SET 2026 exam likely in early May — registration expected to open in December

The Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) 2026 schedule is officially out, with registration opening in December 2025. The exam is expected to be held in two sessions in early May 2026, offering candidates a dual attempt to maximize their scores. SET is the gateway to top BBA, BCA, and B.A. Mass Communication programs at premier Symbiosis institutes like SCMS Pune and Noida. This article details the tentative application timeline, exam pattern (60 minutes, 60 marks, no negative marking), and the two-stage selection process involving the SET score and the crucial PI-WAT rounds.

The Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU) is preparing to kick off its admission process for various undergraduate programs with the release of the tentative schedule for the Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) 2026. This national-level computer-based examination is the mandatory gateway for aspirants seeking admission to coveted courses like the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), and B.A. Mass Communication across the prestigious constituent institutes of Symbiosis, including SCMS Pune and SCMS Noida.

​The news confirms that the application window is set to open in December 2025, marking the start of a crucial phase for Class 12 students. Aspirants must adhere to the strict timeline to ensure their eligibility for the SET exam, which is expected to be held in early to mid-May 2026 in two separate sessions. This dual-session format is a significant advantage, allowing candidates to appear twice and ensuring their best score is considered for the final merit list.

• ​Key Tentative Dates for SET 2026:
  • ​Application Registration Begins:December 2025 (expected start date: December 6, 2025).
  • ​Last Date to Register: Mid-April 2026 (expected closure: April 12, 2026).
  • ​Admit Card Release (Test 01 & 02): Last week of April 2026.
  • ​SET Exam Dates: May 5, 2026 (Test 01) and May 11, 2026 (Test 02) (Tentative).
  • ​Result Declaration: Late May 2026 (expected: May 22, 2026).

​Aspirants must keep a close watch on the official Symbiosis website, www.set-test.org, for the final confirmed dates and detailed notifications.

​ SET 2026 Exam Pattern and Preparation Focus

​To succeed in the highly competitive SET examination, candidates must have a thorough understanding of the test structure, sectional weightage, and the most effective preparation methodology. The SET exam is known for its speed-based format and clear sectional division.

• ​The Compact Exam Structure (SET General): 
  • ​Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
  • ​Duration: 60 minutes (1 hour).
  • ​Total Questions/Marks: 60 Questions carrying 60 Marks (1 mark per question).
  • ​Marking Scheme: There is NO negative marking, a major relief for aspirants, allowing them to attempt all questions without penalty.
• ​Sectional Breakdown (BBA/General Stream): The 60 questions are distributed across four core sections, testing general aptitude: 
  • ​General English: 16 Questions (Focus on Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar).
  • ​Quantitative Aptitude: 16 Questions (Covers Arithmetic, Algebra, and Mensuration).
  • ​General Awareness: 16 Questions (Emphasis on Current Affairs, Business, and Static GK).
  • ​Analytical & Logical Reasoning:12 Questions (Puzzles, Syllogisms, Series, and Coding-Decoding).
• ​Dual-Attempt Strategy (Maximizing Your Score): Since the exam is conducted in two sessions (Test 01 and Test 02), candidates should strategically plan their attempts. 
  • ​First Attempt (May 5): Use this as a diagnostic test to identify specific weaknesses under exam pressure.
  • ​Interim Period: Focus intensely on the identified weak areas (e.g., General Awareness static portion or specific Quant topics) in the short gap between the two tests.
  • ​Second Attempt (May 11): Aim to use the insights gained from the first attempt to refine pacing and question selection, targeting a significantly improved score.

​Beyond the Test: Selection Process and Top Symbiosis Institutes

​The SET score is only the first step. Final admission into the top BBA and allied programs at Symbiosis is determined through a two-stage process that assesses the candidate's written test performance and overall personality.

• ​The Two-Stage Selection Process:
  1. ​SET Examination Score: Candidates are first shortlisted based on their SET 2026 score. Only the best score out of the two attempts is considered.
  2. ​PI-WAT Round (Personal Interview and Written Ability Test): Shortlisted candidates must then appear for the PI-WAT/GE (Group Exercise) rounds conducted separately by each institute they have applied to (e.g., SCMS Pune will conduct its own PI-WAT).
• ​Final Merit List Weightage: The weightage for the final merit list is typically skewed towards the entrance test, but the PI-WAT component is crucial and non-negotiable. 
• ​SET Score: Approximately 70% Weightage (Scaled Score).
• ​PI-WAT/GE Performance: Approximately 30% Weightage.
• ​Top BBA Institutes Accepting SET Scores: Securing a high SET score opens doors to some of the most sought-after undergraduate management programs in India. Aspirants must apply separately to these institutes after registering for SET. 
• ​Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS), Pune: The flagship institute, known for its high cut-offs and excellent placement record.
• ​Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS), Noida: Highly rated, attracting students from the North Indian region.
• ​Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research (SICSR), Pune: For BBA (IT) and BCA programs.
• ​Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS), Bengaluru/Nagpur/Hyderabad: Expanding the reach of the Symbiosis BBA brand.

​A strong performance in the PI-WAT rounds is essential to convert the shortlist into a final admission offer, regardless of a high SET score. Preparation for the PI should focus on current affairs, personal background, and career goals.

​ Conclusion: Prepare for the December Registration Window

​The announcement of the tentative SET 2026 schedule provides a clear roadmap for undergraduate management aspirants. With the application registration set to begin in December 2025, candidates currently finishing their Class 12 academics must focus equally on their board exams and their SET preparation. The advantage of two attempts and the non-availability of negative marking should be leveraged through rigorous mock test practice. Start preparing for the 60-minute, 60-question challenge now to secure your spot at a top Symbiosis institute like SCMS Pune.

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