SNAP 2021 preparation protocols have been drastically changed for this year. In order to crack SNAP 2021 in one go, there are a few basic SNAP preparation mantras which need to be kept in mind. Even the LOD (Level of Difficulty) for SNAP 2021 is comparatively easier than other upcoming major MBA entrance exams such as CAT,NMAT, IIFT, XAT, TISSNET, etc, SNAP 2021 preparation should not be compromised as it is a highly competitive examination. Read on to find a detailed section wise preparation structure and a defined preparation module curated for you by the CL Experts. Following the lead of the same, you would be able to learn all about the art of SNAP 2021 Preparation which would help you surpass a total of 60000 applicants who appear for SNAP every year.
Symbiosis National Aptitude test or as commonly called SNAP is institute level management entrance exam conducted by Symbiosis International University, Pune for admission into its various management programs. Taking the SNAP exam is a mandatory criteria if you plan to enrol in several post graduation management programmes offered by SIBM (Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, SCMHRD Pune and 15 other b-schools spread across the country, which fall under the list of academic institutions of Symbiosis International University (SIU). SNAP is expected to be conducted in an online CBT (Computer Based) mode in the third week of December 2021, First week of January 2022 and second week of January 2022 at 95+ centres across the country.
This year, SNAP 2021 can undergo some changes in terms of number of attempts and exam pattern. During registration, a candidate has to separately pay Rs 1000/- per Master’s program offered by all the member institutes of SIU (Symbiosis International University) along with the general application fee of Rs 1750/-. Also, the candidate can take SNAP maximum up to 2 times and the best of the two attempts would constitute the final percentile of the candidate. Students need to pre-determine whether they want to take the exam once or twice. The SNAP preparation strategy for 2021 or 'How to prepare for SNAP 2021' can easily be timely defined once you get acquainted with the SNAP 2021 latest notification, test pattern and syllabus of SNAP.
The SNAP 2021 official notification is expected to be released in August 2021.
SNAP 2021 online application was active from the first week of August 2021 to the fourth week of November 2021. The dates can be extended later on.
SIBM Programme Registration 2021 will close in the fourth week of November 2021
Final SNAP 2021 results shall be declared in the second week January 2022
College sessions shall begin in the first week of June, 2022.
To understand how to prepare for SNAP, it is mandatory to keep a few requisites in mind and then proceed to the preparation part. One such requisite will be the SNAP 2021
exam pattern which is tabulated below:
SNAP 2021 is expected to comprise 3 defined sections, after the obliteration of the GK (General Knowledge) section. The overall difficulty level of SNAP is lesser than that of CAT or XAT, but more than TISSNET, CMAT or MAH-CET. Last year, candidates had been provided a leverage to appear for SNAP twice or thrice. SIU regarded the best of the “two” SNAP 2020 attempts in order to provide admission to the candidate.
Here is a descriptive overlay of the SNAP 2021 exam pattern:
If the SNAP 2021 Exam Pattern resembles the structure of last year’s exam pattern, the candidate will have the liberty of taking SNAP maximum up to 2 times and the best of the two attempts would constitute the final percentile of the candidate. In this case, Students need to pre-determine whether they want to take the exam once or twice. The preparation strategy for SNAP 2021 or 'How to prepare for SNAP' can easily be defined once you get acquainted with the test pattern and syllabus of SNAP. To understand how to prepare for SNAP, it is mandatory to keep a few requisites in mind and then proceed to the preparation part. One such requisite will be the SNAP 2021 exam pattern which is tabulated below:
Section |
Questions (MCQ Type) |
Special Questions (Non-MCQ Type) |
Total Questions |
Total Marks |
LOD (Level of Difficulty) |
General English: Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Ability |
15 |
NA |
15 |
15 |
Easy to Moderate |
Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency |
20 |
NA |
20 |
20 |
Moderate to difficult |
Analytical & Logical Reasoning |
25 |
NA |
25 |
25 |
Moderate to difficult |
Total |
60 |
NA |
60 |
60 |
Moderate |
Before getting into how to prepare for SNAP let's look at the exam pattern.
Please note that the SNAP 2021 test will be a computer-based test.
There are three main sections in the SNAP exam
SNAP Test duration is expected to be of 60 minutes I.e 1 hour
The SNAP exam is likely to be held once in December 2021 and twice in January 2022.
The SNAP exam shall be held in a single session i.e between 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on all the three days.
SNAP Test is an objective test. Each question has four responses. Candidate should choose an appropriate response.
Each wrong answer attracts a negative marking of 0.25
In the SNAP Quantitative Section for special questions, which will have blanks where answers should be entered by the candidate using the virtual keyboard.
