Preparing for CAT does not mean you should prepare only for CAT. CAT should remain your primary examination because it gives you many options. However, relying only on CAT can be risky because anything can happen on the examination day.
You may prepare well, but the paper can be different from what you expected. You may also panic during the exam.
This is why having a Plan B is important. For this, you can prepare for other management entrance exams such as NMAT, SNAP and XAT, depending on the institutes you prefer.
The good part is that you do not need completely separate preparation for every exam. A large part of the syllabus overlaps with CAT. Instead of preparing for each examination separately, focus on the subjects and topics first.
The basic approach is:
- Keep CAT as your primary preparation.
- Use CAT preparation to cover common topics.
- Prepare exam-specific topics separately.
- Use your lighter preparation days for these additional topics.
- Increase focus on NMAT, SNAP and XAT as their exam dates get closer.
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CAT vs NMAT vs SNAP vs XAT: How Much Preparation Is Common?
Around 70% to 80% of your preparation for NMAT, SNAP and XAT can be covered through CAT preparation. The remaining preparation mainly consists of exam-specific topics.
For example:
- CAT preparation covers RCs, para jumbles and para summary for other exams.
- Grammar needs separate preparation because it does not come in CAT.
- XAT requires Decision Making and some additional verbal topics.
- NMAT requires topics such as prepositions, analogy, input-output and data sufficiency.
- SNAP requires several short topics in Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning.
- Quant preparation for CAT covers most of the Quant requirement for XAT and NMAT, but Data Sufficiency needs separate preparation.
- CAT-specific DILR topics do not necessarily help in the same way for the other exams.
This means you do not need to divide your preparation equally among all four examinations.
How to Prepare for VARC, Verbal Ability and Language Skills
VARC is one of the areas where the preparation overlaps significantly. Different exams may use different names for this section. XAT calls it VALR, while NMAT calls it Language Skills. The basic verbal skills remain connected. RCs are asked in CAT, XAT, and NMAT
The level of CAT and XAT RCs is higher. XAT RCs can be slightly more difficult. NMAT RCs are comparatively easier, shorter and less dense. Therefore, if you are preparing Reading Comprehension for CAT, your preparation for NMAT is automatically happening.
You do not need separate RC preparation for NMAT. SNAP does not have RCs. Therefore, CAT preparation already covers the RC requirement for the exams where it is asked.
Para Jumbles
Para jumbles are asked in CAT and XAT. They come with options in these exams. CAT para jumbles can be more difficult because they do not provide options. Therefore, if you prepare CAT para jumbles properly, you are also preparing this topic for XAT.
Para Summary
Para summary is asked in CAT and can also appear in XAT. You are given a paragraph and asked which option best summarises it. These questions are generally short, so CAT preparation helps with XAT as well.
Grammar
Grammar is an important topic for NMAT, SNAP and XAT because it does not come in CAT. XAT can have error-spotting questions.
NMAT has quite a few grammar questions, and SNAP also asks grammar-based questions. Therefore, grammar should be prepared alongside CAT. Grammar is also a relatively certain area. There are specific rules and topics. For example Subject-verb agreement, Tenses, and Prepositions
If you know the rules, you can apply them while solving questions. This is different from vocabulary, where you can remain uncertain about which word may appear. So, do not leave grammar until after CAT. Prepare it alongside your CAT preparation.
Exam-Specific Verbal Topics
Once you cover the common topics, you can focus on topics specific to individual exams.
CAT-Specific Topics
Some topics are primarily useful for CAT among these four exams such as Odd one out and Sentence insertion. In sentence insertion, you are given a paragraph and a sentence. You have to identify where the sentence fits among the given blanks. These topics should be covered as part of your CAT preparation.
XAT-Specific Verbal Preparation
XAT has poems, which are not asked in the other exams discussed here. You can go through past-year papers and read poems by the authors commonly seen in the examination.
You can also make a list of commonly relevant poems and read them to understand what the poem is saying. One or two questions from poems can make a difference.
