Expected Dec 2026 · Notification Pending
SNAP 2026:
Score vs Percentile.
Syllabus & Pattern.
Everything In One Place.
Exam Dates · Syllabus · Score vs Percentile · SIBM Pune Cutoff · All 17 Symbiosis Institutes
Exam dates, syllabus, pattern, marking scheme, eligibility, and the full list of Symbiosis colleges accepting your SNAP score — based on the confirmed SNAP 2025 pattern, since the official 2026 notification hasn't been released yet. We'll update this page the moment SIU confirms the details.
SNAP 2026 At a Glance Updated June 2026
Conducting BodySymbiosis Intl. University
Expected Exam DatesDec 6, 13, 20, 2026
ModeComputer-Based (CBT)
Duration60 minutes
SectionsGE · QA/DI-DS · A-LR
Total Questions60
Total Marks60
Accepted By17 Symbiosis Institutes
Figures based on the SNAP 2025 pattern (held Dec 6, 14 & 20, 2025). Official SNAP 2026 notification expected around August 2026 at snaptest.org. You can attempt SNAP up to 3 times — best score counts.
Exam Pattern
Section-Wise Breakdown.
Based on the SNAP 2025 pattern. Unlike CAT or XAT, SNAP has no sectional time limit — you get 60 minutes to manage across all three sections however you like.
| Section | Questions | Time Limit | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| General English (GE) | 15 | No sectional limit | 15 |
| Quantitative Ability, DI & Data Sufficiency (QA, DI-DS) | 20 | No sectional limit | 20 |
| Analytical & Logical Reasoning (A-LR) | 25 | No sectional limit | 25 |
| Total | 60 | 60 min | 60 |
Marking Scheme: +1 for every correct answer. −0.25 for every incorrect answer. No negative marking for unattempted questions. SNAP is held across three separate test dates (roughly a week apart) — you can attempt one, two, or all three, and the best of your scores is used for shortlisting.
Syllabus
What To Actually Study.
Symbiosis International University doesn't release a fixed syllabus document. These topics are based on consistent patterns observed across the last several years of papers.
GE
Reading Comprehension & Verbal Reasoning
● Short RC passages (typically 1–2, shorter than CAT's) — central idea & inference questions
● Verbal reasoning — critical reasoning, statement-assumption, statement-conclusion
● Verbal analogies & word relationships
Vocabulary
● Synonyms & antonyms
● One-word substitution
● Idioms & phrases, foreign words in English usage
Grammar & Sentence Correction
● Error spotting & sentence correction
● Similar-sounding & commonly confused words
● Fill-in-the-blanks (single & double blanks)
Para-Jumbles & Passage-Level Skills
● Para-jumbles — arranging sentences into a coherent paragraph
● Para-completion & odd-sentence-out
QA, DI-DS
Arithmetic
● Percentage
● Profit, Loss & Discount
● Simple & Compound Interest
● Ratio, Proportion & Variation
● Mixtures & Alligations
● Averages
● Time & Work (incl. pipes & cisterns)
● Time, Speed & Distance (incl. boats & streams, trains)
Algebra
● Linear & quadratic equations
● Inequalities
● Sequences & Series (AP, GP)
Number System
● LCM & HCF, divisibility rules
● Remainders & factors
Geometry & Mensuration
● Lines, angles, triangles & circles
● Mensuration — 2D area & 3D volume/surface area
● Basic trigonometry
Modern Math
● Permutation & Combination
● Probability
Data Interpretation
● Tables & multi-table data sets
● Bar graphs, line graphs & pie charts
● Caselets — data embedded in text/paragraph form
Data Sufficiency
● Deciding whether the given statement(s) are sufficient to answer the question — a format unique to SNAP among major MBA exams
● Generally the toughest of the three sections; no negative-marking difference from other sections, so calculated attempts still pay off
A-LR
Puzzles & Arrangements
● Puzzles — distribution & matching-based
● Seating arrangement — linear & circular
Classic Reasoning
● Syllogisms
● Blood relations & family-tree sets
● Coding-decoding
● Series completion (number, letter & mixed)
Visual & Non-Verbal Reasoning
● Visual reasoning — pattern & figure-based questions
● Non-verbal series & odd-one-out figures
Critical & Analytical Reasoning
● Statement-conclusion & statement-assumption
● Critical reasoning (strengthen/weaken-style questions)
● Largest-weightage section at 25 of 60 questions — generally more scoring than QA, DI-DS if practiced well
Score vs Percentile
How Many Marks = Which Percentile?
