SET BA Mass Communication 2026: Exam Dates, Application Form, Eligibility, Syllabus, Results

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 online. The SET exam application process begins with filling out the SET exam application form and proceeding to the fee payment. Candidates need to submit their SET application form 2026 before the deadline. Candidates have to choose the their preferred institutes they wish to apply for admissions through the SET exam score at the time of registration. Candidates are eligible for admission to only those institutes that they had selected in the SET application form.

Generally, the conducting authority announces the commencement of the registration process through a detailed notification that includes important dates, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and other relevant information. The notification is usually released well in advance to allow candidates sufficient time to complete the registration process.

The Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) is a national-level entrance test conducted for admission to various undergraduate courses provided by Symbiosis International (Deemed University). Usually, the SET exam is conducted in the first or second week of May every year. The SET exam date varies each year and is released along with the complete SET exam schedule on the official website. The SET exam is usually conducted only once a year. The SET admission cycle generally concludes in a month or two.

SET exam preparation requires the best books for SET exam. Listed below are some of the best books for SET BBA exam:

General English: Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis, High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin, Objective General English by SP Bakshi

General Awareness: Manorama Yearbook, Pratiyogita Darpan, Lucent's General Knowledge, Current Affairs Magazines (e.g., Competition Success Review, Pratiyogita Darpan)

Quantitative Aptitude: Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Aggarwal, Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma, NCERT Mathematics textbooks of Class 9 and 10

Analytical & Logical Reasoning: A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha, 

Yes, IPMAT books can be used for the SET exam preparation as both are BBA entrance exams. Candidates can use the same books for preparing for topics such as Quantitative Aptitude and General English. However, the difficulty level of the SET exam is much easier as compared to that of the IPMAT exam. To prepare for other sections of the SET exam such as Analytical and Logical Reasoning and General Knowledge, candidates should refer to the subject-specific preparation books. 

To prepare well of the SET exam, candidates must also solve previous years' question papers and sample papers in order to know the important topics in the exam, structure, weightage of the topics, etc. 

Some of the ways to avoid common mistakes in the SET exam are:

1. Students should try to develop a strategic approach by allocating specific time slots to each section during the SET preparation and give priority to the easier questions.
2. Students should not underestimate SET mock tests. Students should take regular mock tests as they stimulate actual exam environment and help them familiarize with exam pattern, type of questions, etc. 
3. Relying solely on rote learning and ignoring the conceptual clarity can hinder your performance in the SET exam. Students should ensure they have a strong understanding of the fundamental concepts in Mathematics and English. 
4. Do not overlook sectional preparation. Students should focus on identifying their strengths and weaknesses in each section and allocate enough study time accordingly to achieve a balanced preparation. 

The SET BBA question paper is divided into four sections, I. e. General English Quantitative Aptitude Logical Reasoning and General Awareness. SET exam is conducted in the computer-based test mode and the duration of the exam is one hour. Each section has multiple-choice questions. Every question carries one mark and there is no negative marking. The total number of questions is 60. The Analytical and Logical Reasoning section has 12 questions and the rest of the sections have 16 questions each. For the Logical and Analytical Reasoning section, practice is the only way to score well in this section. Going through the previous years' papers will give you an idea about what to expect and an insight into the difficulty level of the exam. To prepare for the General English section, read and practice a lot of comprehension passages, and work on vocabulary and grammar. For the General Awareness section, read newspapers and magazines to stay updated with Current Affairs the latest trends, history, and geography. You can also refer to reference books for static GK. For SET preparation, go through at least the previous five years' question papers to get used to the exam pattern and understand the difficulty level. The next step would be to capitalise on your strengths and work on your weaknesses. While giving the exam, focus on the sections that you are best prepared for.

