SNAP, or Symbiosis National Aptitude Test, is a national-level entrance exam conducted by Symbiosis International University. This exam takes place around December for admission to MBA and PGDM courses for Symbiosis University. There are 15 institutes, and SNAP scores are accepted in all of them. SNAP is a speed-based entrance exam with a 60-minute timer and no sectional time limit. The exam is conducted out of more than 90 test centres in India, and the results are usually announced in January. The exam is divided into General English, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative, Data Interpretation, and sufficiency.
SNAP usually assesses the candidate’s decision-making and time-management skills. As a result, merely completing the syllabus doesn’t suffice for the test prep; one needs to know the strategy well. That’s why we at Pagalguy have consolidated tips and techniques given by Shashank Sinha, an aspirant who scored 99.8 in SNAP 2022.
How to Prepare for SNAP 2023?
“I started preparing for competitive government exams, which helped me quite well in acing SNAP. I used to study only 2-3 hours per day, besides which I also gave mocks of the olive board. If I got stuck in any question or simply forgot the concept, I checked them out thoroughly to ensure I secured better grades in the next mock.”
Shashank was born and raised in the small city of Purnea in Bihar. Growing up, he had always been a curious child, eager to learn about the world around him. He would spend hours poring over books, soaking up as much knowledge as he could. Despite the limitations of his small town, Shashank was determined to get a good education. He worked hard throughout his primary and secondary school years, constantly pushing himself to excel. And when it came time to choose a field of study for college, he knew exactly what he wanted to do: political science; post his graduation degree, he wanted to pursue management eduction to further his career prospect.
Shashank recommends a few things aspirants must remember when preparing for MBA entrance exams like SNAP test
- Be the jack of all trades, rather than mastering yourself in a particular chapter, as there is no guarantee what will finally appear on the exam paper.
- Remember that when you start preparation, you’re already ahead of 70% of students, as only 30% are above you, so keep yourself motivated throughout your journey.
- During your preparation, wherever you get stuck, ask questions- to your teachers, fellow aspirants, or on google.
- Try to integrate yourself into a study circle or join a library, as such an environment will keep you charged and push you to improve your preparation.
- Don’t follow any preparation strategy blindly. Every individual is different, and so are their needs. So, find the best method for you through trial and error.
SNAP Syllabus 2023
The SNAP exam is divided into three sections – General English, Analytical and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative and Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency. While the exam authority does not release an official, detailed syllabus, candidates can refer to our detailed SNAP Syllabus based on previous years’ exam analysis to get an idea about the weightage of important topics.
The current affairs section was removed from the SNAP exam pattern from 2020 onwards. It is important for candidates to check the SNAP 2023 syllabus to understand what to expect in the SNAP test paper. To prepare thoroughly for the exam, students must be familiar with the SNAP syllabus and pattern 2023 and study it diligently with the help of SNAP preparation books.
Exam Question Format / Subjects and Marks Allotted:
|
Section |
Questions |
Marks Per Correct Answer |
Total Marks |
|
General English: Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Ability |
15 |
1 |
15 |
|
Analytical & Logical Reasoning |
25 |
1 |
25 |
|
Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
Total |
60 |
60 |
Section-Wise SNAP 2023 Exam Preparation Tips
English General – The first rule for SNAP’s English section is to develop a habit of reading. Include newspapers, online articles from journals, and novels in your schedule to create the habit of reading complex sentences and increasing your reading speed. The English section is divided into Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, and Verbal Ability. For the Verbal parts, you need to also focus on strengthening your foundation. The clearer one is with their knowledge of the grammatical rules, the more probable they are to crack the verbal section.
Analytical and Logical Reasoning – Practice is the key when it comes to reasoning questions. As there is no strict syllabus and questions can vary from coding-decoding, graphs, puzzles, and pie charts, one can prepare by familiarizing with a range of different kinds of questions. Furthermore, it is essential to develop speed in such questions, so it is helpful to start a timer whenever you solve a question and try to do better than yourself the next time you solve a question.
Quantitative, Data Interpretation, and Data Sufficiency – This section is a blend of calculation-based questions and logically derived questions. As a result, its preparation also needs a dual approach. For the calculation part, one needs to be fluent with the theorems and formulas. And for the reasoning part, one needs to solve questions from different sources. It is also essential to develop basic proficiency in mental math to increase your speed in the exam.
