MBA guide
CAT vs XAT vs SNAP vs NMAT: Which MBA Exams Should You Take?
Take CAT for the IIMs and most top B-schools, XAT for XLRI, SNAP for the Symbiosis institutes and NMAT for NMIMS. They differ in who conducts them, which colleges use them and what they test — XAT adds decision-making, NMAT lets you retake within its window. Pick exams by the colleges you want, then plan preparation around their order.
By ProCounsel Editorial TeamReviewed by ProCounsel counselling teamLast updated 11 Nov 2026
How do CAT, XAT, SNAP and NMAT compare?
Dates, fees and question counts change every year; each exam's page carries the current official figures as we verify them.
| CAT | XAT | SNAP | NMAT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conducted by | The IIMs (rotating) | XLRI Jamshedpur for XAMI | Symbiosis International (Deemed University) | GMAC |
| Main users | IIMs and many top B-schools | XLRI and XAT-accepting institutes | Symbiosis institutes | NMIMS and participating schools |
| Distinctive feature | 3 fixed-order sections, 40 minutes each | A decision-making section | Used only for Symbiosis programmes | Choose your section order; retakes allowed in the window |
Which exam is right for you?
- Want an IIM, FMS Delhi, MDI or SPJIMR? CAT is essential.
- XLRI on your list? Add XAT — and prepare specifically for decision-making questions.
- Pune and a Symbiosis institute appeal to you? SNAP is the route.
- NMIMS in Mumbai is a target, or you want a second chance in the same season? NMAT.
- Applying abroad as well? GMAT is accepted by some Indian programmes too.
Can you prepare for all four at once?
Mostly yes. Quantitative ability, reading comprehension and logical reasoning carry across all of them. What differs is speed (SNAP and NMAT reward pace), XAT's decision-making section, and each test's marking and section rules. Build a common base for CAT, then add two to three weeks of exam-specific mocks before each later test.
Frequently asked questions
Is XAT harder than CAT?
Different rather than harder. XAT's decision-making section has no CAT equivalent, while CAT's fixed sectional timing is its own challenge. Your comfort with each format matters more than a general ranking of difficulty.
Should I take CAT and XAT both?
If XLRI or another XAT-only college is on your list, yes. The preparation overlaps heavily, so the extra effort is mainly XAT-specific practice.
Is NMAT easier than CAT?
NMAT draws a different pool and allows retakes within its window, which some candidates find less pressured. It is accepted by fewer institutes, so it complements CAT rather than replacing it for most people.
Sources
This guide is written and reviewed by ProCounsel. Figures in it come from these official documents; the rest is our counselling team’s explanation.
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