SNAP, or the Symbiosis National Aptitude Test is an annual examination conducted by the Symbiosis International University (SIU), Pune for admission to MBA programs offered by SIU and other participating institutes. Though SNAP is an easy exam as compared to CAT, MAT, XAT, or other MBA exams, it still requires a dedicated amount of time to prepare.
How much time is required for SNAP Preparation: SNAP preparation 2024 should take about 6-8 months if you are a fresher. However, if you have appeared for other MBA exams like CAT, XAT or MAT it shouldn't require much time. It will just require a lot of practice and solving as many mock tests as possible. Candidates will need to devote a good amount of time and efforts into the revision. Along with the SNAP exam preparation, it is crucial to prepare for the SIU selection rounds as well, which include the Writing Ability Test (WAT), Group Exercise (GE), and Personal Interview (PI). The SIU selection rounds are much tougher than the entrance exam itself.
Read below the complete study guide for SNAP 2024, SNAP section-wise preparation strategy, best books to prepare, and the study material that you can refer to for the preparation.
SNAP Preparation 2024 - Understanding the Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
To start preparing for the SNAP exam, the first step is to understand the SNAP exam format 2024 and the marking scheme of the SNAP 2024 exam. It is important to know what are the sections included in the exam, what weightage they carry and what is the marking scheme. This analysis will help them understand what is the difficulty level of the SNAP exam. Once this is understood, candidates can move forward with their preparation.
SNAP Exam Pattern
SNAP Sections |
Number of MCQs |
SNAP Total Marks |
Sectional weightage (%) |
General English (VARC) |
15 |
15 |
25 |
Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency |
20 |
20 |
33 |
Analytical & Logical Reasoning |
25 |
25 |
42 |
Total |
60 |
60 |
100 |
SNAP Marking Scheme
SNAP Marking Parameters |
Marks Awarded |
Correct answers |
1 |
Incorrect answers |
0.25 |
Unattempted questions |
0 |
Total |
60 |
SNAP Preparation 2024 - General Tips
The SNAP exam is an easy exam as compared to the other MBA exams and has a low difficulty level. However, it still requires a dedicated preparation schedule and efforts to prepare. Though it is not mandatory to solve all the questions in the SNAP Exam, candidates should attempt at least 2/3rd of the questions to score a good percentile in the SNAP 2024 exam. Below are some of the best strategies for SNAP exam preparation.
- Start by understanding the SNAP exam Important Topics & Syllabus and the SNAP exam Pattern
- Create a study plan and stick to it for the entire preparation schedule
- The main focus of the SNAP Preparation should be to cover the syllabus
- Practice as many mock tests as possible and time yourself to know what are your weak areas and where you can improve
- Solve sample papers to check your speed, time, and accuracy so that you can solve the questions easily in the actual exam
- Refer to the good study material and prepare from good books
- Prepare short notes and flashcards of important facts, theorems, and formulas as they will help at the time of revision when you need to revise things at a glance. It is also an effective way to prepare on the go.
- Solve past SNAP question papers to understand the kind of questions asked in the exam.
SNAP Comprehensive Preparation Strategy as suggested by SIU
The Symbiosis International University or SNAP, suggests a 3 simple step process to prepare for the SNAP Exam and ace the exam. Here is the SIU 3 step preparation plan.
Step 1: Take the Right Mock Test
The first step is to choose the right kind of mock test. Find a full length mock test to determine and assess your understanding level in all the 3 sections of the SNAP exam. This will help you in analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. It will help you in recognizing the questions you were able to attempt well and the questions you could not attempt. This will help in creating an efficient study plan.
It is also advised that the students should create the exam environment and set a time limit of exact 60 minutes to attempt the mock since the actual exam is also of 60 minutes. This will help in gaining a deep understanding of the exam pattern and how to utilize the 60 minutes most effectively.
Lastly, once the mock is attempted within 60 minutes, schedule an additional hour later in the day to evaluate your mock performance and utilize the key learnings by participating more and more.
Step 2: Establish a Clear Cut Study Agenda
Overthinking can be dangerous, and SNAP syllabus can be overwhelming to some. In case you are a full-time student or a full-time worker you may find other tasks that need to be prioritized and you will not be able to prepare a study plan for the exam. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid procrastinating else you won't realize how quickly the test day will arrive.
