State Eligibility Test (SET) (State SET)
Built from official exam bulletins, conducting body notifications, and institution pages.
What this exam is
The State Eligibility Test (SET) is a state-level examination that determines eligibility for the position of Assistant Professor at universities and colleges within a particular Indian state. Multiple states conduct their own SET exams through designated agencies — Maharashtra SET is conducted by Savitribai Phule Pune University, Karnataka SET (KSET) by the University of Mysore, Gujarat SET (GSET) by the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Tamil Nadu SET (TNSET) by Mother Teresa Women’s University, and several others.
- Conducted by: Various state agencies — Maharashtra SET (Savitribai Phule Pune University), Karnataka SET (University of Mysore), Gujarat SET (MS University of Baroda), and others
- Eligibility: Master’s degree with minimum 55% marks (50% for reserved categories)
- Mode: Predominantly offline (pen-and-paper); some states have transitioned to online mode
- Frequency: Annual (exact dates vary by state; typically once per year)
Important distinction: State SET is entirely different from SET Symbiosis, which is the Symbiosis Entrance Test for undergraduate admissions at Symbiosis International University. SET Symbiosis is an undergraduate admission test; State SET is a postgraduate qualification exam for teaching eligibility. The two share an abbreviation but serve completely different purposes and different applicant pools.
State SET qualification is valid only within the state in which the exam is conducted. A candidate who qualifies Maharashtra SET can be appointed as Assistant Professor at colleges and universities in Maharashtra but not in other states. For national-level eligibility, candidates must qualify UGC NET, which is valid across all Indian states.
Dates, pattern, and cutoffs shown are based on the 2025–26 cycle and may change. Check the official website of the relevant state SET agency for the latest notification.
Why State SET exists alongside UGC NET
UGC NET is the national-level eligibility test with a single exam for the entire country. However, UGC also authorises states to conduct their own State-level Eligibility Tests under Section 5 of the UGC Regulations. This allows states to assess teaching eligibility using a format tailored to their needs and to provide additional opportunities for candidates who may not qualify UGC NET. A candidate who qualifies State SET is eligible for Assistant Professor posts in that state’s affiliated institutions, providing a parallel pathway to UGC NET for state-level academic careers.
Who should take this exam
Postgraduates seeking Assistant Professor positions at state universities and colleges. If your career goal is to teach at a college or university affiliated with a particular state university system — for example, at colleges in Maharashtra affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University, University of Mumbai, or Shivaji University — qualifying Maharashtra SET establishes your eligibility for these positions.
Candidates who have not yet qualified UGC NET. State SET provides an alternative pathway. While UGC NET is the more widely recognised and nationally valid qualification, State SET holders can be appointed at colleges within their state. Many candidates take both UGC NET and State SET to maximise their opportunities.
Candidates in regional language subjects. Some State SETs offer subjects in regional languages (Marathi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, etc.) that may not be available or may have very different candidate populations in UGC NET. Candidates whose specialisation is in a regional language or literature may find State SET particularly relevant.
Candidates who have completed their Master’s degree. The eligibility criteria for State SET largely mirror those of UGC NET — a Master’s degree with minimum 55% (50% for reserved categories). Final-year Master’s students are typically eligible to appear.
State SET is not relevant for:
- Engineering and technology graduates seeking PSU recruitment or IIT/NIT admissions (they should consider GATE)
- Candidates seeking JRF for funded PhD research (JRF is awarded only through UGC NET, not State SET)
- Candidates seeking teaching positions outside the state where they qualified SET
Exam pattern and structure
While the exact format varies slightly by state, most State SETs follow a pattern closely aligned with UGC NET. The Maharashtra SET pattern (representative of most states) is described below.
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 50 questions | 100 marks (2 marks each) | Combined 2.5–3 hours | General Teaching Aptitude |
| Paper 2 | 100 questions | 200 marks (2 marks each) | Combined 2.5–3 hours | Subject-specific |
| Total | 150 questions | 300 marks | 2.5–3 hours | — |
Key variations by state:
| Feature | Maharashtra SET | Karnataka SET | Gujarat SET |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mode | Offline (pen-and-paper) | Offline | Offline |
| Duration | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) | 3 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Negative marking | No | No | No |
| Number of subjects | ~33 | ~38 | ~30 |
| Medium | English / Marathi | English / Kannada | English / Gujarati |
No negative marking is applied in most State SETs. All questions are multiple-choice with four options.
Paper 1 — General Teaching Aptitude
Paper 1 is similar in scope to UGC NET Paper 1, testing general aptitude for teaching and research.
