & SNAP Cutoff
The NMAT participating colleges evaluate both sectional and overall NMAT cutoff of all the test takers, which is somewhere between 150 and 200 out of 360 for most colleges. While SNAP accepting colleges take into consideration just the overall expected SNAP cutoff, which is somewhere between 68 and 70 out of 150.
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Abhishek Dhawan is a content writer and editor with 7+ years of experience in education journalism. He holds a BA degree from the University of Delhi. At Shiksha, Abhishek primarily covers MBA and BBA entrance
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