SNAP is out of 60 marks. This table maps raw scores (section-wise and total) to the approximate overall percentile for each year from 2021 to 2025, helping you set a realistic target. Sectional breakdowns are indicative — SNAP reports only a composite score, not section-wise percentiles.
| Percentile Band | SNAP 2025 Score | SNAP 2024 Score | SNAP 2023 Score | SNAP 2022 Score | SNAP 2021 Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99%ile+ | 52–60 | 51–60 | 50–60 | 52–60 | 51–60 |
| 98%ile | 47–51 | 46–50 | 45–49 | 47–51 | 46–50 |
| 97%ile | 44–46 | 43–45 | 42–44 | 44–46 | 43–45 |
| 96%ile | 42–43 | 41–42 | 40–41 | 41–43 | 41–42 |
| 95%ile | 40–41 | 39–40 | 38–39 | 39–40 | 38–40 |
| 94%ile | 38–39 | 37–38 | 36–37 | 37–38 | 36–38 |
| 93%ile | 36–37 | 35–37 | 34–35 | 35–37 | 34–36 |
| 92%ile | 34–35 | 33–35 | 32–33 | 33–35 | 32–34 |
| 91%ile | 32–33 | 31–33 | 30–31 | 31–33 | 30–32 |
| 90%ile | 30–31 | 29–31 | 28–30 | 29–31 | 28–30 |
Section-Wise Score Targets to Hit 95%ile+
SNAP has no sectional time limit, so your strategy is to maximise total score. Here's what 95th–99th %ile scorers typically clock in each section across recent years.
| Section (Max) | Target for 95%ile+ | Target for 99%ile+ | SNAP 2025 Avg (top scorers) | SNAP 2024 Avg (top scorers) | SNAP 2023 Avg (top scorers) | SNAP 2022 Avg (top scorers) | SNAP 2021 Avg (top scorers) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General English (15) | 11–12 | 13–14 | 11.5 | 11.0 | 10.5 | 11.0 | 10.5 |
| QA, DI & DS (20) | 12–14 | 17–19 | 13.5 | 13.0 | 12.5 | 13.0 | 12.0 |
| Analytical & LR (25) | 17–19 | 21–23 | 18.0 | 17.5 | 17.0 | 18.0 | 17.0 |
| Total (60) | 38–41 | 50–54 | ~43 | ~42 | ~40 | ~42 | ~40 |
How to read this: Scores are raw marks out of 60 (total) or section max. SNAP reports a composite score and percentile — there are no official section-wise percentiles. The section-level figures above are compiled from student self-reports and verified cutoff coverage across the last 5 years. Use these as directional targets, not official data. Because difficulty varies year to year, aim for 40+ on a moderate paper to comfortably clear 95%ile. For SIBM Pune (97–98%ile cutoff), you need 47–52+ marks. See college-wise cutoffs →
Expected Timeline
SNAP 2026 Calendar.
Forecast based on the SNAP 2025 schedule (held December 6, 14 & 20, 2025). All dates are tentative until SIU's official release.
First Week of August 2026
Official Notification & Registration Opens
Symbiosis International (Deemed University) releases the SNAP 2026 notification and opens registration at snaptest.org.
Mid-November 2026
Registration Closes
Last date to register and pay the exam fee. You can register for 1, 2, or all 3 test attempts — fee applies per attempt.
Late November 2026
Admit Card Release (Test 1)
Hall tickets released roughly a week before each test date — separately for each of the three attempts you've registered for.
December 6, 13 & 20, 2026 (Expected)
SNAP 2026 Exam Days
Three separate test windows, roughly a week apart. Conducted in CBT mode. Carry your admit card and a valid photo ID for each attempt.