Those who study regularly may find it easier to prepare for the exam as compared to those who study only once or twice a week. Especially for the working professionals it might b extremely difficult to prepare for the exam while working. So, they must prepare a study plan to fit their current working schedule and also does not affect their job performance.
Try and attempt at least 4 mock tests in a week and evaluate yourself. this is important to understand what areas you need to improve and what areas are giving you a hard time.
Step 3: Develop your Study Plan
The last step in this 3 step process is to develop a great study plan for SNAP. Use good online resources for SNAP exam and study material to prepare for the exam and learn tricks that will help you solve questions faster and easier.
While preparing the preparation plan focus more on areas that you find tough and devote more time in those questions. For example, if your Quant section is weak attempt more questions from those and focus on difficult questions under the section. However, do not forget about your strengths. In case your General English is strong, devote one day in a week to attempt questions from this section.
All in all, practice hard and solve as many SNAP mock tests and test series along with sample papers, as possible. Do not get nervous and be calm while preparing for the exam. Also, never be in a rush to solve any question and take time to understand each aspect of the question carefully.
SNAP Section-Wise Preparation Strategy
Each section in the SNAP exam requires dedicated time and effort and should be prepared with a carefully devised strategy. Check below the key insights to prepare for each section of the SNAP exam.
SNAP Preparation Tips for the General English Section
The General English section has 15 MCQ questions in the exam. The topics covered in this section include active-passive voice, para jumbles, fill in the blanks, synonyms, etc. Here are a few key tips to prepare for this section.
- Read Newspapers, magazines, and books or novels to improve your vocabulary, and make it a habit
- Practice as many mock tests as possible to improve your vocabulary
- Try to learn new words on a daily basis and follow good study material
- memorize Idioms and Phrases
- Watch documentaries to enhance your Spoken English
- To improve your accuracy in English, try talking to people in English. You may feel shy at first but will help you a lot in practicing good English
SNAP General English Section of Previous Year
To learn more about the question paper pattern of the General English section, candidates can refer to the previous year question paper pattern and draw useful insights about the areas carrying the maximum weightage. It is to be noted that the Reading Comprehension Passages are not a part of the SNAP exam anymore.
SNAP General English Topics |
Number of Questions |
Fill in the Blanks |
3 |
Grammar (Parts of Speech, Preposition, Prefix, Model verb) |
6 |
Active-Passive Voice |
1 |
Synonyms |
1 |
Tense |
1 |
Poem |
1 |
Sentence with no objection |
1 |
Correct spelling |
1 |
Compound words |
2 |
Total |
15 |
SNAP Preparation Tips for the Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Sufficiency Section
This section has 20 MCQ questions and covers topics like graphs and charts, mensuration, algebra, progressions, etc. Candidates can refer to the following preparation tips for the Quantitative Aptitude section.
- Revise the core mathematical concepts from high school to clear the concepts
- Practice as many mock tests as possible
- Learn short tricks and tips to solve questions with ease. Learning these tricks can help the candidates save time in the exam and solve questions faster
- Avoid tricky and time-consuming questions and review them later if you have time to spare
- Focus on Arithmetic and Mensuration concepts as they are an integral part to get a good score
- Work more on mental math topics to improve speed and accuracy
- Practice from good quality mock tests and books, and utilize a lot of sample papers
- Memorize at least 20 tables in Mathematics like the square roots, cubes, squares, percentages, fractions, and similar ones.
Read More: How to prepare for SNAP Quantitative Aptitude section?
SNAP Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Sufficiency Section of Previous Year
To learn more about the question paper pattern of the Quantitative, Data Interpretation, and Data Sufficiency section, candidates can refer to the previous year question paper pattern and draw useful insights about the areas carrying the maximum weightage.
SNAP QA & DI Topics |
Number of questions |
Arithmetic |
6 |
Algebra |
4 |
Data Interpretation (DI) |
2 |
Numbers |
2 |
Geometry/ Mensuration |
2 |
Height and Distance |
1 |
Matrix |
1 |
P&C |
2 |
Total |
20 |
SNAP Preparation Tips for Ability and Logical Reasoning
The Ability and Logical Reasoning in the SNAP exam, carries the maximum weightage with 25 MCQ questions. To prepare for this section candidates need to work on their critical thinking skills and solve as many mock tests as possible because there is no particular syllabus in this section Questions are asked from blood relations, analogies, puzzles, etc. Candidates need to work on solving logical series, or sequential series. Below are a few key tips to ace the section.