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Teaching Aptitude | Nature and objectives of teaching, methods, learner characteristics |
| Research Aptitude | Research types, methods, ethics, thesis structure |
| Reasoning | Number series, letter series, analogies, coding-decoding |
| Logical Reasoning | Syllogisms, Venn diagrams, propositions, truth tables |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, graphs, charts, quantitative reasoning |
| Communication | Types, barriers, and effectiveness of communication |
| ICT | Computer basics, internet, e-learning, digital literacy |
| Higher Education System | Governance, policies, UGC, NAAC, quality assurance |
| Environment | Development, pollution, biodiversity, sustainable development |
Paper 2 — Subject-Specific
Paper 2 tests subject knowledge at the postgraduate level. The syllabus is broadly aligned with UGC NET Paper 2 but may have minor state-specific variations. Subjects typically available include Economics, Political Science, History, Sociology, Philosophy, Commerce, English, Hindi, regional languages, Education, Psychology, Geography, Law, and others.
Syllabus overview
Paper 1 — Common to all subjects
| Unit | Key Topics | Approximate Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Aptitude | Nature, objectives, methods of teaching; levels (memory, understanding, reflective); learner characteristics | ~10% |
| Research Aptitude | Research types (fundamental, applied, action); methods (survey, experimental); ethics; thesis writing | ~10% |
| Communication | Nature, types (verbal, non-verbal), barriers, effective communication in teaching | ~10% |
| Reasoning | Number series, letter series, coding-decoding, calendars, clocks, analogies | ~10% |
| Logical Reasoning | Propositions, syllogisms, Venn diagrams, truth tables, Indian logic | ~10% |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, bar charts, pie charts, line graphs; quantitative data analysis | ~10% |
| ICT | Computer basics, internet, e-learning, MOOCs, digital education tools | ~10% |
| Higher Education | UGC, AICTE, NAAC, NIRF, NEP 2020; university governance | ~10% |
| People, Development and Environment | Human development, environmental issues, pollution, sustainable development | ~10% |
| General Awareness | Current affairs related to education, science, and society | ~10% |
Paper 2 — Subject-Specific (examples)
The Paper 2 syllabus is detailed and discipline-specific. Most State SETs follow the UGC NET syllabus for Paper 2 with minor variations.
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Economics | Micro and Macroeconomics, International Trade, Public Finance, Indian Economy, Development Economics, Quantitative Methods |
| Political Science | Western and Indian Political Thought, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Indian Government |
| Commerce | Accounting, Business Law, Financial Management, Marketing, Business Statistics, Indian Tax System |
| English | Literary Theory, British Literature, American Literature, Indian Writing in English, Linguistics |
| Marathi (MH-SET specific) | Marathi literature history, poetry, prose, drama, criticism, grammar, Marathi linguistics |
| Kannada (K-SET specific) | Kannada literature, old Kannada, modern Kannada poetry and prose, grammar, literary criticism |
The complete subject-wise syllabus is published by each state’s SET agency on its official website.
Eligibility and registration
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility criteria are largely uniform across states and closely mirror UGC NET:
- Educational qualification: Master’s degree or equivalent in the relevant subject with minimum 55% marks (or equivalent grade); 50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates
- Final-year candidates: Candidates in the final year of their Master’s programme are typically eligible
- Domicile requirement: Most State SETs do not require state domicile for appearing in the exam, but the qualification is valid only for positions within that state
- Age limit: Generally no upper age limit for SET qualification (unlike UGC NET JRF, which has an age limit)
- Number of attempts: No restriction on the number of attempts
Registration (Maharashtra SET as representative example)
- Visit the Maharashtra SET portal (setexam.unipune.ac.in)
- Create an account and fill in personal and educational details
- Select the subject for Paper 2
- Upload photograph, signature, and category certificates
- Pay the application fee online
- Download the admit card when released
Registration fee (varies by state)
| State | General | OBC | SC/ST/PwD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra SET | ₹800 | ₹600 | ₹400 |
| Karnataka SET | ₹1,200 | ₹600 | ₹300 |
| Gujarat SET | ₹1,000 | ₹500 | ₹250 |
Exact fees may change each cycle. Check the respective state SET portal for current fees.
Cutoffs and score interpretation
State SET cutoffs vary significantly by state, subject, year, and category. Unlike UGC NET, which has a larger candidate pool and more consistent data, State SET cutoffs can fluctuate substantially.
Indicative cutoffs (Maharashtra SET 2024)
| Subject | Category | Qualifying Score (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | General | 95–110 / 300 |
| Political Science | General | 90–105 / 300 |
| Commerce | General | 100–115 / 300 |
| English | General | 90–105 / 300 |
| Marathi | General | 85–100 / 300 |
| History | General | 85–100 / 300 |
Indicative cutoffs (Karnataka SET 2024)
| Subject | Category | Qualifying Score (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | General | 90–105 / 300 |
| Commerce | General | 95–110 / 300 |
| Kannada | General | 80–95 / 300 |
| Education | General | 85–100 / 300 |
Previous years’ cutoffs are indicative. Actual cutoffs vary by category, round, and year.