2–3 Days Post Each Test
Response Sheet Release
Your response sheet for each attempt is made available shortly after that test date.
Early January 2027
Result & Scorecard
SNAP percentile and scorecard released — your best score across all attempts is used. Symbiosis institutes begin their own GE-PI-WAT shortlisting shortly after.
Eligibility
Can You Apply?
SNAP's eligibility criteria mirrors CAT's — three checks decide it: degree, percentage, and final-year status.
Bachelor's Degree
A 3-year bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, from a UGC-recognized university or Institution of National Importance.
Minimum Aggregate
50% aggregate for General/EWS/NC-OBC. 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates. Calculated across all years of graduation.
Final-Year Students
Eligible to apply provisionally, subject to meeting the minimum percentage requirement once final results are out.
No Age Limit, Up to 3 Attempts
There's no minimum or maximum age to apply. Unlike CAT, you get up to 3 attempts in the same admission cycle — best score counts.
Eligibility criteria can vary slightly by individual Symbiosis institute and specific MBA programme — for example, SIOM Nashik's Operations Management programme requires an engineering background. Always cross-check the specific institute's eligibility page in addition to this general SNAP criteria.
Selection Process
SNAP Score Alone Doesn't Get You In.
Each of the 17 Symbiosis institutes runs its own multi-stage shortlisting and composite-score process after SNAP. Here's the typical flow.
1. SNAP Score / Percentile Shortlisting
Each Symbiosis institute sets its own SNAP percentile cutoff to shortlist candidates for the next stage — SIBM Pune's cutoff (97–98%ile) is far higher than SSBF Pune's (55–70%ile). SNAP itself has no sectional cutoffs; only your composite score matters here.
2. GE-PI-WAT
Shortlisted candidates go through GE-PI-WAT (Group Exercise, Personal Interaction, Written Ability Test), conducted separately by each of the 17 Symbiosis institutes on its own schedule and format.
3. Written Ability Test / Group Exercise
A timed essay or group-exercise-style task testing structured thinking and written or collaborative communication on a current-affairs, abstract, or business topic.
4. Final Merit List
SNAP score, GE-PI-WAT performance, and academic profile are combined using each institute's own weightage formula to produce the final composite score and admission offers.
| Component | Typical Weightage Range (varies by institute & year) |
|---|---|
| SNAP Score / Percentile | 40–60% |
| Academic Profile (10th, 12th, Graduation) | 10–20% |
| Work Experience (if applicable) | 5–10% |
| Written Ability Test / Group Exercise | 5–10% |
| Personal Interaction (PI) | 20–35% |
Important: Weightage formulas differ significantly across the 17 Symbiosis institutes and can change year to year — always check the specific institute's official admission policy (usually released alongside or shortly after the SNAP notification) before finalizing your target-college strategy.
Where SNAP Can Take You
Top Colleges Accepting SNAP Score.
The MBA institutes that matter most for SNAP aspirants — sorted by prestige and typical cutoff. Each runs its own GE-PI-WAT shortlisting after SNAP results.
All MBA Institutes Accepting SNAP
| Institute | Programme Focus | Cutoff %ile | Total Fees | Avg. Package | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIBM Pune | General MBA | 97–98 | ₹22.37 L | ₹28.83 LPA | 129% ✓ |
| SCMHRD Pune | HRD / Strategy | 95–97 | ₹26.54 L | ₹21.47 LPA | 81% ✓ |
| SIIB Pune | International Business | 90–93 | ~₹21.0 L | ~₹18.0 LPA | ~86% |
| SIBM Bengaluru | General MBA | 88–90 | ~₹20.0 L | ~₹16.0 LPA | ~80% |
| SIBM Hyderabad | General MBA | 80–85 | ~₹18.5 L | ~₹13.5 LPA | ~73% |
| SIOM Nashik | Operations Mgmt (Engg. preferred) | 75–85 | ~₹16.5 L | ~₹12.0 LPA | ~73% |
| SCIT Pune | IT Management | 70–80 | ~₹16.0 L | ~₹11.5 LPA | ~72% |
| SIMC Pune | Communications / Media | 70–80 | ~₹17.0 L | ~₹10.5 LPA | ~62% |
| SICSR Pune | Computer Science & Research | 70–80 | ~₹15.0 L | ~₹11.0 LPA | ~73% |
| SIMS Pune | General MBA | 60–75 | ~₹14.0 L | ~₹9.5 LPA | ~68% |
| SSBF Pune | Banking & Finance | 55–70 | ~₹12.5 L | ~₹8.5 LPA | ~68% |
Showing 11 MBA-focused institutes. Non-MBA Symbiosis institutes (law, health sciences, liberal arts, public administration) are excluded as they are not relevant for MBA aspirants. ✓ rows use verified placement data; ~ rows are directional estimates — confirm with official brochures. SNAP has no sectional cutoff; each institute runs its own GE-PI-WAT shortlisting above the SNAP score. Final admission cutoff = SNAP score + GE-PI-WAT performance.
