Students who scored 40 marks in SET 2026 (out of 150) can seek admission to select Symbiosis institutes, primarily newer campuses and programmes where applicant competition is lower.
The Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) 2026 is conducted by Symbiosis International University (SIU) for undergraduate admissions across its affiliated institutes. SET is a 150-mark examination, and a score of 40 places you at roughly the 25th to 35th percentile based on 2024–25 result trends. While flagship institutes require 90 or more marks, several Symbiosis colleges remain accessible at the 40-mark range — especially when combined with a strong performance in the GD, PI, and WAT rounds that follow the written test.
- SET 2026 is out of 150 marks; a score of 40 equals approximately 26.7% of total marks.
- SCMS Hyderabad, SCMS Nagpur, and SCAC Pune are the most likely options at this score, based on 2024–25 cutoff trends.
- Final merit at Symbiosis is a composite of SET score + GD + PI + WAT — a strong round-2 performance can compensate for a lower SET score.
- SC and ST students receive a 10–20 mark relaxation on cutoffs at most SIU institutes, widening the options at 40 marks.
SET 2026 Score of 40 — What It Means
SET 2026 consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, each carrying 1 mark, making the total marks 150 with no negative marking. A score of 40 represents 26.7% of the total and falls in the lower-middle band of the test-taker pool.
Based on 2024–25 SET result trends, a score of 40 typically corresponded to the 25th to 35th percentile, meaning roughly 65–70% of students scored above 40. This narrows choices considerably, but it does not rule out Symbiosis admission. Newer campuses and smaller-intake programmes at SIU have historically shown cutoffs in the 33–55 range, making 40 a borderline-to-moderate chance at several institutes — particularly if you perform well in the subsequent selection rounds.
Symbiosis Colleges Accessible at 40 Marks in SET 2026
The table below lists Symbiosis institutes where a SET 2026 score of 40 gives you a moderate to borderline admission chance. All cutoffs are expected figures based on 2024–25 SET trends and are subject to change depending on applicant volume and exam difficulty.
| Symbiosis Institute | Programme | Expected SET Cutoff 2026 (General) | Admission Chance at 40 Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCMS Hyderabad | BBA | 33–48 | Moderate |
| SCMS Nagpur | BBA | 35–50 | Moderate |
| Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce (SCAC), Pune | B.Com / BA | 33–48 | Moderate |
| SICSR Pune | BCA | 38–55 | Borderline |
| SCMS Bengaluru | BBA | 40–58 | Borderline |
Students targeting SCMS Bengaluru or SICSR at 40 marks should treat their score as borderline and prepare intensively for GD/PI/WAT rounds to strengthen their composite merit position.
Expected SET 2026 Cutoffs Across All Institutes
The full institute-wise expected cutoff table below places your score of 40 in the broader Symbiosis hierarchy. All figures are expected for 2026 based on 2024–25 SET trends and will be officially confirmed by SIU after result declaration.
| Symbiosis Institute | Programme | Expected Cutoff 2026 (General) | Score of 40 Eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCMS Pune | BBA | 105–125 | No |
| SIBM Bengaluru | BBA | 85–105 | No |
| Symbiosis School of Economics (SSE), Pune | B.Sc. Economics | 60–80 | No |
| SCMS Bengaluru | BBA | 40–58 | Borderline |
| SICSR Pune | BCA | 38–55 | Borderline |
| SCMS Nagpur | BBA | 35–50 | Yes |
| SCMS Hyderabad | BBA | 33–48 | Yes |
| SCAC Pune | B.Com / BA | 33–48 | Yes |
Category-Wise Cutoff Relaxation in SET 2026
SIU provides reservation-based cutoff relaxation for SC, ST, and differently-abled (PwD) students. Based on 2024–25 SET data, reserved category students secure shortlisting calls 10–20 marks below the general cutoff at most Symbiosis institutes.
| Category | Typical Cutoff Relaxation | Institutes Accessible at 40 Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General (Open) | No relaxation | SCMS Hyderabad, SCMS Nagpur, SCAC Pune; borderline at SCMS Bengaluru and SICSR |
| SC | 10–15 marks below general cutoff | Above institutes plus borderline eligibility at SIBM Bengaluru and SSE |
| ST | 15–20 marks below general cutoff | Above institutes plus wider access to mid-tier Symbiosis campuses |
| PwD | Institute-specific; typically 10–15 marks | Similar to SC relaxation — check the official SIU notification for each institute |
Reserved category students scoring 40 in SET 2026 should apply broadly across SIU institutes. The effective cutoff advantage can make mid-tier Symbiosis programmes well within reach for SC and ST applicants.
Role of GD, PI, and WAT in Symbiosis Admission
At Symbiosis, the SET score is the entry qualifier — not the final deciding factor. Admission is based on a composite merit score that includes Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), and Written Ability Test (WAT) alongside the SET result. For institutes with cutoffs in the 33–55 range, a 40-mark SET score can get you to round 2, where stronger performers convert shortlists into offers.
- Written Ability Test (WAT) — a 200–300 word essay on a current topic; evaluators look for clarity of argument and structured expression
- Group Discussion (GD) — quality of contribution and ability to listen and build on others’ points matters more than speaking volume
- Personal Interview (PI) — interviewers assess academic background, motivation for the chosen programme, and awareness of current events
- Class 12 board score — some Symbiosis institutes factor the board percentage into the final composite formula
Students scoring 40 in SET 2026 and targeting institutes like SCMS Hyderabad, SCMS Nagpur, or SCAC Pune should invest maximum preparation time in GD/PI/WAT. These rounds carry significant weight in the final merit list and remain the clearest path from shortlisting to a confirmed seat.
SET 2026 40 Marks Admission FAQs
Ques. Is 40 marks a good score in SET 2026?
Ans. SET 2026 is out of 150 marks. A score of 40 (approximately 26.7%) is below the cutoff for most mainstream Symbiosis institutes. However, it is within the expected cutoff range for institutes such as SCMS Hyderabad, SCMS Nagpur, and SCAC Pune based on 2024–25 trends, so admission options remain open.
Ques. Which Symbiosis colleges can I get with 40 marks in SET 2026?
Ans. With 40 marks in SET 2026, your most accessible options are SCMS Hyderabad (BBA), SCMS Nagpur (BBA), and SCAC Pune (B.Com/BA), all of which show expected cutoffs in the 33–50 range. SICSR Pune (BCA) and SCMS Bengaluru (BBA) are borderline options where strong GD/PI/WAT performance becomes essential.
Ques. What is the total marks for SET 2026?
Ans. SET 2026 is a 150-mark test comprising 150 multiple-choice questions, each carrying 1 mark. There is no negative marking, so unattempted questions score zero without any penalty.
Ques. Can GD/PI performance help offset a low SET 2026 score?
Ans. Yes. Symbiosis institutes determine final admission using a composite score that includes SET marks, GD, PI, and WAT. If your score of 40 clears the minimum cutoff of a target institute, a strong round-2 performance can significantly improve your composite merit rank and secure you a seat.
Ques. Do SC and ST students get SET cutoff relaxation at Symbiosis?
Ans. Yes. SC students typically receive a 10–15 mark relaxation and ST students a 15–20 mark relaxation below the general cutoff at most Symbiosis institutes, based on 2024–25 trends. At 40 marks, SC and ST students become eligible for a wider range of Symbiosis programmes than general category students.
Ques. When will SET 2026 official cutoffs be released?
Ans. SET 2026 official cutoffs are released by Symbiosis International University on the official website set-test.org after result declaration. Students should check the official portal regularly for institute-specific merit list and cutoff updates.
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