SET 2026 vs 2025 Cutoff: Symbiosis Colleges With Rising Scores

Several Symbiosis colleges recorded higher SET qualifying scores in 2025, with SSE Pune and SSLA Pune leading the rise; SET 2026 expected cutoffs are projected to climb further based on these trends.

The Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) is the gateway to undergraduate programs across Symbiosis International University’s affiliated colleges. Each year, the qualifying cutoff — the minimum score a student must secure to be considered for admission — varies by college and program based on the number of applicants, difficulty of the paper, and seats available. Comparing SET 2025 and projected SET 2026 cutoffs reveals which colleges are becoming more competitive and helps you set a realistic score target.

• SET is scored out of 150 marks (50 questions x 3 marks each); there is no negative marking.
• SSE Pune and SSLA Pune saw the sharpest cutoff rise in 2025, driven by rising applicant numbers.
• SET 2026 expected cutoffs are higher by 3–6 marks at most colleges compared to SET 2025 data.
• Students should aim for at least 10 marks above the college’s 2025 cutoff to stay in the safe zone.

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SET Exam: Total Marks and Scoring

SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test) for undergraduate admissions is conducted by Symbiosis International University. The exam carries a total of 150 marks, with 50 multiple-choice questions worth 3 marks each. There is no negative marking, which means every attempt is risk-free. The test covers three sections: General English, Quantitative Reasoning, and General Awareness.

The qualifying cutoff released by each Symbiosis college is expressed as a raw score out of 150. Students who score at or above the cutoff are eligible for further selection rounds — typically a Written Ability Test (WAT) and a Personal Interaction (PI) round at their chosen college.

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SET 2025 College-wise Cutoff Scores

The table below shows SET 2025 qualifying cutoff scores across major Symbiosis colleges. These are the minimum SET scores students needed to be shortlisted for WAT-PI rounds.

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SET 2026 Expected Cutoff by College

Based on SET 2025 data and the observed year-on-year trend, SET 2026 qualifying cutoffs are expected to rise at most colleges by 3–6 marks. The table below presents expected SET 2026 cutoffs alongside 2025 figures for quick comparison. All SET 2026 figures are projections based on 2025 trends and are not yet officially declared.

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Which Symbiosis Colleges Saw Rising Cutoffs

SSE Pune and SSLA Pune recorded the highest absolute rise in qualifying cutoffs between SET 2024 and SET 2025. Here is what drove the upward movement at specific colleges:

• SSE Pune (BSc Economics) — Cutoff climbed from approximately 102 in 2024 to 108 in 2025, a jump of 6 marks, driven by surging demand for economics-focused undergraduate programs.
• SSLA Pune (BA Liberal Arts) — Saw a rise of 5 marks (95 to 100) as liberal arts programs gained traction among students seeking interdisciplinary education.
• SIMC Pune (BA Mass Communication) — Rose by 4 marks (88 to 92) following increased interest in media and communication programs.
• SICSR Pune (BCA / BSc CS) — Increased by 3 marks (87 to 90), reflecting the sustained demand for computer science undergraduate seats.
• SCAC Pune (BA / BCom) — Saw a modest 2-mark rise (76 to 78), remaining one of the more accessible SET-accepting colleges.

Among all Symbiosis colleges, SSSS Pune (BSc Sports Sciences) maintained relatively stable cutoffs, with only a 1-mark change year-on-year, reflecting its niche applicant pool.

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Factors Affecting SET Cutoff Each Year

Understanding why SET cutoffs shift helps you interpret year-on-year comparisons more accurately. Key factors include:

• Total number of applicants — More students appearing for SET directly increases competition for the same number of seats, pushing cutoffs higher.
• Exam difficulty — A tougher SET paper generally results in lower raw scores across all students, which can pull cutoffs down even if applications rise.
• Seats offered by each college — If a college expands its intake, cutoffs may stabilise or drop despite higher demand.
• College reputation and rankings — Colleges that improve their rankings or gain new accreditations tend to attract more applicants, raising cutoffs the following year.
• Program-specific demand trends — Social and economic shifts change which programs students prioritise; economics and media programs saw demand spikes in recent cycles.