For all the sections, a correct answer will receive 1 mark
More information on SNAP 2021 Exam Pattern can be found on this page
Since the last three years, the SNAP Exam pattern has undergone several changes. In 2015, the overall number of questions were brought down. In 2017, the mode of paper changed from written to CBT (Computer Based Test). For the year 2020, following changes were introduced in the SNAP Exam Pattern:
SNAP 2020 was conducted thrice; 20th December 2020, 6th January 2021 and 9th January 2021.
Candidates could take SNAP at most 2 times.
The number of questions had been reduced to 60 instead of 110
No questions from the Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency section belong to the “special category” or “Non MCQ” Category.
All the sections will consist of only “MCQ Questions”.
More information on SNAP 2021 exam pattern can be found on this page
An aspirant faces about 1/4th deduction of marks for wrongly attempting the multiple choice based or non-multiple choice-based question. However, the score bar of a SNAP aspirant is 150. He cannot score more than that, keeping in mind the difficulty level.
There can be either 60 questions or 110 questions and no special questions in SNAP 2021 pattern.
The revised marking scheme for SNAP 2021 is given as follows:
Component |
SNAP 2021 |
SNAP 2020 |
SNAP 2019 |
SNAP 2018 |
SNAP 2017 |
Marking scheme (MCQs) |
1 mark for each correct answer Negative Marking of 0.25 for incorrect answer |
1 mark for each correct answer Negative marking of 0.25 for incorrect answer |
1 or 1.5 marks for each correct answer. Negative marking of 0.25 for incorrect answer. |
+1 mark for correct answer |
+1 Mark for Each Correct Answer for all the 150 questions |
Marking scheme (Non MCQs) |
No Non MCQ type questions |
No Non MCQ type questions. |
+2 Marks for Each Correct Answer of Special Questions (5 Non MCQs) |
+2 marks for each correct answer of special questions. (5 non MCQs) |
None |
Negative Marking |
-25% Mark for each wrong answer of Normal question No special questions |
-25% Mark for each wrong answer of Normal Question No special questions. |
-25% Mark for each wrong answer of Normal Question -0.50 Mark for attempting a special question wrongly |
Deduction of 1/4th or 0.25 marks for each wrong answer of MCQ as well as special question (attempted) |
-0.25 Mark for each wrong answer of all the 150 questions |
As compared to CAT, SNAP will have a negative marking of 25% for all questions..
Understanding and being familiar with the examination syllabus is the first and the foremost step of 'How to prepare for SNAP'. If you don't know what all is asked in the exam, you might not be able to crack it, even if you knew the concepts otherwise. SNAP syllabus is usually broader than anticipated.
SNAP syllabus covers all the major topics across all the three sections, as inferred from the previous year snap papers. So, what all are the important chapters you need to study for cracking SNAP? Let's find out!
What should be the ideal duration of preparation that would help me ace SNAP? Although there is no hard and fast rule to this question, SNAP Rankers always remain consistent and honest in their preparation and believe that the exam is close by. Preparing for SNAP this way can ensure that the ball is in your court!
It is about time to have a glance at this year's SNAP syllabus
Like other MBA entrance exams, SNAP also has no prescribed syllabus. However, previous year papers are a good judge of what topics are to be studied for SNAP 2021. Even though no questions are repeated from previous years, the concepts and topics covered in papers remain the same.
Given below is the section wise breakup of the syllabus for your better understanding:
General English |
Quantitative, Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency Section: |
SNAP 2021 Analytical and Logical Reasoning Section: |
Reading Comprehension |
Algebra |
Linear, circular,Matrix arrangement and arrangements with mathematical concepts |
Jumbles Paragraphs |
Arithmetic |
Sequence and Series |
Fill in the Blanks |
Mensuration |
Assumption-Premise-Conclusion |
Sentence correction/completion |
Geometry |
Coding-Decoding/ Family tree |
Syllogisms |
Arithmetic Progression |
Graph,caselets and tables |
Verbal Reasoning |
Permutations and Combinations |
Data Interpretation |
To check the syllabus in detail, visit SNAP Syllabus for 2022
How to prepare for SNAP: General English section?
General English section of SNAP 2021 is expected to consist of 15 questions and will cover topics such as Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Grammar and Vocabulary. As per the previous year papers, Vocabulary based questions are a dominant feature of SNAP and it is suggested that you start with Vocab practice at the earliest possible. This may even be of help in other MBA entrance exams such as CAT, XAT etc. you help understand the RCs better.
