If you are a post-graduate student from Maharashtra or Goa dreaming of becoming an Assistant Professor, the wait for the MH SET 2026 (42nd Edition) is likely testing your patience. With February 2026 already here, the buzz around the official notification from Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has reached its peak.
Let’s clear the confusion first: This article is strictly about the Maharashtra State Eligibility Test (MH-SET) for the post of Assistant Professor, conducted by SPPU. Please do not confuse this with the Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) for undergraduate admissions. If you want to clear the eligibility for lectureship in Maharashtra and Goa universities, you are at the right place.
Science Stream Aspirant? While you prepare for MH SET, don’t miss the national-level opportunity. Check CSIR NET June 2026 Notification & Dates here.
📅 Quick Answer: MH SET 2026 Snapshot
Based on the SPPU annual calendar and previous exam cycles, here is the tentative schedule:
| Exam Name | MH SET (Maharashtra State Eligibility Test) |
| Conducting Body | Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) |
| Notification Expected | Last Week of February 2026 |
| Exam Date (Expected) | April 2026 (2nd or 3rd Sunday) |
| Official Website | setexam.unipune.ac.in |
MH SET Exam Date 2026: Why April?
Historically, the SET department of Pune University prefers conducting this exam in the first half of the year, specifically in April. This allows the university to declare results by June-July, aligning perfectly with the new academic hiring season for colleges.
Trend Analysis of Previous Years:
| Cycle Name | Notification Date | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| 39th MH-SET | January 12 | April 07 |
| 40th MH-SET | January End | April Mid |
| 41st/42nd MH-SET (2026) | Feb 2026 (Expected) | April 2026 (Expected) |
Since the notification hasn’t been released in January this year, we strongly anticipate a late February announcement with the examination scheduled for April 2026. Candidates should start their preparation immediately as the gap between notification and exam is usually less than 60 days.
MH SET Eligibility Criteria 2026 (Age Limit & Domicile)
Before filling out the application form, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility standards set by the UGC and SPPU. The criteria are strictly followed, and no relaxation is given outside the mentioned rules.
1. Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree recognized by the UGC. The percentage requirement differs by category:
- General / EWS / Orphan: Minimum 55% marks (without rounding off).
- SC / ST / OBC / SBC / DT(A) / NT(B/C/D) / PwD / Transgender: Minimum 50% marks (without rounding off).
Note: If you have 54.99%, you are NOT eligible under the General category. Rounding off is not permitted.
Are you in the first or second year of your Master’s? You CAN apply under the “Result Awaited” category. However, you must submit your final mark sheet with the required percentage within 2 years from the date of the SET result declaration.
2. The “Domicile Rule” (Read Carefully)
MH SET is a state-level examination specifically for Maharashtra and Goa. This leads to a common question: “Can students from other states apply?”
Yes, students from other states (MP, Gujarat, Karnataka, etc.) can apply, BUT there is a catch regarding reservation.
Candidates from states other than Maharashtra and Goa will be treated as General Category (Open), regardless of their caste (SC/ST/OBC) in their home state. Reservation benefits are exclusively for Maharashtra and Goa domicile holders.
3. Age Limit
Unlike the JRF exam, there is NO Upper Age Limit for the MH SET examination. Candidates can apply at any age to secure the eligibility for Assistant Professor.
MH SET Application Form 2026: Steps to Apply
The application process is entirely online. Once the link is active on setexam.unipune.ac.in, follow these steps:
- Registration: Create a User Profile using a valid email ID and password.
- Fill Application: Enter personal details, educational qualifications, and select your subject carefully (from the list of 32 subjects).
- Upload Photos: Upload scanned passport photo and signature (Max 50KB).
- Payment: Pay the examination fee via Credit/Debit Card or Internet Banking.
Expected Application Fee:
| Category | Fee (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Open / General | ₹ 800/- |
| SC / ST / OBC / PwD (Maharashtra/Goa Only) | ₹ 650/- |
Planning for a PhD after clearing SET? Check the latest PhD Admission Forms here.
