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 Colleges List: Get Complete List of Accepting B-Schools
• Top MBA Colleges Accepting SNAP Score

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.

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:

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.

3. 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:

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.

Read More:

• Eight tips for NMAT Preparation Strategy
• How to prepare for NMAT exam online

• Is SNAP tougher than CAT?
• How to tackle special questions in SNAP
• SNAP last week preparation tips
• SNAP last-minute tips and tricks
• SNAP: Five mistakes to avoid
• SNAP: Exam day guidelines and important dos and don'ts