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: Common Admission Test (CAT) is among the top exam choices for MBA aspirants across India. However, India has several MBA entrance exams, such as NMAT, SNAP, CMAT, XAT, etc. offering admissions to some of the top b-schools. Aspirants typically get confused between NMAT and SNAP exams as both these exams have similar difficulty level. The primary difference between SNAP and NMAT lies in the colleges accepting the scores. SNAP is conducted for admission to Symbiosis Institute of Management. Whereas, NMAT is conducted for admission into 50+ b-schools, including SVKMs NMIMS, TAPMI, KJ Somaiya, etc.
NMAT and CAT 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, including mock tests, previous year's practise papers, etc. Candidates planning to appear for both tests must know the differences and similarities to plan and crack both exams with high scores. 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 back in 2020. 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 days, in a non-consecutive manner. Candidates can attempt SNAP twice and the score of best of the two will be considered for admission. Each NMAT test taker can appear for the test thrice, including the first attempt and two retake test opportunity to improve their score. The best of the three scores obtained by any candidate is taken to prepare the result. This aspect of NMAT makes is a very student-friendly test among all the top MBA entrance tests conducted in India.
| 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 |
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 |
October 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
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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. 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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