MH SET Exam Pattern 2026 (No Negative Marking)
The MH SET examination is conducted in Offline Mode (OMR Based). Unlike many other competitive exams, there is a significant advantage here: There is NO Negative Marking.
The exam consists of two papers held in a single session without any break between them.
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I (General Aptitude) |
50 Compulsory | 100 Marks | 1 Hour |
| Paper II (Subject Specific) |
100 Compulsory | 200 Marks | 2 Hours |
| Total | 150 Questions | 300 Marks | 3 Hours |
Since there is No Negative Marking, you must attempt all 150 questions. Even if you are unsure about an answer in Paper 1 or Paper 2, make a calculated guess. Leaving a question blank is a missed opportunity.
MH SET Syllabus 2026 PDF (Subject Wise)
The syllabus for MH SET is identical to the UGC NET / CSIR NET syllabus. If you are already preparing for the National Eligibility Test, you do not need to study anything extra for the State Eligibility Test.
- Paper I (Common for All): Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Comprehension, Communication, Mathematical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, ICT, People & Environment, and Higher Education System.
- Paper II (Subject Specific): Covers the entire Master’s degree curriculum of your chosen subject.
List of Major Subjects (Total 32):
The exam is conducted in 32 subjects including Marathi, English, Hindi, History, Economics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Defence & Strategic Studies, Home Science, Library & Information Science, Journalism, Social Work, Public Administration, Mathematical Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Physical Science, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, Geography, Computer Science & Application, Electronic Science, Forensic Science, Commerce, Management, Law, Education, and Physical Education.
MH SET Passing Criteria & Cut Off Marks
Simply scoring high marks is not enough. You must first clear the minimum eligibility threshold to be considered for the merit list. According to UGC guidelines, the qualifying criteria are:
| Category | Minimum Aggregate Marks Required (Paper I + II) |
|---|---|
| Open / EWS / Orphan | 40% Aggregate |
| SC / ST / OBC / DT / NT / SBC / PwD | 35% Aggregate |
Note: Clearing this 40% or 35% does not guarantee you will pass. Only the Top 6% of candidates who appear in both papers will be declared qualified for Assistant Professor.
Important Links for MH SET 2026
Here are the direct official links. Bookmark these for quick access.
| Resource | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (Official Portal) | Click Here |
| Download Syllabus (Subject Wise) | Download PDF |
| Previous Year Question Papers | Download Old Papers |
⚠️ Note: Since the SPPU website uses dynamic sessions, if the Syllabus or Paper link shows an error, please visit the Home Page directly and navigate from the menu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there negative marking in MH SET 2026?
No, there is absolutely no negative marking in the MH SET exam. Candidates are advised to attempt all questions in both Paper I and Paper II.
2. Can final year MSc students apply for MH SET?
Yes, candidates in the first or second year of their Master’s degree can apply under the “Result Awaited” category. They must submit their passing certificate within 2 years.
3. Can other state candidates apply for MH SET?
Yes, candidates from other states can apply, but they will be considered under the General (Open) category. Reservation benefits are only for Maharashtra and Goa domicile holders.
4. What is the expected date for MH SET 2026?
Based on previous trends, the notification is expected in late February 2026, and the exam is likely to be conducted in April 2026.
Conclusion
The MH SET 2026 is your gateway to a prestigious career as an Assistant Professor in Maharashtra and Goa. With the exam expected in April, the time is ripe to start your preparation. Focus on Paper I as it is the scoring key, and ensure you revise your subject core thoroughly.
Keep visiting ResearchPhD.in for the latest updates on the official notification release.
Shyam Giri is the Founder and Lead Editor at ResearchPhD.in. With a deep understanding of the Indian higher education landscape, Shyam specializes in decoding complex PhD admission processes, UGC NET strategies, and academic career planning. His mission is to empower students with authentic, research-backed information to help them secure their seats in top universities.