The Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP) Test 2011 was plagued with controversies. SNAP officials however, claim that their house is in order this time. Lalit Kathpalia, head, Symbiosis Test Secretariat and director, Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies & Research spoke to PaGaLGuY on what candidates can expect from SNAP 2012.

Any change in the pattern of the paper?

The pattern of paper will remain the same. The only change will be that the questions asked will appeal to a larger group of people than a specific set like engineers. We want to get candidates from other streams as well. The exam would be on the same baseline for all the people.

Does that mean that people from commerce and humanities stand a better chance?

It would not be correct to say that. All I want to say is that the test would appeal to a diverse set of people.

Will SNAP 2012 be tougher than last year?

That is difficult to say because how tough the paper is depends on the interpretation of the individual student.

What are the changes in the admission process this year?

We will be giving SNAP scores as percentiles for the first time this year. We will also give section-wise percentage scores. There will be no sectional cut-offs.

Is there anything specific being done to increase diversity in the institutes?

We offer MBA programmess in a lot of sunrise areas. These areas help a larger section of people to do an MBA. We have been doing it for some years but this time we wanted to give it a push through the change in the SNAP exam.

Why have you moved to the percentile based result format?

The percentile scores appeal to a lot of students. CAT also gives out results in the percentile mechanism. A student would be happier to know where he stands among other test takers rather than the absolute score.

Have the test centres been increased this year?

No.

SNAP is still a pen and paper test. Any plans of moving to a computer-based format?

We have thought about it but we are comfortable with the current mode as we have certain efficiencies in our processes. We have had cases where we have seen people tread this path and it has not worked well. We want to be definitely sure before we jump into that.

SNAP 2011 was mired in controversies. What has been done to ensure this year will be fine?

I would not want to comment on this as we have been doing the right things.

Symbiosis International University (SIU) had set up a committee to probe the controversies in SNAP 2011. Are you implementing any of their recommendations this year?

All the recommendations that had come in applied to last year’s exam and were adhered to at that point of time. Irrespective of that, we have been doing the right things.

Will there be any change in the exam based on the findings of the committee?

I cannot comment on that.

Last year there were complaints with regards to the invigilators?

All the invigilators that we send are people who are well-trained in the current format. I am not aware of any such incident last year. The moment we come to know of such an incident we will ensure that the particular invigilator will be coached or changed.

Any additional steps you are taking to ensure that SNAP has a smooth ride this year?

We are gearing up to ensure that we give the same kind of smooth and consistent experience to students across India. All the necessary diligence is being ensured. There will be a formal induction for people involved in the process. There is a checklist of things we do before we get people on board.

Do you have any plans to take SNAP abroad?

We are looking at it but we have not decided whether we will be doing it this year. We might set up an expert committee, discuss the pros and cons and take a final call on it in the coming time. It is the call of the university.

Do you see last year’s controversy having a negative impact on the number of applications this year?

I cannot comment on what others feel. As of now, there has been an increase in SNAP registrations over last year.