- Candidates should work on more and more critical thinking skills for this section
- Develop a keen eye for detail to not miss out even the smallest details
- Read the questions carefully and understand what exactly is the question asking
- Do not use assumptions in this section and answer strictly to the point
- Solve and practice as many mock tests as possible to develop thinking abilities
- Time yourself after attempting the mock tests to know what are your weak areas and need improvement. This will also help you in improving your speed for the actual exam
- Analyze each option carefully before choosing one
SNAP Ability & Logical Reasoning Section of Previous Year
To learn more about the question paper pattern of the Ability & Logical Reasoning section, candidates can refer to the previous year question paper pattern and draw useful insights about the areas carrying the maximum weightage.
SNAP Analytical and Logical Reasoning Topics |
Number of questions |
Statement Assumptions |
2 |
Cause & Effect |
2 |
Linear Arrangement |
1 |
Truth or Liar based |
1 |
Blood Relations |
2 |
Coding |
1 |
Statement Argument |
2 |
Statement Course of Action |
2 |
Clock |
2 |
Syllogism |
2 |
Number/symbol Series |
4 |
Input/Output |
1 |
Analytical Reasoning/ Critical Reasoning |
3 |
Total |
25 |
Best Books for SNAP Preparation
It is extremely important to choose the right books for the SNAP exam preparation. Below mentioned are some of the finely selected books that can be referred to for the SNAP Preparation.
SNAP Preparation Book Name |
Author/Publisher |
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT for Admission into IIMs (English) |
Sarvesh K Verma |
Arihant Descriptive General English |
S. P. Bakshi and Richa Sharma |
Symbiosis National Aptitude Test Guide (English) |
RPH Editorial Board |
Map the SNAP Test |
RK Jha |
Map the SNAP Test |
Arihant |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations |
RS Aggarwal |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning |
Arun Sharma |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning |
RS Aggarwal |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay |
SNAP Preparation Plan - 6 months, 3 months, 2 months, & 1 month
SNAP preparation can take upto 8 months to be fully prepared, cover the syllabus, and revise each topic along with solving the mock tests. Below mentioned is a monthly plan to cover the SNAP syllabus and prepare for the SNAP exam. Check the 6 month, 3 month, 2 month, and 1 month preparation strategy below.
SNAP 6 Month Preparation Plan
This should be enough time to prepare for the SNAP exam. The strategy here should be to cover as much syllabus as possible for the exam. Check the strategy below.
- As you have sufficient time at this stage, understand the SNAP exam pattern thoroughly and get a feel good look at the SNAP syllabus.
- Start understanding your weak areas and start acting out on those
- Focus on building the core concepts at this stage and try to understand the root concept of the problem at hand
- Do not waste much time on theory. If you have understood the concept start practicing the sectional quizzes and problems from that section
- Gather the best SNAP study material and start collecting books that will help you prepare for the exam. In case you have prepared for another entrance exam before, you can utilize those books instead of buying new ones
- Start solving mock tests at least twice a week to understand your strong and weak concepts
- Prepare short notes of topics and start preparing flashcards if possible
- In case you get stuck on a concept, do not waste time and immediately focus on covering it again
- Though self preparation is the best strategy, but if you feel you need some guidance, it is advised to immediately get a mentor to help you clear all your doubts in the beginning itself. Don't wait for the last minute
SNAP 3 Month Preparation Plan
This is the time when you start focusing on your weak areas more and cover the remaining syllabus. This is also the time period where you should have clarity of concepts and good understanding of the core problems. Check to know how to prepare for SNAP in 3 months.
- Start by covering the remaining syllabus if any and practice sample papers simultaneously
- Solve at least 3-4 mock tests in a week to understand what are the concepts that still need work and what is fully covered
- Time yourself with the mock tests as the actual SNAP exam is time based. Evaluate and analyze your performance to know what needs more practice and what is done
- Start solving previous year question papers to understand what kind of questions are actually asked in the exam
- This is the best time to join a test series for SNAP Preparation
SNAP 2 Month Preparation Plan
This is the time when you solely need to focus on revision and solve mock tests. at this time, the core strategy should be to focus on your highlight areas. Check the key strategies below.
