SNAP 2016 (Symbiosis National Aptitude test) –
the gateway to the MBA programs offered by SIBM Pune, SCMHRD Pune and 12 other Symbiosis Group institutes is scheduled to be conducted on 18^th December 2016. This test is one of the more popular entrance tests taken by B-School aspirants, with around 50,000 test-takers every year.  The paper pattern of this entrance test has always bordered on the unpredictable – we have had Data Interpretation questions (normally a part of the Quant section) included in the Logical Reasoning (LR) sections, Logical Reasoning questions making a special appearance in the Quant section and Verbal Reasoning questions (a regular feature of the LR section) being included in The English Language section. So, if you are someone who goes into the test with a fixed mindset expecting only certain type of questions in a particular section, then you are likely to be surprised by this test. On the positive side, this test is on the easier side and if you had prepared well for the CAT then you should be able to put up a decent performance in the SNAP. Last year, I know students, who had an 80-85 percentile in the CAT and went on to get calls from SIBM Pune and SCMHRD and are now studying in one of these institutes. So, here is how you can improve your chances of making to one of the Top 30 Indian B-Schools this year.

Know the test   

1. SNAP is a paper-based test with 4 sections: sections viz. (I) General English: Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Ability; (II) Quantitative Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency;  (III) General Awareness: General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Business Scenario; (IV) Analytical & Logical Reasoning
2. The duration of the test is 2 hours i.e. from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
3. Analysis of past papers suggest that the first 3 sections will have 40 questions each while the Analytical & Logical Reasoning Section will have 30 questions. Each question carries 1 mark.
4. Questions will be in the MCQ format with 4 options each.
5. Answers need to be marked on an OMR sheet with a Blue or Black ball point pen – do not forget to carry at least a couple of “working” ball point pens when you go for the test.
6. There is a penalty of 25% of the allotted marks for every incorrect response. There is no negative marking for skipped questions.
7. The test does not have sectional time limits – so have the flexibility to decide the order in which you solve the sections as well as how much time you devote to each of the sections.
8. To Sum up, the test structure of SNAP is as follows:

The “Syllabus” – What to prepare for SNAP?

If you have been preparing well for CAT and other entrance tests like NMAT and XAT, then you are on the right path for your SNAP preparation. The GK is the stand-out section in this test, as most of the test-takers are always wondering how to prepare for the same – and end up not preparing at all. Let us have a look at the 4 sections that feature in the test and how to prepare for each of them.

1. General English: Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Ability

Majority of questions in this section are based on Vocabulary, Grammar & Usage. The test has had a very low proportion of RCs (except last year) with just 1 or 2 passages that are usually followed by direct questions. Aspirants with a sound vocabulary base will relish the antonym/synonyms, analogies and spelling-based questions that have been a regular feature of this section. This is one test where you have also had questions requiring knowledge of functional grammar – Sentence types, Compound words, Determiners, Active & Passive Voice, Figures of Speech et al.   Knowledge of idioms, quotes, proverbs and phrasal verbs will stand you in good stead. Additionally, the section also comprises the regular question types of grammar like FIBs, Sentence correction and ‘identify the errors’. A few questions from Verbal reasoning like Jumbled paragraph and Jumbled sentences can also be expected in this section.

How to prepare for SNAP English section?

A quick look at the structure in the last  6 years emphasizes the importance of vocabulary and grammar in this section. So, go hard at the word-list in the limited time available to you – study words in context, make notes as this will aid your memory, practice with vocabulary tests. Brush up on the grammar rules – it’s not a bad idea to practice a few exercises from Wren & Martin for a test like this. Solve the Grammar section tests for quick practice and learning. For reading comprehension, you can rest assured that neither the level of the passage nor that of the questions should intimidate you. So, practice with CET/CMAT level passages on a regular basis so that you get the maximum out of these questions. Ensure that you take at least 5 mock SNAP tests before the actual test – this should give you sufficient exposure to what maybe expected and also help you figure out your improvement areas before the D-Day.

For the remaining sections and how to prepare for them, click here.

VK