Best way to practice the general English section will be solving last 5 years SNAP Papers. Apart from this, you can solve basic and intense course material to strengthen your concepts for SNAP 2021. Enhance your vocabulary skills. This will give you an edge over most of the other candidates in the exam.
Another source to practice this section will be solving last 5 year's practice papers. Also, you should give mocks regularly to make sure your speed and efficiency improves day by day.
Take a Mini SNAP Mock
Choosing the right study material :: It is essential to select the appropriate reading material which would enlighten you with the basics of the General English section. As General English is highly grammar and vocabulary influenced, you would need the material which would be a culmination of these two major segments and which also contains detailed explanatory answers for every question.
Earmark one mock every week :: It is advisable to earmark one General English sectional mock every week to give substance to your preparation and revise the concepts consistently.
How to prepare for SNAP: Quantitative, Data interpretation and Data Sufficiency section? In this section Arithmetic, Numbers and Mensuration are integral topics for a good score. You must focus on these topics and as for the Data Sufficiency questions, they have been seen irregularly in SNAP and are comparatively easier than as seen in CAT/XAT. And with questions in this section, it becomes a test of speed along with accuracy. Practice from good quality mocks, topic tests and sectional tests. This section will consist of 20 questions and each question will be of 1 mark.
Be thorough with the concepts and formulae. Do not take any topic lightly as SNAP focuses on including questions from most of the topics mentioned in the SNAP syllabus.
Keep an eye out for trick questions. Some problems are not worth it. For example, difficult problems based on PnC, Data Interpretation which are calculation intensive. These are the sitters. Leave them the first time you see them and come back if you feel you’ve got time to spare.
Work on problem solving speed. Ensure that you get better at mental calculations related to percentage values, fractions, simplification etc.
This section mostly consists of arithmetic topics like Time and Work, Mixtures and Alligations, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Time and Distance, Averages and Profit & Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Arithmetic Progressions and Number Systems. Coordinate Geometry has also been a common part of SNAP. DI and DS sets have an LOD (Level of Difficulty) lower than CAT/XAT or IIFT. Here is how you can prepare in the best way of this section.
Solve 3-4 DI and DS sets every day to improve your interpretation skills
Engage yourself in mental calculations rather than using a calculator
Practicing last 5-year SNAP papers.
Practicing a DI or DS topic before moving on to another one
Practice questions from 8-10 NCERT Mathematics/ Together/RD Sharma or Quantitative Aptitude for all competitive exams by Dr RS Aggarwal.
For Data Interpretation questions are merely put together as a table containing information mostly on revenues/finances/budgets/population/expected sales/observed sales/increase or decrease in profit or loss margins etc. For the same, you should refer to the correct study material which is very important.
In case of missing information questions, pay attention to the column total, row total and the overall total. That is it.
Learn squares, cubes, Decimal fraction conversions, tables and percentage equivalents up to number 30.
Calculate an alternate way to calculate sums and averages rather than the traditional way of calculating them. It will save a lot of time and hassle. One way of doing this is to assume an average and calculate the SD (Standard Deviation) of each number from that assumed average. After that add up the standard deviations. For Actual average, add the half of the sum of standard deviations to assumed average and for sum, multiply the assumed average by the number of observations and add the sum of standard deviations to the product of assumed average and number of observations.
Here are some listed don’ts you should refrain from during preparation
Assuming any information on your own.
Overestimating the answers.
Relying on “hit and trial methods”.
How to prepare for SNAP: Analytical and Logical Reasoning Section?
This section is expected to comprise 25 questions of 1 mark and covers various topics such as Puzzles, Visual Reasoning, Critical Reasoning, Deductive logic, Analogies, blood relations etc. A good strategy for this section would be solving such topics regularly and taking a sectional test every now then. Also, solving previous year question papers would be a big help. You can only become good in this section if you enjoy solving logical questions and regular practice is a sure shot way of building an aptitude for this section.
Make sure to solve plenty of sectional exercises
Take regular mocks
Take regular mocks. Leave the sitters of the sections I.e logical puzzles with more than 7-8 possibilities etc while attempting the section for the first time. Return to it and try solving it if you have time to spare.
Enter the preparation :: It is certain that lack of preparation can cast a shadow on your otherwise brilliant SNAP percentile (Almost 1/3rd of the total scaled score). Now is the time to make really good friends with the age-old concepts. As far as Analytical and Logical Reasoning is concerned, there are only a handful of concepts which can be actually useful:
Arrangements (Linear, Circular, Matrix, Mathematical)
Blood Relations
Coding Decoding
Directions
Statements and Assumptions
Syllogisms
Analogy (Numbers and Alphabets)
There might be a few more, but perfecting the above-mentioned topics is going to help you cover almost 90% of the A & LR section.