- Do not pick up a new topic and solely focus on revising what you have already learnt
- Solve mock tests and sample papers and analyse your preparation so far. Understand what you are able to do and what you are still not able to do
- Focus on strengthening the already learnt topics and build on those concepts
- Check the preparation books you referred to and ensure that you have solved all the practice papers available in these books
SNAP 1 Month Preparation Plan
This is the last month to prepare and the key should only be to revise the concepts. At this point the only strategy is to revise, solve mocks and sample papers. Check the preparation plan below.
- Focus on revising the core concepts and utilize the short notes created
- Avoid any topic that you were not able to understand and work on the exam day strategy
- Practice mocks daily to improve your speed and solve questions faster
- Clear all your doubts with your peers or mentors
- Talk to peers who have prepared for an entrance exam and utilize any tips that maybe helpful to you
SNAP Last Minute Preparation Tips
With the SNAP exam closer, candidates may find the below tips useful to aid their preparation.
- At this point candidates should have an exam day plan. At this point candidates should analyze what questions they will solve and what questions they plan to leave in the exam.
- Candidates should not panic about the exam and should remain calm and focussed. Applicants should not overthink about the exam as it may affect their exam performance
- Sections like Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning require the candidates to use formulas and theorems. Candidates should focus on brushing up the formulas and tricks which will aid them in solving these questions.
- Revise the basics of English Grammar and other English skills. Go through the idioms, phrases, antonyms, synonyms, and other concepts.
- Go through the worked out examples that are available in the SNAP books and try to understand the logic used behind these questions. If you do not want to solve sample papers and mock tests at this moment, it is best to go through these solved examples, especially for the topics that you are weak in.
- Some topics of the exam are more important than the others. At this point you already know what questions and which section carries the maximum weightage. So, candidates at this point can focus on rather less important topics. From the VARC section, Fill in the blanks, Synonyms / Antonyms, Figures of Speech, Cloze Passage, and RC carry the most marks. From the Reasoning Section Arrangements, Blood Relations, Scheduling, and Clocks carry the most marks. Arithmetic, Modern Mathematics, and Geometry are important tips from Quantitative Aptitude.
SNAP Coaching Centers
Some candidates find it difficult to prepare for the SNAP exam through self study. Therefore, to aid them in preparation, they want to find coaching centers that will help them in preparation. Below is a list of the top coaching centers for SNAP along with the cities the coaching centers operate in.
Top SNAP Coaching Institutes |
Type of Courses Online/Offline/Both |
City wise SNAP Preparation Center Location |
TIME |
Both |
Delhi, Noida, Lucknow, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Gurgaon among total 100+ centres |
Career Launcher |
Both |
Delhi, Noida, Lucknow, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Gurgaon among 80+ centres |
IMS |
Both |
Delhi, Lucknow, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow among 50+ centres |
Byju's |
Online |
Online Coaching via Tablet anywhere in India & Abroad |
2IIM.com |
Online |
Online coaching course with videos, quizzes, practice tests, and slideshows. Classroom coaching in Chennai only |
MBAGURU |
Both |
Centres across Delhi located in CP, Rajouri Garden, Pitampura, Kailash Colony |
Arun Sharma's Mindworkzz |
Both |
Mindworkzz has 3 centres in C P, Delhi and offers online coaching as well |
Endeavor |
Both |
Lucknow, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune among 20+ centres across India |
BullsEye |
Online |
Offers Online Coaching |
Tathagat |
Classroom coaching |
Centres located in Delhi, Noida |
Alchemist |
Classroom coaching |
CP-Delhi, North Delhi, West Delhi and Gurgaon |
SNAP Preparation - Exam Day Tips
- There is no sectional time limit in the SNAP exam. So, choose the section order wisely and start with the section you are most comfortable with.
- There is a negative marking in SNAP. Applicants therefore must ensure that they avoid taking risks and do not attempt any question they are unsure of.
- Meeting the section cutoff is essential in SNAP to get a higher score. Candidates should there first focus on getting a higher score in each section to get a good overall SNAP Score.
- The SNAP exam is of 60 minutes. This means that the candidate has just 1 minute to solve each question to complete all 60 questions. Since it is not mandatory to solve all questions, candidates should not spend more than a minute on any question.
- It is not mandatory to solve all the questions, so stick to sectional cut offs, i.e. 8-10 questions in English, 14-15 questions in Quants and 18-20 questions in LR but ensure accuracy.