SNAP vs NMAT: Which MBA Entrance Exam Is Better for You? (2025–2026 Edition)

As you prepare to pursue an MBA in India, especially in the non-IIM private B-school space, two important entrance tests often come up in your research: SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) and NMAT by GMAC (Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test). While both exams open doors to reputed B-schools, they are structurally and strategically very different.

In this in-depth blog, we’ll break down:

• Key differences between SNAP and NMAT

• Exam pattern and difficulty level

• Accepted colleges and ROI

• Ideal fit based on your profile and goals

• Which exam you should prioritize

Table of Contents

1. What is SNAP?

2. What is NMAT?

3. SNAP vs NMAT: Exam Pattern and Format

4. Difficulty Level: Which Exam Is Tougher?

5. Accepted Colleges for SNAP and NMAT

6. Which Offers Better ROI?

7. SNAP or NMAT: Which Is More Profile-Friendly?

8. Which Exam Should You Take First?

9. Strategy for Dual Preparation

10. Final Verdict: SNAP vs NMAT

11. FAQs

1. What is SNAP?

The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is the gateway to 15+ Symbiosis institutes, including SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, and SIIB. Conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, the SNAP test assesses speed, accuracy, and basic aptitude across three key areas.

• Mode: Online, Computer-Based

• Frequency: Once a year, with 3 attempts allowed (best score considered)

• Duration: 60 minutes

• Max Marks: 60

• Test Months: December (across 3 slots)

• Score Validity: 1 year

SNAP is best suited for candidates who are fast and accurate in solving moderately easy MCQs.

2. What is NMAT?

The NMAT by GMAC is used for admission into NMIMS Mumbai and several other B-schools in India and abroad. Known for its flexible format and candidate-friendly design, NMAT allows test-takers to play to their strengths.

• Mode: Online (Test Centre or Proctored at Home)

• Frequency: Once a year, up to 3 attempts (Best score counted)

• Duration: 120 minutes

• Max Marks: 360 (scaled score)

• Test Window: October to December

• Score Validity: 1 year

The NMAT is ideal for candidates who prefer a predictable exam format, sectional time management, and multiple attempts.

3. SNAP vs NMAT: Exam Pattern and Format

Feature	SNAP 2025–26	NMAT 2025–26
Total Questions	60	108
Duration	60 minutes	120 minutes
Sections	General English, QA & DI, LR	Language Skills, Quant, LR
Sectional Time Limit	No	Yes
Marking Scheme	+1, -0.25	No negative marking
Attempts Allowed	3 (best considered)	3 (best considered)
Difficulty Level	Moderate to High (speed-based)	Easy to Moderate (strategy-based)

Summary: SNAP is shorter but more intense. NMAT offers more control, especially with no negative marking and sectional timing.

4. Difficulty Level: Which Exam Is Tougher?

• SNAP has a reputation for being speed-intensive. With just 60 minutes for 60 questions, you must be quick with mental math, grammar, and reasoning shortcuts.

• NMAT, in contrast, is more about planning. Its level is generally easier than SNAP or CAT, but it requires smart time management per section.

If you're weak in a particular section (e.g., Quant), NMAT allows you to pace yourself. SNAP doesn’t.

Verdict: SNAP is more difficult due to speed and penalty; NMAT is more forgiving but requires balance across all three sections.

5. Accepted Colleges for SNAP and NMAT

Top B-Schools Accepting SNAP:

• SIBM Pune (Flagship, consistently ranks in Top 25)

• SCMHRD Pune (HR, Marketing, and Analytics)

• SIIB, SIBM Bangalore, SIMS, SCIT, SIOM, etc.

Top B-Schools Accepting NMAT:

• NMIMS Mumbai (Flagship, ranks Top 20–30)

• ISB Certificate Programs (via NMAT)

• SPJIMR GMP (for global MBA pathway)

• XUB, TAPMI, K J Somaiya, IFMR, Shiv Nadar, Athena Global

Note: NMAT is also accepted by international schools like IE Business School, ESSEC, and ISM Germany.

Summary: SNAP is Symbiosis-specific. NMAT has broader reach but fewer top-tier options in India beyond NMIMS.

6. Which Offers Better ROI?

Institute	Avg CTC (INR LPA)	Fees (approx)	ROI Rating
SIBM Pune	24.0	24.6 lakhs	High
SCMHRD Pune	21.0	21.6 lakhs	High
NMIMS Mumbai	18.0	23.0 lakhs	Medium
SIIB, SCIT	11–13	17–19 lakhs	Medium
TAPMI, IFMR	12–14	15–16 lakhs	Medium

Verdict: If ROI is your key concern, Symbiosis Pune campuses via SNAP offer slightly better returns, especially in Marketing and HR.

7. SNAP or NMAT: Which Is More Profile-Friendly?

NMAT Advantages:

• Allows candidates to self-schedule test dates

• Can retake the test within the test window

• No negative marking

• More forgiving to sectional weaknesses

SNAP Advantages:

• Test format is fixed and predictable

• Widely recognized within India

• Slight edge in final placements at SIBM Pune and SCMHRD

Conclusion: NMAT is more flexible for test-taking and strategy. SNAP is better for consistent, test-ready candidates who are confident in all three sections.

8. Which Exam Should You Take First?

If your prep is ongoing and you want more control, consider taking NMAT first. You can schedule it early in the cycle (October–November), and then take SNAP in December.

NMAT also serves as a good warm-up for SNAP, given it builds time discipline.

9. Strategy for Dual Preparation

1. Core Syllabus: Both exams test QA, LR, and English. Focus on arithmetic, RC, and verbal logic.

2. Practice Speed: For SNAP, take 60-minutes mock tests weekly.

3. Time Management: Practice NMAT with strict sectional time limits.

4. Topic Prioritization:

   • SNAP: Focus on puzzles, data sufficiency, grammar, vocabulary

   • NMAT: Focus on speed arithmetic, syllogisms, and para jumbles

5. Mock Test Timing:

   • NMAT: Mid-Oct to mid-Nov

   • SNAP: December weekends (3 attempts possible)

10. Final Verdict: SNAP vs NMAT

Parameter	SNAP	NMAT
Ideal for	Fast solvers, risk-takers	Strategic test-takers
Best Use Case	Symbiosis institutes	NMIMS + other private colleges
Negative Marking	Yes (-0.25)	No
Flexibility	Fixed slots	Custom scheduling
ROI Potential	Slightly higher at top colleges	Medium, except NMIMS
Number of Attempts	3	3

11. FAQs

Q1. Is SNAP easier than NMAT? 

SNAP is not easier; it’s faster and riskier due to negative marking. NMAT allows more control and flexibility.

Q2. Can I take both SNAP and NMAT? 

Yes, many students take both to diversify their B-school options. Schedules typically don’t clash.

Q3. What is a good score in SNAP? 

A 98–99 percentile score (~42–46 marks out of 60) is typically needed for SIBM Pune.

Q4. What is a good score in NMAT? 

A scaled score of 235–250+ is generally considered strong for NMIMS Mumbai.

Q5. Which exam is better for Marketing or HR careers? 

SCMHRD (SNAP) is highly reputed for HR. Both SIBM and NMIMS are strong in Marketing.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re aiming specifically for Symbiosis schools and are confident in your speed and accuracy, SNAP is the better bet. If you prefer structure, flexibility, and a broader net of B-schools, NMAT offers an appealing alternative.

Serious MBA aspirants often take both. That’s a strategic move to maximize admits and scholarship chances. Make sure your preparation is aligned with each exam’s expectations — and don’t underestimate the power of mocks.