Previous Year Analysis
What Actually Changes Year To Year.
General, defensible trend observations across recent SNAP papers that matter more than any single year's paper.
General English Trend
● SNAP's overall question count and section-wise split has been revised across recent years, so treat the current 15-question GE split as indicative, not fixed for every future year
● RC passages have increasingly leaned toward business, current-affairs, and applied-context themes rather than purely literary or abstract passages
● Vocabulary and grammar-based questions remain a consistent, high-accuracy scoring opportunity if practiced regularly
QA, DI-DS Trend
● Data Sufficiency has remained a consistent, distinctive feature of SNAP's QA section relative to other MBA entrance exams
● This section has consistently been reported as the toughest of the three by test-takers and coaching analysts across recent years
● Arithmetic continues to carry the heaviest weightage within the section, ahead of algebra, geometry, and modern math
A-LR Trend
● Analytical & Logical Reasoning's emphasis has grown, consistently carrying the largest share of questions (25 of 60) among the three sections
● Puzzle- and arrangement-based sets have become a more prominent part of the section than standalone one-line reasoning questions
● Candidates who practice this section well tend to find it more scoring, per section, than QA, DI-DS
Takeaway: Don't over-index on any single year's paper. Build broad coverage across General English, QA-DI-DS, and Analytical & Logical Reasoning — SNAP's format has shifted before and can shift again. See the Score vs Percentile section above for year-by-year score data.
Preparation Strategy
A Different Plan For Every Starting Point.
SNAP prep isn't one-size-fits-all — where you start, and how much time you have before December, determines what you should do first.
Beginner (First Attempt, 4+ Months Out)
Build QA fundamentals from Class 8–10 level up, with early exposure to Data Sufficiency since it's unique to SNAP among major MBA exams. Build a daily vocabulary and grammar habit for GE. Don't attempt full mocks yet — focus on concept clarity and topic-wise practice first.
Intermediate (One Mock Attempted, 2–4 Months Out)
Start sectional tests to isolate weak topics, with extra time on QA-DI-DS since it's typically the toughest section. Since SNAP has no sectional time limit, practice deciding your own section order and time allocation. 2 full-length mocks per week, with a detailed error log after each.
Advanced (Targeting 97%ile+, <6 Weeks Out)
Heavy focus on Analytical & Logical Reasoning speed and accuracy, since it carries the most questions (25 of 60) and is typically the most scoring section. With -0.25 for wrong answers and no penalty for skips, attempt only questions you can solve with reasonable confidence — calculated guessing (eliminating 2–3 options) still has positive expected value, but blind guessing across many questions doesn't. 3–4 full mocks per week with slot-by-slot analysis.
Working Professional (Limited Daily Hours)
Time-boxed study: 1–1.5 hours on weekdays, 4–5 hours on weekends. Prioritize the highest-weightage topics (Analytical & Logical Reasoning, Arithmetic) first. Use commute time for vocabulary and GE practice; fewer but fully-analyzed mocks beat many rushed ones. If you're already preparing for CAT, treat SNAP prep as incremental — 3–4 SNAP-specific mocks close to December is often enough.
