SET Exam Application Fees & Payment Methods Explained
Understanding the SET exam application fees is a crucial first step for aspirants planning to appear for the Symbiosis Entrance Test. Every year, candidates face confusion around the SET application fee 2026, programme-wise charges, and accepted SET exam payment methods, leading to incomplete registrations or failed transactions. Since fee payment is mandatory to validate the SET application form, even a small mistake can result in rejection.
This blog clearly explains the SET exam fee structure, payment options, and key rules, helping candidates complete the registration process smoothly and without errors.
What Is the SET Exam? (Brief Overview)
The Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) is a university-level entrance exam conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed University) for admission to undergraduate programmes like BBA, BCA, Economics, Media, and related courses. SET is a computer-based test held annually across multiple cities in India.
To appear for the exam, candidates must complete the online registration process and pay the SET exam application fees within the deadline. Only applications with successful payment of the SET exam fee are considered valid for admission.
SET Exam Application Fees 2026: Complete Breakdown
The SET exam application fees are fixed by Symbiosis International (Deemed University). They must be paid online or via Demand Draft to complete registration. The fee structure applies uniformly to all candidates, irrespective of category.
Fee Component | Amount |
SET Entrance Test Fee (per test) | ₹2,250 + applicable taxes |
Programme Registration Fee (per institute) | ₹1,000 |
Category-wise concession | Not applicable |
Refund policy | Non-refundable & non-transferable |
Candidates appearing on a single test date must pay ₹2,250. In contrast, those opting for both test dates must pay the SET application fee 2026 separately for each attempt. In addition, the SET registration fee of ₹1,000 per institute is mandatory for candidates applying to Symbiosis colleges.
The application remains incomplete unless both the SET exam fee payment and programme fee are successfully processed.
SET Exam Payment Methods Explained
Candidates can pay the SET exam application fee using multiple secure payment options available on the official SET portal. Symbiosis offers both online and offline payment modes to ensure accessibility for all applicants.
Online SET Exam Payment Methods
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- Net Banking
Online payments are processed through authorised payment gateways and provide instant confirmation, making them the most preferred option for completing the SET exam fee payment.
Offline Payment Method
- Demand Draft (DD)
Candidates opting for offline payment must generate a Demand Draft in favour of Symbiosis Test Secretariat, payable at Pune. This method is useful for students without access to digital banking but requires careful handling and timely dispatch.
Irrespective of the chosen mode, candidates must ensure payment of both the SET application fee 2026 and the programme registration fee. Without a valid payment confirmation, the SET registration form is considered incomplete.
Step-by-Step: How to Pay SET Application Fees Online
Paying the SET exam application fees online is the fastest and safest method to complete registration. Candidates should follow the official process carefully to avoid transaction errors.
Steps to Pay the SET Exam Fee Online
Step | Action |
1 | Log in to the SET candidate portal using your SET ID |
2 | Select test date(s) and preferred Symbiosis institute(s) |
3 | Proceed to the payment gateway |
4 | Choose Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking |
5 | Complete the transaction and save the receipt |
After successful payment of the SET exam fee, candidates receive a confirmation email. It is essential to save the transaction ID and payment receipt, as proof of fee payment may be required during the admit card download or admission stages.
Demand Draft (DD) Payment for SET Exam: Detailed Process
Candidates who cannot use online payment options may pay the SET exam application fees through Demand Draft (DD). This offline method must be completed carefully to avoid rejection.
Demand Draft Payment Guidelines
Requirement | Details |
DD payable to | Symbiosis Test Secretariat |
Payable at | Pune |
Amount | ₹2,250 per test + ₹1,000 per institute |
Submission mode | Courier/Post with payment advice form |
Candidates must select “DD Payment” on the SET portal, print the payment advice form, and send it along with the Demand Draft to the Symbiosis Test Secretariat before the deadline.
The SET exam fee payment is confirmed only after verification by the authorities. Admit cards are issued only after successful DD confirmation.
Important Fee-Related Rules & Common Mistakes to Avoid
While paying the SET exam application fees, candidates must strictly adhere to the official rules to avoid registration issues. Both the SET application fee 2026 and programme registration fee are mandatory for form submission. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, even if a candidate skips the exam. Payment failures, incorrect DD details, or last-day transactions can result in incomplete applications.
Candidates should also avoid selecting institutes without paying the programme fee, as such applications are rejected. Always save proof of payment for the SET exam fee for future reference.
Is the SET Exam Fee Refundable?
No, the SET exam application fees are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable. This applies to both the SET application fee 2026 and the programme registration fee paid per institute.
- Even if a candidate does not appear for the exam, withdraws the application, or is unable to attend further selection rounds, the SET exam fee payment is not refunded under any circumstances.
How Tarkashastra Helps SET Aspirants with the Application Process?
Completing the SET registration correctly is as important as exam preparation. At Tarkashastra, SET aspirants receive structured guidance on the SET exam application fees, payment timelines, and institute selection to avoid costly errors.
- Our mentors help students understand the SET application fee 2026, clarify test-wise and programme-wise charges, and ensure accurate form submission. Beyond registration support, Tarkashastra provides SET-focused preparation, mock tests aligned with the official exam pattern, and one-on-one mentoring.
This integrated approach ensures students stay focused on performance while confidently handling the technical aspects of the SET exam fee payment process.
Reference to Previous Related Blog Posts
Candidates looking for complete clarity beyond the SET exam application fees can explore related guides for better preparation and planning. These resources complement the fee and payment details explained above and help aspirants stay exam-ready.
- What After SET Exam? PI Process & Next Steps
- SET vs CUET: Key Differences, Difficulty & College Options
These blogs together provide end-to-end guidance for SET aspirants.
Conclusion: Final Checklist Before Paying SET Fees
Before completing the SET exam application fees payment, candidates should verify their selected test date, institute preferences, and total payable amount. Ensure both the SET application fee 2026 and programme registration fee are paid successfully. Always save the payment receipt and transaction ID for future reference.
Avoid last-minute payments to prevent technical issues. Understanding the SET exam fee structure and using the correct SET exam payment methods ensures a smooth registration process and allows candidates to focus entirely on exam preparation.
FAQs: SET Exam Application Fees & Payment Methods
1. What is the SET exam application fee for 2026?
The SET exam application fee is ₹2,250 per test, plus applicable government taxes.
2. Is the SET application fee the same for all categories?
Yes, the SET application fee is the same for all categories: General, SC, ST, and others.
3. What is the programme registration fee in SET?
Candidates must pay a mandatory programme registration fee of ₹ 1,000 per institute.
4. Do I need to pay the programme fee if I apply to multiple institutes?
Yes, ₹1,000 must be paid separately for each Symbiosis institute selected.
5. What are the accepted SET exam payment methods?
Credit card, debit card, net banking, and Demand Draft (DD) are accepted.
6. Is Demand Draft payment allowed for SET exam fees?
Yes, DD payment is allowed in favour of Symbiosis Test Secretariat, payable at Pune.
7. Is the SET exam fee refundable?
No, both the SET exam fee and programme registration fee are non-refundable.
8. What happens if the SET fee payment fails?
If payment is unsuccessful, the application remains incomplete and is rejected.
9. Can I appear for both SET test dates?
Yes, but you must pay the SET exam application fee separately for each test.
10. Is my SET registration valid without fee payment?
No, registration is valid only after successful payment confirmation.