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:

Subject	Questions	Marks
General English	16	16
Quantitative	16	16
General Awareness	16	16
Analytical and Logical Reasoning	12	12
Total	60	60

To understand the exam pattern and SET question paper, SET mock test is conducted before the SET exam. The mock test will be available on the SET official website at least two days before the exam date. Candidates must know that it is mandatory for the registered candidates planning to appear for the SET exam to take the SET mock test. To know how to appear for the SET mock test follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Visit the official website of SET
2. In the topmost bar, click on Mock Test button
3. Candidates will be redirected to a new webpage
4. Login using the email ID and password which the candidates used to register themselves for the SET exam
5. After login, candidates will be redirected to a new window where they will have a set of instructions that they need to follow
6. Click on the tab indicating Mock Test after reading the instructions carefully and take the test.

During the SET registration process, candidates need to select their SET exam centre. The candidates can choose upto three SET exam centres  for the SET exam centre allotment. Candidates should choose the test centres in the order of their preference, as they cannot be changed after the SET exam application form submission. Follow the steps mentioned below to know how to select the SET exam centre:

• Register on the official website of SET.
• Login to the candidate portal and fill the rest of the SET application form
• Under the 'test centre' tab, choose the preferred test cities.
• Candidates can select up to three test centres while filling out the SET exam application form 2024.
• Candidates must select test centres in order of their preference, i.e. from first to third.
• Fill up the entire SET application form, pay the application fee and finally and click 'Submit'.

Candidates will know their allotted SET exam centre only from the admit card. There is no way to know the test centre before the release of the SET admit card. The examination authority allots a test centre to aspirants in the city of their first preference as mentioned in the city. So, candidates can atleast be assured that they will get a test centre in the city they had chosen as first preference in the SET application form. However, the venue will be mentioned only on the candidate’s admit card. So as soon as the SET admit card is released, candidates must check the test city and test centre details. In order to avoid any confusion, they must visit the centre at least once before the exam day.

After the SET exam is over, candidates should follow the below mentioned instructions:

1. Drop the exception form, if any, in the drop box outside the lab or centre
2. Rough sheets used during the exam should be dropped into the drop box designated for the same.
3. Do no litter the exam centre
4. Follow the instructions of the volunteer at the exam centre for the exit path.

The SET admit card download link is live only from the day of its release till the exam day. After the SET exam, the admit card download link is removed from the official website.

The admit card may also not be accessible in the student dashboard after the exam or result announcement. Moreover, since the signed admit card will be considered valid for any activity post the exam, even if you can download a fresh copy after the exam day, it will be of no use. So, keep your SET admit card safe.

SET exam will be conducted in computer-based test mode this year. In 2021, the exam was conducted in the internet-based test mode because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier, the exam was conducted in the paper-based test mode but that changed to online mode only.

The SET counselling is conducted in online as well as offline mode. Candidates who have qualified the SET exam must register themselves online through the official website for the SET counselling procedure. However, the Personal Interview, Written Ability Test and document verification round under the counselling process is held offline at the designated centres. Candidates who have met the SET cutoff, need to visit the centre for document verification as per their rank and other selection rounds such as PI and WAT. The seat allotment process is also conducted online based on the merit, category, and choices filled by the candidate during the registration process. The entire SET counselling process except the PI, WAT and document verification round is conducted in online mode.

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 is conducted for admission to the eight prestigious colleges of Symbiosis International University. Candidates can choose their preferred institutes during the SET application process. The exam is a gateway to undergraduate programmes offered at these institutes. The SET programme framework allows options to pursue single major, double majors, minors, opportunity to pursue multidisciplinary, Ability and Skill enhancement courses.

Last date to fill the Symbiosis SET application form 2026 will likely be in April 2026. The application process for the SET 2026 exam continues for approximately four months. It is anticipated that the SET application form 2026 will be released in the second week of December 2025. Candidates can fill out the application form for the SET exam online using their mobile number and email ID. Candidates must note that the SET registration process is completely online and there is no option for offline form filing.

Candidates must check the eligibility criteria before proceeding to fill out the SET application form. 

