XAT vs SNAP vs IIFT: Which MBA Exam Is Best for You? (2025–2026 Edition)
- MBA Entrance Exam Expert
- Oct 16
- 4 min read
India’s MBA entrance landscape is no longer just CAT-centric. Aspirants targeting top B-schools in India now face a trio of competitive exams — XAT, SNAP, and IIFT — each unlocking a different category of business schools and career opportunities.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the XAT vs SNAP vs IIFT dilemma to help you answer one core question: Which MBA entrance exam is the best fit for your profile, target schools, and career goals?
Table of Contents
1. Overview: What Are XAT, SNAP, and IIFT?
Exam | Conducting Body | Purpose |
XAT | XLRI Jamshedpur | Gateway to XLRI, XIMB, IMT, and 150+ B-schools |
SNAP | Symbiosis Int’l | Required for all 15 Symbiosis institutes (SIBM, SCMHRD, etc.) |
IIFT | NTA (on behalf of IIFT) | Admission to IIFT Delhi & Kakinada (MBA in International Business) |
All three exams offer non-CAT pathways to strong management careers, especially for candidates with niche interests or alternate preparation strategies.
2. Exam Structure and Difficulty Level
XAT 2026 (Expected)
Sections: Verbal Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Aptitude, GK, and Essay
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Difficulty: High (esp. DM & QA)
Unique Section: Decision Making
SNAP 2025
Sections: General English, Quantitative, Logical Reasoning
Duration: 60 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Speed-based: Less time, easier questions
IIFT 2025
Sections: Verbal, Quant, Data Interpretation, General Awareness, and RC
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate–High
Focus: International trade, RC-heavy
3. Which B-Schools Accept These Scores?
XAT
XLRI (BM & HRM)
XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad, TAPMI, Great Lakes (some), LIBA, IRMA, GIM, FORE, and 150+ others.
SNAP
SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, SIIB, SIBM Bangalore, and 11 other Symbiosis institutes.
IIFT
IIFT Delhi
IIFT Kakinada
Note: SNAP is exclusive to Symbiosis campuses, while XAT and IIFT have broader applicability.
4. Specializations and Program Highlights
XAT
XLRI HRM: India’s top HR program
XLRI BM: Strong general management
XIMB, IMT: General Management
IRMA: Rural Management
SNAP
SIBM Pune: Marketing & HR
SCMHRD: HR, Operations
SIIB: International Business, Agri-Business
IIFT
MBA in International Business
Sectoral focus: Trade policy, global marketing, logistics, economics
5. Career Outcomes and Industry Placements
XLRI (via XAT)
Avg CTC: ₹32.7 LPA (BM)
Roles: Consulting, HR Leadership, Product, PM, Strategy
Recruiters: BCG, Bain, TAS, HUL, Amazon
SIBM Pune / SCMHRD (via SNAP)
Avg CTC: ₹26+ LPA (SIBM Pune)
Roles: Marketing, HR, Ops
Recruiters: Deloitte, Godrej, Accenture, ITC
IIFT
Avg CTC: ₹25.8 LPA (Delhi)
Roles: Trade, Analytics, Consulting
Recruiters: EY, Trafigura, Nomura, Flipkart
6. Profile Fit: Who Should Take Which Exam?
Profile Type | Best Exam Choice |
Interested in HRM or Ethics | XAT (for XLRI HRM) |
Marketing + Speed-based test taker | SNAP (for SIBM/SCMHRD) |
Interested in global trade | IIFT (unique IB program) |
Strong quant/logical reasoning | XAT or IIFT |
Limited prep time | SNAP (less content-heavy) |
7. Which Exam Is Easier to Crack?
Exam | Relative Difficulty | Key Challenges |
XAT | High | Decision Making, Quant |
SNAP | Low–Moderate | Speed, Accuracy |
IIFT | Moderate | Heavy RC + GK, Time Management |
SNAP is more forgiving in terms of difficulty but offers narrower school access. XAT is the toughest, but opens doors to premier institutions. IIFT sits in the middle with a focused outcome.
8. Dual Exam Strategy for 2025–2026
Many aspirants take two or all three of these exams.
CAT + XAT → Broader access + shot at XLRI
SNAP + NMAT → Safer bets, less competition
CAT + IIFT + XAT → Aggressive strategy, ideal for high scorers
SNAP + XAT → Speed + logic balance
Prep Tip:
GK and DM are XAT/IIFT-specific — build them in last 30–40 days
SNAP mocks should focus on speed and accuracy under 60 minutes
9. Final Comparison Table
Feature | XAT | SNAP | IIFT |
Duration | ~180 minutes | 60 minutes | 120 minutes |
Sections | VA, QA, DM, GK, Essay | VA, QA, LR | VA, QA, LRDI, GK, RC |
Difficulty | High | Low–Moderate | Moderate–High |
Special Sections | Decision Making, Essay | None | GK, Trade-based RCs |
Number of Colleges | 150+ | 15 | 1 (2 campuses) |
Top Colleges | XLRI, IMT, XIMB | SIBM, SCMHRD | IIFT Delhi & Kakinada |
Ideal for | HR, Strategy, Ethics, Gen Mgmt | Marketing, HR, Ops | IB, Trade, Global Careers |
10. FAQs
Is XAT tougher than IIFT or SNAP?
Yes. XAT is generally considered the toughest among the three due to Decision Making, abstract Verbal questions, and tougher Quant.
Can I apply to XLRI with CAT?
No. XLRI accepts only XAT scores.
Is SNAP score accepted by any college outside Symbiosis?
No. SNAP is exclusive to Symbiosis International University.
Does IIFT have a separate entrance now?
As of 2025, IIFT uses the IIFT-NTA test, no longer under CAT or XAT.
Can I prepare for all three exams simultaneously?
Yes — Verbal, Quant, and Reasoning prep overlaps. You’ll need separate modules for:
XAT Decision Making
IIFT GK
SNAP speed drills
Conclusion: Which Exam Should You Choose?
Choose XAT if you:
Want access to XLRI, XIMB, IMT, or IRMA
Have a strong academic profile and ethical orientation
Are comfortable with analytical reading and decision dilemmas
Choose SNAP if you:
Want to target SIBM, SCMHRD, or SIIB
Prefer speed-based papers over conceptual difficulty
Are confident in quick reasoning and elimination
Choose IIFT if you:
Aspire to enter international trade, supply chain, or global markets
Are comfortable with current affairs and GK
Value strong ROI in a niche domain
In 2025–26, it’s not about which exam is easier — it’s about which exam aligns with your goals, abilities, and long-term vision.
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