SET Exam Preparation 2026: Study Plan, Best Books, How to Prepare

When preparing for the SET exam 2026 it is really important to focus on scoring well in each section. The students must cover all the topics under the SET syllabus 2026. The exam consists of four sections, i.e. General English, Quantitative, General Awareness and Analytical and Logical Reasoning. Preparing for the exam using both online and offline study materials will help you score well in the SET exam. The SET preparation includes studying the syllabus, appearing for SET mock tests, revision and also preparing for the SET exam day. Let's begin with understanding the SET exam pattern 2026.

Also Read: SET eligibility criteria 2026

SET 2026 will be conducted in the computer-based test mode, as mentioned above, and the candidates have to answer Multiple Choice Questions within 60 minutes. Check key points of SET exam pattern.

SET Exam 2026: Sectional Weightage

Candidates must practice an ample number of SET mock tests and SET previous year question papers to familiarize themselves with the online examination mode to score well. SET 2026 question paper is divided into four sections. Check the sectional weightage below.

SET test will likely be conducted in the first and second week of May 2026, in the computer-based test mode. Whenever an aspirant starts with their SET exam preparation, it is very important to know the SET syllabus thoroughly. Having in-depth knowledge is crucial for preparation. As mentioned above, the SET exam has four sections and the syllabus for each is different. Aspirants must ensure that they look for the relevant study material which covers the complete SET 2026 syllabus. They can divide their SET preparation strategy into parts by making a month-wise preparation strategy. 

First Two Months – Complete the syllabus

• Having a sound study plan which aids your SET preparation strategy is important. Aspirants must be well acquainted with the SET syllabus. The General English section will include topics such as Synonyms, Antonyms, Error Spotting, Prepositions, Vocabulary, Fill in the blanks, Grammar, Analogy, Articles, etc. The Quantitative Section will cover topics such as Percentage, Profit and Loss, Discount, Time and Work, Speed and Distance, Algebra, Probability, etc. The Logical Reasoning section will have questions related to Blood Relations, Ratio and Proportion, Assumptions, Venn Diagrams, Syllogisms, Arrangement, Coding and Decoding and more. For the General Awareness section, you need to be well-updated with the latest news and trends and all the current affairs. You need to study the important dates and events and awards. Divide your study plan in a way that you have ample time to cover each topic of the SET syllabus as well as have enough time to revise what you have studied.

Next Two Months – Practice Grammar and Vocabulary

• The more you practice the better you will get. It is advisable to prepare short notes while you are studying for your exam as it will help you memorize all the important topics and formulae. Dedicate these months to making the newspaper your best friend. Reading the newspaper will not only help you improve your General Knowledge but also increase and improve your vocabulary. Analyse your performance by practicing SET mock tests. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and will prepare you for both tough and easy questions. 

Also Read:

• How to prepare for the General English section of SET exam
• How to ace the Quant section of SET
• Tips and tricks to prepare for Logical Reasoning

Last Month – Mock Test and Revision

• Devote the last month only to practicing mock tests and revision. Practice mock tests and solve previous year's SET question papers to understand the type of questions that will be asked in the SET exam and at the same time, it will increase your speed. SET is a time-based exam. The students will have to score well in the four sections within the given time. Hence it is really important for the students to practice a lot on their speed and accuracy if they wish to ace SET 2026. If you feel stuck on a particular question then you should not waste a lot of your time pondering upon it. Move on to the next. The key to success in any exam is revision. Devote enough time to revision to brush up on what you have already studied and to ensure that all the formulae, theorems, etc. are on your tips.

Also Read: Detailed six months preparation strategy for SET exam 2026

Preparing an exam by dividing it into phases or parts is the best way of preparation. If you want to get a good score in the Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) it is very important to start your preparations at least three months before the SET exam. Making an effective preparation schedule is important. With three months in hand for SET preparation, candidates must start working on their preparations. Below are a few tips and tricks to make a phase-wise preparation strategy for the SET exam in three months.