The SET admit card will be available online on the official website. Students who have successfully submitted the SET application form before the deadline can download their SET admit cards. But, if the candidate has not paid the SET application fee, then they will not be eligible to download the SET admit card. Hence, the candidate must have completed the entire SET application process in order to download the SET admit card. 

The candidates must note, that the SET admit card will have correct details only if they have filled the application form with correct and true information. If there is a discrepancy in the admit card, students should immediately contact the examination authorities. 

No, IIMs do not accept SET test scores for admission. Iims conduct Common Admission Test (CAT) for admission to MBA programmes. Iims such as IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak, which offer integrated management programmes, accept IPMAT scores conducted by them. With the score of the SET test, you can get admission in  Symbiosis colleges. You can get admission in the following top management colleges: 

1. SCMS Pune
2. SCMS Noida
3. SICSR Pune
4. SSE Pune
5. SSLA 
6. SCMC Pune
7. SCMS Nagpur
8. SCMS Bangalore
9. SSI Pune
10. SCMS Hyderabad

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.

SET mock tests are conducted to prepare the students for the exam day. The scores obtained by the candidates in SET mock test are not taken into consideration for the final SET result. The SET mock test is a practice test. These scores do not have any bearings with the final SET exam scores or admission to the Symbiosis institutes.

Students should take the mock test to assess their preparation levels and analyzing weaknesses.

The SET mock test will be available online on the official website of SET. The mode of conduction will be the same as the actual SET exam. Candidates who have successfully registered for the SET exam and paid the application fee can take the mock test once they have downloaded the SET admit card. The mock test will be conducted to familiarize the students with the exam pattern and prepare the students with the time-based exam and help them tackle the time limit. Students must login at least ten minutes prior to take the mock exam. To login, students can use their User ID and Password which they received on the registered email ID. 

Symbiosis International University designs the SET mock tests in simulation to the actual exam. Infact, the previous year's question paper are considered to prepare the SET mock tests available on the official exam website. The questions in the SET mock tests are similar to that appear in the actual exam. Besides the questions, SET mock tests have a similar exam format, structure, and difficulty level of the exam, the mock test of SET exam aims to provide a real understanding of all features of the entrance exam.

SET exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. Each question carries one mark, and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. Candidates should however be cautious while answering the questions as accuracy is key a player in scoring well in the SET exam. Practicing previous years' papers can help in understanding the question pattern and managing time effectively.

Since there are no optional questions in the SET exam, all 60 MCQs are compulsory. 

SET result is available online on the official website of SET. Candidates who appeared for the SET exam can download their SET scorecards using their Username and password. Given below is the process on how to download the SET results:

1. Visit the official website of the SET exam which is set-test.org
2. Click on the 'Download Scorecard' tab
3. Enter login credentials - SET user ID and password 
4. Check your result for the SET exam
5. Download the SET scorecard and take a printout of the same for future references

On the SET exam day, candidates 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. There are some key dos and don'ts that candidates should follow on the SET exam day, which have been listed below:

SET exam day dos:

1. Reach the examination centre at the reporting time mentioned on your SET admit card
2. Carry two copies of the SET admit card, one photo ID card and passport size photos
3. PwD candidates should carry the relevant certificates and documents as prescribed by the examination authorities. 
4. Carry a blue/black ball point pen for signing the attendance sheet
5. Carry personal drinking water, hand sanitizer, face masks and gloves
6. Cooperate with the test centre staff and follow instructions during entry
7. Candidates must write their name and roll numbers on the rough sheet provided by the invigilator and sign on it

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

Yes, the students can appear for the SET exam more than once. During the SET registration process, candidates are asked if they wish to appear for the first session, the second session or both the sessions. Candidates can choose as per their convenience and mark the checkbox in front of the test date. The SET exam 2026 will be conducted in the second week of May 2026, tentatively, in the computer-based test mode. Having said that, students applying for the SET exam must make sure they fulfil the eligiblity criteria and age requirement for the SET exam.