Qualification and validity
- State SET qualification is valid for Assistant Professor posts in colleges and universities within the respective state
- The qualification does not expire — it remains valid until the candidate secures a position
- State SET does not provide JRF or any research fellowship
- State SET qualification is not valid for positions outside the state (for national validity, candidates must qualify UGC NET)
SET vs UGC NET comparison
| Feature | State SET | UGC NET |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | State-level only | National |
| JRF | Not available | Available for top qualifiers |
| Frequency | Annual (varies by state) | Biannual (June and December) |
| Conducting body | State agency | NTA (on behalf of UGC) |
| Mode | Mostly offline | Online (CBT) |
| Subjects | 30–40 per state | 83 |
Colleges and programmes that accept this exam
State SET qualification is recognised for Assistant Professor recruitment at:
State-affiliated colleges and universities
- All colleges affiliated with state universities in the respective state
- State government-aided colleges
- Unaided private colleges affiliated with state universities
Specific institutions (on this site)
- Fergusson College (Pune): Maharashtra SET qualification accepted for faculty recruitment
- Presidency University Kolkata: West Bengal SET qualification relevant
- Colleges under Panjab University: Punjab SET relevant
Relevant programmes
State SET qualification supports academic careers in:
- MA Economics
- MA Political Science
- MA History
- MA English
- MA Sociology
How to prepare
Preparation approach
Since State SET follows a pattern closely aligned with UGC NET, the preparation strategy is largely the same. Candidates preparing for both exams simultaneously can use common study materials and strategies.
Paper 1 preparation
- Study UGC NET Paper 1 syllabus: Since State SET Paper 1 mirrors UGC NET Paper 1, the same preparation works for both
- Practise reasoning and data interpretation: These are skill-based topics — regular practice improves speed and accuracy
- Stay updated on education policies: NEP 2020, UGC regulations, NAAC accreditation framework, and NIRF rankings are frequently tested
- ICT awareness: Familiarise yourself with SWAYAM, NPTEL, MOOCs, and digital education tools
Paper 2 preparation
- Follow the state SET syllabus: While broadly aligned with UGC NET, there may be minor state-specific variations. Download the official syllabus from the state SET portal.
- Use postgraduate-level textbooks: Standard reference texts from your Master’s coursework form the core preparation base
- Solve previous years’ papers: Both UGC NET and State SET past papers are useful. Pay attention to question patterns and recurring topics.
Official resources
- State SET portals: Each state publishes its syllabus, previous year papers, and notifications on its official portal
- UGC NET study materials: Since the patterns overlap significantly, UGC NET preparation materials are directly useful for State SET
- Maharashtra SET: setexam.unipune.ac.in — syllabus, notifications, and previous papers
- Karnataka SET: kset.uni-mysore.ac.in — syllabus and notifications
Preparation timeline
| Phase | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Syllabus review | 1–2 weeks | Download official syllabus; compare with UGC NET syllabus; identify any state-specific additions |
| Paper 2 content | 3–4 months | Subject-specific study from postgraduate textbooks |
| Paper 1 preparation | 1–2 months (parallel) | Teaching aptitude, reasoning, ICT, higher education system |
| Practice papers | 1 month | Previous year papers from both State SET and UGC NET |
| Revision | 2 weeks | Focus on weak areas and frequently tested topics |
Key dates and timeline
State SET dates vary by state and year. Below is a representative timeline based on recent cycles.
| State | Typical Exam Month | Notification Month | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra SET | January–February | October–November | November–December |
| Karnataka SET | February–March | November–December | December–January |
| Gujarat SET | March–April | December–January | January–February |
| Tamil Nadu SET | March | December | January |
| West Bengal SET | April–May | January–February | February–March |
Dates, pattern, and cutoffs shown are based on the 2025–26 cycle and may change. Check the official website of the relevant state SET agency for the latest notification.
Score validity: State SET qualification does not expire. It remains valid for the candidate’s academic career.
Related exams
- UGC NET: The national-level eligibility test for Assistant Professor and JRF. UGC NET qualification is valid across all Indian states, while State SET is valid only within the respective state. Candidates serious about an academic career often take both.
- SET Symbiosis: This is a completely different exam — the Symbiosis Entrance Test for undergraduate admissions at Symbiosis International University. Despite sharing the “SET” abbreviation, SET Symbiosis and State SET have no connection. SET Symbiosis is for UG admission; State SET is for PG-level teaching eligibility.
- GATE: The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, relevant for engineering and technology disciplines. GATE serves a different academic community — engineering graduates seeking IIT/NIT admissions and PSU recruitment. State SET covers humanities, social sciences, and commerce.
Sources Used
The information on this page is compiled from official sources and institutional programme pages. It may not reflect the most recent changes. Always verify directly with the institution before making any admission or financial decision.