Maharashtra SET Exam (MH SET): Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility & More

The UGC conducts the National Educational Test (NET) for various subjects and, along with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), conducts combined tests for science subjects. Passing these tests qualifies candidates for a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and/or to become Assistant Professors. To address the high demand, the UGC has authorized State Governments or their agencies to conduct the State Eligibility Test (SET) for Assistant Professors.

According to these guidelines of the UGC, The Government of Maharashtra, Department of Higher and Technical Education & Department of Employment have nominated the University of Pune as the State Agency for conducting the Maharashtra State Eligibility Test(MH SET) for the Assistant Professor Post in Universities/Colleges of Maharashtra and Goa. It is a great Government Job Opportunity for teaching in Maharashtra and Goa. The MH SET consists of two papers. Paper-I is the same for all candidates, while Paper-II covers 32 different subjects from which candidates can choose. Table below shows the key highlights of the MH SET exam:

A candidate who clears the MH SET Exam is eligible to be appointed as an Assistant Professor in a university or an affiliated college, as long as they meet all UGC-prescribed qualifications and are selected by the appropriate Selection Committee. Unlike NET or UGC-CSIR Combined Test, MH SET qualifiers are only eligible for Assistant Professor positions, not for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). According to UGC guidelines, candidates who pass the SET after June 2002 can apply for Assistant Professor roles only in universities or colleges within the state where they give the MH SET Exam.

MH SET Exam Pattern

The MH SET Exam is divided in two papers and it is conducted offline in Objective Mode. Both the papers are held on the same day in two separate sessions.

Paper-I is a common exam for all candidate, designed to assess the teaching or research aptitude of the aspirant. It primarily tests the reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking and general awareness of the candidate. Paper-I consists of 50 objective type compulsory questions, two marks each.

Paper-I has 4 sets, labeled A, B, C, and D. Students must make sure that the code on their test booklet matches the code printed and shaded on their answer sheet (OMR sheet) for Paper-I.

Paper-II is a specialized exam of specific subjects, a total of 32 subjects are available in Paper-II which candidates select according to their expertise. It consists of 100 objective type questions, each question carries 2 marks. Candidates choose their subject while filling the MH SET Application Form.

In only Mathematical Science paper, candidates has to attempt all the 100 questions either from Sections I & II or from Sections I & III only. They cannot attempt questions from section II & section III together. The OMR sheets that will contain questions attempted from both sections II & III, will be rejected.

Paper-II for each subject also has 4 sets, labeled A, B, C, and D. Students must ensure that the code on their test booklet matches the code printed and shaded on their answer sheet (OMR sheet) for Paper-II.

Important Points to Remember for MH SET Exam

• Header part of the OMR sheet will be given to each candidate along with their Admit Card to practice writing and shading of seat no. and subject code for both Paper-I and Paper-2.
• No corrections are permitted in the OMR sheets. In case of corrections, the candidates will be responsible for their loss.
• The aspirants must return the original OMR sheet to the invigilator after the completion of each session. It is allowed for candidates to carry the Test Booklet of Paper-I and Paper-II along with their duplicate copy of the OMR sheets after the completion of the exam.
• As per UGC guidelines, there will be no re-evaluation/re-checking of the questions after MH SET Result. Therefore, candidates should not contact the nodal agency about this matter once the MH SET results are announced.

Syllabus for MH SET Exam

Candidates should review the entire MH SET syllabus to thoroughly prepare for the exam.

MH SET Paper-I Syllabus

The main objective of conducting the Paper-1 is to check the teaching and research aptitude proficiency of the candidates. Candidates should have cognitive skills, such as understanding, analyzing, evaluating, and reasoning abilities.

The candidates should also have a general understanding about teaching and learning processes in higher education system. Additionally, they should understand how people, the environment, and natural resources interact and how these interactions affect the quality of life.

The complete detailed syllabus for MH SET Exam Paper-I is provided in the table below:

NOTE: Five questions given from every unit carrying 2 marks each.

MH SET Paper-II Syllabus

The syllabus for MH SET Paper-II varies according to the subject chosen by the candidate. There are 32 different subjects available for the Paper-II. Here is a list of subjects that you can select in the MH SET Paper-II:

Here is the subject-wise complete syllabus: Detailed syllabus for MH SET Paper 2

MH SET Application Process

Candidates who want to give MH SET Exam must apply online only on following website: https://setexam.unipune.ac.in. You’re required to enter your details of any one of the following documents when you register for MH SET Exam online: PAN/Aadhar card / Voter Id/ Passport /Ration card/ Bank account or any other Govt. Identity.

Before applying Online, the candidates should have the scanned images as mentioned below:

It is important to check all the details like Important dates, Eligibility Criteria before filling up the online Application form for MH SET Exam. Candidates need to fill user registration form before filling the actual MH SET Application Form. First click on Apply Now link on Home page then create your username. After this you can fill up the online M-SET application form with your Registration ID & PASSWORD. The User ID & Password will also be mailed to you ID for your reference. It is necessary for the candidates to remember their Username and Password for future use.

Here is the step by step guide to apply for MH SET Exam:

• After completing your login using your registered ID & Password, click on “Fill Main Application Form” and fill all the information carefully as per given instructions.
• Once you complete filling all the details, you should check all information is correct or not and then click on the "Submit" button.
• After submitting your Application Form, their system will create a unique Application Number for your MH SET application.
• Now, You can upload your scanned photo and signature. Check both the images before uploading to the system.
• After uploading the images, candidates have to pay the examination fee according to your category either by debit/credit card or Internet Banking.
• After the successfull transaction, aspirants will be able to download their Online Application Form. It will be of two pages, first page will be of Application form details and second page will be of Online Payment Transaction Details. Check that you have taken printout of both pages.

