Students are often confused if CAT vs XAT vs SNAP, which is better and what must they prepare for. Students are advised to check their long term future goals and select the exam accordingly.
When you begin your MBA journey, the biggest question that arises is: which entrance exam should I take? Three of the most popular management entrance tests in India include CAT, XAT, and SNAP, and each of them opens the gateways to some of the best B-schools in India. Whereas CAT would send you to the prestigious IIMs and other renowned colleges, XAT would send you to institutes like XLRI Jamshedpur, and SNAP is accepted by the Symbiosis group of institutes.
If you have a goal of taking an entrance exam for an MBA in 2025, the initial step towards smart preparation would be to learn about the differences between the three exams. All the tests differ in terms of the pattern of the exam, level of difficulty, syllabus, and selection procedure. In this article, we will help you out in determining which of the exam out of three exams best fits your skills and ability, preparation strategy, and career objectives, such that you can dedicate your time and effort in the correct direction.
CAT vs XAT vs SNAP Key Differences
Although all three exams, CAT, XAT, and SNAP, serve the same purpose of getting you into top management institutes, they differ quite a lot in terms of format, difficulty level as well as the level of focus on skills. CAT emphasizes logical along analytical ability; XAT tests decision-making skills as well as general awareness, and SNAP, on the other hand, focuses more on speed and accuracy.
Understanding the major CAT vs XAT vs SNAP differences will help you decide better on which exam aligns best with your strengths and preparation strategy.
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CAT vs XAT vs SNAP 2025 Comparison Table |
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|
Feature |
CAT 2025 |
XAT 2025 |
SNAP 2025 |
|
Conducting Body |
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
XLRI Jamshedpur (on behalf of XAMI) |
Symbiosis International (Deemed University) |
|
Purpose |
Admission to 21 IIMs and 1000+ other B-schools |
Admission to XLRI and 160+ B-schools |
Admission to 16 Symbiosis Institutes |
|
Exam Frequency |
Once a year |
Once a year |
Once a year (conducted thrice, best score considered) |
|
Exam Duration |
120 minutes |
190 minutes |
60 minutes |
|
Sections |
VARC, DILR, QA |
Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Awareness |
General English, Analytical & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative, DI & DS |
|
Total Questions |
Around 66 |
Around 100 |
60 |
|
Marking Scheme |
+3 for correct, -1 for incorrect |
+1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect |
+1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect |
|
Difficulty Level |
Moderate to High |
High |
Easy to Moderate |
|
Score Validity |
1 year |
1 year |
1 year |
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Accepting Institutes |
1200+ B-schools |
160+ B-schools |
16 Symbiosis Institutes |
|
Expected Cut-offs (Top Colleges) |
95-99 percentile (IIMs) |
92-98 percentile (XLRI) |
90+ percentile (SIBM Pune) |
CAT vs XAT vs SNAP Syllabus Comparison
Although all three exams evaluate general skills such as reading comprehension, quantitative ability, and logical reasoning, they vary in section-specificity, breadth of subject matter, and in-depth topics, as well as in unique modules.
The CAT syllabus is based on three major parts, which are Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The XAT syllabus introduces a unique Decision Making test and General Knowledge to test your logical and moral reasoning skills. SNAP syllabus is more accurate and has a shorter syllabus and shorter exam time. Being aware of such differences will help you decide on the right exam to suit your strengths and prepare accordingly.
