SET Exam Pattern 2026: Check Latest Pattern, Marking Scheme & Exam Duration

Previously, the SET exam had 150 questions. They were reduced to 60 multiple-choice questions in the year 2021, and the duration of the exam was also reduced  proportionally. Check out the table below to know what can be considered a good score in SET exam according to the previous years' analysis:

SET is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to various undergraduate courses. SET 2026 will be conducted in the computer-based test mode. The difficulty level of the SET exam is usually easy to moderate. But, a few questions might trick your mind and can be time-consuming.

General Knowledge and Analytical and Logical Reasoning are easier than the Quantitative Aptitude section. In 2025, according to the students who appeared for the SET session 1 exam, the SET exam was moderate. The General English section was the easiest of all four sections. The Quantitative Aptitude section was the toughest, and the other two sections were moderate to easy. The overall difficulty level of the SET question paper was moderate. Students who appeared for the SET 2025 session 2 exam said that the overall difficulty level was easy. Again, the General English section was the easiest. In this session, the Analytical and Logical Reasoning section was also easy to moderate. The Quant section was easy to moderate, and the General Knowledge section was difficult.

The written ability test (WAT) is a selection criteria in the Symbiosis SET exam for admission to the various undergraduate courses. The WAT round assesses the candidate's ability to express themselves in writing, evaluate a situation and write a comprehension about their views. 

Three out of the four sections of the SET exam namely, General English, Quantitative Aptitude and General Knowledge, have equal weightage. Each question carries one mark for correct attempt. There is neither a negative marking for incorrectly marked answers nor there is marks deduction for unanswered question. The last section of the SET exam, i.e. Analytical and Logical Reasoning carries the least weightage. There are only 12 questions in this section which carry one mark each. The marking scheme of all the four sections is the same. Given below is the sectional weightage of SET exam.

1. General English: 16 questions, 16 marks
2. General Knowledge: 16 questions, 16 marks
3. Quantitative Aptitude: 16 questions, 16 marks
4. Analytical and Logical Reasoning: 12 questions, 12 marks

One should prepare well for all the sections of the SET exam. If you will score equally well in every section, only then will your overall score will be good. Also, many colleges consider sectional scores as well for admission shortlist so it is important to perform equally well in all sections of SET.

SET exam pattern 2026 is as follows;

Candidates can only attempt SET exam twice on given test dates. The SET exam 2026 will be conducted on May 2 and 10. 

Candidates can mention their number of attempts while filling the SET application form. However, they have to pay the application fee per session. Thus, candidates who are sure of making multiple attempts only they should apply for multiple sessions as the fee amount is non-refundable.  

Syllabus in SET exam is based on Class 12 and students need not study advanced topics beyond Class 12. SET syllabus assesses knowledge of students and skills at Class 12 level. 

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:

Candidates seeking admission in BBA (Hons) programme of SCMS Pune must pass Symbiosis Entrance Test or SET. Symbiosis International (Deemed University) conducts SET once in a year in online mode for one hour. Those who pass SET are further called for a PI round for admission. Once selected, aspirants have to confirm their seat by paying the course fee.

The Studio Test (ST) in the Symbiosis Entrance Test SET selection process is a practical assessment conducted for some courses. It evaluates the student's design aptitude, creativity and ability to handle pressure and situtations. The Studio Test is conducted at SCMS, Pune and is an important part of the counselling process. 

There are 16 MCQs in the General English section of SET exam. Overall there are 60 MCQs.