Saumya
Saumya Jain
Assistant Manager- Content
Updated on Sep 9, 2025 11:32 IST

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.

Table of content
  • 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

Q:   Will the SET BBA exam be conducted in double shifts?
A:

No, the SET exam will be conducted in a single shift. SET exam is usually conducted in a single shift for one hour, i. e. from 9 AM to 10 AM. The exam was, however, is conducted on two days. 

However, in 2020, the SET exam was conducted in the remote-proctored mode in order to follow the social distancing guidelines for COVID-19, and the students had the option to choose the exam slot according to their preference and convenience. SET exam pattern was also changed after 2020. 

Q:   Can I carry a watch, eatables and water to the SET exam centre? Which documents should I carry to exam centre?
A:
Eatable and drinks are not allowed inside the SET exam centre. But, candidates must carry their personal transparent water bottle to the exam centre and follow the COVID-19 appropriate behaviour at all times. Electronic gadgets including watches, mobile phones, calculators, smart devices, etc. Are prohibited inside the SET exam centre. Candidates should carry recent passport size photograph, photo ID (original and photocopy) and SET admit card along with them to the exam centre.
Q:   Can Symbiosis SET be given remotely?
A:

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. 

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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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.
Q:   What all items can I carry to the SET exam centre?
A:

Every candidate must carry a blue/black ball point pen and a two copies of their passport size photo to the exam centre. They must not carry any stationary item other than the pen. Ever since the COVID-19 outbreak, SET candidates are required to carry drinking water, hand sanitizer, face mask and gloves along with them. Candidates have to carry drinking water in a transparent bottle. No other item will be allowed inside the exam venue. Candidates must not carry bags or valuables as there will be no arrangement for depositing while candidates appear for the exam. Candidates must also not carry notebooks or rough paper to the SET exam centre. Any candidate found with an unauthorised item will be disqualified.

Q:   Will I be allowed entry to the SET exam centre if I reach later than the reporting time?
A:

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. 

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About the Author
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Saumya Jain
Assistant Manager- Content
Saumya brings over seven years of editorial experience, with more than five years of wielding pen (and keyboard) at Shiksha. A graduate in English Literature from Delhi University, she is a storyteller at heart. A t Read Full Bio
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Answered a month ago

Candidates can download JK SET answer key PDF using the following steps:

  1. Visit the official website 
  2. Click on the 'Display/ Challenge Answer Key' link
  3. Accept the declaration
  4. Enter the roll number and mobile number
  5. Download the key PDF

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Pragati Datta

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

SET application process 2026 is expected to begin in the second week of December 2025. The application window for the Symbiosis SET exam is usually open for approximately four month. The SET registration 2026 is expected to continue till April 2026. 

The SET exam application schedule is announced onl

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Vikram Hazarika

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