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Difference Between CAT, XAT, SNAP Mock Tests

Updated: 26 February 2026, 12:37 pm IST

Introduction

With the growing demand for management graduates, the number of candidates attempting management entrance exams is also on the rise. In 2024, the number of registrations for CAT alone was around 3.29 lakhs. Add to it the number of registrations for XAT and SNAP, and you will have a significantly large number of applicants.

 

Amid this tough competition, mock tests play an important role in familiarising you with the exam structure and ensuring readiness for exam day. This article compares CAT vs XAT vs SNAP mock tests, along with preparation tips.

 

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Purpose of CAT, XAT, and SNAP Exams

Though all three are management entrance exams, the main aim of appearing for CAT, XAT, and SNAP varies. Find below:

 

CAT (Common Admission Test)

XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)

Taken for securing admission in the postgraduate management programmes and courses of the IIMs (Indian Institute of Management) and other renowned B-schools of India.

Taken for getting admission in the MBA (Master of Business Administration) programme or PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) course of the Xavier School of Management and other top business schools.

Taken for admission to the 27 MBA degree programmes from the affiliated colleges of the Symbiosis International (Deemed) University.

CAT, XAT, and SNAP Mock Tests: Key Differences

Apart from the difference in their target institutions, the CAT, XAT, and SNAP exams are different from each other in many ways. The main differences in MBA entrance test comparison are as follows:

 

Parameter

CAT

XAT

SNAP

Duration

120 minutes

180 minutes

60 minutes

Number of questions

66

95

60

Sectional time limit

Yes, 40 minutes each

Yes, part 1 has a 170-minute duration, while the remaining 10 minutes are for GK.

No

Negative marking for each incorrect response

-1 mark

-0.25 mark

-0.25 mark

Difficulty level

Moderate to high 

Moderate to high. (Considered more difficult than CAT)

Easy to moderate.

CAT, XAT, and SNAP Mock Test Format

Despite their similar-looking syllabus, the CAT, XAT, and SNAP exams differ in terms of format. A look into their mock tests can make you familiar with the test format of each:

  1. CAT

The CAT exam comprises the following sections:

  • VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)- 24 questions.
  • DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)- 20 questions.
  • QA (Quantitative Aptitude)- 22 questions.
  1. XAT

The XAT exam consists of the following sections:

  • VALR (Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning)- 26 questions.
  • DM (Decision Making)- 21 questions.
  • QA and DI- 28 questions.
  • GK (General Knowledge)- 20 questions.
  1. SNAP

The SNAP exam has the following sections:

  • General English- 15 questions.
  • Logical and Analytical Reasoning- 25 questions.
  • Quantitative, Data Sufficiency, and Data Interpretation- 20 questions.

How to Prepare for All MBA Mocks?

There may be different kinds of MBA entrance exams, but their end goal is to help you bag an MBA or PGDM seat in one of the prestigious B-schools. Hence, regardless of the MBA entrance exam you aim for, you must consider the following tips:

  • Go Through the Syllabus

Go through the syllabus of your targeted exam very carefully to ensure you know it thoroughly. This helps you prepare a study plan, dedicating proper time to topics based on their difficulty level and scope.

  • Analyse the Exam Format

Apart from the total number of questions and the exam duration, the exam format also helps you understand the sections and their individual time limits. This is crucial for ensuring proper time management.

  • Study Regularly

Consistency is indispensable when it comes to exam preparation. By routinely preparing topics and going over them whenever required, you can enhance your recall ability while ensuring thorough conceptual clarity.

  • Track Progress in Mock Tests

Always attempt mock tests to improve your performance compared to your previous tests. This gives you a sense of achievement, motivation, and self-confidence, with every progress in performance.

  • Prioritise Analytical Sections

Dedicate ample time to analytical sections like logical reasoning, data interpretation, and quantitative ability. This helps you develop speed and accuracy, which are important for attempting these sections in particular.

  • Avoid Silly Mistakes

An overconfidence in seemingly easier sections can lead you to make silly mistakes. Hence, it is always advisable to attempt every section with equal seriousness and alertness to avoid silly mistakes and negative marking.

  • Aim for Full Marks in Easy Sections

Prepare a list of the topics you find easy and try to score full marks in those sections. This will be useful for improving your overall score. Moreover, it will balance out incorrect responses in other sections.

 

Also Read: How to Prepare for MBA Entrance Mock Tests: Strategy and Mistakes to Avoid

Which Exam Requires More Mock Tests for Preparation: CAT, XAT, or SNAP?

An entrance exam’s length and difficulty level are two of the key factors determining the approximate frequency of attempts.

  • In Terms of Duration

The SNAP exam has the shortest duration out of the three. With a comparatively smaller number of questions, it may require fewer mock test attempts. CAT comes next in terms of duration, followed by XAT, which is the longest of the three. Despite these differences, all three exams require mock practice to build speed and accuracy under time pressure.

  • In Terms of Difficulty Level

SNAP is generally considered the easiest of the three, with a moderate level of difficulty. As a result, candidates may not need as many full-length mock tests to feel confident. After SNAP, the CAT is a comparatively more difficult exam, followed by the even tougher XAT exam in the CAT vs XAT difficulty level.

 

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Conclusion

The CAT, XAT, and SNAP are popular entrance exams among students seeking to pursue management degree courses. With numerous B-school options available after clearing one of these exams, appearing for it is crucial. This comparative guide to the differences in MBA exam strategies will help you decide and prepare for the exam accordingly.

 

For online BBA and MBA degree programmes, you can visit Amity University Online’s website. This renowned institution offers a wide range of facilities to ensure the convenience and academic enrichment of its learners.

 

Stay updated with our latest Webstories:- CMAT vs CAT vs MAT – Which Is Best

 

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Pritika

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