How to Prepare for SET Quantitative Skills Section?

Symbiosis Entrance Test 2025 ( SET )

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Admit Card: 25 Apr '25

Saumya
Saumya Jain
Assistant Manager- Content
Updated on Sep 26, 2024 17:10 IST

Read the article below to know the best preparation tips to ace the SET exam's Quantitative Aptitude section.

SET Exam Preparation for Quantitative Aptitude Section: The Quantitative Aptitude section of the SET exam comprises of various theorems, formulas and calculations. This section of the SET exam preparation will require more attention from students who have not studied mathematics in Class 12. It is a trickier section of the SET exam as compared to the other sections. 

The SET exam is one of the most popular BBA entrance exams in the country. The difficulty level of the exam is usually easy to moderate. According to the SET exam pattern, the SET question paper will have four sections, i.e. General English, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness and Logical Reasoning. The Quantitative Aptitude section is an important part of the SET exam question paper 2025. SET exam 2025 will likely be conducted in the second week of May 2025. In this article, Shiksha brings a guide on how to prepare for the Quantitative Aptitude section of the SET exam.

SET Exam Quantitative Aptitude: An Overview

The difficulty level of this QA section of the SET exam is usually moderate. The Quantitative Aptitude section is all about mathematics. It is very important to be clear with the basics of high school mathematics to be able to ace this section. The section tests the candidate’s mathematical and analytical ability. The best way to ace this section is by having conceptual clarity and constant practice. Check out some of the key points to remember below:

  • The QA section will have 16 multiple-choice questions
  • Each question will carry one mark
  • There is no negative markings
  • An attempt of 10-11 questions with accuracy will be considered a good attempt according to the previous years' SET exam analysis.

SET Exam Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude

The Quantitative Aptitude section of the SET exam comprises the following important topics. Check the table to know the important topics that can be asked in this section.

Important topics of the Quantitative Aptitude section

Numerical calculations

Arithmetic problems 

Algebra

Geometry

Trigonometry & Parts of Mathematics

Interpretation of tables

Common graphs & charts

Quantitative Reasoning

Number systems

Modern Mathematics

Ratio and Proportion

Time and Speed 

Percentage 

Interest

Also Read:

Best Books to Read for SET Exam: Quantitative Aptitude Section

Refer to the table below to know the best books to read to prepare for SET exam's Quant section:

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Book Name

Author/ Publisher

Quantitative Aptitude for All Competitive Examinations

Abhijit Guha

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examination

RS Aggarwal

Fast Track Objective Arithmetic

Arihant Publications

NCERT Mathematics Book for 9th and 12th class

NCERT

Students preparing for the SET exam 2025 must practice consistently. They must attempt at least 20-30 SET mock tests. They can also refer to other study materials available online and offline.

Also Read:

Q:   Is SET exam difficult?

A:

SET is a speed-based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, Quantitative Aptitude and English comprehension. It may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to brush on these subjects and topics. All you will need is to brush up on the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems. Students should solve previous years question papers, attempt an ample number of mock tests and be consistent to score well in the SET exam. Having said that, the preparation for the SET exam requires focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the SET exam. SET is one of the easiest BBA entrance exams and a good preparation strategy can help you crack the SET exam with a good score. Generally, the toughest section of the SET question paper is Quantitative Aptitude. But with daily practice and focusing on understanding the fundamentals, this section of the SET exam can be handled easily.

Q:   What is the difficulty level of SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test)?

A:

SET is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to various undergraduate courses. SET 2025 will be conducted in the computer-based test mode. The difficulty level of the SET exam is usually easy to moderate. But, a few questions might trick your mind and can be time-consuming. General Knowledge and Analytical and Logical Reasoning are easier than the Quantitative Aptitude section. In 2024, according to the students who appeared for the SET session 1 exam, the SET exam was moderate. The General English section was the easiest of all the four sections. The Quantitative Aptitude section was the toughest and the other two sections were moderate to easy. The overall difficulty level of the SET question paper was moderate. Students who appeared for the SET 2024 session 2 exam said that the overall difficulty level was easy. Again, the General English section was the easiest. In this session, the Analytical and Logical Reasoning section was also easy to moderate. The Quant section was easy to moderate and the General Knowledge section was difficult.