However, you should decide how much time to give this topic based on your strengths. If your verbal ability is strong and Quant is weak, preparing this topic can help you score in English. XAT also has Critical Reasoning as part of VALR. If you are preparing RCs and understanding the concepts behind them, that preparation can also help you with Critical Reasoning.
NMAT-Specific Verbal Preparation
NMAT has some topics that need additional preparation i.e. Analogy and Prepositions. Analogy is vocabulary-based. It can involve synonyms, antonyms or similarities between words. You should work on your vocabulary and practise these questions.
However, do not overemphasise vocabulary. Even if you study 1,000 words, something beyond those words can appear.
Prepare realistically rather than spending too much time trying to cover everything. Prepositions are another important NMAT-specific topic. Since questions can come from this area, prepare the rules and practise them.
SNAP-Specific Verbal Preparation
SNAP mainly has individual questions in Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning. Some topics to prepare are:
- Idioms and phrases
- Figures of speech
- Active-passive voice
- Reported speech
- Prefixes
- Suffixes
- Spelling errors
These are relatively small topics. You can prepare them on your lighter days. For example, idioms and phrases may require two to three days if you work through a list of common expressions. Overall, around 10 days of focused preparation can be used to cover these SNAP-specific topics properly.
How to Prepare for DILR and Logical Reasoning
DILR needs a different approach because its structure changes across exams.
- In CAT, DILR is a separate section.
- In XAT, DI comes with QA, while conventional LR is not a separate section.
- In NMAT, DI comes with QA and LR is separate.
- In SNAP, DI comes with QA and there is a separate LR section.
Therefore, you should understand where the overlap exists instead of preparing DILR in exactly the same way for every exam.
DI Preparation
Tables and conventional graphs help across the exams. These include the following aspects:
- Tables
- Bar graphs
- Line graphs
If you prepare these properly for CAT, your DI preparation for XAT and NMAT is also covered to a large extent. Special graphs that can appear in XAT such as:
- Radar charts
- Bubble charts
- Scatter charts
CAT preparation can therefore cover a large part of the DI requirement. The level of DI differs across exams. CAT and XAT can involve calculation as well as logic-based DI. NMAT DI is more calculation-based and is not as logic-intensive.
SNAP historically does not have group-based DI. Even when DI appears, it may be limited to one or two individual questions.
Logical Reasoning Preparation
Arrangement-based questions can appear in CAT and NMAT. They are not part of XAT in the conventional LR format.
In SNAP, LR questions are generally individual questions rather than group-based sets, and the level is comparatively easier . Venn diagram-based questions can also come in CAT and NMAT.
CAT-Specific DILR Topics
Some DILR topics are mainly useful for CAT:
- Games and tournaments
- Routes and networks
- Hybrid sets
- Logical DI
- Caselets
- Quant-based reasoning
Logical DI can also appear to some extent in XAT. However, games and tournaments and routes and networks are CAT-based topics among these examinations. Therefore, prepare these topics for CAT, but do not assume you need to give them the same importance for NMAT, SNAP and XAT.
NMAT Critical Reasoning and Input-Output
Critical Reasoning is particularly important for NMAT. It can also help with XAT and SNAP. The level of CR in NMAT is comparatively easier, while SNAP can have moderate to difficult CR.
Therefore, preparing CR can help across multiple examinations. NMAT also has Input-Output as an important topic. One to two sets can come from Input-Output, with four questions in a set.
This is a topic you should prepare separately for NMAT.
NMAT Syllogism and Fact Statement
Syllogism can appear in both NMAT and SNAP. Fact Statement is a unique NMAT topic. You can spend around two days understanding Fact Statement questions and their approach.
Number puzzles and similar basic reasoning topics can also be covered with limited additional preparation.
SNAP Logical Reasoning Topics
SNAP has several small Logical Reasoning topics that can be covered separately. These include the following aspects:
- Blood relations
- Directions
- Clocks
- Calendars
- Series
- Coding-decoding
- Number puzzles
- Binary logic
- Syllogism
- An analogy-related miscellaneous topic
Most of these topics have defined concepts. Once you understand the concept, only light practice is required. For example, directions require you to understand how to make the diagram. Blood relations require understanding the relationship structure.
