Symbiosis National Aptitude Test, popularly known as SNAP, is the MBA Entrance Exam for Admission to 16 Symbiosis Institutes in India. Every year around 1 lakh students from all disciplines including Engineering, Commerce, Humanities and even Law take SNAP Test to get into of the 2,500 MBA seats in Symbiosis colleges. Over the years, SNAP has changed its question paper pattern from paper based to computer based but to get a high percentile (90+) requires 3-4 months of serious preparation.Based on past trends, SNAP 2020 will be held on December 13, 2020 from 2PM to 4 PM as a computer based test.
This will be the fourth computer based exam in the history of Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) conducted by Symbiosis International University (SIU) Pune for MBA admission 2021 in 16 Symbiosis Institutes.
The difficulty level for the exam is expected to remain same as of last year. IMS, CL, expect a cut off between 80-85 marks that may fetch 93 to 96 percentile for SIBM Pune and SCMHRD Pune.
SIU Pune is expected to release SNAP Notification in the first week of August. Then, SNAP Registration will start by the close of second week of August 2020.
In this article, you will read all key points to plan your SNAP 2020 journey, including important dates, syllabus & pattern, how to prepare, top Symbiosis colleges, past SNAP toppers interviews and much more. You will also find important links to Free SNAP previous questions papers. So, read through till the end.
What is SNAP Test?
SNAP full form is Symbiosis National Aptitude Online Test. It is the common, mandatory MBA entrance test for admission to all the 16 Symbiosis Institutes affiliated to Symbiosis International University (SIU) Pune.
The list of SNAP score accepting colleges includes some of the top MBA colleges in the country like Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) Pune which is ranked among top 20 management institutes in MHRD-NIRF Ranking 2019.
Key Description of SNAP
Organizing Institute: Symbiosis International University (SIU) Pune
Website: https://www.snaptest.org/
Social Networking: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
SNAP Exam 2020: Highlights
One of the most important MBA entrance exams – SNAP has following key highlights:
| Test Conducting Body | Symbiosis International University (SIU) Pune |
| Number of MBA colleges under SNAP | 16 Symbiosis Institutes |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Online Exam |
| Application Process | Online; Simultaneously apply for entrance exam and for institute level Programs |
| Application Fee | Rs.1750/- |
| SNAP Full Form | Symbiosis National Aptitude Test |
| Cut offs for top Symbiosis Institutes | 88 to 97 for SIBM Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, SCMHRD Pune, SIOM Nashik |
| Total Questions in the Exam | 115 |
| Sectional Division of Test | 4 Sections with different number of Questions in Each Section |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult |
SNAP 2020 Important Dates and Schedule
All the Exam details are made available with the release of SNAP notification. The SNAP 2020 important dates will be officially announced by SIU Pune. Following are the expected dates for registration, admit card and exam:
| SNAP Exam Activitiy 2020 | Date |
| Notification Release | August 2, 2020 |
| Registration start date | August 16, 2020 |
| Last date to Apply | November 22, 2020 |
| Last date to Pay Exam Fee | November 22, 2020 |
| Admit Card download Starts | December 1, 2020 |
| Last date for Admit Card download | December 13, 2020 |
| SNAP 2020 Exam Date | December 13, 2020 Sunday from 2PM to 4 PM |
| Result date | January 10, 2021 |
SNAP 2020 Exam Key Changes: Exam Pattern, Sections, Question paper
Symbiosis International University (SIU) Pune which conducts SNAP annually, has changed the SNAP pattern by reducing the number of questions and increasing their weightage.
In 2017, SNAP changed its exam format as Computer Based Test from earlier Paper Based Test. The very next year in 2018, SNAP pattern was changed again with introduction of special questions.
