• Updated on 24 Sept, 2025 by Ankita Banerjee
SET Preparation 2026: Preparing for the SET 2026 exam should ideally begin with a clear understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern. Since the SET is a national-level entrance test for admission to UG programs at Symbiosis International (Deemed University), having a structured and consistent preparation plan is key to performing well. It’s recommended that students start their preparation at least six months before the exam, giving themselves enough time to cover all topics, practice thoroughly, and revise effectively. With regular effort and focus, achieving a strong score in SET is definitely possible. Solving previous years’ question papers and taking mock tests is highly beneficial, as it helps in understanding the question format and improving time management. SET 2026 Exam is expected to be held in computer-based mode, most likely in the first or second week of May. Along with studying the right books and resources, students should also keep in mind important exam day guidelines to ensure they perform their best when it counts.
Table of Contents
SET Preparation 2026: Exam Pattern and Highlights
The Symbiosis Entrance Test will take place in Computer-Based mode. The test will include four sections, each carrying equal weight except the analytical and logical reasoning section. Refer to the table below to understand the SET 2026 Exam Pattern and prepare accordingly:
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) |
| Conducting Body | Symbiosis International (Deemed University) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a Year |
| Sections | 4 (General English, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and Analytical and Logical Reasoning) |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes |
| Total Number of Questions | 60 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-Choice Questions |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking for incorrect attempts. |
| Exam Pattern | English (16 questions, 16 marks) Logical Reasoning (12 question, 12 marks) Quantitative (16 questions, 16 marks) General awareness (16 questions, 16 marks) |
How to Prepare for SET 2026?
While preparing for the Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET), students must ensure that they are allocating ample time to each section and subject. The test consists of four sections, namely English, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning. To ace the examination, students must holistically prepare all the subjects and implement the following suggestions:
- Understand the exam pattern: Before delving into any exam preparation, understanding the exam pattern must be the first step. Candidates are advised to thoroughly look into the SET 2026 Exam Pattern and other key aspects to act accordingly as per the demands of the exam.
- Know the syllabus: The next crucial step in preparing for this exam is to understand the SET 2026 Syllabus. The paper comprises four sections, including General Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Analytical and Logical Reasoning.
- Create a Timetable: Once students are done examining the syllabus and exam pattern, they must move forward and prepare a study plan or a timetable that sets goals for every day, week, and month.
- Choose the best resources: Instead of jumping from one book to another, candidates are advised to stick to limited but quality books and resources. The books must cover each topic in detail and must provide enough knowledge to sail through the exam.
- Attempt mock tests: Once students cover all the subjects, they must practice the SET Question Papers and take mock tests to analyse where they stand, how much they improved, and how far they are from their target.
- Regular revision: Candidates must ensure that they are regularly revising all the topics they have read so far to avoid any last-minute mistakes and confusion while attempting the paper.
SET Preparation 2026: Best Books and Resources
While choosing the study material for SET 2026, students must ensure that the material covers the maximum number of topics and especially the important ones. The edition must be the latest, with an updated syllabus and concepts. In addition, pick the books that also provide sample papers for practice. Refer to the following table to get an idea about the Best Books for SET 2026, which will help candidates in their preparation:
| Subjects | Books |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for all Competitive Exam by Abhijit Guha, Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exam by RS Aggarwal, Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Arihant Publications |
| General English | Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis, High School English Grammar and Composition Key by Wren and Martin, Objective General English by SP Bakshi |
| General Awareness | Newspapers such as The Hindu, Economic Times, Financial Express, etc. |
| Analytical and Logical Reasoning | How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT by Arun Sharma, A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal |
SET Preparation 2026: Last Minute Tips
A week before the examination, students must make certain changes to their preparation plan to get the desired results. This will involve the following changes:
- Revision and Practice: Students must create a new plan this week, where the majority of time must be dedicated solely to revision and attempting mock tests. Read your notes multiple times, practice through sample papers, go through the formulas again and again, and attempt mock tests to boost your confidence.
- Avoid picking up new topics: A week before the D-Day must be kept aside for other important tasks, such as revision and practice. If candidates have somehow skipped a certain important topic, it is advisable to go through it once and analyse whether the candidate can finish in a few hours or not.
- Sufficient sleep and rest: Often, in the rush and chaos of preparation, students overlook the significance of proper sleep and rest. Take ample rest, drink sufficient water, have a good breakfast, and ensure that candidates are studying with a calm and focused mindset.
Read Further: SET 2026 Cutoff
SET Preparation 2026 FAQs
How to prepare the General Awareness section of the SET 2026 paper?
In the general awareness section, candidates need to be well-versed with current affairs concerning sports, awards, books, authors, science, founders, etc. To prepare the section, candidates can refer to any newspaper they are comfortable with.
What are the quantitative topics to be covered for the SET 2026?
In the quantitative section, students have to get a grasp of various chapters, such as time and work, ratio and percentage, time speed and distance, permutation and combination, number system, algebra, probability, etc.
When will the SET 2026 exam be held?
The Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) 2026 will be held in two sessions. The first session will be conducted in the first week of May 2026, and the second session will be in the last week of May 2026. Admit cards for both these sessions will be released in April 2026.
SET 2026 is mandatory for which courses?
The SET 2026 exam is conducted by Symbiosis International to offer admission into various UG programs in law, computer studies, management, economics, mass communication, etc.
When will the SET Admit Card be released?
Symbiosis International has already activated the SET Admit Card link from 25th April 2026 onwards. Session 2 admit card is also made available from 30th April onwards.
Can students prepare for SET 2026 within one week?
Candidates who have some basic knowledge and understanding of the SET subjects, such as quantitative aptitude and general awareness, can attempt the paper. However, those who will be starting from scratch may require more than a week to cover all the topics, even the most important ones.
What is the expected difficulty level of the SET 2026?
According to the previous year's trends, Symbiosis Entrance Test 2026 is expected to be on the moderate to difficult level. However, with the right preparation strategy, study plan, and study material, applicants can crack the exam in one go.
Do students have to explain every answer in the SET 2026 in a descriptive format?
No, the questions asked in the SET 2026 will not be in a descriptive format. Instead, students are supposed to choose any one option out of the four MCQs.
What is the educational requirement for SET 2026?
To appear for the SET 2026, students must have completed 12th grade with at least 50% marks. For SC and ST candidates, the minimum marks is set at 45%.
What is the marking scheme of the SET 2026?
For every correct answer, applicants will be awarded one mark. However, for incorrect responses, no deduction will be made. It means that in SET 2026, there is no provision of negative marking.