SNAP Eligibility Criteria | Exam Paper Pattern - Apex

If you’ve reached this blog, chances are that you’re wondering about which path to take in your academic journey or you’re career path. SNAP or Symbiosis National Aptitude Test is one of the most popular and preferred management entrance tests in the country that opens doors to prestigious management institutes in India like SIBM Pune, SCMHRD and other institutes under the Symbiosis International Deemed University (SIU) umbrella. One reason for its popularity is its difficulty level which is way lower when compared to exams ike CAT and XAT. 

However with lower difficulty comes higher competition. With only a few seats available, candidates must race against time and their competitors to prove themselves worthy of average packages as high as 25+lakhs per annum. But to be able to ace the exam you must first understand every important detail related to it to ensure you’re approaching your preparation the right way or even to see if its the right choice for you. So what exactly is SNAP? How can you ace it? Let's dive into the details of SNAP 2024 and uncover all you need to know about this examination. Please remember that every piece of information is based on previous year trends especially that of SNAP 2023, hence candidates are advised to keep an eye on the official website (www.snaptest.org) to get updated in case of any major announcements.

UNDERSTANDING SNAP: BASIC DETAILS

SNAP, which stands for Symbiosis National Aptitude Test, is an entrance exam conducted annually by the Symbiosis International University (SIU), Pune. It serves as a gateway for admission to various management programs offered by institutes under the Symbiosis umbrella, including the renowned Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) and SCMHRD, among others. 

Let’s look into a few basic details about the examination first. Is it going to be online or offline at a center? Is it paper based or Computer based? How long will the exam be for and when will it be conducted? All such details are provided in the table below so you have a clear idea of everything you might need to know before you apply and start preparing for the exam.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

Before diving into preparation, it's essential to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for SNAP 2024. Typically, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate score. Additionally, specific institutes may have additional requirements, so it's crucial to review the eligibility criteria thoroughly. The basic eligibility criteria includes the following:

• A candidate must have an undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum percentage of:
• 50% - For General Category
• 45% - For SC/ST Categories
• Students in the final year of their graduation can also apply but their admission will be provisional on the candidate obtaining a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates).
• Candidates who have received a qualifying degree from a foreign university must approach the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) for an equivalent certificate to be eligible.

SNAP 2024: IMPORTANT DATES

Candidates must keep a note of all the important dates and events throughout the year as the admission process happens only once a year and you might not want to waste this opportunity. Entrance exams are quite different from regular exams since the preparation process is longer in comparison. Hence, knowing all important dates and events will ensure that you can start early, plan ahead and not miss any important event. Knowing the application dates and exam dates will also help you reduce last minute anxiety by ensure all important procedures are done on time. So, lets look at all important dates related to SNAP 2024! Please remember the dates are tentative and are subject to change. The below information is given after keenly observing the trends of SNAP 2023. Candidates are required to keep an eye on the official website to stay updated of any major announcements. 

EXAM PATTERN

Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for devising an effective preparation strategy. Especially when entrance exams can be extremely daunting due to their vast and ill-defined syllabus, it is important to understand the paper pattern thoroughly so you know what exactly should be your d-day strategy and hence plan your preparation accordingly. SNAP 2024 is a computer-based test (CBT) comprising multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The exam consists of three sections: Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Analytical & Logical Reasoning. Let’s understand the paper pattern and exam structure from the table given below.

As you can see, the paper consists of 60 questions that are to be solved in 60 minutes leaving only 1 minute per question. Hence, it becomes extremely important to practice time management and question selection to ensure you are attempting the right questions first, leveraging your strengths and maximizing your score as much as possible before moving on to solving the rest if time permits.

PREPARATION STRATEGY

Now, let's understand how to prepare for SNAP 2024. A preparation strategy is highly unique to each candidate. You know your way of preparation better than anyone else. So first and foremost, familiarize yourself with the syllabus. Break down each section and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Allocate sufficient time to cover all topics comprehensively which also brings us down to one very important yet very basic point: START EARLY. The earlier you start the more time you’ll have to finish your preparation with perfection and the less time you’ll have to dedicate per day. Ensure that you focus on all three sections with equal dedication, commitment and consistency. Do not overestimate your strengths or underestimate your weaknesses. Instead allocate enough time to keep building you stronger areas until perfection and work on your weaker areas along the way by dedicating extra time & effort. Practice regularly with mock tests and previous years' question papers to enhance your speed and accuracy. Additionally, consider enrolling in coaching programs or online courses for expert guidance and personalized study plans. Taking on everything on your shoulders could get overwhelming especially since entrance exams can be unpredictable. If you need any further information or are interested in getting personally mentored, please feel free to contact us anytime! APEX would be more than happy to help you in your preparation journey and reach your dream b-school! 

TIME MANAGEMENT

Next is the very important yet the most ignored: Time management! It really is the key to success in SNAP 2024. With a total of 60 minutes to answer 60 questions, each second counts. Prioritize questions based on your proficiency and tackle the easier ones first to build momentum. Your hold on topics should be so strong that you must be able to determine whether the question is an easy one or not. The only way to do that is practice! The more you practice the more you come across a variety of questions! Avoid spending too much time on a single question; if you're stuck, mark it for review and move on. Remember, since the exam has negative marking, it is very important for you to master time management and question selection while also maintaining your speed and accuracy. Plan your preparation in a way that you finish all concepts as early as you can leaving at least 3 months for rigorous practice & mock taking. 

EXAM DAY TIPS

As the big day approaches, ensure you're well-prepared both mentally and physically. Get a good night's sleep before the exam to stay fresh and alert. On the day of the exam, reach the test center well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush. Carry all necessary documents, including your admit card and photo ID. Stay calm and focused during the exam, and don't let nerves get the best of you.

POST EXAM

Once you've completed SNAP 2024, pat yourself on the back for your hard work and dedication. Now its time for the real game to begin! That's right. Entrance exams are just the tip of the iceberg, the first step of the admission process. The real game begins when you sit for interviews, written ability test and group discussions. Again, with a vast and ill-defined syllabus, aspirants must ensure thorough preparation in areas of general knowledge including both static gk and current affairs to be able to tackle any question in the GD-PI-WAT round. After working hard the entire year you wouldn't want to waste it by ignoring the GDPIWAT preparation. While awaiting the results, you will have time to prepare for the subsequent rounds, such as Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI), which are integral parts of the selection process for most institutes. However, that time may or mayn't be enough for most candidates. Hence instead of taking the risk of leaving it all to the last minute, ensure you give some amount of time every day right from the beginning of the preparation journey. Brush up on current affairs, hone your communication skills, and be prepared to articulate your thoughts coherently.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, SNAP 2024 is not just an exam; it's a pathway to realizing your dreams of pursuing a management education from top-tier institutes. By understanding the exam pattern, devising a robust preparation strategy, and mastering time management, you can conquer SNAP with confidence. Remember, success lies not only in your academic prowess but also in your perseverance and determination. So, gear up, put your best foot forward, and embark on this exhilarating journey towards a brighter future. Good luck! Check more information about online Cat coaching.