Q:   How should I prepare for the SET exam?

A:
Cracking an exam is not a cakewalk, and it is not easy to grab a seat in one of the most prestigious private varsities, such as Symbiosis. You need to have a really strong strategy to crack this exam. Be versed with your syllabus Knowing the syllabus for the entrance exam is the first step towards SET preparation. Dividing the time for your exam is only possible if you are thorough with the syllabus. Therefore, you can analyse the area of your strength and then allocate the time required for each section. Understand the exam pattern Going through the previous year question papers and sample papers helps you figure out the exam pattern. Once you become familiar with the type of questions, you will take lesser time to solve questions. There will be clarity in your mind regarding how to crack the SET exam. Time management You have limited time to attempt 4 sections and 60 questions overall. You don't get the time to ponder which section you will attempt or the questions you want to opt-out or attempt last. Therefore knowing the exam pattern adds to your skill of solving the exam faster. Prepare Short Notes Remembering and revising before the exam is crucial for students to perform well. This can be done by preparing short notes. Going through them just a day before the exam will ensure that you remember all that you have prepared, which will boost your confidence in attempting the exam. Practice No exam can be cleared sans practice. Its the most important key for qualifying any exam you want. All the hard work you have put in during months for SET is futile, lest you have practiced sufficiently and are confident about making it to your chosen college and the course.
SET exam preparation tips for General English SET exam preparation tips for Logical Reasoning

SET Exam 2025: Preparation Tips to Ace Quantitative Aptitude Section

The Quant section of the SET exam is calculation-intensive which makes it a little tricky. One needs to remember various formulae, theorems, etc. accurately and precisely. Check out some of the SET exam preparation tips to crack the Quant section below:

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  • Master the basics: Start your preparations by understanding the basics. Try understanding the concepts and list down the formulae and theorems while preparing. Try to simplify the question by breaking it into bits and then attempting the questions carefully.
  • Practice: Practicing is the key to ace the section. The best way to check your progress and identify the strengths and weaknesses is through attempting mock tests and solving sample papers. This will also help you in finding out tricks and shortcuts to solve the question quickly.
  • Accuracy and speed: SET is a time-based exam. Therefore, candidates need to solve the questions within the time frame. Solving the questions quickly is important but solving them with 100% accuracy is equally important. If one wants to score well, it is necessary to manage time.
  • Focus on weak areas: Devote the initial months to focus on the weaker areas. Focus on improvement and overcoming the mistakes by more practice. After brushing up the basics and working on the weaknesses start focusing on the more important topics and maximize on your strengths.
  • Revision: It is important to revise what you have learned. Take out at least two hours every day from your regular prep schedule and dedicate them to revision. Try solving each question at least twice and then revise them. The revision will help the candidates to memorise the formulae by heart and also help in finding new tricks and shortcuts.

Read More:

Q:   What is a good score in SET exam?

A:

Previously, the SET exam had 150 questions. They were reduced to 60 multiple-choice questions in the year 2021, and the duration of the exam was also reduced  proportionally. Check out the table below to know what can be considered a good score in SET exam according to the previous years' analysis:

SectionTotal MarksGood Score
General English1612-14
Quantitative Aptitude1610-12
General Awareness1611-12
Analytical and Logical Reasoning129-10

Q:   Can I prepare for SET exam at home?

A:

If you have a good study plan, you can study independently at home for the SET exam. This exam is conducted only once a year and is relatively easier than other BBA entrance exams. The following is advice from professionals on how to create a SET study plan: 

  1. Using the SET syllabus as a guide, make a list of the subjects that the study materials must cover.
  2. Plan your study time on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis according to the time available.
  3. Analyze previous SET tests to note important topics.
  4. You can find a mentor to assist you or join any online study group.
  5. To enable thorough planning, assign a time limit to each section.
  6. Start reading newspaper and magazine editorials to gain a command of the verbal skill section.
  7. For the quantitative section, read the basic concepts and formulas from school textbooks.
  8. Examine your progress through mock tests on a monthly basis.
  9. Keep analyzing and improving your score over time until test day.
  10. Set your score to meet the cutoff for the college to which you want to apply.

Q:   Is IPMAT more difficult than SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test)?