Result Declaration of MH SET Exam

MH SET Results are generally declared by the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) after a few weeks of the completion of the examination. The SPPU declares the MH SET Result on their official website. Candidates are required to enter their login credentials in order to check their MH SET Result.

The procedure and criteria for declaring the MH SET results adhere to the guidelines specified in the UGC notification of February 2018.

Total qualifying slots:

The total slots for qualifying in MH SET in only the 6% of the total appeared candidates in both papers. That means only a minimum number of candidates are qualified.

Category-wise qualifying slots:

As per the reservation policy of the Maharashtra state total qualifying slots are allocated to the different categories.

Minimum marks required subject-wise & category-wise:

If candidates wants to be eligible for the Assistant Professor, they must have to be give both the papers & score at least 40% aggregate marks in both the papers together for General Category & at minimum 35% aggregate marks in both the papers together for all the aspirants belonging to the Reserved categories viz. ST/SC/OBC/DT(A), NT(B), NT(C), NT(D)/SBC, Orphans & PwD, as shown below:

Subject-wise qualifying slots for each category:

Subject-wise qualifying slots for each category are calculated by using the formula mentioned below:

For example: No. of qualifying slots for a subject Under General Category will be:

( No. of candidates who cleared the minimum eligibility in that subject under General category) X ( No. of slots available for General category ) / Total no. of candidates who cleared the minimum Eligibility in for subjects in General Category

Hence, the category & subject should be registered correctly while filling the online application form.

Qualifying cutoff % aggregate marks subject-wise, category-wise:

A merit list of candidates who meet the minimum eligibility criteria is prepared for each subject and category. The percentage of aggregate marks corresponding to the number of qualifying slots for a particular subject and category determines the qualifying cutoff percentage of aggregate marks, both subject-wise and category-wise.

Number of candidates qualified subject-wise, category-wise:

The number of candidates who scored marks in both papers, when combined and meeting or exceeding the qualifying cutoff percentage of aggregate marks for a particular subject and category, determines the number of qualified candidates for each subject and category.

MH SET Eligibility Criteria

Relaxation eligibility conditions and qualifying criteria follow UGC notifications, but the qualifying slots are determined by Maharashtra State's reservation policy. Eligibility Criterias for MH SET Exam are mentioned below:

• There is no upper age limit for applying.
• Candidates must have a UGC-recognized Master’s Degree in a SET subject. Postgraduate diplomas/certificates from Indian or foreign institutions must be verified for equivalence by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
• General category candidates need at least 55% marks, and reserved categories (OBC/SBC/DT(VJ)/NT [non-creamy layer], SC/ST, Transgender, PwD, Orphans) need at least 50% marks in their Master’s or equivalent examination. Reserved category candidates must have a valid certificate from the Government of Maharashtra and Goa.
• First-year Master’s students and those in the initial semesters of their course are ineligible. Candidates pursuing or awaiting results for their Master’s degree can apply provisionally and must meet the required marks within two years of the MH SET result to qualify.
• Only candidates from Maharashtra and Goa can avail reservation benefits. Candidates from other states must apply under the General category to avoid disqualification.
• Candidates must choose their postgraduate subject or a related/equivalent subject if not listed.
• No certificates/documents are required during application, but eligibility must be ensured.
• Candidates who have already qualified for MH SET in a subject cannot reappear in the same subject, with violations resulting in legal action.
• Candidates with an M.Sc. by PPPR/Research are not eligible.
• The SET Nodal Agency does not issue mark sheets. Employers can verify MH SET results online. Qualified candidates receive an e-certificate based on their application information.

Preparation Tips for MH SET Exam

• Understand the syllabus thoroughly.
• Focus on time management and accuracy.
• Keep updated with current affairs, especially related to education and technology.
• Practice previous years' question papers and mock tests. MH SET PYP

Similarities between UGC NET Exam & MH SET Exam

• Objective: Both exams are designed to determine eligibility for the Assistant Professor role and award Junior Research Fellowships
• Conducting Bodies: UGC NET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), while the Maharashtra SET is conducted by the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU).
• Syllabus: The syllabus for both exams is quite similar. Both cover various subjects in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Commerce, and Sciences. Paper I tests teaching and research aptitude in both exams, while Paper II is subject-specific.
• Exam Pattern: Both exams have multiple-choice questions (MCQs). They consist of two papers:
  • Paper I: General paper on teaching and research aptitude.
  • Paper II: Subject-specific paper based on the candidate's chosen subject
• Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility criteria regarding educational qualifications (Master’s degree with a minimum percentage of marks) are similar for both exams.

Tips for Preparing for Both UGC NET & MH SET Exams Simultaneously

• Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus:
  • Carefully review the syllabus and exam pattern for UGC NET and MH SET Exams. Since the syllabus overlaps significantly, this will make your preparation easy.
• Focus on Paper I:
  • Paper I is common to both exams and focuses on teaching and research aptitude. Develop a strong foundation in this section to help in both exams.
  • Topics include teaching aptitude, research aptitude, reading comprehension, communication, reasoning (including mathematical), logical reasoning, data interpretation, information and communication technology (ICT), people and environment, and higher education system.
• Subject-Specific Preparation:
  • Choose your subject for Paper II and focus on it thoroughly. Since the subject content for Paper II in both exams is largely the same, a single preparation strategy will suffice.
  • Use UGC NET study materials, question papers from previous years, and mock tests for your subject.
• Time Management:
  • Create a study timetable that allocates specific times for preparation for Paper I and Paper II.
  • Divide your time efficiently to cover the entire syllabus and leave ample time for revision.
• Practice and Revision:
  • Practice previous years' question papers and take mock tests for both exams to understand the actual exam environment.
  • Regular revision is crucial. Make summary notes for quick revision.

Also Read: TS SET Exam