Random Sampling in terms of easy, moderate and difficult questions :: SNAP is an examination which provides some amount of leverage to a candidate by allowing you to sail through and choose questions according to your own will. But at the same time, it comes up with an unidentified culmination of different levels of complexities of the question which a student needs to be well aware of in order to crack it.
Choosing the right approach:: it is very important to understand different strategies and brainstorm regarding the same. By this, I mean that a candidate should effectively solve a question, using the bare minimum time. SNAP is all about time management, even more than accuracy.
Choosing an effective test series to increase familiarity with type of questions :: Though you have to choose a test series towards the second half of your preparation, start looking out for test series reviews. This is just to ensure your efficiency increases with the number of questions you practice.
Analysing your mocks :: Merely giving a mock and ending the mock simulation doesn't really make a difference. When we learn how to drive a car, the trainer makes us practice on a simulator first and then sits along with us to point out our mistakes regarding wrong overtakes, right or left indicator, acceleration, gear and how to apply brakes. This is exactly what you need to do. Do not go all out with preparation. The brain needs it's own halt. And it does give out signals wanting you to stop. Do not ignore it lest it can affect you. Similarly, after solving a mock, do not start studying again. Take a breather, analyze the mock for a good 3–4 hours. It will be enough to tell you which parts need extra attention and where all you have achieved perfection.
Time management :: People panic regarding scoring less in mocks even when they know everything and answer most of the questions correctly. Reason is not sorting your attempt according to the minimum time lapse. Time yourself while solving a question. This will aid in strengthening your base. Strong base can be the best niche for your SNAP preparation
Check out Non-CAT online programme provided by Career Launcher which combines flexible online classes led by expert faculty members including the post-session sectional as well as topic-wise tests to help the candidates learn more effectively and crack SNAP with 100% accuracy.
SNAP mocks are the holy grail of SNAP preparation. You can go for either full-length, sectional or topic-wise mock tests to bolster your conceptual understanding, increasing your problem-solving efficiency and weighing your strengths as well as weaknesses through detailed solution analysis provided at the end of every mock. The mock test would be like a SNAP simulator which will help you develop familiarity with test structure, timing and different types of questions. Even if you do not engage yourself in classroom studying, earmarking one SNAP mock per day followed by 5-8 hours of SWOT analysis would help you achieve more than 95% in the actual SNAP exam.
A thousand times yes. It is cent percent possible to gauge your SNAP 2021 preparation in the last month. Here are some of the few tips that would help you develop your study plan for the last month and execute it effectively: Lay the foundation stone: Do not ignore the basics of all the important topics of SNAP as per the SNAP syllabus 2021. If you master your concepts with the help of constant practice and revision keeping with the regularity of mocks, it will be no less than a cakewalk for you.
Shift gears: Focus on Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. These are the major topics which would get you through SNAP 2021.
Strong mathematical sense: For quantitative aptitude, drive your attention to arithmetic topics, mensuration, speed maths, functions (domain and range), graphs etc. and practice questions related to these topics for 1 hour everyday
Switch to online vocabulary softwares :: For example, thesaurus or Collins. Also learn at least 200-300 idioms and phrases.
The SNAP 2021 Application fees will be Rs 1750 /- for each attempt of the examination. If you are planning to take the exam once, you have to pay an amount of Rs 1750/-. If you are planning to take the exam twice, you have to remit Rs 3500/- as the online application fees. SNAP 2021 registration will take place soon and will end by late November. The application fees can be paid by both online and offline modes. For online mode, candidates can pay using their credit/debit cards, UPI and Net Banking and for offline mode, candidates need to enclose a demand draft along with the application form. It can be done by selecting the mode of payment as "DD Payment" while filling the online form, taking a print out of the payment advice form and filling the demand draft information in it. This advice form then needs to be signed and parcelled to the following address :
Symbiosis Test Secretariat
Symbiosis International (Deemed University)
Gram: Lavale, Tal: Mulshi, Dist: Pune – 412115
Since 2019, the GK section has not been a part of the SNAP Exam. However, in case it is incorporated, GK can be your savior in the examination. Spend minimal time on this section and spare time for lengthier sections like RC, QA and DI. GK Percentile can make or break your SNAP score, particularly by 1/3rd of the total marks. Make sure you brush up on the current happenings in the world and not walk into the examination center without any GK prep.
