Symbiosis International University has initiated the selection phase for MBA admissions following the SNAP 2025 results. Shortlisted candidates are currently participating in slot booking for the Group Exercise and Personal Interview rounds. Top institutes like SIBM Pune and SCMHRD are conducting these evaluations to assess candidate aptitude beyond entrance scores. Aspirants are advised to finalize their GE-PI preparations as the final merit lists are expected to be compiled by March.

The admission cycle for Symbiosis International (Deemed University) has entered its most critical stage as the Group Exercise (GE) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds for the 2026-28 MBA batch are now underway. Following the result declaration on January 9, 2026, various constituent institutes have released their respective cutoffs, and the shortlisting process is actively moving forward. For thousands of SNAP 2025 qualifiers, this month-long selection window is the final hurdle in securing a seat at premier B-schools like SIBM Pune, SCMHRD, and SIIB. Unlike the entrance test which focused on speed, these rounds are designed to evaluate the holistic personality and leadership potential of the candidates.

Current Status of the Selection Process

As of January 28, most Symbiosis institutes have concluded their initial shortlist publication. Candidates who met the high percentiles—often exceeding 98 for SIBM Pune—are now navigating the mandatory slot booking process for their interviews.

• Slot Booking: Shortlisted students must log in to the specific institute websites to select their preferred dates for the GE-PI rounds.
• Selection Weightage: The final merit list is not solely based on the SNAP score. The university allocates 50% weightage to the test score, while the remaining 50% is derived from the PI performance and Group Exercise.
• Online/Offline Hybrid: While the SNAP test was computer-based, several institutes have opted for in-person PI sessions this year to better interact with prospective students.
• Document Verification: Candidates are required to upload digital copies of their academic transcripts and work experience certificates before their scheduled interview date.

Key Components of the Evaluation

The selection phase is rigorous, comprising multiple sub-components that test a candidate's communication, presence of mind, and industry awareness.

• Group Exercise (GE): Usually involving 8-10 candidates, this round tests teamwork and logical persuasion through case studies or topical discussions.
• Personal Interview (PI): A panel of faculty and industry experts conducts this 15-20 minute session to gauge the candidate's fit for the specific MBA specialization.
• Writing Ability Test (WAT): Although some institutes have integrated WAT into the GE phase, it remains a vital tool for assessing written communication and clarity of thought.
• Academic Diversity: The 2026 admission cycle places a renewed emphasis on academic and gender diversity, providing slight weightage boosts to non-engineering backgrounds.

Important Dates for Aspirants

With the selection rounds continuing through February, candidates must stay vigilant regarding the timelines for different SIU colleges. Each institute operates on a slightly different schedule for its individual PI rounds.

• Shortlist Declaration: Most lists were made public between January 15 and January 22, 2026.
• GE-PI Window: The primary window for these interactions spans from late January to the third week of February.
• Final Merit List: Aspirants can expect the first merit list for the 2026 cycle to be released in the first week of March.
• Waitlist Movement: Subsequent lists will be released through April depending on the seat acceptance rate of the first-round candidates.

Conclusion

The selection phase for Symbiosis MBA programs represents the transition from quantitative testing to qualitative assessment. As the PI rounds continue across various campuses, candidates must focus on articulating their career goals and demonstrating the values that Symbiosis International University stands for. The competitive nature of the 2026 cycle ensures that only those who can balance their high SNAP scores with a strong personal presence will make it to the final merit list. With the February deadline for most interviews approaching, the next few weeks will define the future of the next generation of management leaders.