SNAP vs XAT vs CAT: Which Exam is Right for Distance MBA Aspirants?
If you are interested in pursuing a Distance MBA and are confused about which entrance exam to take, SNAP vs XAT vs CAT, you’re not alone! Each exam has its pattern, difficulty level, and colleges that accept the exam. Getting this right is vital for your future, especially since you will be studying while also working.
In this blog, we will compare SNAP vs XAT vs CAT in the simplest form and help you choose the right exam if you’re preparing for a Distance MBA.
What is a Distance MBA?
A Distance MBA is an affordable and flexible way to pursue business management and has no regular classroom lectures. It can be done through online or offline materials at your own pace, ideal for students or working professionals.
Some of the top universities in India are offer Distance MBA, which are UGC approved, are as follows: IGNOU, NMIMS Global, Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL), etc.
Is an Entrance Exam Required for Distance MBA?
If you’re wondering if you would need to take an entrance exam to pursue a Distance MBA, the short answer is ‘no’ for most UGC-approved Distance MBA programs:
- CAT (Common Admission Test)
- XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
- SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
Therefore, if you wish to pursue a Distance or Executive MBA in a reputed University, distance courses, make sure you have a valid score in any of these common entrance exams, can help.
SNAP vs XAT vs CAT – Overview
Here is the overview table of SNAP vs XAT vs CAT are listed below for better understanding:
Feature | CAT | XAT | SNAP |
|---|---|---|---|
Conducted By | IIMs | XLRI Jamshedpur | Symbiosis International University |
Exam Type | National | National | National |
Frequency | Once a year | Once a year | Once a year |
Duration | 2 hours | 3 hours | 1 hour |
Sections | 3 | 4 (includes Decision Making) | 3 |
Mode | Online (CBT) | Online (CBT) | Online (CBT) |
Difficulty | High | Very High | Moderate |
Accepted By | IIMs, 1200+ colleges | XLRI, XIMB, 800+ colleges | Symbiosis Institutes only |
Score Validity | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
Exam Pattern Comparison
Below are the different comparison tables of the CAT/SNAP/XAT exams for a better understanding:
CAT Exam Pattern
CAT has a reputation for some tough questions, particularly in mathematics and logical reasoning. CAT is best suited for aspirants preparing for IIMs, the most coveted Nexus, or reputed universities that are able to offer Executive or Hybrid programs. Here is the overview table of the SNAP Exam Pattern:
Component | Details |
|---|---|
Sections |
|
Total Questions | 66 |
Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
Marking Scheme | +3 for every correct answer -1 for every wrong answer (MCQs only) |
XAT Exam Pattern
XAT is different because it has the Decision Making section. XAT is one of the challenging MBA entrance tests in India, accepted by many esteemed institutes like XLRI and XIMB. Here is the overview table of the SNAP Exam Pattern:
Component | Details |
|---|---|
Sections |
|
Total Questions | Around 100 |
Duration | 3 hours |
Marking Scheme | +1 for each correct answer -0.25 for each wrong answer |
SNAP Exam Pattern
SNAP is considered easier than CAT and XAT. However, it’s more about speed. SNAP is mainly accepted by all Symbiosis institutes, including SCDL, for distance learning. Here is the overview table of the SNAP Exam Pattern:
Component | Details |
|---|---|
Sections |
|
Total Questions | 60 |
Duration | 1 hour (60 minutes) |
Marking Scheme | +1 for each correct answer -0.25 for each wrong answer |
Which Distance MBA Colleges Accept CAT, XAT, or SNAP?
Here is the list of the colleges that accept CAT/XAT or SNAP are listed below:
Exam | Accepted By Distance or Executive MBA Institutes |
|---|---|
CAT | IIMs (Executive MBA), IMT CDL, Welingkar, IGNOU (in some cases) |
XAT | XLRI (PGDM Executive), XIMB, LIBA |
SNAP | Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) |
Note: Most Distance MBA universities do not have an entrance lockdown. But if these scores are accepted, you are more likely to gain positions if the university accepts or offers your executive/hybrid package.
SNAP vs XAT vs CAT – Which is Easier?
Here are some points that show the differences between the SNAP/ XAT/ CAT exams:
Criteria | SNAP | XAT | CAT |
|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty Level | Low to Moderate | Very High | High |
Time Pressure | High | Moderate | High |
Decision-Making Section | No | Yes | No |
Essay Writing | No | Yes | No |
Best for Beginners | Yes | No | No |
Best for Working Professionals | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Which Exam Should You Choose Based on Your Profile?
Here are some important points that help in choosing the right exam for oneself:
If You’re a Working Professional
- Go with the XAT or the CAT.
- These exams have equal acceptability for Executive MBA programs from top schools.
- They probe deeper, and if you have some industry experience, they would be good for you.
If You’re a Fresh Graduate
- Go with the SNAP.
- It is easier to crack, and it will help you get into symbiosis institutes, which offer both full-time and distance MBA programs.
If you enroll in the Distance MBA without an Entrance Exam
- Go with the IGNOU or NMIMS Global or Amity Online, or SCDL.
- Most of these programs will admit you without an entrance exam.
Tips for Choosing the Right Exam
Here are the tips for choosing the Right Exam as per your requirement:
- University Requirements
Some executive or hybrid programs may require CAT/XAT/SNAP. Distance will most definitely not require an entrance exam.
- Knowing Your Strengths
If you are good at logic and decision-making, XAT will work for you. If you are fast/accurate, SNAP might work for you.
- Time for Preparation
CAT and XAT require you to study for 6-8 months, and SNAP requires 2-3 months to crack the exam.
- Long-Term Career Objectives
If you have aspirations to transition into leadership or change industry, a CAT/XAT score will help you more in the long run than a SNAP.
Conclusion:
In summary, take the SNAP if the exam is much simpler, and you will be doing the study via Symbiosis SCDL. Take XAT if you want to go to XLRI for Executive MBA, or want to consider top B-schools that have a greater emphasis on candidates having decision-making capabilities. Take the CAT if you want IIMs or an actionable/prestigious executive MBA. Nevertheless, here are the important topics: the majority of Distance MBA programs from UGC approved universities will not have any entrance exam; students are admitted based on their academic background. However, considering that you want to do a hybrid, executive MBA, or want to build a great business profile, you might want to prepare for these entrance exams, as they could be useful for your future.
FAQs:
Is CAT required for Distance MBA?
No, most of the Distance MBA programs do not require CAT. However, travelling towards an Executive or Hybrid MBA, CAT may be required.
Is the SNAP score useful for the Symbiosis Distance MBA?
Yes, however, especially for institutes that fall under Symbiosis International University. Nevertheless, SCDL admission is usually not contingent on SNAP.
Which of the CAT, XAT, and SNAP is the easiest?
Generally speaking, SNAP is the easiest, while XAT is the hardest because of the decision-making and essay parts.
Do IIMs provide Distance MBA?
IIMs provide Executive, Hybrid, or Online MBA, which may require CAT or GMAT scores.
Does XAT help me in getting into Distance MBA?
Yes, for executive or hybrid programs offered by institutes like XLRI or XIMB.
