SET BA Mass Communication Pattern 2026: Know Marking Scheme & Exam Duration

SET exam has four sections having multiple-choice questions. The sectional weightage of each section of the SET question paper is different. The General English, Quantitative Aptitude and General Knowledge sections have 16 questions. Each question carries one mark. The Analytical and Logical Reasoning section of the SET question paper has12 multiple-choice questions and each question carries one mark. For incorrect answers, there is no negative marking. The detailed SET sectional weightage is given below:

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. 

SET question paper is divided into 4 sections, I. e, Analytical and Logical Reasoning, General English Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness. All the sections carry MCQ questions and each question carries one mark. There is no negative marking. Given below is the number of questions in each section:

• General English- 16
• Quantitative Aptitude- 16
• General Knowledge- 16
• Analytical and Logical Reasoning- 12 

Important topics are:

1. Syllogisms
2. Critical Reasoning
3. Cause and Effect
4. Statement and Conclusion
5. Strong and Weak Arguments
6. Coding and Decoding
7. Statement and Inference
8. Data Sufficiency
9. Data Interpretation
10. Arrangements

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

Yes, IPMAT books can be used for SET exam preparation as both are BBA entrance exams. Candidates can use same books for preparing for topics such as Quantitative Aptitude and General English. However, the difficulty level of SET exam is much easier as compared to that of IPMAT exam.

No, the short answer type section of Quantitative Aptitude section will not have negative markings.

The IPMAT exam has negative markings for the other two sections. Each question in the IPMAT exam carries four marks. And for every incorrect answer, one mark is deducted. This means that if the candidate has four correct answers then 16 marks will be added to the IPMAT overall score. If the candidate marks more than one answer for a particular question, the answer will be considered incorrect. To avoid maximum marks deduction, candidates must attempt the easier question first and then move on to the more difficult ones in that particular section. If the candidate is unsure about a particular question, they can also skip the question. No marks will be deducted or awarded for unanswered questions. 

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 take the exam in the CBT format. 
• UGAT is another BBA entrance exam conducted by AIMA. With UGAT scores, students can get admission to various courses and colleges under AIMA. The exam is conducted in the PBT format.

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 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:

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. 

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.

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.  

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. 

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.