The SNAP 2019 exam structure was changed again with fewer number of questions. It is expected that the SNAP Test 2020 structure may not change further.
| SNAP Details & Pattern | SNAP 2020 | SNAP 2019 | SNAP 2018 |
| Total Questions in SNAP Entrance Exam | 115 | 115 | 130 |
| Sectional Composition of Questions | English-30; QA & DI-35; Reasoning-30; Current Affairs-20 | English-30; QA & DI-35; Reasoning-30; Current Affairs-20 | English-35; QA & DI-35; Reasoning-35; Current Affairs-25 |
| Normal Questions (MCQ Type) | 110 | 110 | 110 |
| Special Questions (Non-MCQ Type) | 5 | 5 | 20 |
| Scoring Pattern (Normal Questions) | +1 Mark for Each Correct Answer in Quant & Current Affairs sections; +1.5 Marks for English and Reasoning Sections
(110 MCQs) |
+1 Mark for Each Correct Answer in Quant & Current Affairs sections; +1.5 Marks for English and Reasoning Sections
(110 MCQs) |
+1 Mark for Each Correct Answer for MCQs |
| Scoring Pattern (Special Questions) | +2 Marks for Each Correct Answer of Special Questions (5 Non MCQs) | +2 Marks for Each Correct Answer of Special Questions (5 Non MCQs) | +2 Marks for Non MCQs (Special questions) |
| Negative Marking | -25% for each wrong answer | -25% for each wrong answer | -25% for each wrong answer |
| Choice of Answer Options (Normal Questions) | 4 for Normal Questions only | 4 for Normal Questions only | 4 for all the questions |
| Choice of Answer Options (Special Questions) | No Choice. Must Write the answer in the given space on computer screen using virtual key board | No Choice. Must Write the answer in the given space on computer screen using virtual key board | No Choice. Must Write the answer in the given space on computer screen using virtual key board |
| Number of Test Cities | 90+ | 90 | 92 |
Symbiosis Admission Process: Apply for SNAP 2020 and to the Symbiosis Institutes as well
There are 16 Symbiosis MBA colleges for which SNAP test is conducted for MBA admission 2021.
The application process in Symbiosis institutes opens with the start of SNAP registration process.
You need to apply for MBA admission 2021 by paying Rs.1000 for each programme in your preferred Symbiosis institutes before they close their last date to apply.
Candidates aspiring to join MBA / MSc (CA) / MSc (SS) program offered by the Symbiosis Institutes have to appear for the SNAP entrance exam 2020.
To appear in SNAP 2020 exam, one has to register for SNAP Test & also register for the institutes offering his/ her choice of program by paying separate program registration fees.
If shortlisted, he/she would need to attend the GE-PIWAT process conducted by each of these institutes individually. The registration process for the exam and institutes is now simplified. Aspirants can now complete the exam registration as well as Institute program registrations in the same portal.
SNAP Test 2020: What Has Not Changed?
- No Change in Time Duration. Remains 2 Hours Computer based test
- No Change in Number of Sections. It has 4 sections as before
- No Change in Maximum Marks which remain 150.
- No Change in Ratio of Negative Marking for Wrong Answer. It remains 25%
How to Apply for SNAP Exam 2020?
SNAP application process starts on August 16, 2020. The last date to apply for the exam is November 22, 2020. You can register online on the official SNAP 2020 Exam website and can pay the exam fee of Rs.1750/- either online or through Demand Draft. The exam registration fee includes the fee for exam application form and for registration.
Step by Step SNAP 2020 Registration Process
SNAP Registration and Application form can be filled up in four steps:
- Step-1: Register as New User & Fill in Personal Details
- Step-2: Make Payment of Rs.1750/- online or by DD
- Step-3: Register for MBA programmes of preferred Symbiosis Institutes
- Step-4: Make Payment for Symbiosis MBA Programmes Application Fee
MBA Colleges Accepting SNAP Score
16 Symbiosis MBA colleges in India accept SNAP score 2020 for MBA admission 2021. All the MBA colleges in India accepting the SNAP test score are affiliated to Symbiosis International University, Pune. These Symbiosis institutes offer SIU University MBA degree in different streams. The SNAP cut offs in the MBA colleges will vary from institute to institute. Apart from the overall SNAP cut offs, the SNAP accepting colleges also consider sectional SNAP cut offs in shortlisting the candidates. Following are the MBA colleges accepting SNAP score:
| Sl No. | SNAP Accepting MBA college & City |
| 1 | SIBM (Symbiosis Institute of Business Management), Pune |
| 2 | SCMHRD (Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development) Pune |
| 3 | SIIB (Symbiosis Institute of International Business), Pune |
| 4 | SIBM (Symbiosis Institute of Business Management) Bangalore |
| 5 | Symbiosis Institute of Operations Management (SIOM) Nashik |
| 6 | SICSR (Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies & Research) Pune |
| 7 | SITM (Symbiosis Institute of Telecom Management), Pune |
| 8 | SIMS (Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies), Pune |
| 9 | SIMC (Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication)Pune |
| 10 | SCIT (Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology), Pune |
| 11 | SIHS (Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences) Pune |
| 12 | SSMC (Symbiosis School for Media & Communication) Bangalore |
| 13 | SSBF (Symbiosis School of Banking and Finance), Pune |
| 14 | SSSS (Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences), Pune |
| 15 | SIBM (Symbiosis Institute of Business Management), Hyderabad |
How to Prepare for SNAP 2020 Exam?
