Students who score below 35 out of 60 in SET 2026 can still secure admission at several Symbiosis colleges, with SCAC Nashik, SSLA Pune, SCMS Nagpur and SCMS Hyderabad accepting lower cutoffs based on 2025 admission trends.
SET 2026 is a 60-mark computer-based test conducted for undergraduate admissions across more than 15 Symbiosis institutions. Each institute releases its own cutoff after results are declared, so low scorers are not shut out of the Symbiosis system entirely. While SCMS Pune BBA is the most competitive programme, several colleges routinely admit students in the 22-35 mark range. Knowing which institutes and programmes have lower cutoffs helps you target your applications strategically and avoid wasting PI round preparation time on unreachable options.
- SET 2026 carries a total of 60 marks across four sections; no negative marking applies.
- A score of 35 or below out of 60 is generally considered low for flagship BBA programmes but is sufficient for several other Symbiosis institutes.
- SCAC Pune and SCAC Nashik consistently show the lowest cutoffs, with expected ranges of 18-32 out of 60 based on 2025 trends.
- SCMS Hyderabad and SCMS Nagpur are less competitive BBA campuses with expected cutoffs 10-15 marks below SCMS Pune.
- SC, ST and OBC students benefit from significantly reduced cutoffs at all Symbiosis institutes.
- Both SET test dates count separately; your better score from either attempt is used for admission.
| Direct Link to SET 2026 Official Website (Active) — www.set-test.org |
What is a Low Score in SET 2026?
SET 2026 carries a total of 60 marks split across four sections: General English (16 marks), Quantitative Ability (16 marks), General Awareness (16 marks) and Analytical and Logical Reasoning (12 marks). Each question carries one mark. There is no negative marking. Based on 2025 admission trends, score bands map to admission prospects as follows:
| Score Range (out of 60) | Classification | Typical Admission Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 45 and above | High | SCMS Pune BBA, SSE Pune BSc Economics |
| 36-44 | Moderate | SCMS Noida BBA, SCMS Bengaluru BBA, SICSR Pune |
| 25-35 | Below average | SCMS Nagpur, SCMS Hyderabad, SCAC Pune, SSLA Pune |
| Below 25 | Low | SCAC Nashik, reserved category seats at select institutes |
A score in the 25-35 range places you below the threshold for flagship BBA campuses but comfortably within reach of several Symbiosis colleges, particularly those in smaller cities or those offering humanities, liberal arts and commerce programmes.
Symbiosis Colleges with Lower SET 2026 Cutoffs
The table below presents expected SET 2026 cutoffs by institute and programme based on 2025 admission trends. All figures are expected and will be confirmed only after SET 2026 results are officially declared by each institute.
| Institute | Programme | Expected General Cutoff (out of 60) | Expected SC/ST Cutoff (out of 60) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCMS Pune | BBA | 44-50 | 28-33 |
| SSE Pune | BSc Economics | 40-44 | 26-30 |
| SICSR Pune | BBA (IT) / BCA | 35-45 | 22-30 |
| SCMS Bengaluru | BBA | 32-40 | 22-28 |
| SCMS Noida | BBA | 30-40 | 22-28 |
| SCMC Pune | BA (Mass Communication) | 28-36 | 18-24 |
| SCMS Nagpur | BBA | 28-35 | 20-25 |
| SCMS Hyderabad | BBA | 25-32 | 18-24 |
| SSLA Pune | BA (Liberal Arts) | 22-30 | 15-22 |
| SCAC Pune | BA / BCom | 22-32 | 16-22 |
| SCAC Nashik | BA / BCom | 18-28 | 14-20 |
SCAC Nashik carries the lowest expected cutoff among all SET-accepting institutes, making it the most accessible option for students with very low scores. All cutoffs above are expected based on 2025 trends and are subject to change once SET 2026 results are declared.
