Comparative Analysis of SNAP 2025 with Other MBA Entrance Exams Using Registration and Score Data

2 minute read

Shreya Panagria

Update on Aug 06 2025, 07:53 PM IST

SNAP 2025 is a one-hour MBA entrance exam conducted by Symbiosis University and it has 60 questions in subjects like English, Math, and Logical Reasoning. Compared to other exams like CAT & XAT, which are longer and tougher,SNAP 2025is easier, especially in the math and English sections. CAT is a two-hour exam with more complex questions and strict timing for each section. NMAT is also easier and allows multiple attempts without negative marking, while SNAP lets candidates answer questions in any order within the time limit. Each exam is run by different organisations and held on different dates throughout the year. This comparison helps students choose the exam that fits their skills & preparation time.

 

Table of Contents
  1. Comparison Between SNAP 2025 with Other MBA Entrance Exams
  2. SNAP 2025 vs Other MBA Entrance Exams: Registration and Exam Timeline
  3. How Tough is SNAP Compared to Other Exams?
  4. SNAP VS NMAT
  5. SNAP VS CAT
  6. Wrapping Up

 

Comparison Between SNAP 2025 with Other MBA Entrance Exams

Understanding the differences between popular MBA entrance exams can help candidates plan their preparation better. This section compares SNAP 2025 with other major exams likeCAT,XAT,NMAT,CMAT,MAT andATMA. The comparison covers key factors such as conducting body, exam mode, duration, number of sections, marking scheme, and exam frequency. It provides a quick overview to help aspirants choose the exam best suited to their strengths and preferences.

Details

SNAP

CAT

XAT

NMAT

CMAT

MAT

ATMA

Conducting Body

Symbiosis University

IIMs

XLRI

GMAC

NTA

AIMA

AIMS

Exam Mode

CBT

CBT

CBT

CBT

CBT

CBT/PBT/IBT

CBT

Duration

1 hr

2 hrs

3 hrs 30 min

2 hrs

3 hrs

2 hrs 30 min

3 hrs

Sections

General English, QA & DI, LR

VARC, DILR, QA

VA & LR, DM, QA-DI, GK

Language Skills, QA, LR

QA & DI, LR, Language Comp., GA, Innovation

Language, Math, DI, Reasoning, GA

Analytical Reasoning, Quant, Verbal

No. of Questions

60

66

~100

108

100

200

180

Marking Scheme

+1 / -0.25

+3 / -1 (MCQs), No neg. for TITA

+1 / -0.25 (except GK section)

+1 / No Negative

+4 / -1

+1 / -0.25

+1 / -0.25

Exam Frequency

Three attempts max

Once a year

Once a year

2–3 test windows

Once a year

Multiple times/year

Multiple times/year

Exam Date

Dec 8, 15 & 21, 2025 (Tentative)

Nov 30, 2025 (Tentative)

Jan 4, 2026

Nov 5 – Dec 20, 2025

Jan 24, 2026 (Tentative)

PBT: May 31, CBT 1: Jun 8, CBT 2: Jul 20, 2025

July 27, 2025

Also Check: SNAP 2025 Registration Trends: Insights from Early Applicant Data

 

SNAP 2025 vs Other MBA Entrance Exams: Registration and Exam Timeline

This section provides a clear overview of the registration timelines and exam dates for SNAP 2025 and other major MBA entrance exams. It helps candidates understand when to apply, the duration of each exam and the number of questions they can expect. Knowing these details in advance allows aspirants to plan their preparation and application process smoothly. The table compares key information like exam mode, question count and timing, making it easier to choose the right exam.

Exam Name

Registration Start Date

Registration End Date

Exam Date(s)

Exam Mode

Number of Questions

Duration

SNAP 2025

First week of August 2025

November 20, 2025

December 8, 15 & 21, 2025 (Tentative)

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

60

60 minutes

CAT 2025

First week of August 2025

Third week of September 2025

November 30, 2025 (Tentative)

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

66

2 hours

XAT 2026

Not officially announced yet

Not officially announced yet

January 4, 2026

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

~100

3 hours 30 mins

NMAT 2025

Not officially announced yet

Not officially announced yet

November 5 – December 20, 2025

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

120

2 hours

CMAT 2026

Not officially announced yet

Not officially announced yet

January 24, 2026 (Tentative)

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

100

3 hours

MAT 2025

Not officially announced yet

Not officially announced yet

May 31 (PBT), June 8 (CBT1), July 20 (CBT2), 2025

Computer-Based / Paper-Based / Internet-Based

200

2 hours 30 mins

ATMA 2025

Not officially announced yet

Not officially announced yet

July 27, 2025

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

180

3 hours

 

How Tough is SNAP Compared to Other Exams?