These small topics can be covered in around 10 to 12 days. They can also be used on your lighter preparation days.
How to Prepare Quant for CAT, XAT, NMAT and SNAP
Quant is one area where CAT preparation can cover most of the requirement for the other exams. However, you should not make the mistake of preparing only Arithmetic and Algebra for CAT.
The importance of topics changes from exam to exam.
CAT Quant
For CAT, Arithmetic and Algebra have significant weightage. Broadly, the order is Arithmetic and Algebra > Geometry > Number System > Modern Maths.
This is why many CAT aspirants prepare Arithmetic and Algebra and leave the remaining topics.
That approach can be risky. An easy question can come from Number System or Geometry even when other topics have difficult questions. Therefore, prepare all topics at least up to a basic level. You can decide during the examination which questions to attempt and which ones to leave.
XAT Quant
XAT requires more holistic Quant preparation. The topics can have a more balanced distribution. You can get questions from the following areas:
- Number System
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Permutation and Combination
- Probability
- Modern Maths
Number System and Geometry are important in XAT. Modern Maths can also contribute around two to three questions. Therefore, do not prepare only Arithmetic and Algebra if XAT is also your target.
NMAT Quant
NMAT has no Geometry. Its broad importance is Arithmetic > Modern Maths > Number System > Algebra. Arithmetic has the highest importance. Modern Maths is also very important and should not be skipped.
In a 36-question Quantitative Skills section, around four questions can be from Data Sufficiency, and around eight to 12 questions can be DI.
You should therefore give attention to Modern Maths, Number System and Data Sufficiency instead of focusing only on Arithmetic.
SNAP Quant
SNAP requires broad preparation because the questions are generally shorter and need to be solved quickly. Arithmetic has significant importance.
Other areas can also contribute questions, including:
- Number System
- Modern Maths
- Algebra
- Geometry
For a 20-question Quant section, around seven to eight questions may be from Arithmetic, while around two to four questions can come from individual topics. Therefore, SNAP tests the width of your preparation. The more concepts you cover across different topics, the more questions you can attempt.
Data Sufficiency: The Extra Topic for XAT and NMAT
Data Sufficiency is asked in XAT and NMAT.
- In XAT, around four questions can come from Data Sufficiency.
- In NMAT, around one to two questions can come from this area.
- Therefore, Data Sufficiency is a must-do topic if you are preparing for NMAT and XAT.
If your CAT Quant syllabus is thoroughly prepared, Data Sufficiency is one of the major areas you need to study separately. You can cover it in around one to two days.
XAT Decision Making Preparation
Decision Making is unique to XAT. You do not need to spend a major part of your preparation time on it right now. You can prepare it extensively after CAT, particularly in December.
If you want to start early, spend around one to two hours per week on Decision Making. Use this time to cover the following topics:
- Look at previous-year questions.
- Understand the concepts.
- Watch relevant videos.
- Get familiar with the type of questions.
After CAT, you can increase the time given to Decision Making.
SNAP Needs Speed and Question Selection
SNAP is different because of its speed requirement. There are 60 questions in 60 minutes. The questions are smaller compared with the dense questions seen in CAT and XAT. Therefore, rapid calculation and quick question selection are important.
You need to build the ability to identify which questions can be solved quickly and which should be left. CAT tests depth of preparation.
NMAT and SNAP, especially SNAP, test the width of your preparation. This is why covering a broad range of concepts is important for SNAP.
How to Manage CAT, NMAT, SNAP and XAT Preparation Together
The biggest mistake is thinking that you need four completely different preparation plans. You do not. Your CAT preparation should remain the base. The remaining preparation can be added around it.
- Follow the 70–80% CAT + 20–30% Other Exams Approach
- Around 70% to 80% of your preparation can come from CAT. The remaining 20% can be used for exam-specific topics. For example, if you study for eight hours in a day, you can use around two hours for OMET-specific preparation. You can also use around one-fifth of your preparation time for these additional topics. The exact distribution can change based on the examination dates.