SNAP Preparation guide how to start SNAP preparation at home as per the revised exam pattern, is focused on following points:
- Check SNAP Exam Pattern: You must be aware about the Changed SNAP 2020 exam pattern
- Read the complete SNAP 2020 Syllabus: Important topics & Changes
Choose the best Books for SNAP preparation - Plan your SNAP Preparation Time and learn How to prepare for SNAP in 6 months, 3 months or 2 months?
- Understand How to start SNAP preparation at home?
- Make a Choice between How to prepare for SNAP with or without coaching: Pros & Cons
- Solve SNAP Previous Test papers & Mocks: How to attempt and analyse?
Learn Strategy to score 95+ percentile in SNAP with Tips from Toppers
SNAP 2020 Test Composition
Following will be the sectional composition of questions in SNAP 2020:
| Section | Normal Questions (MCQ Type) | Special Questions (Non-MCQ Type) | Total Questions | Total Marks |
| General English: Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Ability | 30 (+1.5 Marks for each correct answer) | Nil | 30 | 45 |
| Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | 30 (+ 1 Mark for Each Correct Answer) | 5 (+2 Marks for each Correct answer) | 35 | 40 |
| Analytical & Logical Reasoning | 30 (+1.5 Marks for each correct answer) | Nil | 30 | 45 |
| Current Affairs | 20 (+ 1 Mark for Each Correct Answer) | Nil | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 110 | 5 | 115 | 150 |
SNAP 2020 Scoring Pattern
As against IIM-CAT exam which does not carry negative marking for Non-MCQs, SNAP 2020 scoring pattern has 25% negative marking both on MCQs and Non-MCQs. However, the maximum score awarded to the SNAP 2020 remains same at 150 marks. It may be noted that there are 110 Normal Questions and 5 Special Questions in the changed SNAP 2020 exam pattern.
The revised Scoring Pattern for SNAP 2019 is as under:
| Component | SNAP 2020 & SNAP 2019 | SNAP 2017 |
| Scoring Pattern (Normal Questions) | +1 to +1.5 Mark for Each Correct Answer of Normal Questions (110 MCQs) | +1 Mark for Each Correct Answer for all the 150 questions |
| Scoring Pattern (Special Questions) | +2 Marks for Each Correct Answer of Special Questions (5 Non MCQs) | None |
| Negative Marking | -25% Mark for each wrong answer of Normal Question
-0.50 Mark for each wrong answer of Special Question |
-0.25 Mark for each wrong answer of all the 150 questions |
Composition of SNAP Exam Syllabus & Pattern
| SNAP Exam Syllabus - Key Components | SNAP Detailed Syllabus 2020 & Pattern |
| Total Questions | 115 |
| Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam | 2 hours |
| Type of Questions | 110 MCQs 5 Non-MCQs |
| Answer Options for MCQs | 4 |
| Marks Awarded for each Correct Answer | 1 to 1.5 for MCQs
2 for Non MCQs |
| Negative Marking | 25% for each wrong answer |
| Exam Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Number of Sections | 4 |
| Section-1: Name and Number of Questions | General English, RC,VR,VA-30 (MCQs) with 1.5 Mark for each correct answer |
| Section-2: Name and Number of Questions | Analytical & Logical Reasoning-30 (MCQs) with 1.5 mark for each correct answer |
| Section-3: Name and Number of Questions | Quant, DI, Data Sufficiency-35 (30 MCQs and 5 Non MCQs) 1 mark for each correct MCQ and 2 Marks for each correct non-MCQ |
| Section-4: Name and Number of Questions | Current Affairs-20 (MCQs) 1 Mark for each correct answer |
| Facility to Choose Order of Sections | Yes, any question from any section within overall time limit |
| Individual Sectional Time Limit | No |