SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) – Complete Exam Preparation Guide
Introduction to SNAP
The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU) for admission to its MBA and PGDM programs offered by 16 Symbiosis institutes across India. SNAP is known for its speed-based format, requiring candidates to attempt a high number of questions in a limited time.
Why Take the SNAP Exam?
- Admission to top-ranked Symbiosis Institutes, including SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, SIIB, and SIMC.
- Moderate difficulty level, making it more approachable compared to CAT and XAT.
- Multiple attempts allowed, as candidates can appear for SNAP up to three times in one admission cycle.
- Short duration (60 minutes), making it a quick yet challenging test.
SNAP Exam Details
- Exam Conducting Body: Symbiosis International (Deemed University)
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Frequency: Conducted once a year with up to three attempts
- Exam Duration: 1 hour (60 minutes)
- Total Sections: 3
- General English (GE)
- Analytical & Logical Reasoning (ALR)
- Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency (QA, DI-DS)
- Question Type: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Marking Scheme: +1 for a correct answer, -0.25 for an incorrect answer
- Medium: English
SNAP Exam Important Dates
The SNAP exam is conducted annually, typically in December. The general timeline includes:
- Notification Release: Before the start of the application process
- Registration Period: Opens several months before the exam
- Admit Card Release: Available before the exam date
- Exam Dates: Conducted over multiple slots
- Result Announcement: A few weeks after the last test date
SNAP Exam Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates).
- Final Year Students: Eligible to apply with a provisional certificate.
- No Age Limit: No upper age restriction for SNAP aspirants.
SNAP Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| General English (Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, and Verbal Ability) | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| Analytical & Logical Reasoning | 25 | 1 | 25 |
| Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Total | 60 | 1 | 60 |
SNAP Exam Syllabus
1. General English (GE)
- Reading Comprehension (Short Passages)
- Grammar-based Questions (Error Spotting, Sentence Correction)
- Para Jumbles and Sentence Completion
- Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases
- Cloze Test and Fill in the Blanks
2. Analytical & Logical Reasoning (ALR)
- Blood Relations and Coding-Decoding
- Syllogisms and Logical Deduction
- Seating Arrangement and Puzzles
- Cause & Effect and Statement-Assumption
- Series and Clocks & Calendars
3. Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency (QA, DI-DS)
- Number System and Arithmetic
- Algebra (Linear & Quadratic Equations)
- Geometry, Mensuration, and Trigonometry
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Probability, Permutations & Combinations
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, and Charts)
How to Prepare for SNAP?
1. Understand the Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Review the syllabus thoroughly and identify high-weightage topics.
- Understand the speed-based nature of the exam and prepare accordingly.
2. Create a Study Plan
- Allocate time to all three sections and focus on time management.
- Practice quick-solving techniques to maximize attempts within 60 minutes.
3. Refer to the Best Study Materials
- Books:
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension by Arun Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by R.S. Aggarwal
- Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation by Nishit Sinha
- Previous Year SNAP Papers & Mock Tests
4. Practice Mock Tests & Previous Papers
- Attempt at least 10-15 mock tests before the actual exam.
- Focus on improving accuracy and speed.
5. Improve Time Management
- Solve questions under timed conditions to complete all 60 questions in 60 minutes.
- Use shortcut techniques for solving quant and logical reasoning questions.
6. Enhance Verbal Ability Skills
- Read newspapers, business magazines, and editorials daily.
- Improve vocabulary by learning new words, idioms, and phrases regularly.
Last-Minute Preparation Tips
- Revise all concepts and formulas regularly.
- Attempt easy questions first to maximize accuracy.
- Stay calm, focused, and manage stress effectively.
- Avoid learning new topics in the last few days before the exam.
Post-SNAP Admission Process
- Results Announcement: A few weeks after the exam.
- Shortlisting: Based on SNAP scores and academic records.
- Group Exercise (GE), Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI): Conducted by Symbiosis Institutes.
- Final Selection: Based on SNAP score, GE/WAT-PI performance, academic history, and work experience.
Top MBA Colleges Accepting SNAP Scores
- Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) Pune
- Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD) Pune
- Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB) Pune
- Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) Bangalore
- Symbiosis Institute of Digital & Telecom Management (SIDTM) Pune
- Symbiosis Institute of Operations Management (SIOM) Nashik
Conclusion
Cracking the SNAP exam requires fast decision-making, efficient time management, and rigorous practice. With the right strategy, study materials, and dedication, candidates can secure admission to top Symbiosis Institutes. Start your preparation early, stay focused, and aim for excellence!
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