A:

Comparing the difficulty level of IPMAT and SET can be subjective and depends on various factors such as individual strengths, preparation, and familiarity with the exam pattern. 

IPMAT, conducted by IIM Indore, is specifically designed for admission to the five-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM). It assesses a candidate's aptitude and proficiency in areas such as Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Ability. The exam is known for its challenging and analytical nature, testing the candidate's problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and time management abilities. Also, the QA section is a slightly tricker than the QA section of the SET exam.

On the other hand, the Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) is conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed University) for admission to various undergraduate programs offered by different institutes under the Symbiosis umbrella. The difficulty level of SET can vary depending on the specificprogrammeyou are applying for. The exam generally focuses on testing a candidate's knowledge, logical reasoning, analytical ability, and general awareness.

Both IPMAT and SET have their unique exam patterns, sections, and syllabi. The difficulty level of these BBA entrance exams can vary based on the individual's strengths and weaknesses in different subjects. Some candidates may find IPMAT more challenging due to its analytical and problem-solving nature, while others may find SET more difficult based on the specific sections and topics covered.

It's important to note that the difficulty level of an exam should not solely determine your decision to appear for it. Consider factors such as your interests, career goals, and the specificprogrammeor institute you wish to pursue. Focus on your preparation, understand the exam pattern and syllabus, and develop a study strategy that suits your strengths and weaknesses to perform well in the exam.

Q:   Is Symbiosis entrance test (BBA) difficult for non maths students?

A:
The entrance test for BBA is average as it is not as hard as MBA entrance. Thus the only thing you need to do is practice. Thus practice well you'll clear it. For even non maths student, it is easy not that hard. Best of luck.

Q:   How can I crack SET in 3 months?

A:

One can easily crack SET in three months. Here are a few tips:

  • Time Management: Calculate the estimate time you are giving for preparations and divide it equally as per the syllabus. Adjust your time and try to solve each question within the prescribed timing. Make a suitable time-table for preparation as per your routine and include short breaks between the longer study periods. Divide the preparation in several steps and complete them one by one.
  • Prepare as per Syllabus: Firstly, gather all the information about the officially prescribed syllabus for SET Exam. Each question paper of this exam will contain different sections. Include every single topic of the syllabus in your preparation as per the courses opted.
  • Study Material and Previous Year Question Papers: Students can prepare for this exam through the study materials available in the book stores or Internet. Mock tests are also a good way for preparations of the exam. Students can practice the mock test and work on their difficult points. Students can also practice the previous year question papers of this exam. This will help students to understand the type of questions, question weightage and pattern of the exam.
  • Maintain Health: A good health is an important thing which is required for a good exam preparation. A healthy mind and body will help you to concentrate on your studies. Take a nutritious diet in preparation time. Include fresh fruits and veggies in your diet and avoid oily and junk food. Practice Yoga and Meditation this will help students to concentrate better in the studies.
About the Author
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Saumya Jain
Assistant Manager- Content

With over 7 years of editorial experience, Saumya has been a writer at Shiksha for over four years. With a bachelor's degree in English literature from Delhi University, she loves to write. A true Delhiite and her l... Read Full Bio

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Answered Yesterday

The SET syllabus is not available for download because the SET exam authority, SIU, does not provide any details other than the exam sections related to the SET syllabus. Aspirants who want to appear in SET can refer to the syllabus of other BBA entrance exams similar to SET to get an idea of the to

...more

M

Mayank Singh

Beginner-Level 1

Answered a week ago

* Application Window: The application window for SET 2025 opened on December 6, 2024, and will remain open until April 12, 2025.

H

Hemant Kumar Swami

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 4 weeks ago

Questions on mathematics in the SET exam are based on Class 10 and Class 12 levels. The SET entrance is a popular BBA exam that the students can take after Class 12. The difficulty level of the SET exam is usually easy. The SET question paper is divided into four sections, i.e. General English, Quan

...more

14801983
Saumya Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

While a background in mathematics can be beneficial for cracking the SET exam, it is not an absolute requirement. The SET exam assesses candidates on various subjects related to language, general knowledge and reasoning, and mathematics is just one component of the syllabus.

Candidates from various a

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14801983
Saumya Jain

Contributor-Level 10