Symbiosis SET General English Preparation Tips 2026: Know the Important Topics & Preparation Tips
Symbiosis Entrance Test 2026 ( SET )
Registration - 15 Apr '26
The General English section of the SET exam is usually easy, but it is an important section. Read key tips to crack the General English section of Symbiosis SET exam in the article below.
SET General English Preparation: Scoring well in the SET exam’s General English section is not very tough if one is prepared well and has a stronghold on the language. Preparing in a planned manner will fetch the students good marks in SET exam. General English is an important section of the Symbiosis Entrance Test, and it tests the candidate's command over the English grammar, vocabulary and comprehension skills. Those who wish to apply for the SET exam 2026 must be well-versed with the SET syllabus and exam pattern to be able to fetch a good score in the exam. Read the article below to know some preparation tips and tricks to ace the General English section of the SET exam.
- Symbiosis SET General English 2026: An Overview
- Key Topics to Cover in SET General English
- Symbiosis SET 2026 General English Syllabus
- Best Books for SET Preparation 2026: General English
- Preparation Tips to Score Well in Symbiosis SET General English Section
Symbiosis SET General English 2026: An Overview
As per the past few years' SET exam analysis, the General English section of the SET exam is easy. This section assesses the candidate’s hold on the English language. The section could be scoring as it does not involve any formulae and theorems to remember and solely depends on how well you know the basics. The General English section examines the aspirant’s understanding of basic grammar, vocabulary and use and application of the English language. Look at some of the important points to remember below:
- There are 16 multiple-choice questions in the General English section
- Each question carries one mark
- There will be no negative markings in case of wrong attempts
- An attempt of 10-13 questions with accuracy will be considered a good attempt
Also Read: SET exam pattern 2026
No, the SET exam cannot be given remotely. Every year the SET exam is conducted in the computer-based test mode. In 2021, the exam was however conducted in the internet-based test mode because of the coronavirus pandemic. Ever since, the SET exam has always been conducted in the computer-based test mode (CBT). To take the exam, candidates have to visit the SET exam centre and take the exam online. They can choose upto three preferred SET test cities during the SET exam registration. Candidates must reach the test centre at least an hour before the commencement of the exam in order to avoid any hassle on the exam and complete the frisking formalities at the exam GATE smoothly.
The SET exam will be conducted from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Candidates should ideally reach the exam centre at least an hour before the exam starts. Hence, candidates must reach the exam centre on the time mentioned on the admit card in order to avoid any hassle. The gates will close at 11:00 AM for the SET exam. Candidates will not be allowed to enter after this. To complete the frisking formalities at the GATE and be seated by 11:20 AM, candidates should reach the centre on time. They can also leave the SET exam centre only once the exam is over.
Key Topics to Cover in SET General English
Although the complete SET syllabus is important for a strategic and strong preparation, mentioned below are some of the key topics to cover in SET General English preparation:
1. Reading Comprehension: These are short passages with inference, fact-based questions. These may also include vocabulary questions.
2. Grammar and Usage: Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks and sentence correction are some of the key topics for the SET exam preparation.
3. Vocabulary: This section of the General English syllabus will include one-word substitution, synonyms and antonyms, word usage, etc.
4. Sentence Completion: This part of the General English section may include sentence completion, para jumbles and rearrangement of phrases to form proper sentences.
Also Read: Types of Sentences
5. Critical Reasoning: This element is not usually included but appears sometimes. This includes important topics such as arrangements, assumptions and conclusions, analogies, etc.
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Symbiosis SET 2026 General English Syllabus
The questions in the General English section of the SET exam can be asked from the topics mentioned below. Check the following table to know the important topics:
| Important topics for SET 2026 General English Section |
|
|---|---|
| Error Spotting |
|
| Grammar and Parts of Speech: Types, Exercises with Answers, Grammar Rules, Examples |
|
| Fill in the blanks |
|
| Paraphrasing in English | |
Also Read:
| Pronouns with exercises and answers | Subject-Verb Agreement worksheet and answers | 12 Tenses in English: Examples, Exercises with Answers |
Best Books for SET Preparation 2026: General English
The following is the list of best books for the General English section of the SET exam. Check the recommended books below:
| Book name |
Author/Publisher |
|---|---|
| High School English Grammar and Composition Key |
Wren and Martin |
| Word Power Made Easy |
Norman Lewis |
| Objective General English |
SP Bakshi |
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT |
Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay |
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To crack the General English section, read as much as you can. It is a tried and tested method. Developing a reading habit will be helpful to score well in this section. Make it a habit to read newspapers, magazines, books and novels to strengthen your vocabulary and grammar. Refer to various study materials and help books available online and offline.