The candidates will be able to fill the application form for SNAP 2021 from the first week of August 2021. To be considered for the postgraduate courses offered by Symbiosis International University (SIU) you need to appear for Symbiosis National Aptitude Paper (SNAP). The qualifying exam is conducted annually in one slot. To write the exam you need to fill the SNAP Form 2021 and submit your application online on the SNAP Registration Portal. While filling for the SNAP Form 2021, you can simultaneously register for your preferred Symbiosis Institutes. The following comprises a step by step guide to fill the SNAP Form 2021:
The first step for the SNAP Form 2021 is to create an account which requires you to fill up your personal details in order to create your account.The details that you need to provide for your registration are:
Personal details — name, date of birth, category
Contact details — mobile, email address.
Note: While filling the SNAP Form 2021, please enter your name as appearing on your 10th mark sheet. If you belong to the OBC category, please select the 'Open' category under the category option.
Another detail that you need to fill in the SNAP Form 2021 is your preferred test cities. Ensure you choose your preferred order of test cities carefully as no request for change shall be entertained later.
Next, you need to upload your recent passport size photograph. The photo should be in JPG/JPEG/PNG format. The size of the photo should be between 10 kb and 5 mb.
Click on 'Save & Continue' to proceed. You will receive the OTP on your entered mobile number and email address. Post verification you will receive your unique SNAP ID and password via email and SMS. This is the end of the first step of filling the SNAP Form 2021
The penultimate step for filling the SNAP Form 2021 is completing the application form. Click on 'Personal Details' and provide the required details. If you have full-time work experience after graduation then select 'Yes' under 'Work Experience Details'. Enter your full-time work experience in months as on 31st December 2021.
You need to enter your master's degree (if applicable), graduation degree, 10th & 12th marks. If you are currently in the final year of your graduation degree then you need to mention your highest qualification as "Appeared for Bachelor's Degree." Further, you are not required to mention your percentage in graduation. Here are the key points you need to ensure while submitting your educational marksheets:
All the scores need to be provided in percentage.
Scores in CGPA need to be converted to percentage basis the conversion formula provided by the institute.
If the conversion formula is not provided by the institute, please adopt the general formula: (Your CGPA/Max. CGPA)*100.
At this stage of the SNAP Form 2021, the candidate needs to show his/her preference for the programs and institutes. You can opt for as many programs as you like. You can register for the programs before their respective deadlines. Please make certain you go through the eligibility criteria of the given institute before registering.For each institute you select, you need to pay a separate fee of 1000/- per institute. The mode of payment is the same as SNAP Exam Fee.
Here is the eligibility criteria for SNAP 2021:
Minimum Educational Qualification (Domestic): Students should have completed their bachelor’s with at least 50% marks for open category and 45% for SC, ST and OBC category candidates.
Minimum Educational Qualification (International): Students who pursued a recognized degree from any international university need an Equivalence certificate or Certificate of Completion from AIU (Association of Indian Universities)
The SNAP 2021 cut off leads to the final declaration of the list of selected candidates, the cut off will be calculated out of 150, scaled down to 50 marks. A score of 45-50 will bring a percentile of 93-96 which can get you a call for a shortlist from SIBM Pune or SCMHRD Pune. Further, candidates would need to submit their report card of the SNAP and register themselves for further procedures. Final selection of the candidates will be based on their overall intake, rank achieved and performance in other shortlisting rounds after getting a call from the institute I.e WAT, GD and PI.
The best trick for SNAP 2021 preparation is to capitalize on your strong areas. I.e extract the maximum out of the minimum. Answer only those questions you are comfortable and confident with and you will be surprised at the time of the result as the sectional cut offs are set low for SNAP 2021. As SNAP has no sectional time limits, you can easily choose the order of the preference of the questions I.e from easy to difficult.
Procrastination is opportunity’s major assassin. If you happen to be a working professional and manage your SNAP preparation along with your job, devoting time towards SNAP preparation can prove out to be a hassle for you. However, in such cases, consistency is the key. Remember, this is a battle to secure your own future. Hence, even if you feel tired or exhausting, try investing your time towards smart preparation. Earmark weekly mocks instead of daily mocks and adjust your snap study schedule accordingly. If you look at the bright side, you do not have anything to lose because come what may, you still have your job at hand. So why not give it your best shot?
You cannot rely on “guess the answer” technique or “hit and trial” to select the answer for your questions. Ensure all the questions you answer are correct. We think the negative marking of 0.25 might not affect our overall score, but the reality is otherwise. In some cases, candidates who seem to attempt the whole paper do not receive calls from their preferred institutes. Your answers need to be mostly correct in order to score more than other candidates and landing in a prestigious university like Symbiosis.
Click here for detailed analysis of previous year SNAP papers.
All the Best
Team CL