SET 2026 Most Expected Questions PDF with Solutions

SET 2026 Expected Questions

The SET exam tests you on two papers. Paper 1 is common for everyone and covers topics like teaching aptitude, research methodology, logical reasoning, data interpretation, reading comprehension, and general awareness about higher education in India. Paper 2 is subject-specific and goes deeper into the core concepts of your chosen discipline.

What makes SET different from other exams is that it does not just test what you know. It tests how well you can apply that knowledge in a limited time. Paper 1 may look easy on the surface, but many candidates lose marks here because they do not take it seriously. Do not make that mistake. Give equal time to both papers and solve previous year questions regularly. You will notice that certain question types repeat every year. That is your biggest clue on where to focus.

The difficulty level is moderate if you prepare with a plan. Most questions in Paper 1 are situational and conceptual rather than factual. For Paper 2, questions are a mix of core theory and application. Solve at least five previous year papers before the exam. Many questions repeat in similar forms and spotting that pattern early gives you a real edge.

SET 2026 Expected Questions PDF

Having a well-organised PDF of expected questions is one of the best things you can do for your preparation. It lets you study offline, go back to tough questions, and practice without getting distracted by the internet.

A good SET 2026 Expected Questions PDF should include topic-wise questions, previous year patterns, and solutions with clear explanations. Download it from reliable sources like the official SET state portal, the UGC website at ugcnetonline.in, NTA's website at nta.ac.in, or trusted platforms like Testbook and Adda247. If you study better with a pen in hand, print it out and treat it like your daily workbook. The key is not just downloading it but actually working through it every single day.

One habit that works really well is setting a timer when you practice from the PDF. Do not solve questions at a relaxed pace. Simulate exam pressure from day one. When you train under pressure, the real exam feels familiar rather than overwhelming.

SET 2026 Section-Wise Preparation Strategy

A section-wise plan stops you from drifting and keeps your prep focused. SET 2026 Paper 1 has several distinct sections and each one needs a different approach. Here is how to tackle each one.

Teaching Aptitude This section is not about memorising definitions. It is about understanding how learning works in a classroom. Read about different teaching methods, learner types, and factors that affect teaching effectiveness. Questions here are often situational, so practice thinking like a teacher, not just a student.

Research Aptitude Research Aptitude trips up many candidates because it feels abstract. Focus on the basic types of research, steps in the research process, variables, hypothesis formation, and sampling methods. Once you understand the logic behind research, these questions become straightforward. Do not skip this section, thinking it is too theoretical.

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation This is where speed matters most. Spend at least 20 minutes daily solving reasoning questions. series, coding-decoding, blood relations, and syllogisms. For data interpretation, practice reading bar graphs, pie charts, and tables quickly. The goal is to extract the right number in the least amount of time. Timed practice is non-negotiable here.

Reading Comprehension Read the question before reading the passage. It sounds small but it saves real time. Comprehension passages in SET are usually from education, science, or social topics. Read one editorial or article daily and try to summarise it in three lines. This habit builds both speed and understanding over time.

Communication and ICT These sections are relatively scoring if you prepare them once properly. Study basics of communication types, barriers, and classroom communication. For ICT, focus on computer fundamentals, internet basics, and their role in education. One week of focused reading is enough to cover this section well.

Environmental Studies Do not ignore this. Environmental Studies carries easy marks if you study it systematically. Cover pollution types, ecosystem basics, biodiversity, sustainable development, and climate change. Read from a standard reference and revise it every two weeks to keep it fresh.

Paper 2 — Your Subject Paper 2 is where you either win or lose the exam. Start by downloading the official UGC syllabus for your subject. Divide it into units and identify which ones carry the most weight. Spend 70 percent of your Paper 2 time on high-weightage units and 30 percent on revision. Make short notes as you go and revisit them every Sunday. Mock tests for Paper 2 are just as important as for Paper 1 — do not skip them.

Mock Tests and Final Revision Start SET mock tests six weeks before the exam. After every test, analyse where you lost marks and go back to that section. Do not just check your score — understand why you got a question wrong. That analysis is where real improvement happens. The last two weeks should be purely revision. No new topics, no new material. Trust what you have built and walk into the exam with confidence.

Question 1

16.67% of a number P is 14 more than 14.28% of the other number Q. If P:Q is 54:49 respectively, then find out the sum of P and Q.

A

721

B

761

C

759

D

None of the above.

Show Answer Explanation

Solution

If P:Q is 54:49 respectively.
Let’s assume P and Q are 54y and 49y respectively.
16.67% of a number P is 14 more than 14.28% of the other number Q.
⅙ of P = (1/7) of Q + 14
Put the value of P and Q in the above equation.
⅙ of 54y = (1/7) of 49y + 14
9y = 7y + 14
9y-7y = 14
2y = 14
y = 7
Sum of P and Q = P+Q
= 54y+49y
= 103y
= $$103\times7$$
= 721
Hence, option a is the correct answer.

correct answer:- 1

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Question 2

Metals A and B are mixed in the ratio 3:1 to obtain alloy X and 2:3 to obtain alloy Y. In what ratio must the 2 alloys be mixed if the concentration of metal A in the final mixture must be 50%?

