Symbiosis Entrance Test Mass Communication Detailed Preparation Strategy

The Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) is conducted by the Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication every year. The students who wish to have a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, should appear for the test. The SET exam pattern will help you in having a better preparation pace. So, it’s important for you to get an idea about it. 

Symbiosis Entrance Test Pattern 

The Symbiosis Entrance Test pattern is relatively simple. There is no negative marking in the exam. The exam has 150 questions for 1 mark each, making the total of 150 itself. The questions are MCQ based. The exam duration is 2.5 hours. There are 4 sections in the exam. The section-wise breakup is stated as follows: 

While attempting the Symbiosis Entrance Test, try and maximise your score by attempting the questions with precision. 

Overall Preparation Strategy 

The Symbiosis Entrance Test includes a diverse set of questions. Therefore, to get a good portion of them covered, here are some general preparation tips for the exam. 

1. Time-based Preparation

The Symbiosis Entrance Test is a time based paper. There are 150 questions to be attempted in 150 minutes. On an average, you have one minute per question. Hence, your preparation should be similar. While practising, try to put a timer with you. Give yourself less than 1 minute to solve each question. 

2. Newspaper Reading 

Take the newspaper reading as an activity. Don’t burden yourself with the idea of reading the paper. You can either begin or end your day with reading the newspaper. Also, you need not go through the whole paper. The latest news, important dates, events, awards etc. should be covered. 

3. 3 Step Preparation

It is advised to break your syllabus and opt for a 3 step preparation. In the first step, you should consider finishing the syllabus. Distribute the syllabus on a monthly basis. In the next step, try and focus on topics like vocabulary and reasoning. The final step should be a complete run through of revision. Also, add a regular practice of the weak areas.  

Section-wise Preparation strategy

As a student, you need specifications for all sections of the Symbiosis Entrance Test to prepare. So, let’s discuss the preparation strategy for the exam. 

1. General English 

There are 40 questions in the Symbiosis Entrance Test and the level is generally in between easy and moderate. If you are thorough with the language usage, there will be less difficulty. 29-32 marks will be considered as a good score in this section. 

Preparation strategy:

The maximum questions can be expected from the vocabulary portion. Hence, you should do it on a regular basis. Comprehensions can either be done on alternate days or on the weekends. Try and practice a good number of fill-ups. 

Booklist: 

• Wren and Martin
• Pearson’s English 

2. Quantitative Aptitude 

Out of the 40 questions, you’re good if you manage a score of 30-35. The level of questions of the Symbiosis Entrance Test is moderate. 

Preparation strategy:

Try and form shortcuts for applications of topics like percentage, ratio and proportion, time, speed, distance etc. But, at the same time, do not compromise on the quality. There is no point in solving the question in 30 seconds, if it is wrong. 

Booklist: 

• Quantitative Aptitude – RS Aggarwal 
• Shortcuts in Quantitative Aptitude 

3. General Awareness

40 questions will be a part of this section of the Symbiosis Entrance Test. The level may vary from moderate to difficult. If you are able to get a score of 22-25, it is good. Guess work doesn’t always help in this section. 

Preparation strategy:

Give a quick reading to the newspaper. You can also take help of the online portals to read the daily highlights. You can make notes if you want. If you don’t feel like making notes, try getting your hands on the magazines discussing current and important issues.  

Booklist: 

• Manorama YearBook
• India YearBook
• Pratiyogita Darshan 

4. Analytical and Logical Reasoning 

This section of the Symbiosis Entrance Test has 30 questions. With regular practice and applying tricks, you can manage a score of 24-28 marks. The level ranges from easy to moderate. 

Preparation strategy:

Maximum questions may be expected from verbal reasoning. This can be followed by the arrangement questions and missing digit questions. Try and devote 1-1.5 hours everyday to practice reasoning. 

Booklist: 

• RS Aggarwal – A modern approach to modern reasoning
• Arun Sharma – How to prepare for logical reasoning 

The Symbiosis Entrance Test can be cracked with consistent and managed efforts. Now is the moment, when you need to begin – without any second thoughts and with full confidence. If you are interested, you can also check out the article SET Mass Communication Syllabus and Best Source Materials.