This section compares the difficulty levels of popular MBA entrance exams like SNAP, CAT, XAT and NMAT. SNAP is considered moderately difficult and more manageable, especially in Quantitative Ability and Verbal sections. CAT and XAT are known for their tough questions and time limits, making them more challenging. NMAT is generally easier and offers flexibility with no negative marking. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the exam that suits their strengths and preparation style.

Exam

Difficulty Level

Details

SNAP

Moderate

- Quantitative Ability is easier compared to CAT and XAT.

 

- Verbal Ability is simpler than CAT’s and XAT’s VARC sections.

 

- Logical Reasoning is less complex than XAT’s Decision Making.

 

- Overall, SNAP is moderately difficult & more manageable.

CAT

Difficult

- Known for tough DILR and Quant sections.

 

- Requires strong math skills.

 

- Questions are complex and time-consuming.

XAT

Difficult

- Includes a challenging Decision Making section unique to XAT.

 

- Time constraints of 3 hours add to the difficulty.

 

- Overall rigorous and demanding exam.

NMAT

Moderate to Easy

- Generally simpler than CAT, XAT, and SNAP.

 

- Moderate level questions.

 

- No negative marking offers flexibility.

 

- Multiple attempts allowed.

Comparison Summary

-

- SNAP is easier than CAT and XAT and suits those preferring moderate difficulty.

 

- NMAT is easier and flexible with no negative marking.

 

- SNAP balances difficulty and speed better than NMAT.

Also Check: SNAP 2025 Syllabus Changes: What’s New and What’s Trending?

 

SNAP VS NMAT

Both the NMAT and SNAP exams assess key management skills, but they differ in structure. NMAT has a longer duration of 2 hours and allows sectional time limits, which means each section must be completed within a fixed time. SNAP is shorter, with a total time of 1 hour and has no fixed time for each section, allowing candidates to manage their time freely. Understanding these differences can help plan preparation & manage time during the exam efficiently.

Component

NMAT

SNAP

Full Form

NMIMS Management Aptitude Test

Symbiosis National Aptitude Test

Conducting Authority

Graduate Management Aptitude Council (GMAC)

Symbiosis International (Deemed) University (SIU)

Exam Duration

120 Minutes

60 Minutes

Difficulty Level

Moderate to High

Moderate

Answer Options for MCQs

5

4

Marks per Question

3 Marks

1 Mark

Negative Marking

No

25% deduction

Sectional Time Limit

Yes

No

No. of Questions

120

130

No. of Attempts

Maximum 3 Retakes

One Attempt Only

Top MBA Participating Colleges

NMIMS Mumbai, NMIMS Bangalore, Amity University Noida, IMI Kolkata, etc.

SIBM Pune, SIBM Bangalore, SIBM Hyderabad, SCMHRD Pune, etc.

Also Check: SNAP vs. CAT 2025: Which Exam Is More Competitive This Year?

 

SNAP VS CAT

Both SNAP and CAT exams have three sections, but they differ in how candidates can approach them. SNAP allows flexibility, letting candidates attempt questions from any section in any order within the total time. CAT, however, has a fixed order and time limit for each section. SNAP is shorter with only one hour, while CAT lasts two hours. Understanding these differences helps candidates plan their time & strategy effectively during the exam.

Component

SNAP Exam

CAT Exam

Date of Exam

December 8, 15 and 21, 2025 (Tentative)

November 30, 2025 (Tentative)

When to Apply

First week of August 2025 - Last week of November 2025

First week of August 2025 - Third week of September 2025

Total Number of Questions

60

66

Overall Time Limit

1 hour

2 hours

Type of Questions

All MCQs

48-50 MCQs and others are Non-MCQs

Number of Answer Options for MCQs

4

4

Marks Awarded for Each Correct Answer

1

3

Negative Marking

-0.25 mark

1/3 negative marking for MCQs; No negative marking for Non-MCQs

Difficulty Level

Easy to Moderate

Difficult

Total Number of Sections

3

3

Option to Select Order of Sections

Yes, can attempt any question in any order within overall time limit

No, must follow pre-defined sectional order

Individual Sectional Time Limit

No individual sectional time limit

40 minutes per section

 

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right MBA entrance exam depends on your strengths, comfort with time limits, and exam style. SNAP 2025 is shorter & easier than exams like CAT and XAT, making it a good choice for students looking for a manageable test. It also allows more flexibility in answering questions. Exams like NMAT offer more chances and no negative marking, which can reduce stress. Understanding these differences helps you prepare better and choose the exam that suits you best.

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