Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is one of the most popular entrance tests for management courses, being the only entry point for the various MBA & PGDM programs of the world-renowned institutes affiliated to the Symbiosis International (Deemed University) [SIU].

Unlike the CAT or the XAT, which are recognized by numerous independent colleges, the SNAP test score is recognized only by 15+ Symbiosis institutes spread throughout India (including the cities of Pune, Bangalore, Nashik, Hyderabad, and Nagpur).https://www.careermantra.net/

Ranging from the most sought after Tier-1 Business Schools to very specialized institutions dealing in Information Technology, Operations and Media studies, Symbiosis has everything that you might be looking for. Here is a complete list of the best MBA colleges which recognize your SNAP score, divided according to percentiles, with their official names, fees structure, and average placement package details.

The 95+ Percentile Elite (Tier 1)

When you get an admission ranking between 2-5% of SNAP exam applicants, you gain entry into the crown jewels of Symbiosis. These two institutions can give a run for their money to even the best IIMs as well as the most prestigious private institutions such as XLRI and SPJIMR.

• SIBM Pune: Flagship institute of SIU. SIBM Pune is consistently one of the best 15 B-schools in India. It is a very sought-after college for its Marketing and Finance courses, where domestic salaries are often above ₹35+LPA.
• SCMHRD Pune: It is believed to be one of the best three colleges in India for studying Human Resource (HR) Management (XLRI and TISS being the other two).

The 85–95 Percentile Powerhouses (Tier 2)

This level comprises renowned colleges that are known to dominate particular fields and have good multi-disciplinary MBA courses with extensive corporate influence.

• SIIB Pune: An outstanding place for studies in International Business, Agri-Business, and Energy & Environment.

• SIBM Bengaluru: The biggest advantage of this college is its setting in India’s IT capital. Hence, the placements of the students are mainly in technology consulting, FMCG, and finance.
• SIOM Nashik: A very specialized college that accepts engineers alone. This college has global recognition for developing world-class supply chain and logistics managers.

Specialization-Focused & Emerging Campuses (60–85 Percentile)

The Symbiosis group has many fine colleges for students who can score between the 60th to 85th percentiles that specialize in particular industries such as IT, Media, Banking, Healthcare, etc.

• SCIT, Pune: College of choice for technically savvy aspirants looking at careers in Data Science, IT consultancy, and Cyber Security.

• SIMC, Pune: Amongst the very best colleges in India for Media, Journalism, Public Relations, and Mass Communication (rivaling MICA).
• SIBM, Hyderabad/Nagpur: Growing campuses using the name of SIBM to make an impact regionally.

Conclusion

The SNAP test is unique in the sense that it compels you to consider the aspect of specialization rather than just management per se. Although a percentile of 98+ will give you access to the heaven of general management at SIBM Pune, a percentile of 85 may just do the trick for SIOM Nashik (for those who love operations and are engineers by profession) or a percentile of 75 for SCIT Pune (for aspiring IT consultants).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.Do other than Symbiosis institutes accept the SNAP score?

No. Unlike CAT, XAT, or MAT, SNAP examination is taken solely for admission to the MBA/PGDM courses provided by the institutes associated with Symbiosis International (Deemed University). Other private management schools do not accept SNAP.

2.What is the best institute among all SNAP institutions?

SIBM Pune (Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune) stands first. It requires a minimum percentile in SNAP score of 97.5+ and provides the highest placement packages (around ₹26L – ₹28L).

3.Is SCMHRD dedicated to Human Resource Management only?

No. Although the SCMHRD (Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development) is famous for its HR programme, it also conducts other MBA specializations like Sales & Marketing, Finance, Business Analytics, and Infrastructure Management.

4.How many times can one attempt the SNAP exam in a year?

Symbiosis allows applicants to take the SNAP exam up to three times in a year (which usually takes place on three different dates in December). The best score of your attempts will be taken into account for the selection process.

5.Is there negative marking in SNAP?

Yes. One mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer. It is usually a 60 minutes speed test of 60 questions.

6.Which is the best Symbiosis College for IT & Analytics?

SCIT Pune (Symbiosis Center for Information Technology) is the best destination for IT Business Management, Data Analytics and Information Security. They usually have a cutoff of about 75-80 percentile.

7.Are other SIBM campuses (Bangalore, Hyderabad, Nagpur) as good as SIBM Pune?

While SIBM Pune is a tier-1 elite institute, SIBM Bangalore is a well-established tier-2 powerhouse with great placements in the technology sector. SIBM Hyderabad and SIBM Nagpur are relatively new campuses with rapid growth prospects that offer tier-3 institutes with lower cutoffs (60-75 percentile).

8.Do I have to apply separately to each Symbiosis institute?

Yes. Upon registering for the SNAP exam, one has to pay an exam fee. In addition to that, however, one has to pay a separate application fee for each individual Symbiosis institute and course he/she wishes to get admission into through the SNAP portal.

9.Which is the best SNAP college for Media & Communication studies?

SIMC Pune (Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication) is considered one of the best media & mass communication colleges in India offering specializations for MBA in PR, Advertising and Media Management.

10.Is there sectional cut-off in the SNAP test?

No. As opposed to CAT, there are no sectional cut-offs in SNAP exams. Institutes select candidates according to the overall SNAP percentile, providing students with the freedom to perform at their best in any section of General English, Quantitative/ Data Interpretation or Analytical/Logical Reasoning.