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FAQ
Common Questions.
When is SNAP 2026?+
SNAP 2026 is expected to be held across three test windows in December 2026 — tentatively December 6, 13, and 20 — following the previous year's pattern. The official dates will be confirmed by Symbiosis International (Deemed University) in the notification expected around August 2026.
What is the SNAP exam pattern?+
SNAP has 60 questions across three sections — General English (15), Quantitative Ability with Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency (20), and Analytical & Logical Reasoning (25) — for a total of 60 marks, in a single 60-minute computer-based test with no sectional time limit.
What is the SNAP marking scheme?+
Each correct answer gets +1 mark. Each incorrect answer loses 0.25 marks. There is no penalty for unattempted questions. Candidates can attempt SNAP up to three times across different test dates, and the best of the scores is considered for admission.
Who is eligible for SNAP 2026?+
Candidates need a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwD categories) from a recognized university. There is no age limit, and final-year graduation students can apply provisionally.
How many times can I attempt SNAP, and does every attempt count toward my final score?+
You can attempt SNAP up to three times across the different test dates in a single admission cycle (each requires separate registration and fee). Only your best score across all the attempts you take is considered for shortlisting — weaker attempts don't hurt you.
How many marks do I need to get 95 percentile in SNAP?+
Based on the last 5 years of data (2021–2025), scoring 38–41 marks out of 60 typically gets you around 95 percentile in SNAP. For 99 percentile and above, you generally need 50–54 marks. The exact score requirement shifts slightly each year depending on the paper's difficulty. The safe target is 40+ for a moderate paper if you're aiming at SIBM Pune or SCMHRD. See the full Score vs Percentile table on this page for year-wise breakdowns.
What is the SNAP 2026 application fee?+
SNAP is a per-attempt exam — you pay separately for each test date you register for (1, 2, or all 3). The exact fee amount will be published in the official SNAP 2026 notification, expected around August 2026 at snaptest.org; check the notification for the current year's figure before registering.
What does the GE-PI-WAT round involve?+
GE-PI-WAT (Group Exercise, Personal Interaction, Written Ability Test) is the second stage of SNAP-based admission, conducted independently by each shortlisting Symbiosis institute. It typically combines a Written Ability Test or Group Exercise (a timed essay or group-discussion-style task) with a Personal Interaction (a panel interview covering your academic background, work experience, and application form). Exact format, weightage, and scheduling vary by institute. See the Selection Process section above for the full breakdown.
Which colleges accept SNAP scores?+
SNAP is accepted by 11 MBA-focused Symbiosis institutes: SIBM Pune, SCMHRD Pune, SIIB Pune, SIBM Bengaluru, SIBM Hyderabad, SIOM Nashik, SCIT Pune, SIMC Pune, SICSR Pune, SIMS Pune, and SSBF Pune. Non-MBA institutes (law, health sciences, liberal arts, public administration) are excluded as they're not relevant for MBA aspirants. Each institute sets its own SNAP cutoff and runs its own GE-PI-WAT shortlisting round. See the full college table with cutoffs and fees →
What documents should I carry on SNAP exam day?+
Carry your SNAP admit card (printed) and a valid original photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving licence, or voter ID) matching the name on your admit card, for each test date you appear for. Photocopies or expired IDs are typically not accepted — always check the specific instructions on your admit card.
Is a calculator allowed in the SNAP exam?+
No physical or handheld calculator is allowed inside the SNAP exam hall. As with other computer-based MBA entrance tests, candidates should be prepared to work through Quantitative Ability, DI & Data Sufficiency calculations manually on the rough sheet provided.
Can I prepare for SNAP and CAT together?+
Yes — CAT and SNAP share significant overlap in syllabus (QA, English, Logical Reasoning), so CAT preparation covers roughly 80–85% of SNAP preparation. The key differences: SNAP is shorter and faster (60 min vs 120 min), has no sectional time limit, and includes Data Sufficiency questions that CAT doesn't. Most serious MBA aspirants attempt both, using CAT as the primary prep vehicle and dedicating 3–4 SNAP-specific mock tests in the final weeks before December.
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