XAT vs SNAP: Which MBA Entrance Exam Is Right for You?
- MBA Entrance Exam Expert
- Aug 15
- 4 min read
If you're exploring non-CAT routes to India’s top MBA programs, two major entrance exams will appear on your radar: XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) and SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test). While both open doors to reputed B-schools, they cater to different candidate profiles, exam strategies, and post-MBA aspirations.
This blog helps you understand:
Key differences between XAT and SNAP
Exam pattern, difficulty level, and syllabus
Colleges accepting each exam
Best-fit profiles for each test
ROI and placements at associated institutes
Let’s help you choose the exam that aligns best with your goals.
Table of Contents
1. Overview: What Are XAT and SNAP?
Exam | Conducted By | For Admission To |
XAT | XLRI Jamshedpur | XLRI + 150+ B-schools |
SNAP | Symbiosis International University (SIU) | 15+ Symbiosis Institutes |
XAT is used by top private B-schools such as XLRI, IMT, XIMB, GIM, TAPMI, and FORE. It tests deeper analytical thinking and includes unique sections like Decision Making.
SNAP is the exclusive gateway to Symbiosis institutes like SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, SIIB, and SIBM Bangalore. It’s a shorter, speed-based test.
2. XAT vs SNAP - Exam Pattern Comparison
Feature | XAT | SNAP |
Mode | Online | Online |
Duration | 210 mins | 60 mins |
Sections | Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quant, GK, Essay | General English, Quant & DI, Analytical & Logical Reasoning |
Total Questions | ~100 | 60 |
Marks Per Question | +1 | +1 |
Negative Marking | -0.25 | -0.25 |
Additional Penalty | Yes (for 10+ unattempted Qs) | No |
Essay Section | Yes (evaluated post-shortlist) | No |
XAT is a deeper, more analytical exam. SNAP rewards speed and accuracy under pressure.
3. Difficulty Level: Which Exam Is Tougher?
XAT is objectively more difficult due to:
Lengthy Decision Making section
Tougher Quant questions
Abstract Verbal Ability
High cutoffs required for XLRI
SNAP, in contrast, is known for:
Easy-to-moderate difficulty
Time pressure: 1 minute per question
No sectional time limits (as of recent versions)
If you're good at critical reasoning and decision-based questions, XAT gives you more room to stand out. SNAP, on the other hand, rewards strong fundamentals and fast problem-solving.
4. Colleges Accepting XAT vs SNAP Scores
Top B-Schools via XAT:
XLRI Jamshedpur (BM, HRM, PGDM-GM)
IMT Ghaziabad
XIMB (Xavier University Bhubaneswar)
TAPMI, Manipal
GIM Goa
FORE School of Management
Great Lakes Chennai
IRMA Anand
LIBA Chennai
Top B-Schools via SNAP:
SIBM Pune (Flagship)
SCMHRD Pune (HR, Business Analytics)
SIIB (International Business)
SIBM Bangalore
SIOM Nashik (Operations)
SIDTM (Telecom Management)
SCIT (IT & Systems)
XAT opens up a larger range of colleges with wider program diversity. SNAP is limited to Symbiosis Group, which maintains consistent quality and branding.
5. XAT vs SNAP Domain Specialization Opportunities
XAT Offers:
HRM (XLRI, XIMB)
Rural Management (IRMA)
Business Analytics (FORE, TAPMI)
Sustainability (XIM Bhubaneswar)
SNAP Offers:
Marketing and HR (SIBM, SCMHRD)
Operations (SIOM)
IT/Analytics (SCIT, SIDTM)
International Business (SIIB)
If you are interested in niche programs within Symbiosis, SNAP is ideal. For broader options including HRM, General Management, and Rural, XAT is the better gateway.
6. Work Experience and Profile Fit
Background | Recommended Exam |
Freshers | SNAP, XAT (BM, HRM) |
2–4 years | XAT (BM, IRMA, IMT), SNAP (SCMHRD, SIIB) |
5+ years | XAT (PGDM-GM at XLRI, Great Lakes), not ideal for SNAP |
XAT accommodates experienced candidates better, especially through XLRI’s PGDM-GM and Great Lakes' 1-year MBA.
SNAP suits freshers and early-career professionals aiming for domain-specific MBA roles.
7. ROI, Fees, and Placements
XAT Colleges – Sample Data:
Institute | Fees (₹) | Avg CTC (₹ LPA) |
XLRI BM | 24.8 Lakhs | 32.7 LPA |
IMT Ghaziabad | 21.5 Lakhs | 17.35 LPA |
XIM Bhubaneswar | 20 Lakhs | 17.5 LPA |
GIM Goa | 20 Lakhs | 14.8 LPA |
SNAP Colleges – Sample Data:
Institute | Fees (₹) | Avg CTC (₹ LPA) |
SIBM Pune | 24.6 Lakhs | 28.2 LPA |
SCMHRD | 22.5 Lakhs | 24 LPA |
SIIB | 20 Lakhs | 15–17 LPA |
SIBM Bangalore | 20 Lakhs | 14–15 LPA |
SIBM Pune and SCMHRD deliver excellent ROI, often matching top XAT colleges. However, XLRI remains unmatched in terms of overall brand and long-term outcomes.
8. XAT vs SNAP - Should You Write Both?
If your CAT didn’t go well, or you want to maximize options:
Attempting both XAT and SNAP is smart.
XAT gives you elite, academically rigorous options.
SNAP gives you quicker, focused management programs.
Also note:
XAT takes place in January.
SNAP usually has multiple slots in December.
You can prepare for both exams simultaneously with minor tweaks:
Focus on Decision Making and Essay for XAT.
Build speed and accuracy for SNAP.
9. Final Verdict
Criteria | Choose XAT If… | Choose SNAP If… |
Goal | XLRI, Top 25 B-schools | Symbiosis Colleges |
Difficulty | Comfortable with logic, DM, and long papers | Prefer speed-based exams |
Program Fit | HRM, BM, GM, Rural, Analytics | Marketing, HR, IB, Operations |
Experience | 2–5+ years or high academic rigor | Freshers or <2 years experience |
ROI | XLRI, XIMB, TAPMI, GIM | SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, SIIB |
Ultimately, the decision depends on your career goals, preparation timeline, and college preferences. If you’re looking for leadership roles, rigorous curriculum, and a wide B-school pool, XAT is your best bet. If you value speed, efficiency, and domain-specific programs within a single university ecosystem, SNAP offers an efficient path.
Whichever you choose, both exams can lead to strong outcomes if you align your prep and application strategy with the right B-schools.
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