SNAP Books & Study Material recommended by experts

The SNAP General English syllabus is similar to that of other MBA entrance exams. It includes passages, Syllogisms, Analogies, Grammar, Antonym-Synonym, One Word Substitution, Similar Sounding Words, Parajumbles and Fill in the Blanks. This is the shortest section of SNAP having only 15 questions. Most of the questions are usually based on English grammar. For the past 2 years, no Reading Comprehension passage is seen in the exam. However, candidates still need to practice Reading Comprehension passages as it has not been completely scrapped. Preparation for the exam as per the SNAP syllabus requires not much time to prepare if your English is strong. But if it is not, then you must start studying English much earlier as developing hold on a language requires time.

You can prepare basic concepts of Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability topics included in the SNAP syllabus by studying from CAT books. The syllabus of both exams is same for these topics so you can refer to CAT books for studying the concepts, fomulae and theorems. CAT is also a tougher exam, so if you practice CAT questions for conceptual clarity, you will be automatically preparing for SNAP as well.  

However, for SNAP specific preparation, you must refer to books published exclusively for SNAP preparation as the type of questions in SNAP are different from CAT. Some of them are:

• Map the SNAP Symbiosis National Aptitude Test: 5 mock tests and sample papers by Arihant
• SNAP Guide by Ramesh Publication House
• Map the SNAP Test by Arihant

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.

SNAP syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude includes topics of Data Interpretation as well. Candidates have to study Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Number System, Logarithm, Linear Equations & Quadratic Equations, Set Theory, Arithmetic, Progressions, Binomial Theorem, Surds and Indices, Inequalities, Permutation & Combination, Probability Functions, Mixtures & Alligations, Co-ordinate Geometry, Series, Graphs-Pie Chart, Bar Graphs and Tables as part of SNAP Quantitative Aptitude syllabus.

The SNAP Quantitative Aptitude section includes Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency. The total number of questions in this section is 20 and the section is dominated by Arithmetic. Since the past two years, no Data Sufficiency questions have been asked. So, candidates must focus more on Quantitative Aptitude while preparing for the SNAP exam. This section is all about accuracy so have complete clarity of concepts and theorems.

The syllabus for Analytical and Logical Reasoning section of SNAP exam includes topics such as Family Tree/Blood Relations, Coding/Decoding, Analogy & Series, Seating Arrangement, Direction Sense, Mathematical Reasoning, Clocks & Calendars, Syllogisms, Meaningful Word/Matrix, Critical Reasoning, Visual Reasoning, Verbal & Miscellaneous Reasoning. The Analytical and Logical Reasoning section of SNAP carries maximum number of questions i.e. 25. Candidates have to choose the questions they can answer correctly, otherwise they will be given negative marks. So, SNAP aspirants must practice ample number of sample questions from these topics. The more they will practice, the better they will get at solving reasoning questions as it is all about knowing the patterns and unravelling the puzzles. Since, this section carries maximum marks, you cannot be ill prepared for it.

Candidates should solve only one full-length SNAP mock test in a day. After each mock test, they should assess their performance and identify the gaps to fill during preparation. Also, they should not solve SNAP mock test daily. Give yourself a breather for revision of the chapters that posed challenge in the previous mock test. Work on those problem areas and then pick another mock test. Ideally, candidates must solve about 30 SNAP mock tests to crack the exam with good scores so, start practicing the mock tests from two months before the exam date and continue to solve a mock test in a gap of one day until you reach their desired score. Stop once you reach the desired score. However, do attempt one SNAP mock test in the last week before the exam to keep the confidence level high.

SNAP mock test is an important part of exam preparation but they should know when to start practicing it. The candidates should start solving mock tests only after completing the SNAP syllabus. October-November is the ideal month to start solving mock tests for SNAP exam preparation as the exam is conducted in December. Those preparing for other entrance exams simultaneously, can practice SNAP mock test without completing the syllabus also as they would be already familiar with the topics, concepts, theorems, etc. Those who have attempted SNAP before, can start their preparation by attempting a SNAP mock test to see how much do they remember. Candidates should start solving the full length SNAP mock tests only when they are confident about every chapter and topic included in the SNAP syllabus.

The official SNAP mock test will be accessible to only those candidates who will register for the exam. You will need to register for the SNAP exam before a certain deadline (the SNAP authorities will inform regarding the same at the official website) to be eligible for official SNAP mock test. The SNAP authorities conduct SNAP mock test twice in a gap of two months. The first mock test is conducted in October and the second mock test is conducted in November. Candidates can book a slot and appear for the official mock test from home in remote proctored mode. The SNAP mock test is only for practice purpose and its performance has no bearing on candidate’s SNAP result.

The SNAP mock test toppers are in fact rewarded with cash back and shopping vouchers by the SNAP conducting body.