SNAP Books for SNAP 2023 Preparation
Pagalguy advises selecting the finest book for SNAP preparation, as numerous SNAP books are accessible in both online and offline markets. Here is our top recommendation for your SNAP study plan.
|
General English |
Author/Publisher |
Name of the Book |
|
Nishit K Sinha |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT |
|
|
Norman Lewis |
Work Power Made Easy |
|
|
Wren and Martin |
High School English Grammar and Composition |
|
|
Barron |
Pocket Guide to Vocabulary |
|
|
Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay |
How to Prepare Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT |
|
|
Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency |
Nishit K. Sinha |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT |
|
Arun Sharma |
How to prepare Quantitative Aptitude for CAT |
|
|
Pearson |
The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams |
|
|
TMH Publication |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Ability for CAT |
|
|
Arun Sharma |
How to prepare Data Interpretation for CAT |
|
|
Nishit K.Sinha |
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT |
|
|
Analytical and Logical Reasoning |
RS Aggarwal |
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning |
|
RS Aggarwal |
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning Book |
|
|
Nishit K. Sinha |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT |
|
|
Arun Sharma |
How to prepare Logical Reasoning for CAT |
|
|
Arihant Publication |
Logical Reasoning Book |
Best Preparation Strategy for SNAP
1. Understand the Exam Pattern: The first step in your preparation should be to understand the exam pattern of SNAP. This will help you to plan your practice accordingly. The SNAP exam consists of four sections – General English, Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency, and Analytical & Logical Reasoning.
2. Collect Study Material: There are many SNAP preparation books available in the market. You should choose the best books that cover all the sections of the exam. Pagalguy recommends the following books:
For General English: “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis and “High School English Grammar & Composition” by Wren & Martin.
For Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency: “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R.S. Aggarwal and “How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT” by Arun Sharma.
For Analytical & Logical Reasoning: “How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT” by Arun Sharma and “Analytical & Logical Reasoning” by B.S. Sijwali and Indu Sijwali.
3. Plan your Preparation: Once you have collected the study material, plan your preparation for each section. Make a schedule and stick to it. Allocate more time to the sections that you find difficult.
4. Solve Mock Tests: Solving mock tests is crucial for your preparation. It will help you to understand the exam pattern, manage time and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can solve mock tests available on various websites or you can purchase a mock test series.
5. Refer to Previous Year Papers: Referring to previous year papers will give you an idea about the difficulty level of the exam and the type of questions asked. Solve at least 5-10 years of SNAP previous year papers.
6. Revise: Revision is the key to cracking any exam. Revise all the important topics regularly. Make short notes of important formulas and concepts for quick revision.
7. Stay Focused and Positive: Finally, stay focused and positive throughout your preparation. Don’t get demotivated by low scores in mock tests. Work on your weaknesses and keep practising.
SNAP Preparation Time: 3 Months
Three months is a significant amount of preparation time, and the progress made during this period can be revised using various SNAP preparation tools. Therefore, it is an opportune moment to step up your SNAP preparation strategy and intensify your efforts over the next three months.
- Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus.
- Strengthen your basic concepts and fundamentals in various topics such as verbal ability, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude.
- Practice solving SNAP mock tests and previous year question papers to get a sense of the exam format and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Utilize various online SNAP preparation materials and resources to supplement your studies.
- Focus on developing your time-management skills to ensure that you can complete the exam within the allotted time frame.
- Join a reputable SNAP test series to further enhance your preparation and get valuable insights into your performance.
- Stay updated on current affairs and general knowledge topics to prepare for the General Awareness section of the exam.
- Dedicate ample time for revision and practice to build your confidence and improve your overall performance.
SNAP Preparation Tips: Exam Day
“Motivation is the struggle that you see in your parents’ deeds. When you see your father taking you to the examination hall, and mother wishing you luck, and your grandma blessing you before the exam. These were enough to keep me going. I didn’t watch any motivational videos, and whenever I felt disappointed, I sat on my mom’s lap and asked her what would happen if I didn’t succeed, and she always replied you’ll still be my son. So, find your motivation because you will need it to make it to the exam day!” say Shashank.
1. First and foremost, SNAP is a completely time and accuracy-based exam, so try to solve the questions that you know first.
2. Refrain from getting fixated on questions you do not know. Students have the inclination to spend 3-4 minutes on a question that turns out to be an absolute waste of time. Spend a maximum of a minute on a question, and if you are unsure, move on for the time being.
3. Do not attempt the questions you are not sure about. Only try those that you are 100% certain of and can solve with absolute accuracy.
4. Avoid distractions before entering the examination Hall. Take measures to stay calm- listen to light music, and revise simple topics but focus on remaining stress-free.
5. Remember that SNAP doesn’t have a sectional limit, so analyze which section is your strength and start your exam with it. This will boost your confidence and help you begin your exam at speed.
6. Keep a clear mind during calculations because common mistakes can pull your score down because SNAP has negative markings in its scheme.
