Everything you need to crack SET

The SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test) is a university-level entrance examination conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed University) for admission to various undergraduate programmes offered by its constituent institutes across India.

SET is conducted once every year, generally in May. It serves as a common entrance test for multiple Symbiosis institutes offering programmes in fields such as Management, Law, Economics, Computer Studies, Media, and Liberal Arts. Admission is granted based on SET performance followed by further selection processes such as Personal Interaction (PI), Written Ability Test (WAT), or portfolio review, depending on the course and institute.

The SET 2026 exam is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) which tests aptitude, speed, and accuracy skills in a time-bound format.

• Total Duration: 60 minutes
• Total Questions: 60
• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Sectional Time Limit: No sectional time limits (free navigation between sections)

SET 2026 Section-Wise Exam Pattern

Marking Scheme

• Correct Answer: +1 mark
• Incorrect Answer: 0 mark (No negative marking)
• Unattempted Question: 0 mark

Important 2026 Exam Details

• Frequency: Candidates can appear twice (May 2 and May 10, 2026). The higher score of the two attempts will be considered for admission.
• Medium of Examination: English only

The final selection process occurs in 2 rounds, as follows:

Round 1: SET Score-Based Shortlisting

Based on the SET score, a shortlist is created by individual colleges involved in the process — such as SCMS Pune, SCMS Noida, SCMC, etc. — for various programmes accordingly.

Round 2: PI / WAT (June 2026)

Shortlisted candidates are required to participate in the second stage, which may include:

• PI (Personal Interaction): In which communication skills, confidence, clarity of goals, and general awareness of candidates are assessed.
• WAT (Written Ability Test): In which the writing, thinking, and analytical skills of the candidates are assessed.
• Studio Test (For SCMC Applicants Only): Additional creative assessment for Mass Communication aspirants.
  
  The mode (online/offline) may vary depending upon the institute.

Final Merit Calculation

Final admission is based on a composite score. For most BBA and BCA programmes (2026 cycle), the weightage structure is:

Note: Certain institutes may consider Class 10 and Class 12 academic performance as a tie-breaking or supplementary factor.

Seat Allotment & Admission
By the end of June, institutes release their merit list along with a waitlist. To confirm the admission, students are required to pay the admission fee within the prescribed time, which is usually a week. In case students from the merit list decline admission, then accordingly movement in the waitlist takes place.