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Section |
Exam |
No. of Questions |
Sectional Timing |
Score Range |
Key Focus Areas / Syllabus Topics |
Difficulty Level |
Unique Features |
|
Verbal Ability / English |
CAT (VARC) |
24 |
40 mins |
Max 72 |
Reading Comprehension-heavy; 4 long RCs (16 Qs) + Verbal Ability (Para-jumbles, Odd-One-Out, Para Summary); Mix of MCQ + TITA |
Moderate to High |
No grammar/vocab questions; focuses on reasoning within RCs |
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XAT (Verbal & Logical Ability) |
26 |
Shared (within 165 mins) |
Varies |
Reading Comprehension (abstract & factual), Critical Reasoning, Grammar correction, Vocabulary usage, Para-completion, Poem-based comprehension, Logical sequencing |
High |
Poem-based RCs and CR-focused verbal section; integrated with logical reasoning |
|
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SNAP (General English) |
15 |
No sectional time (entire paper 60 mins) |
Max 15 |
Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms), Grammar, Sentence correction, Idioms & Phrases, RC, Jumbled Paragraphs |
Moderate |
All MCQs; higher focus on vocab and grammar accuracy |
|
|
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DI/LR) |
CAT (DILR) |
20 |
40 mins |
Max 60 |
Data sets involving charts, graphs, caselets, logical arrangements, puzzles; all reasoning is set-based |
High |
Toughest section in CAT; no standalone questions |
|
XAT (Decision Making + DI/LR) |
21 (DM) + DI/LR in QA |
Shared (165 mins total) |
Varies |
Decision Making (ethical, business, HR caselets); DI (graphs, charts, tables); LR (arrangements, reasoning puzzles) |
High |
Only exam with Decision Making section; evaluates judgment and ethics |
|
|
SNAP (Analytical & Logical Reasoning) |
25 |
No sectional time (entire paper 60 mins) |
Max 25 |
Blood Relations, Series, Coding-Decoding, Syllogisms, Direction Sense, Critical Reasoning |
Moderate |
Speed-based reasoning; direct and short questions; all MCQs |
|
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Quantitative Ability / Mathematics |
CAT (QA) |
22 |
40 mins |
Max 66 |
Arithmetic (major focus), Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math, Number System; MCQ + TITA |
Moderate to High |
Arithmetic-heavy; problem-solving depth is key |
|
XAT (Quantitative Ability & DI) |
28 |
Shared (165 mins total) |
Varies |
Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic, Number Theory, Modern Math, DI (integrated) |
High |
Slightly more complex than CAT; conceptual questions; DI mixed in |
|
|
SNAP (Quant + DI + DS) |
20 |
No sectional time (entire paper 60 mins) |
Max 20 |
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math, Data Sufficiency, DI charts/tables |
Moderate |
Focus on quick calculations; questions are less wordy |
|
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General Knowledge / Additional Section |
CAT |
- |
- |
- |
Not included |
- |
No GK in CAT |
|
XAT |
25 (GK Section) |
Separate (Part B, post main test) |
Not counted in percentile |
Static & Current Affairs, Business, Economy, International Events |
Moderate |
GK not part of percentile; important for GD-PI rounds |
|
|
SNAP |
- |
- |
- |
No GK section |
- |
Entire paper focuses on speed-based aptitude |
CAT vs XAT vs SNAP Exam Pattern Comparison
It is important to understand the structure of SNAP vs CAT vs XAT in order to make a good plan and strategy to prepare for them. Though all three exams have a same aptitude like ability: Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning, the number of questions, duration of the exams, marking pattern and the time of the sections vary significantly. These differences determine time management, difficulty perception and attempt strategy.
