CAT, XAT & SNAP: Which One is Better?

When it comes to pursuing an MBA, aspirants in India often find themselves choosing between multiple entrance exams to secure admission to top business schools. Among these exams, CAT (Common Admission Test), XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test), and SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) stand out as some of the most widely recognized tests. Each of these exams has its nuances, structures, and selection criteria, making it essential for students to understand the differences to make an informed decision.

This blog will walk you through a comprehensive comparison of CAT, XAT, and SNAP, covering aspects like exam format, marking schemes, difficulty levels, and more to help you choose the right exam based on your goals.

1. Overview of CAT, XAT, and SNAP

CAT (Common Admission Test): CAT is the most popular MBA entrance exam in India, conducted annually by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Apart from IIMs, more than 1,000 management institutes across India accept CAT scores.

XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test): Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, XAT is one of the oldest MBA entrance exams in India. It is a national-level test, and over 150 institutes accept XAT scores, including premier colleges like SPJIMR and IMT Ghaziabad.

SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test): SNAP is the gateway to 15 Symbiosis International (Deemed University) institutes offering MBA programs. Conducted by Symbiosis International University, it is comparatively shorter and more direct compared to CAT and XAT.

2. Exam Pattern and Structure

The structure and format of CAT, XAT, and SNAP vary considerably, and understanding these differences is crucial for preparation.

CAT Exam Pattern:

• Duration: 120 minutes
• Number of Sections: 3 (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability)
• Total Questions: 66 (VARC: 24, DILR: 20, QA: 22)
• Marking Scheme: +3 for every correct answer, -1 for every incorrect answer
• Negative Marking: Yes (No negative marking for non-MCQs)
• Mode: Computer-based

XAT Exam Pattern:

• Duration: 190 minutes (Part 1: 165 minutes, Part 2: 25 minutes)
• Number of Sections:
• Part 1: Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
• Part 2: General Knowledge
• Total Questions: Part 1: 75 questions, Part 2: 25 questions
• Marking Scheme: +1 for every correct answer, -0.25 for every incorrect answer (Part 1)
• Negative Marking: Yes (Also, 0.10 marks deducted for more than 8 unanswered questions)
• Mode: Computer-based

SNAP Exam Pattern:

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Number of Sections: 3 (General English, Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency, Analytical & Logical Reasoning)
• Total Questions: 60 (GE: 15, QA: 20, A-LR: 25)
• Marking Scheme: +1 for every correct answer, -0.25 for every incorrect answer
• Negative Marking: Yes
• Mode: Computer-based

3. Exam Difficulty Level

CAT Difficulty: CAT is known for its moderate to high level of difficulty. The Quantitative Ability section is often considered the most challenging, requiring in-depth conceptual understanding. The VARC and DILR sections can also be quite tricky due to complex questions and time pressure.

XAT Difficulty: XAT is generally considered to be tougher than CAT, especially because of its Decision-Making section, which is unique to XAT and tests candidates' managerial judgment and ethical reasoning. The Quant and Verbal sections are comparable to CAT, though XAT also includes a General Knowledge section, adding another layer of complexity.

SNAP Difficulty: SNAP is often perceived as the easiest of the three, mainly because of its shorter duration and straightforward questions. However, the Analytical & Logical Reasoning section can sometimes pose challenges due to the variety of question types. Time management plays a key role here, as aspirants must solve 60 questions in just 60 minutes.

4. Marking Scheme and Negative Marking

• CAT: The exam has a negative marking scheme of -1 for each wrong answer in the MCQs. For non-MCQs (which are around 25–30% of the questions), there is no negative marking.
• XAT: XAT penalizes candidates for wrong answers with a deduction of 0.25 marks. Additionally, if more than 8 questions are left unanswered, a further penalty of 0.10 marks per unanswered question is applied. The General Knowledge section, though not part of the final percentile calculation, is used by some institutes in their final selection process.
• SNAP: For each incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are deducted. The penalty for wrong answers is relatively milder than XAT but is consistent across all sections.

5. Which Exam is Right for You?

• Choose CAT if: You are aiming for top-tier institutes like IIMs, FMS, MDI, or SPJIMR. If you're comfortable with a higher difficulty level, especially in Quantitative Aptitude, and are well-prepared to handle time pressure, CAT is the best choice.
• Choose XAT if: You are aspiring to get into institutes like XLRI, XIMB, or SPJIMR and have strong analytical and decision-making skills. The Decision-Making section is unique to XAT, so if you excel in judgment-based questions, XAT could be a good fit.
• Choose SNAP if: You are targeting Symbiosis institutes and are looking for an exam with a manageable difficulty level. SNAP is ideal for those who are quick problem-solvers and can handle moderate difficulty in reasoning and general aptitude.

6. Application and Admission Process

The application process for all three exams typically starts around August–September each year. CAT and XAT results are usually declared in January, while SNAP results come out in December. The admission process involves group discussions, personal interviews, and sometimes a written ability test (WAT), depending on the institute.

Summary

Whether CAT, XAT, or SNAP is better depends on your career goals, target institutes, and personal strengths. Each exam offers distinct advantages and challenges. CAT is the best for those targeting IIMs, XAT for those inclined towards XLRI and similar institutes, and SNAP for Symbiosis aspirants.

If you’re preparing for any of these exams and want top-notch guidance, Career Launcher Nashik is an excellent choice. Located in Nashik, this institute has a proven track record of success in mentoring students for CAT, XAT, and SNAP. With expert faculty, personalized coaching, and an extensive study material library, Career Launcher Nashik helps students maximize their potential and secure admission to their dream MBA colleges.