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SET Paper 1 Exam Pattern

Manoj Gunjal
Author | Updated On Nov 12, 2026
The SET (State Eligibility Test) Paper 1 is a common paper conducted across various states in India to assess candidates’ teaching and research aptitude. Whether you are preparing for MH-SET, AP-SET, KSET, or any other State SET exam, the Paper 1 exam pattern remains largely consistent, as it follows the guidelines similar to UGC NET Paper 1.


SET Paper 1 is designed to test general teaching and research aptitude of candidates. It is mandatory for all aspirants irrespective of their subject specialization.

  • Exam Mode: Offline (OMR-based) or CBT (varies by state)
  • Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Medium: English & Regional Language (depending on state)
  • Purpose: Evaluate reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness
SET Paper 1 Exam Pattern
SET Paper 1 Marking Scheme
The marking scheme is uniform across most State SET exams:

Particulars
Details
Total Questions
50
Total Marks
100
Marks per Question
2 Marks
Negative Marking
No
  • Each correct answer carries 2 marks
  • No penalty for wrong answers
  • Unattempted questions receive 0 marks
Duration of SET Paper 1
  1. Total Duration: 1 Hour (60 Minutes)
  2. Paper 1 is usually conducted along with Paper 2 in a single session
  3. Total duration for both papers combined is typically 3 hours
Mode of Examination
While the structure remains the same, the mode of examination may vary:
  • Offline Mode (OMR Based): Common in MH-SET, WB-SET
  • Online Mode (CBT): Used in some states like KSET or AP-SET
  • Language Options: English + regional language (Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, etc.)
Preparation Tips Based on Exam Pattern
  1. Focus on conceptual topics rather than rote learning
  2. Practice previous year question papers
  3. Improve reading speed for comprehension section
  4. Solve mock tests regularly
  5. Revise ICT and Higher Education topics frequently

Some Frequently Asked Questions

SET Paper 1 consists of 50 multiple-choice questions.

No, there is no negative marking in any State SET Paper 1 exam.

The duration is 1 hour (60 minutes).

All questions are objective type (MCQs) based on teaching and research aptitude.

Yes, Paper 1 is mandatory for all candidates regardless of subject.

All sections are important, but Teaching Aptitude, Reasoning, and Data Interpretation are scoring areas.