NMAT vs SNAP 2025: 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: MBA admissions in India is highly competitive with entrance exams like CAT, XAT, NMAT, CMAT, SNAP among others. Most candidates aim for converting admissions via CAT. However, SNAP and NMAT are among top options for those aiming Symbiosis or SVKMs NMIMS. Admission into any of the Symbiosis campuses will be done via SNAP. Whereas, NMAT is accepted by more than 50 colleges, like TAPMI, NMIMS, KJ Somaiya, and more.
Aspirants typically get confused between NMAT and SNAP exams as both these exams have similar difficulty level. Primary difference between SNAP and NMAT lies in the colleges accepting the scores. NMAT and SNAP exams are among the most popular MBA entrance exams with a similar pattern and syllabus. Both SNAP and NMAT have many similarities; however, preparation plan must include exam-specific bits, such as mock tests, previous year's practise papers, etc. Check NMAT vs SNAP to know the key differences between the two exams, with syllabus and exam pattern comparisons.
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
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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.
NMAT vs SNAP: Exam Pattern Differences
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.
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.
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.
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
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
13 Oct '25 - 28 Nov '25
26 Nov '25 - 28 Nov '25
30 Nov '25
30 Nov '25
10 Jul '25 - 5 Dec '25
SNAP
3 Dec '25 - 6 Dec '25
23 Oct '25 - 7 Dec '25
30 Sep '25 - 10 Dec '25
31 Dec '25
SNAP English section has 15 questions and all are based on grammar and vocabulary, so it is very critical to have a good control on English Grammar. To strengthen English grammar, one should start with basics. Study from Wren & Martin for best results. You can also seek help from a mentor or study from English grammar apps.
SNAP exam preparation requires about 6 months so candidates must start studying for it from June onwards. The SNAP exam is conducted in three sessions and the first session is conducted in the first week of December, second session is conducted in the second week and the third session is conducted in the third week. So, while making a SNAP prep plan, candidates must keep in mind which exam session will they appear for. Those who have appeared for SNAP before or are preparing for other MBA entrance exams too, can start SNAP preparation from August-September.
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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SNAP is one of the few MBA entrance exams which is easy in terms of difficulty level. It is much easier The number of questions, as well as the exam duration are less that than other MBA entrance exams. The type of questions asked in SNAP as also pretty straightforward.
Moreover, SNAP exam is held thrice for candidates to repeat attempts, which allows candidates to improve their score if they want to. The SNAP syllabus is same as other MBA entrance exam and there are no questions on Reading Comprehension or Data Sufficiency. This makes the SNAP exam much easier to crack than other exams.
Since 2020, the exam is conducted for only 60 minutes and the total number of questions asked is also 60. The first section of SNAP question paper is General English, the second section is Analytical & Logical Reasoning and the third section is Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency.