SNAP vs CAT: Is SNAP Tougher Than CAT? - Know Differences and Similarities
Is SNAP more difficult than CAT? While both of these MBA entrance exams share similarities, they also have unique features. If you're taking SNAP 2024 or CAT, it's important to understand the distinctions. Explore the differences between CAT vs SNAP here.
Anil Solonki6 Dec, 2023
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SNAP vs CAT: Many people who want to do an MBA take many exams to get into a good management college. SNAP is one of the top MBA entrance exams in India that people choose, along with CAT. CAT opens doors to many MBA colleges, while SNAP is a way to get into SIU institutes that offer different MBA courses.
Deciding between CAT and SNAP can be confusing because they are quite similar. CAT leads to 1200 MBA colleges , and SNAP is for SIU institutes that have popular and specialized MBA courses. SNAP is easier compared to CAT, even though they cover the same topics. CAT is seen as a tougher exam. SNAP is considered friendlier to students. In SNAP, you can try the exam three times in one session, and they pick the best score for admissions. CAT has tried to be more student-friendly in the past two years, but it's still seen as more challenging than SNAP .Also Read: SNAP 2023 Exam Day Guidelines
SNAP vs CAT: Differences and Similarities
The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) and the Common Admission Test (CAT) are both entrance exams for MBA programs, but they have some differences. Here are the key differences and similarities between SNAP and CAT:- Conducting Body:
- SNAP is conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed) University.
- CAT is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (on a rotational basis).
- Exam Pattern:
- SNAP is of shorter duration and has fewer questions than CAT (60 questions in SNAP, 66 questions in CAT 2021).
- SNAP is a speed-based exam, while CAT includes both multiple-choice questions and non-MCQs.
- Syllabus:
- The syllabus for SNAP and CAT is similar, covering Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency, Quantitative Aptitude, and English.
- Difficulty Level:
- SNAP is generally considered to be easier than CAT.
- CAT is a high difficulty level exam, while SNAP is a low to moderate difficulty level exam.
Also Read: Mistakes to Avoid on SNAP Exam Day
- Marking Scheme:
- In SNAP, each correct answer is awarded +1 mark, and each wrong answer is penalized with -0.25 marks.
- In CAT, each correct answer is awarded +3 marks, and each wrong answer is penalized with -1 mark.
| Details | SNAP Exam | CAT Exam |
| Full form | Symbiosis National Aptitude Test | Common Admission Test |
| Conducting Body | Symbiosis International (Deemed) University | Indian Institute of Management (on rotational basis) |
| Eligibility | The candidate must have completed Graduation with minimum 50% aggregate (45 % for SC/ST/PwD candidates) | The candidate must have completed Graduation with minimum 50% aggregate (45 % for SC/ST/PwD candidates) |
| Sections | 3 | 3 |
| Exam mode | Online | Online |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Difficulty level | Moderate to Difficult | Difficult |
| Exam Fee | INR 2,250 for all candidates + INR 1000 (per SIU institute) | INR 2,400 for General and OBC candidates and INR 1,200 for Reserved category candidates |
| Registration Process | Online | Online |
CAT vs SNAP: Number of Applicants
SNAP has lower competition compared to CAT. This year, approximately 1.4 lakh aspirants are expected to take the SNAP 2023 exam, while the CAT 2023 exam had around 2.88 lakh aspirants. CAT scores are accepted by 1,200 MBA colleges, ensuring that those who appear for CAT can pursue an MBA in the same session, even if it's not from a top institute, at least from a Tier-2 college. On the other hand, appearing only for SNAP carries a risk. If candidates don't meet the cut-off requirements for SIU institutes, they may lose an entire year since SNAP scores are accepted only by SIU institutes. Therefore, MBA aspirants are advised to appear for both CAT and SNAP. MBA aspirants should carefully consider the pros and cons of SNAP vs CAT, such as which exam is tougher and requires more preparation. In this article, we will provide information about SNAP and CAT, including syllabus, pattern, marking scheme, and exam preparation, helping you understand the differences and similarities between the two.Also Read: SNAP Exam Centre 2023
SNAP VS CAT: Syllabus
The syllabus for both CAT and SNAP is quite similar, encompassing Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. The subjects one needs to study for both SNAP and CAT are as follows:| Setions | SNAP Syllabus | CAT Syllabus |
| English | Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Parajumbles, Para Completion, Odd Sentence Out | Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Parajumbles, Para Completion, Odd Sentence Out |
| Quantitative Ability | Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Number System | Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Number System |
| Data Interpretation | Pie Chart, Graphs, Tables, Venn Diagrams | Pie Chart, Graphs, Tables, Venn Diagrams |
| Analytical and Logical Reasoning | Blood Relations, Alphanumeric Series, Odd One Out, Input-Output, Statement and Assumptions, Calendars, Cause and Effect, Coding-Decoding, Statement and Conclusions, Pattern Series and Sequences, Syllogism and Seating Arrangements | Blood Relations, Alphanumeric Series, Odd One Out, Input-Output, Statement and Assumptions, Calendars, Cause and Effect, Coding-Decoding, Statement and Conclusions, Pattern Series and Sequences, Syllogism and Seating Arrangements |
SNAP VS CAT: Exam Pattern
The CAT exam has a longer time duration and fewer questions compared to SNAP. However, what adds to the difficulty of CAT is the sectional time-limit. In CAT, candidates are required to complete each section within 40 minutes. Once the 40 minutes are up, candidates move on to the next section. Additionally, in CAT, candidates must solve the question paper in the given sequence.Also Read: SNAP Exam Pattern 2023