A

2:3

B

3:5

C

2:5

D

2:7

Show Answer Explanation

Solution

Concentration of metal A in alloy X = 3/4 = 75%
Concentration of metal A in alloy Y = 2/5 = 40%
Let the 2 alloys be mixed in the ratio p:q.
(0.75p + 0.4q)/(p+q) = 0.5
0.75p + 0.4q = 0.5p + 0.5q
0.25p = 0.1q
p/q = 0.4
=> p/q = 2/5
Therefore, option C is the right answer.

correct answer:- 3

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Question 3

Raghuram sells his car at a profit of 20% and his bike at a loss of 20%. The cost price of the bike is 20% of the cost price of the car. What is the overall profit or loss percentage ?

A

16.66% profit

B

13.33% loss

C

16.66% loss

D

13.33% profit

Show Answer Explanation

Solution

Let cost price of car = 100/-

then CP of bike = 20% of 100 = 20/-

Cost price of car and bike = 100+20 = 120/-

SP of car = 1.2(100) = 120/-

SP of bike = (1-0.2)(20) = 16/-

SP of car and bike = 120+16 = 136/-

Profit = 136-120 = 16/-

Profit % = $$\frac{16}{120}\times 100 = 13.33$$%

So the answer is option D.

correct answer:- 4

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Question 4

DBS bank offers a compound interest of 15% p.a for the first year and 20% p.a for the second year. ABC bank provides a simple interest of x% p.a . Arjun invested the same amount in both the banks, two years in DBS bank and one year in ABC bank. The amount he received from both the banks was the same. Find x.

A

35

B

32

C

38

D

17.5

Show Answer Explanation

Solution

Since the amount on the same principle is same, the amount of interest should be same from both investments.
Interest earned in DBS = p[1.15]*[1.2] - p = 0.38p

Now, the interest in ABC = p * x/100

Equating both, we get x = 38

correct answer:- 3

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Question 5

A, B, C together can do a work in 16 days. If A and C can do the same work together in 24 days, find the time taken by B to complete the same work?

A

8 days

B

24 days

C

48 days

D

32 days

Show Answer Explanation

Solution

$$\frac{1}{A}+\frac{1}{B}+\frac{1}{C} = 1/16$$
$$\frac{1}{A}+\frac{1}{C} = 1/24$$
$$\frac{1}{B} = 1/16 - 1/24 = 1/48$$
B takes 48 days to complete the work.

correct answer:- 3

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Question 6

If Ajay drives at 50 km/hr, he reaches office at 10 AM and if he drives at 60 km/hr, he reaches office at 9:30 AM. At what speed should he drive to reach office at 9:00 AM ?

A

70 Km/hr

B

75 Km/hr

C

72 Km/hr

D

Can't be determined

Show Answer Explanation

Solution

Let the distance be "D".
And let the time taken for Ajay to reach office at 50 kmph be "t" hours.
Hence, it implies D = 50(t)

Now, it is said if he drives at 60 kmph, he reaches 30 mins (or) 0.5 hours earlier than before i.e at 9:30 am he reaches instead of 10 am .But the distance being same "D" .
Hence, Distance (D) = 60 (t - 0.5)

So equating both we get : 50 t = 60t - 30
This implies t = 3 hours & by substituting this "t" value in any one of the above , we get the value as D = 150 kms .

Therefore, if Ajay wants to reach by 9 am i.e (t-1) hrs = 2 hrs of time, then Speed = $$\dfrac{\ D}{2}$$ = 75 kmph.

correct answer:- 2

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Question 7

How many numbers between 4000 and 8000 can be formed by digits 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 0 where repetition of digits is not allowed ?

A

360

B

840

C

480

D

440

Show Answer Explanation

Solution

Between 4000 and 8000 means 1000th place must be either 4 or 5 or 7.
Hence, the thousand's place can be filled in 3 ways.
The remaining  three digits can be filled by in $$^6 P_3=120$$ ways
So, the total number of ways is 360

correct answer:- 1

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Question 8

How many passwords of 4 letters can be created using the letters A, J, K, L, M assuming no repetitions?

A

24

B

120

C

96

D

196

Show Answer Explanation

Solution

First, we need to select 4 letters from the 5 given letters and then arrange it.

Selecting 4 letters can be done in $$^5C_{4\ }$$ways= 5.

Arranging the 4 letters can be done in 4!= 24 ways.

Therefore, the passwords can be created in $$5\times\ 24=\ 120$$ ways.

correct answer:- 2