7. Ensure that you meet the sectional cutoff because even if you get a great overall score and you will still need to clarify the sectional cutoff.
SNAP Key Highlights 2023
1. The paper is divided into the following sections –
- English with reading comprehension, verbal ability, and verbal reasoning
- Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, and Data Sufficiency
- Analytic Reasoning and Logical Reasoning
2. The exam is a center-based, computer-based examination that takes place for 60 minutes.
3. All the questions are in the format of MCQ.
4. One positive mark is given on every correct answer, and a 1/4th mark is reduced for every incorrect answer.
SNAP Exam Pattern 2023
The pattern is consistent from 2020 and is expected to stay the same in 2023.
|
Sections |
Questions |
Marks |
|
General English |
15 |
15 |
|
Analytical and Logical Reasoning |
25 |
25 |
|
Quantitative, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency |
20 |
20 |
SNAP Marking Scheme 2023
- 1 mark is given for every correct answer.
- 1/4th mark is reduced for every incorrect answer.
- No mark is awarded for unanswered questions.
SNAP Exam Date 2023:
|
Registration for SNAP 2023 |
From first week of August 2023 and the last date of registration will be in the last week of November 2023 |
|
Admit card download |
First week of December 2023 |
|
SNAP 2023 Exam Date ( 3 Days) |
Expected in the last week of December 2023 |
|
Results Announced |
First week of January 2024 |
|
Shortlisting for GD, PI, WAT |
Third week of February 2024 |
|
Merit List Declared |
Third week of March 2023 |
FAQs Related to SNAP Preparation
1. Which books to refer to while preparing for SNAP?
The best preparation book recommended by most toppers are, Reasoning of Arihant publication, Quants from Rodha Classes, Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma, and Wren and Martin for English.
2. How much time needs to be dedicated to SNAP preparations?
Spend around 2-3 hours a day for 4-5 months and 4-5 hours a day if you prepare for only 3 months.
3. Can CAT preparation suffice for SNAP?
Even though CAT will help your preparation for SNAP, you still need to practice mock exams for SNAP.
4. How much percentile do I need for Symbiosis Pune?
For Symbiosis Pune, you will need more than 99.5 percentile in your SNAP exam.
5. Are NCERT books enough for SNAP?
NCERT books for classes 9th and 10th are good to create a strong quantitative foundation but they need to be complemented with books made for SNAP or CAT.
6. Do I need to enroll in a coaching institute?
This is a subjective choice, for me, self-study helped along with mocks and for a few of my friends, coaching classes helped, so it really depends on your motivation and method of studying.
7. Do we get a negative mark in SNAP?
Yes, for every wrong answer, there is a negative marking of -¼
8. Are mocks important, or completing the syllabus is enough for SNAP?
Completing the syllabus is important but you need to give mocks for a decent score in SNAP. Mocks help you manage your time and help you get familiarized with the pattern.
9. How many SNAP mock tests are enough to get above 99 percentile?
One needs to attempt around 25-30 papers to get such a score. But it again depends on the candidate. One might take more than 30 mocks as well.
10. My maths is not good as I am from a non-math background, can I still get a good score in SNAP?
There is no rule that someone from a non-math background can’t crack SNAP. You just need to focus on your weakness and try to strengthen the concepts you get stuck in.
11. What is the right time to start SNAP preparation?
A daily study duration of approximately six to eight hours is generally considered sufficient for SNAP exam preparation. However, if an individual begins preparing for the exam late (in October), they may need to allocate 10-12 hours each day to their studies. Compared to other MBA entrance exams, the SNAP is considered relatively easier, and individuals preparing for those exams may not need to devote as much effort to preparing for the SNAP.
12. Which are the best book for general english when preparing for SNAP test?
There are several popular recommendations for General English preparation for the SNAP exam, as suggested and referred to by previous test takers. These include:
– Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
– Competitive General English by Kiran Prakashan
– General English for Competitive Exams by Disha Experts
13. Best online sources to prepare for SNAP?
SNAP aspirants can refer to the follow source for assistance when preparing for the MBA entrance test:
- Unacadeny
- TIME Institute
- BYJU’S Exam Prep
- Hitbullseye
- MBA Karlo
14. Which are the top MBA colleges accepting the SNAP entrance test?
There are several reputed B-schools that accept the SNAP entrance test for admission to their MBA programs. Some of these institutions include UPES Dehradun, LPU Jalandhar, Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development, Symbiosis Institute of International Business SRM University Chennai, GD Goenka University in Gurgaon, Chandigarh University, BML Munjal University in Gurgaon, Manipal University (MAHE), Jaipuria Institute of Management in Noida, IPE Hyderabad, and IFIM Business School.
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