SET 2026 Likely to Be Held in Early May, with Registration Expected to Open in December
The official timeline for the Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) 2026 is here! Registration is set to begin in the second week of December 2025 on the official website, set-test.org. The exam is likely to be held in early May 2026, giving aspirants ample time to prepare. This mandatory test is the gateway to highly reputed undergraduate management programs (BBA) at institutions like SCMS Pune. Read on for the full schedule, eligibility criteria, and a crucial breakdown of the exam pattern to kickstart your preparation.
For students aspiring to secure admission into the prestigious undergraduate programs, especially the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), offered by the various institutes under Symbiosis International (Deemed University) [SIU], the Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) 2026 is the crucial first step. The organizing body has provided a preliminary but critical timeline, offering clarity to thousands of aspirants. As of the dateline November 25, 2025, the preparation phase shifts gear, demanding a strategic approach that integrates studying with key application deadlines.
The official notification suggests that registration for SET 2026 is expected to commence in the second week of December 2025 and will remain open until April 2026. The examination itself is tentatively scheduled for early May 2026 and is often conducted in two sessions (Test 01 and Test 02) allowing candidates to potentially appear for both. All essential updates, including the release of the admit card in April 2026, will be hosted on the single official portal: set-test.org. This early roadmap is an invaluable tool for candidates to structure their final months of high school and entrance exam preparation.
Crucial Dates and Application Timeline for SET 2026
The extended registration window provides convenience, but candidates must act early to avoid last-minute rush and technical complications. The entire process, from registration to receiving the admit card, is exclusively online.
- SET 2026 Registration Opens:
- The application form will be made available online on the official website, set-test.org, in the second week of December 2025 (Tentative).
- Candidates must complete the registration and application process for SET General and also separately register for their preferred Symbiosis Institute (e.g., SCMS Pune, SCMS Noida) by paying an additional program registration fee.
- Registration and Payment Deadline:
- The window for online registration and fee payment is expected to run until mid-April 2026. Early completion is strongly recommended to ensure smooth processing and choice of exam center.
- Admit Card Release:
- The SET 2026 Admit Card (for Test 01 and Test 02, if applicable) will be released on the official website in April 2026. Candidates must download and print the hard copy, as it is mandatory for entry to the exam center.
- Tentative Exam Dates (May 2026):
- SET 2026 is likely to be conducted in two test dates in early May 2026 (e.g., May 5 and May 11, 2026, based on past trends). Candidates often have the option to appear for one or both sessions, with the best score considered for admission.
Understanding the SET Exam Pattern and Scoring
The Symbiosis Entrance Test (General) is designed to evaluate a candidate's aptitude for management studies. A clear understanding of the exam structure is vital for scoring well, especially given the short duration and no negative marking.
- Exam Mode and Duration:
- SET 2026 will be a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted in English.
- The total duration of the exam is 60 minutes (1 hour). The speed and accuracy of the candidate are heavily tested.
- Structure and Marking Scheme:
- The test comprises a total of 60 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), with a total weightage of 60 marks.
- The marking scheme awards +1 mark for every correct answer.
- Crucially, there is No Negative Marking for incorrect or unattempted questions, encouraging candidates to attempt all questions.
- Sectional Breakdown (SET General):
- The paper is divided into four sections:
- General English: 16 Questions (16 Marks) - Focus on Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar.
- Quantitative Aptitude: 16 Questions (16 Marks) - Covers Arithmetic, Algebra, and basic Geometry.
- General Awareness (GA): 16 Questions (16 Marks) - Includes Current Affairs, Business, and Economy.
- Analytical & Logical Reasoning (A&LR): 12 Questions (12 Marks) - Assesses critical thinking and problem-solving.
- The paper is divided into four sections:
Post-SET Selection and Top Symbiosis BBA Institutes
The SET score is only one part of the overall admission process. Aspirants must also perform well in the subsequent rounds conducted by the individual Symbiosis Institutes.
- Eligibility and Cut-off:
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST categories).
- The expected cut-off for top institutes like SCMS Pune generally falls in the 90th percentile range, necessitating a score of 45+ out of 60.
- The Second Stage: PI-WAT:
- Candidates shortlisted based on their SET 2026 score will be called for the second round, which typically consists of a Personal Interview (PI) and a Written Ability Test (WAT).
- The final merit list is prepared based on a composite score, where the SET score is usually scaled down and combined with the PI and WAT scores. For example, the SET score might contribute 50%, PI 30%, and WAT 20% to the final selection.
- Top BBA Institutes Accepting SET Scores:
- The SET score is accepted by Symbiosis institutes offering BBA and allied programs. The most sought-after management-focused colleges include:
- Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS), Pune
- Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS), Noida
- Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS), Nagpur
- Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research (SICSR), Pune (for BBA-IT)
- The SET score is accepted by Symbiosis institutes offering BBA and allied programs. The most sought-after management-focused colleges include:
Conclusion: Timely Preparation is the Key
The early release of the SET 2026 registration and exam schedule is a clear signal for aspirants to formalize their study routines. With the application window opening in December 2025 and the exam in May 2026, you have a solid six months to master the four sections of the 60-minute test. Focus on building speed, accuracy, and strong fundamentals in Quantitative Aptitude and Analytical Reasoning. Ensure you track the official website, set-test.org, for the exact dates and commence your institute-specific application simultaneously with the SET registration to fulfill your dream of a BBA from Symbiosis.
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