SNAP, on the other hand, is more flexible. In SNAP, there is no sectional time-limit, and candidates can choose the sequence in which they want to solve the questions according to their preference.| Details | SNAP Exam | CAT Exam |
| Number of Questions | 60 | 66 |
| Total Marks | 60 | 198 |
| Negative Marking | Yes | Yes |
| Types of Questions | MCQs | MCQs and non-MCQs |
| Number of choices in MCQs | 4 | 4 |
| Sectional Time limit | No | Yes (40 minutes per section) |
SNAP vs CAT Marking Scheme
The marking scheme for SNAP and CAT differs. In the SNAP exam, each correct answer earns +1 mark, while for each incorrect answer, -0.25 marks are deducted. In the CAT exam, on the other hand, each correct answer is awarded +3 marks, and for each wrong answer, -1 mark is deducted. Therefore, understanding the marking scheme is crucial for devising an effective strategy when attempting questions in both exams.| SNAP Exam | CAT Exam |
| +1 for correct answer | +3 marks for correct answer |
| -1/4 marks for incorrect answer | -1 mark for incorrect answer |
SNAP Preparation 2023
The SNAP question paper is divided into three sections. Let's explore each section:-
General English:
- This section includes reading comprehension and verbal ability. Typically, it has moderate difficulty with lengthy reading comprehension passages. The verbal ability part often features questions related to grammar and vocabulary. Stick to the basics and practice mock tests for reading comprehension passages.
-
Quantitative Ability:
- This section comprises quantitative ability, data interpretation, and data sufficiency. To perform well here, focus on fundamental math concepts such as geometry, mensuration, and algebra.
-
Analytical and Logical Reasoning:
- This section includes questions on puzzles, number series, coding and decoding, blood relations, non-verbal reasoning, etc. Emphasize selecting the right questions and solving them efficiently.
CAT Preparation 2023
The CAT question paper is divided into three sections. Let's explore each section:-
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension:
- This section includes Reading Comprehension passages and questions on General English, such as fill in the blanks, parajumbles, missing words, one-word substitution, and generic grammar. Being the first section of the CAT question paper, there is immense opportunity to perform well.
-
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning:
- This section features questions from number series, puzzles, blood relations, tables, graphs, caselets, etc. It tends to be the toughest section in the exam each year. The key to cracking the DILR section is practicing mock questions, and the more puzzles you solve, the better you'll get.
-
Quantitative Aptitude:
- This section is usually moderate to difficult, with questions predominantly from mensuration, algebra, and geometry. As this section is the last in the paper and involves heavy calculations, the key is not only knowing all the formulas and concepts but also building stamina to last the two-hour duration.
Admission Process Through CAT
The IIMs and other top-ranked MBA colleges in India utilize the CAT score as a key criterion for candidate selection. The selection process includes a Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI). While IIMs conduct WAT and PI, other B-schools typically organize GD and PI. The final admission list is compiled based on a candidate's performance across various criteria. The table above outlines the parameters considered for admission to MBA/PGP programs at IIMs and their respective weightages.| Parameters for Selection | Weightage |
| CAT Score | 40% |
| Class 10 Marks | 10% |
| Class 12 Marks | 10% |
| Bachelor's Degree Marks | 20% |
| Work Experience | 10% |
| Diversity Factor (Gender/Academic) | 10% |
Admission Process Through SNAP
The admission process for MBA/PGDM courses at SIU constituent institutes involves a comprehensive evaluation through Group Exercise (GE), Writing Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI). The GE-WAT-PI round is conducted by each constituent institute individually. However, the parameters for final selection are common for all of them. The table above outlines the criteria and their respective weightages considered for admission to MBA/PGDM programs at SIU.| Parameters for Selection | Weightage |
| SNAP Score | 50% |
| Group Exercise (GE) | 10% |
| Writing Ability Test (WAT) | 10% |
| Personal Interview (PI) | 30% |
Top Colleges Accepting CAT Score and SNAP score
Here are the top list of Colleges accepting CAT score and SNAP score listed below, candidates can check the same over here:| Colleges Accepting CAT Score | Colleges Accepting SNAP Score |
| Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) | Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune |
| Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi | Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD), Pune |
| Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon | Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB), Pune |
| SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai | Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Bangalore |
| International Management Institute (IMI) |
SNAP vs CAT: Differences and Similarities FAQs
Is SNAP easier than CAT?
Yes, SNAP is generally considered easier than CAT in terms of difficulty level.
How many sections are there in CAT and SNAP?
CAT has three sections (VARC, DILR, and QA), while SNAP has three sections (General English, Quantitative Ability, Analytical and Logical Reasoning).
Are CAT and SNAP syllabuses the same?
Yes, both exams have a similar syllabus, including Quant, Verbal Ability, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.
How is the marking scheme different in CAT and SNAP?
SNAP awards +1 mark for correct answers and deducts -0.25 for incorrect ones. CAT awards +3 for correct and -1 for incorrect answers.
Which exam is accepted by more colleges?
CAT is accepted by a larger number of MBA colleges (around 1200) compared to SNAP, which is specific to Symbiosis International University.
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