September and October: Give Maximum Attention to CAT
During September and October, the focus should remain heavily on CAT. A suggested distribution from the strategy is:
- 65% time for CAT
- 25% time for NMAT and SNAP
- 10% time for XAT
The reason is the exam timeline. XAT is in January, while SNAP is scheduled in December and NMAT begins in the second half of November. Therefore, CAT gets the highest priority for now.
Use Light Days for Exam-Specific Topics
You will not feel equally motivated every day. Some days you may not want to solve several CAT RCs or multiple DILR sets. You may also be travelling, tired or short on time.
These are your light days. Use them for smaller exam-specific topics. For example, you can study the following topics:
- Prefixes and suffixes
- Active-passive voice
- Idioms and phrases
- Syllogism
- Blood relations
- Directions
- Input-output
- Prepositions
- Fact Statement
These topics do not require the same amount of continuous effort as CAT preparation.
Use 10 Light Days to Cover Small Topics
You can find around 10 light days easily over a period of time. For example, during festival periods or days when you have less time at home, you may have only two to three hours available.
Instead of starting a major CAT topic on such a day, use the time to complete one small topic.
This approach allows your other exam preparation to continue without disturbing CAT preparation.
How to Divide Your Preparation After CAT
The preparation balance changes after CAT.
- Before CAT, your focus should be mainly on CAT, with limited preparation for NMAT, SNAP and XAT.
- After CAT, you can shift your focus towards the examinations that are coming next.
- For XAT, you can then spend more time on Decision Making.
- For SNAP and NMAT, you can focus on their specific topics, speed and question selection.
The important point is that you should not wait until after CAT to start everything from zero. Prepare the smaller topics beforehand so that you can use the period after CAT for mocks and focused exam-specific preparation.
How Many Days Do You Need for MBA Exam-Specific Preparation?
You do not need months of separate preparation for all the additional topics. Based on the topic-wise strategy:
- SNAP-specific Verbal topics can be covered in around 10 days.
- SNAP Logical Reasoning topics can be covered in around 10 to 12 days.
- NMAT Data Sufficiency can be covered in around one to two days.
- NMAT-specific topics such as Fact Statement can take around two days.
- XAT Decision Making can be started with one to two hours per week and prepared extensively after CAT.
- Overall, around 15 to 20 days can be used for the additional preparation areas.
The purpose is not to create a separate full-time schedule for every examination. It is to cover the gaps left after CAT preparation.
CAT Preparation Should Not Be Half-Complete
One of the strongest points of this strategy is to complete the CAT syllabus properly. Do not prepare only Arithmetic and Algebra because someone says they are enough.
Do not leave Geometry, Number System or Modern Maths completely. Suppose CAT gives difficult questions from Arithmetic and Algebra but gives easier questions from Geometry or Number System.
If you skipped those topics, you may lose easy marks. The same preparation also helps in NMAT, SNAP and XAT because these exams test a broader variety of topics.
Therefore, you should cover everything for CAT. Decide what to attempt during the exam. This approach also protects you if CAT does not go as expected.
Mock Test Strategy for CAT, NMAT, SNAP and XAT
Once you have covered the common and exam-specific topics, mock tests become important. September and October are the mock test season, so CAT should continue to receive the highest focus.
At the same time, start using mocks for NMAT and SNAP as their exams get closer. Mock tests are also useful because the exams have different requirements.
- CAT has dense questions and checks depth.
- SNAP requires speed and rapid calculation.
- NMAT requires attention to its specific topics and sectional requirements.
- XAT requires decision-making along with its other sections.
Therefore, practising the actual exam pattern through mocks helps you understand what needs to change from one exam to another.
Prepare the Subject, Not Just the Examination
The main idea behind preparing for multiple management exams is simple:
- Do not prepare separately for every examination. Prepare the subjects first.
- If you prepare RC for CAT, you are also preparing RC for XAT and NMAT.
- If you prepare CAT Quant thoroughly, most of your Quant preparation for XAT and NMAT is also covered.
- If you prepare Critical Reasoning, it can help in XAT, NMAT and SNAP.
