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

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Update on Aug 26 2025, 04:10 PM IST

SNAP 2025 is scheduled to be conducted in three separate sessions: December 6, December 14, and December 20, 2025 by Symbiosis University for admission to its MBA programmes. It will last for one hour and has a total of 60 questions, covering subjects like English, Mathematics, and Logical Reasoning. Compared to other popular MBA exams such as CAT 2025 and XAT 2025, SNAP is considered much easier, especially in the English and Math sections.

 

For example, CAT is a longer exam, usually two hours, and the questions are more challenging with strict time limits for each section. NMAT 2025 is another MBA entrance test that is relatively easy and allows candidates to attempt the exam multiple times without any negative marking.

 

SNAP 2025 is flexible because candidates can answer questions in any order within the one-hour time limit. Each of these exams is conducted by a different organization and scheduled on different dates throughout the year. This comparison helps students decide which exam matches their preparation level and the time they can dedicate for study.

 

Table of Contents
  1. Comparison Between SNAP 2025 with Other MBA Entrance Exams
  2. SNAP 2025 vs Other MBA Entrance: Registration and Exam Timeline
  3. Is SNAP 2025 tougher compared to other exams?
  4. SNAP 2025 VS CAT 2025
  5. SNAP 2025 VS NMAT 2025
  6. Conclusion

 

Comparison Between SNAP 2025 with Other MBA Entrance Exams

Knowing how different MBA entrance exams work can help students prepare smarter. This section looks at SNAP 2025 and compares it with other big exams like CAT, XAT, NMAT, CMAT, MAT, and ATMA. The comparison focuses on key points, including who conducts the exam, whether it’s online or offline, its duration, the number of sections, marking rules, and the frequency of its administration. It gives a clear view so students can pick the exam that fits them best.

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

Around 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 to Dec 20, 2025

Jan 24, 2026 (Tentative)

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

July 27, 2025

 

SNAP 2025 vs Other MBA Entrance: Registration and Exam Timeline

SNAP 2025 registrations start in the first week of August 2025, with the exam tentatively scheduled for December 8, 15, and 21. It is a 60-minute computer-based test with 60 questions. In comparison, CAT 2025 also opens registration in August but lasts 2 hours with 66 questions. Other exams like XAT, NMAT, CMAT, MAT, and ATMA differ in the number of questions, duration, and exam dates, making it important for aspirants to plan based on their preferred schedule and exam format.

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 to 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

 

Is SNAP 2025 tougher compared to other exams?

SNAP 2025 is basically a moderate-level exam, with Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning sections being easier compared to CAT and XAT. CAT is known for its tough DILR and Quant sections, while XAT adds a challenging Decision Making section along with strict time limits. NMAT is relatively much easier, with moderate-level questions, no negative marking, and multiple attempts allowed.

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 little difficult & more manageable.

CAT

Difficult

- Known for its very tough DILR and Quant sections.

 

- Requires strong math skills.

 

- Questions are complex and time-consuming.

XAT

Difficult

- Includes an extremely difficult Decision Making section

 

- Time constraints of 3 hours add to the difficulty.

 

- Overall, a 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

-

- SNAP is comparatively easier than CAT and XAT and is perfect for those preferring moderate difficulty.

 

- NMAT is easier and more flexible as there is no negative marking.

 

- SNAP has a good balance of difficulty and speed better than NMAT.

 

SNAP 2025 VS CAT 2025

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

 

SNAP 2025 VS NMAT 2025

SNAP 2025 and NMAT 2025 will both test basic management skills of the candidates, but their formats are different. NMAT is of 2 hours with strict time limits for each section, so candidates must complete each part within the deadline. Candidates must knwo these differences as it will help them plan their preparation and manage time more effectively during the exam.

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.

 

Conclusion

In the end, every MBA entrance exam has its own exam pattern, difficulty level, and timing rules. Therefore, candidates should prepare according to the specific exam they plan to take, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses. Attempting all questions, where possible, can increase chances of a better score and percentile. A balanced approach like improving speed, accuracy, and exam strategy will help them stay on the safer side and improve their chances of securing admission in top institutes.

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