Also Read: Best books for SET exam preparation
| Quantitative Aptitude Preparation Tips for Symbiosis SET Exam 2026 | Logical Reasoning Preparation Tips for SET |
Preparation Tips to Score Well in Symbiosis SET General English Section
As mentioned above, to ace this section, one needs to have a stronghold over the basics of the language. Reading enough will help you score well in the exam. Check out some of the SET preparation tips to crack the General English section below:
- Develop a habit of reading newspapers, magazines, books, etc. Make sure you read something daily for an hour. Jot down the new and unfamiliar words that you come across and immediately check the meaning of those words. This will help in improving your reading skills and at the same time enrich your vocabulary. The English comprehension skills can be improved with reading.
- Try understanding the root meaning when approaching the vocabulary section. Read about the meanings of prefixes and suffixes and focus on etymology. There are many words that change meanings in different contexts. Study words in terms of their meaning, origin and usage. Focus on understanding the nuances, context, usage, structure and formation of the words and sentences.
- Practicing as much as you can will help in the Grammar section. Begin the SET preparation by studying the fundamentals. Make short note of definitions with examples and regularly revise them. Questions like editing and omitting and word substitution are the most common Grammar questions in entrance exams. Prepare for grammar like Maths. There is no other way of acing questions based on English grammar but by having conceptual clarity of the fundamentals.
- To attempt the reading comprehension passages, develop reading speed. Speed is a critical component of the exam. Reading quickly and carefully is important to tactfully attempt the questions. The passages are usually easy but still require careful reading. Make sure you read the passage first and then the questions. Read the questions twice just to be clear on what is asked.
- Revision goes a long way in preparation for any competitive exam. Attempt an ample number of sample papers and mock tests after completing the syllabus. Practice and read as much as you can. These two will help you get through the General English section with a good score in hand. Even though there is no negative marking, but attempt those questions first which you are sure of. You can always come back to a tricky question and attempt it later. Having said that, another thing to keep in mind is that SET is a time-based exam hence candidates must keep a check on that too.
Read More:
The important documents to be carried to the exam centre include the following:
- Two coloured printouts of the SET admit card
- Photos of the candidate affixed to the SET admit card (preferrable the same as the one uploaded in SET application form)
- Valid photo ID proof (issued by the Government of India) such as Passport, Aadhar Card, Driving License, Pan Card, etc.
- Black or blue ball point pen
- Hand sanitizer
- Transparent water bottle
The candidates appearing for the SET exam must carry the SET admit card to gain entry. Students can also carry a black or blue ball point pen, water bottle, and a government-issued photo ID proof. Candidates should avoid carrying any food item, electronic devices, calculator, etc. to the exam centre as they are prohibited.
On the SET exam day, students have to follow certain guidelines which include reaching on time, cooperating with the exam centre staff, following instructions of the test invigilator and following the test navigation for solving the SET questions.
SET exam day dos:
- Reach the examination centre at the reporting time mentioned on your SET admit card
- Carry two copies of the SET admit card, one photo ID card and passport size photos
- PwD students should carry the relevant certificates and documents as prescribed by the examination authorities.
- Carry a blue or black ball point pen for signing the attendance sheet
- Cooperate with the test centre staff and follow instructions during entry
- Students must write their name and roll numbers on the rough sheet provided by the invigilator and sign on it
Saumya Jain is an English Literature graduate from the University of Delhi. She has over 8 years of editorial and content writing experience. At Shiksha.com, she has spent more than six years creating research, stud
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 5 days ago
SET does not occur twice a year, but it takes place on two dates within same session. Candidates have the option to appear in either or both. The best attempt from the two will be considered. SLAT 2026 exam will be held on:
| Test 1 | 02-May-2026 |
| Test 2 | 10-May-2026 |
R
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
To download SET syllabus PDF, follow process below:
- Click on SET Exam Syllabus 2026 PDF link
- Login to Shiksha.com with user ID and password
- Click on Download buttton
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
SET and UGAT are undergraduate entrance exams conducted for BBA admissions.
- SET exam is conducted by Symbiosis International University for admission to the BBA course at its institutes. Eight SIU colleges accept SET scores for admissions. The duration of the exam is one hour and students have to ta
V
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
SET 2026 exam will be conducted on May 2 and May 10. SET exam will be conducted in CBT test format by Symbiosis International University. Duration of exam is one hour and students can take exam at their test centre.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
SET exam is conducted for admission to colleges of Symbiosis International University. Candidates can choose their preferred institutes during SET application process. The exam is a gateway to undergraduate programmes offered at these institutes. SET programme framework allows options to pursue sing
Contributor-Level 10