Then you only need to identify the gaps:
- Grammar for NMAT, SNAP and XAT
- Poems for XAT
- Decision Making for XAT
- Prepositions and analogy for NMAT
- Input-output for NMAT
- Data Sufficiency for XAT and NMAT
- Short Verbal and LR topics for SNAP
This makes multiple-exam preparation manageable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for Multiple MBA Exams
Here are common mistakes to avoid while preparing for multiple MBA Exams:
Do Not Treat CAT as the Only Exam: CAT should be your primary examination, but do not depend completely on it. Other exams give you additional opportunities.
Do Not Prepare Four Separate Syllabi: A large part of the syllabus overlaps. Use CAT preparation as the base and add the exam-specific topics.
Do Not Skip Quant Topics: Do not leave Number System, Geometry or Modern Maths completely. An easy question can come from a topic you skipped.
Do Not Overprepare Vocabulary: Vocabulary has uncertainty. Prepare a reasonable list and practise, but do not spend excessive time trying to predict every possible word.
Do Not Leave Grammar Until the End: Grammar is important for NMAT, SNAP and XAT. Since the rules are defined, it can be prepared alongside CAT.
Do Not Ignore Speed for SNAP: SNAP has 60 questions in 60 minutes. Knowing the concepts is not enough. You also need quick calculations and question-selection ability.
Complete CAT + NMAT + SNAP + XAT Preparation Plan
Your preparation can be divided into three levels.
Level 1: CAT Preparation
Give the maximum time to CAT. Do not leave major Quant topics incomplete. Cover the following topics:
- VARC
- DILR
- Quant
Level 2: Common Preparation
Use CAT preparation to cover these topics. This is where most of the preparation overlap happens.
- Reading Comprehension
- Para jumbles
- Para summary
- DI
- Critical Reasoning
- Quant concepts
Level 3: Exam-Specific Preparation
Use your light days and the period after CAT for:
XAT
- Poems
- Critical Reasoning
- Decision Making
- Data Sufficiency
- Broader Quant preparation
NMAT
- Grammar
- Analogy
- Prepositions
- Critical Reasoning
- Input-output
- Fact Statement
- Data Sufficiency
- Modern Maths
SNAP
- Grammar
- Idioms and phrases
- Figures of speech
- Active-passive voice
- Reported speech
- Prefixes and suffixes
- Spelling errors
- Blood relations
- Directions
- Clocks
- Calendars
- Series
- Coding-decoding
- Number puzzles
- Binary logic
- Syllogism
Final Strategy: How to Prepare for NMAT, SNAP and XAT Along with CAT
CAT should remain your primary focus, but you should also prepare for NMAT, SNAP and XAT as a Plan B. The biggest advantage is that you do not need to start from zero for every exam.
Around 70% to 80% of the preparation can be covered through CAT. Use the remaining time to cover exam-specific topics.
For now, a practical allocation is:
- 65% for CAT
- 25% for NMAT and SNAP
- 10% for XAT
Use your light days for small topics such as grammar, prepositions, syllogism, blood relations, idioms and phrases and other exam-specific areas.
For Quant, cover the CAT syllabus properly instead of preparing only Arithmetic and Algebra. Add Data Sufficiency separately for XAT and NMAT. For XAT, you can keep Decision Making limited for now and increase preparation after CAT.
For SNAP, focus on broad topic coverage, speed, rapid calculations and question selection. For NMAT, focus on its specific topics along with the common CAT preparation.
The goal is not to prepare four examinations independently. The goal is to build strong concepts once and use them across examinations.
If you are preparing for CAT, NMAT, SNAP and XAT together and want structured preparation, MBA Karo Online Coaching can help you prepare for these courses with relevant sessions, exam-specific preparation and mock tests.
MBA Karo also provides mock tests for multiple examinations based on their respective patterns, so you can practise different exams in one place.
Most importantly, do not panic about preparing for multiple exams. Keep CAT as the base, cover the common topics properly, use your light days for smaller topics and increase exam-specific preparation as each exam approaches.
