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CAT vs SNAP Exam
SNAP Exam is organized by Symbiosis International University (SIU) Pune and is the necessary entrance exam for 15+ Symbiosis institutes, including prominent MBA institutes such as the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (Pune) and other highly ranked Symbiosis colleges across India. CAT, on the other hand, is administered by IIMs and is the mandatory entrance exam for admission to IIMs, FMS, MDI, IIFT, and other prestigious management colleges.
CAT scores are accepted by over 1000 MBA colleges, including 20 IIMs. Another difference is that SNAP is held on three separate dates, whereas CAT Exam is held on one day in three slots. Consider your personal preferences while deciding which is best for you. If you want to study MBA at Symbiosis colleges, SNAP is the option for you. However, if your objective is to study at an IIM, you should take the CAT.
Difference Between CAT and SNAP Exam
Selecting the best admission exam is an important step for candidates pursuing management education in India. While there are some similarities in the syllabus and exam process between the CAT and SNAP, both have their unique structure, important topics, and difficulty level. Taking a more detailed look at their differences will allow applicants to better organize their preparation.
Difference Between CAT and SNAP Exam | ||
Exam Name | CAT (Common Admission Test) | SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) |
Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) | Symbiosis International (Deemed University) |
Purpose | Admission to IIMs and top B-schools in India | Admission to Symbiosis Institutes |
Test Format | Computer-based test | Computer-based test |
Sections | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) , Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) , Quantitative Ability (QA) | General English , Analytical & Logical Reasoning , Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency |
Order of Sections | Fixed | Flexible (all sections are open throughout the exam) |
Duration | 120 minutes | 60 minutes |
Number of Questions | 66 (VARC: 24, DILR: 20, QA: 22) | 60 (English: 15, Reasoning: 25, Quants: 20) |
Question Type | MCQs + TITA | MCQs |
Max Marks | 198 | 60 |
Negative Marking | Yes | Yes |
Frequency | Once a year | 3 attempts (within a month) |
Test Fees | INR 2400 | INR 2250 |
Validity of Scores | 1 year | 1 year |
CAT vs SNAP: Difficulty Level
Students can compare the difficulty levels of the SNAP vs CAT exams here. If you are preparing for the CAT, getting a good SNAP score may not be difficult for you. However, focusing just on SNAP does not guarantee success in CAT. SNAP focuses on fast and accurate problem-solving abilities, whereas CAT also evaluates your problem-solving techniques. So, performing well in SNAP does not ensure similar results in CAT.
CAT vs SNAP: Syllabus 2026
CAT vs SNAP syllabus is very similar. However, the key difference is the level of difficulty of the questions in each exam. In comparison to the SNAP exam, the CAT has slightly more difficult questions. Understand the difference between the CAT and SNAP syllabus here.
CAT vs SNAP: Syllabus 2026 | ||
Sections | SNAP Syllabus | CAT Syllabus |
English | Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Idioms Phrases, Sentence Correction, Vocabulary. | Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability - Summary, Para jumbles, Para Completion, Odd Sentence Out |
Quantitative Ability | Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Number System | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Math |
Data Interpretation | Pie Chart, Graphs, Tables, Venn Diagrams | Pie Chart, Graphs, Tables, Venn Diagrams |
Analytical and Logical Reasoning | Blood Relations, Alphanumeric Series, Input-Output, Statement and Assumptions, Clocks & Calendars, Cause and Effect, Coding-Decoding, Statement and Conclusions, Pattern Series and Sequences, Syllogism and Seating Arrangements | Arrangements, Venn Diagram, Missing Data Tables, Puzzles, Games and Tournament, Binary Logic, Scheduling. |
CAT vs SNAP: Eligibility Criteria
Knowing the eligibility criteria for the CAT and SNAP exams is important for MBA aspirants in India. Both the CAT and the SNAP have similar eligibility criteria with regard to academic qualifications and minimum percentage requirements. Candidates should know the details that can help them plan better for the exam.
- Both exams demand a bachelor's degree in any field from a recognised university. with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or a similar CGPA (for the general category) and 45% in the reserved category.
- Students in the last year of their bachelor's degree or awaiting results are allowed to apply for both exams
There is no age limit for any of these exams.
CAT vs SNAP Exam : Conclusion
CAT vs SNAP exam comparison clearly shows that both exams serve different purposes for MBA aspirants. CAT is ideal for candidates aiming for top-tier institutes like IIMs, while SNAP is more suitable for those targeting Symbiosis colleges with a relatively easier exam pattern.
Choosing between CAT and SNAP depends on your preparation level, career goals, and target colleges. Many aspirants appear for both exams to maximize their chances, so a balanced preparation strategy can help you perform well in both
