How is SNAP When Compared to Other Management Exams?

One of the most well-known management entrance tests in India is the Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP), which is administered by Symbiosis International (Deemed University). Here are some points of How is SNAP When Compared to Other Management Exams?SNAP is a requirement for admission to Symbiosis institutes, but how does it stack up against other popular management examinations like CAT, XAT, NMAT, or IIFT? We’ll examine the unique characteristics of SNAP in this blog post, contrasting its format, degree of difficulty, approach to preparation, and selection procedure with those of other top management tests.

1.Exam Structure: SNAP vs Other Management Exams

The exam structure is one of the most noticeable differences between SNAP and other management entrance tests. Let’s dissect SNAP’s fundamental structure and contrast it with that of CAT, XAT, NMAT, and other exams.

SNAP Structure:

• Duration: 1 hour (60 minutes)
• Total Questions: 60 questions
• Sections: General English, Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Analytical & Logical Reasoning (A-LR)
• Marking Scheme: +1 mark for each correct answer, -0.25 for each incorrect answer

Compared to other exams:

CAT: Contains 66 questions spread over two hours and is divided into three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

XAT: The five areas of the XAT include General Knowledge, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Verbal and Logical Ability, and Decision Making. The exam lasts three hours, with most portions having no sectoral time limit.

NMAT: The NMAT offers 108 questions in 120 minutes, separated into divisions for Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning, with no negative marking. It provides for flexibility.

IIFT: There are four areas of the IIFT exam: General Knowledge, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Analysis.

Comparison:

Compared to other exams like the CAT (2 hours) and XAT (3 hours), the SNAP exam is quicker because it lasts only one hour.

While NMAT has no negative marking, making it more forgiving of bad answers, SNAP’s (-0.25) negative grading is modest when compared to exams like CAT (-1 mark for each incorrect response).

Compared to other tests, SNAP includes fewer questions, so students must solve problems more quickly. They have 60 minutes to answer 60 questions on SNAP, while CAT has 120 minutes to answer 66 questions.

2.Difficulty Level: How Tough is SNAP Compared to Other Exams?

When comparing management tests, one of the main things that candidates worry about is the degree of difficulty. This is the difficulty comparison chart for SNAP compared to other tests.

SNAP Difficulty Level: 

1.Quantitative Ability: Compared to CAT or XAT, which include more difficult and time-consuming questions, the QA portion of SNAP is thought to be easier.

2.Verbal Ability: Compared to CAT and XAT, whose VARC sections might be difficult and complex, SNAP’s General English section is also easier to handle.

3.Logical Reasoning: SNAP has a strong emphasis on analytical and logical reasoning. Although it can be difficult at times, it is often less complex than the notoriously difficult Decision Making part of the XAT.

4.Overall: SNAP is thought to be moderately difficult overall, which makes it more manageable for applicants who find tests like the CAT and XAT daunting.

CAT Difficulty Level: 

The CAT is renowned for being extremely challenging, particularly in DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. QA questions are frequently more difficult and call for a good mathematics background.

Exam Difficulty Level: 

The decision-making component, which is exclusive to XAT and can be tough for applicants, is the main reason why XAT is a rigorous exam. Furthermore, the three-hour time constraint may be difficult to meet.

NMAT Difficulty Level: 

When compared to SNAP, CAT, and XAT, NMAT is thought to be simpler. The questions are usually of a moderate difficulty level, and applicants can attempt any number of them without fear of failing because there is no negative grading.

Comparison:

When it comes to exams, SNAP may be a better option than CAT and XAT if you want to apply to Symbiosis colleges and are seeking for something more moderately demanding. These exams are notorious for having harder questions.

For students who would rather have flexibility and no negative marking, NMAT might be simpler, but SNAP strikes a better balance between difficulty and speed.

3.Preparation Strategy: SNAP vs Other Management Exams

Because SNAP has fewer questions, a different difficulty level, and different parts than exams like CAT, XAT, and NMAT, the preparation approach for SNAP is a little different.

SNAP Preparation Strategy:

1.Concentrate on Speed: Because the SNAP exam lasts only an hour, speed is essential to passing it. You have to have excellent time management abilities since you have to aim to finish 60 questions in 60 minutes.

2.Emphasis on Logical Reasoning: Analytical and Logical Reasoning are given a lot of weight in SNAP, so be sure to give them enough time to prepare.

3.Moderate Quant Focus: QA in SNAP is still practice-intensive even though it’s simpler than in CAT. Concentrate on fundamental geometry, algebra, and arithmetic.

CAT Preparation Strategy: 

1.Given the difficulty of quantitative aptitude and data interpretation, CAT preparation necessitates a concentrated effort in these areas. Sectional examinations and mock exams are crucial for practice when time is of the essence.

2.Regular reading and comprehension practice is essential because the VARC component of the CAT might be challenging.

XAT Preparation Strategy: 

1.Because the Decision-Making portion is exclusive to the XAT, it needs to be given extra consideration. Rehearsing decision-making scenarios is essential.

2.Unlike SNAP, XAT also includes a General Knowledge portion, so keeping up with current events is crucial.

Comparison:

Because SNAP takes less time to complete, there is less pressure to prepare; yet, accuracy and speed are crucial. However, because of their level of difficulty and wider breadth, exams like the CAT and XAT require a longer and more thorough study period.

4.Selection Process: SNAP vs Other Exams

Group discussions, written ability tests, and in-person interviews are not a part of the selection process that follows SNAP, unlike assessments such as the CAT and XAT.

SNAP Selection Procedure: 

1.Shortlisted candidates for the GE-PIWAT process (Group Exercise, Personal Interview, and Written Ability Test) are those who meet the eligibility requirements for SNAP.

2.The ultimate selection is based on a mix of SNAP score, GE-PIWAT performance, and other factors including academic background. Symbiosis institutes have their own SNAP cutoff scores.

CAT Selection Procedure: 

1.To make the final selection, the majority of institutes, particularly the IIMs, use the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI).

2.While CAT scores are important, other considerations are equally important, such as work experience, academic standing, and WAT-PI performance.

Selection Procedure for XAT: 

1.In addition to GD-PI rounds, several institutes also demand that candidates show up for a WAT.

2.Similar to the CAT, the academic record and professional experience are crucial factors in the decision-making process for universities that accept XAT results.

Comparison:

Comparatively speaking, CAT and XAT have more stringent selection procedures overall because to their various testing and evaluation rounds, but SNAP’s selection method is more simplified and concentrates on GE-PIWAT.

It’s evident that each management test, including CAT, XAT, and NMAT, has advantages and disadvantages of its own when comparing SNAP to them. If you’re aiming for Symbiosis institutes and would want a test that’s both time-efficient and of moderate complexity, SNAP is a great option. However, you’ll need to get ready for a more difficult exam with a longer duration and more sections if you’re targeting the IIMs or other prestigious B-schools through the CAT or XAT. In the end, the exam you choose should be determined by your desired colleges, how comfortable you are with the format, and the amount of preparation you are willing to put in.