How to Crack SET Exam 2026 in 3 Months: Overview

Here is an overview of the 3-month study plan for SET exam 2026:

• Every exam preparation must start with knowing the overall syllabus and exam pattern. As mentioned above, SET is a time-based entrance exam, therefore, it is important to divide your preparation strategy in a way that the candidate is able to cover the entire syllabus and at the same time has enough time at the end of the preparation phase for revision and practice. Candidates appearing for the SET exam must make a plan which will help them devote enough time to each section. Make short notes while preparing for the SET exam. 

Phase II- Know your strengths and weaknesses

• In the next phase of your SET preparation, it is important to be well-acquainted with the syllabus and various important topics. Choose the right study material for your preparations. There is no point in collecting a bulk of study material. Choose the right one that covers the entire syllabus. Start with the topics that you find the toughest and eventually move on to the easier ones. While you are preparing for your entrance exam you will come across a lot of tips and tricks to solve difficult questions. Find more than one method to solve a question as it will ensure accuracy. Brush up your basics and calculations and note down the formulae and theorems to memorise them. To ace the General Knowledge section and improve your vocabulary, make the newspaper your best friend. Reading the newspaper daily and devoting at least an hour to reading the newspaper will keep you updated with the latest trends, current affairs, etc., and at the same time enrich your vocabulary. 

Also Read: Best books to read for SET

Phase III- Practice and revise

• The last but not least phase of SET preparation is revision. Any preparation is incomplete without the right amount of practice and revision. Give a minimum of 15 days for revision. Practicing mock tests and previous year's question papers will acquaint the candidates with the exam pattern, improve their time management skills and help them identify their strengths and weaknesses. Also, candidates will come across various types of questions and new tricks to solve the lengthy, short, difficult and easy questions.

While studying for SET sections, you need to understand the difference between each section and prepare accordingly.  For instance, the Quantitative Skills section is a concept-driven section, so while preparing for it, the focus should be on thoroughly understanding and memorizing the concepts and formulae. On the other hand, the Analytical and Logical Reasoning section is practice-based, hence the more you practice sample questions and mock tests the better your grip will be on this section.

The questions in the General English section are practice-based (reading comprehension). General Knowledge is memory-based so memorize GK topics and events. To prepare for SET 2026 in one month, students should start by understanding the SET exam pattern. The SET exam does not have negative markings, hence, they can be relived a little about the markings. However, students should first attempt the questions they are most sure about. Dedicate at least 5-6 hours to study. Students should move their focus on practicing SET sample papers and mock tests. They must target taking at least one full-length SET mock test per week. They should divide the first part of the day to studying and the second part of the day to practice and revision.

Also Read: Last-minute preparation tips for SET

SET preparation is all about consistency. Here are a few last week preparation tips for SET 2026:

• Students must dedicate the last week of preparation completely to revision and SET mock tests. Revise the topics you have studied and refer to the short notes you have made in the early stages of preparation.
• Attempt at least one mock test during the last week of preparation keeping in mind the time limit of the SET question paper. Analyse the areas and questions where you have not scored well and practice them separately.
• SET is a time-based exam. Hence, it is essential to focus on time management as the students will have to solve the SET question paper within the time limit which is 60 minutes. 
• Do not start a new topic a week before the exam. Starting a new topic will only take up the precious time of the candidates and will also leave you ill-prepared for the new topic. 
• Prepare for the exam day. Candidates must make sure they have prepared well for the SET exam day in the last week. Have a good eight-hour sleep before the exam and have a good breakfast. Gather all the important documents such as the SET admit card which are to be carried to the SET exam centre. 
• Lastly, be calm, relaxed and focused. 

Mentioned below are the SET 2026 exam day dos and don'ts:

• Candidates must have a coloured printout of their SET admit card before sitting for the exam.

• Candidates need to affix a recent coloured passport-size photograph on the space provided on the admit card.

• Candidates are required to keep one ID proof- passport/driving license/ institute ID Card/Voter ID/Aadhar Card.

• Candidates can only use a black or blue ballpoint pen and a rough sheet. No other stationaries will be allowed.

• No electronic gadgets such as calculators, mobile phones, watch calculators, etc. are not allowed during the exam.

• No extra time will be given to candidates.

• All four sections are mandatory to attempt.         

• Read the instructions carefully before starting the exam.

Check out:

• FAQs regarding IBT mode SET exam 2026

Read More:

• SET 2026 Exam Day Checklist: Things to Remember on Exam Day