Programme-Wise Cutoff Comparison
Aside from campus location, the type of programme significantly determines how competitive the cutoff is. BBA programmes at metropolitan campuses draw the highest applicant volume. Humanities and commerce programmes see far fewer applicants, which keeps their cutoffs lower. Here is a programme-stream comparison based on 2025 data:
| Programme Stream | Expected Cutoff Range (out of 60) | Best Options for Low Scorers |
|---|---|---|
| BBA (Management) | 25-50 | SCMS Nagpur, SCMS Hyderabad |
| BCA / BBA (IT) | 35-45 | SICSR Pune (reserved category) |
| BSc Economics | 40-44 | Suitable for 40-plus scorers only |
| BA (Mass Communication) | 28-36 | SCMC Pune |
| BA (Liberal Arts) | 22-30 | SSLA Pune |
| BA / BCom | 18-32 | SCAC Pune, SCAC Nashik |
BA and BCom programmes at SCAC Pune and SCAC Nashik carry the lowest expected cutoffs among all SET-accepting institutes and are the strongest alternative for students who score below 30 out of 60. SSLA Pune’s BA in Liberal Arts is another accessible route offering interdisciplinary education across economics, psychology, philosophy and media.
How to Improve Admission Chances with a Low SET 2026 Score
A low SET score does not automatically close the door. Several factors beyond the score determine final selection at Symbiosis institutes:
- Appear for both SET test dates: SET 2026 is conducted on two separate days. Your better score from either attempt is considered. Appearing twice doubles your opportunity to perform well.
- Apply to multiple institutes: Each Symbiosis institute runs a separate admission process. Apply to all campuses and programmes where your score meets the expected cutoff rather than limiting yourself to one choice.
- Prepare thoroughly for the PI round: Most Symbiosis institutes conduct a Personal Interaction round after SET. A strong PI can compensate for a borderline SET score. Focus on situational questions, career clarity and communication skills.
- Writing Ability Test (WAT): Some programmes include a WAT component. A well-structured essay strengthens your overall admission score even when the SET score is modest.
- Apply under your reservation category: SC, ST and OBC students benefit from cutoffs typically 10-20 marks below the general category at all Symbiosis institutes. Check category-wise cutoffs when shortlisting colleges.
- Consider Nashik and newer campuses: SCAC Nashik and SCMS Hyderabad accept lower scores and still award a Symbiosis International (Deemed University) degree with access to the placement network.
SET 2026 Low Score Admission FAQs
Ques. What is the minimum score needed in SET 2026 to get admission at any Symbiosis college?
Ans. Based on 2025 trends, a score of around 18-22 out of 60 may qualify for reserved category seats at SCAC Nashik. For general category students, a score of at least 22-25 out of 60 is typically the floor for any Symbiosis institute. Official qualifying minimums are published by each institute after SET 2026 results are declared.
Ques. Which Symbiosis college has the lowest SET cutoff?
Ans. Based on 2025 trends, SCAC Nashik consistently has the lowest expected SET cutoff at around 18-28 out of 60 for general category students. SCAC Pune and SSLA Pune also carry lower cutoffs compared to BBA-focused campuses at Pune or Noida.
Ques. Can I get into SCMS Pune BBA with a score of 35 out of 60 in SET 2026?
Ans. It is unlikely for general category students. The expected SET 2026 cutoff for SCMS Pune BBA is 44-50 out of 60 based on 2025 trends. A score of 35 is better targeted at SCMS Nagpur, SCMS Hyderabad or SCAC Pune, where expected cutoffs are 25-35.
Ques. Is SET 2026 out of 60 or 150?
Ans. The current SET format carries a total of 60 marks across four sections: General English (16), Quantitative Ability (16), General Awareness (16) and Analytical and Logical Reasoning (12). Each question carries one mark and there is no negative marking.
Ques. Does a low SET score affect the PI round shortlisting at Symbiosis institutes?
Ans. Yes. The SET score determines whether you are shortlisted for the PI round. However, the final merit list considers SET score, PI performance and sometimes a WAT score together. Students who clear the cutoff with a modest SET score can still convert admission with a strong PI showing.
Ques. Which BA or BCom programme at Symbiosis accepts the lowest SET score?
Ans. BA and BCom at SCAC Nashik carry the lowest expected SET cutoff among all Symbiosis programmes, with a general category range of 18-28 out of 60 based on 2025 trends. SCAC Pune and SSLA Pune’s BA in Liberal Arts are also accessible options for students scoring in the 22-32 range.
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