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Particulars |
CAT 2025 |
SNAP 2025 |
XAT 2025 |
|
Total Questions |
66 |
60 |
101 |
|
Total Possible Score |
198 |
60 |
100 |
|
Total Sections |
3 |
3 |
5 (includes GK + Essay) |
|
Exam Duration |
2 hours (120 mins) |
60 minutes |
3 hours 20 minutes (200 mins) |
|
Question Types |
MCQs + TITA (Type in the Answer) |
MCQs only |
MCQs + Essay Writing |
|
Marking Scheme |
+3 for correct, −1 for wrong, 0 for unattempted |
+1 for correct, −0.25 for wrong, 0 for unattempted |
+1 for correct, −0.25 for wrong, 0 for unattempted; Essay not scored |
|
Mode of Exam |
Computer-based (CBT) |
Computer-based (CBT) |
Computer-based (CBT) |
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Conducting Body |
IIM (Indian Institute of Management) |
Symbiosis International University (SIU) |
XLRI, Jamshedpur |
|
Medium |
English |
English |
English |
|
Difficulty Level |
Moderate to High |
Moderate |
High |
Check Here:
CAT vs XAT vs SNAP Difficulty Level Comparison
Choosing between CAT vs SNAP vs XAT often comes down to how difficult you expect the exam to be and how well that actually matches your strengths. Here’s a breakdown of how each exam stacks up in terms of difficulty and what that means for your preparation:
CAT vs XAT vs SNAP Eligibility Criteria Comparison
The eligibility criteria of any management entrance test should be known before the application since the academic requirements of each exam are slightly different. All of CAT, XAT and SNAP require a bachelor's degree in any recognised university but differ on the minimum marks and allowance to final-year students.
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Exam |
Educational Qualification |
Minimum Marks / CGPA |
Final-Year Students |
Age Limit / Attempt Limit |
|
A bachelor’s degree (10+2+3 or equivalent) from a recognised university. |
At least 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/PwD) |
Yes, final-year students can apply provisionally |
No upper age limit; no attempt restriction |
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XAT Eligibility |
A bachelor’s degree of minimum 3 years from a recognised university |
Often no fixed minimum percentage; some institutes require 50% for shortlisted candidates |
Yes, final-year students are eligible |
No age limit; no attempt limit |
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SNAP Eligibility |
A bachelor’s degree (any discipline) from a recognised institute |
Minimum 50% marks (General); 45% for SC/ST/PwD |
Yes, final-year students can apply. |
No official age limit specified |
Top Accepting Colleges for CAT, XAT and SNAP
When choosing between CAT, XAT and SNAP, it’s important to understand which colleges accept each exam score. All three open pathways to reputed business schools across India but their networks differ widely.
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Top Accepting Colleges for CAT, XAT and SNAP |
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Exam |
Top MBA Colleges in India |
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CAT Accepting Colleges |
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XAT Accepting Colleges |
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SNAP Accepting Colleges |
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Also Check:
CAT vs XAT vs SNAP: Which is Better?
The most significant decision you can make towards your MBA is between the CAT, XAT and SNAP. The right exam is one that is based on your dream colleges, level of preparation and the level of comfort you have with various question patterns.
|
Factor |
CAT |
XAT |
SNAP |
|
Top Colleges |
All IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IITs |
XLRI, XIMB, IMT, SPJIMR |
SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, SIIB, other Symbiosis institutes |
|
Difficulty |
High; concept-heavy and analytical |
Moderate-high; includes Decision Making |
Moderate; speed and accuracy-focused |
|
Attempts |
Once a year |
Once a year |
Up to 3 attempts; best score counted |
|
Sections |
VARC, DILR, QA |
Verbal, Decision Making, QA & DI, GK |
English, Quant & DI, Logical Reasoning |
|
Exam Duration |
120 mins |
200 mins |
60 mins |
|
Marking Scheme |
+3, -1 |
+1, -0.25 |
+1, -0.25 |
|
Ideal For |
Analytical problem-solvers aiming top IIMs |
Logical thinkers targeting XLRI, XIMB |
Quick learners aiming for Symbiosis colleges |
Conclusion
Selecting between CAT, XAT and SNAP is based on your strengths, your preferred colleges and the way you plan your exam strategy. All the three exams possess their own advantages, however, through proper preparation, confidence and a dedicated strategy, you will be able to pass the test that will match your MBA goals and your learning style.
Quick Facts
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CAT accepts 21 IIMs and 1000+ other B-schools. -
XAT features a unique Decision Making section. -
SNAP is a 60-minute exam, conducted thrice annually. -
CAT and XAT are High difficulty; SNAP is Moderate.