Rajasthan SET 2026: Exam Date, Syllabus & Application Details

Here’s the big news for aspiring academics in Rajasthan: the official notification for the Rajasthan SET 2026Rajasthan is out, and the clock is ticking. If you’re aiming to become an Assistant Professor or secure a Junior Research Fellowship, you need to pay attention now.

The University of Kota, which conducts the exam, has set a strict timeline. Online applications open on June 14, 2026, and close on July 15, 2026. The written exam itself is scheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2026. That gives candidates roughly two months to prepare their paperwork and brush up on their subject knowledge before sitting for the test.

Application Process: What You Need to Know

Getting your application in is straightforward, but there are specific steps you can’t skip. You’ll need to apply online through either the official University of Kota website or the Rajasthan SSO (Single Sign-On) Portal. If you don’t already have an SSO ID, you’ll need to create one during the registration process—it’s the state’s digital identity credential for accessing various government services.

Once logged in, look for the link labeled "SET-2026." From there, it’s a seven-step journey:

• Register with your personal details if new to the portal.
• Fill in the online form with academic and category information.
• Upload documents and photos in the specified formats (usually JPEG/PDF).
• Pay the application fee online. The amount varies by category—General/SBC/OBC (Creamy Layer) candidates typically pay more than EWS or Non-Creamy Layer applicants.
• Submit the form and download the confirmation page. Keep this safe; it’s your proof of submission.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Server traffic tends to spike as the deadline approaches, and technical glitches can happen. It’s smarter to get it done early.

Exam Pattern: Two Papers, One Session

The structure of the Rajasthan SET 2026 is designed to test both your general aptitude and deep subject expertise. The exam consists of two papers—Paper I and Paper II—conducted together in a single three-hour session. There is no break between them, so stamina matters as much as knowledge.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Paper I: 50 questions on General Teaching & Research Aptitude. This includes reasoning, comprehension, and research methodology. It’s qualifying in nature, meaning you just need to clear a minimum threshold.
• Paper II: 100 questions on your chosen subject. This is where the real merit list is decided. It tests in-depth knowledge of your discipline.

In total, you’ll face 150 multiple-choice questions worth 300 marks. Each correct answer earns you 2 marks. Crucially, there is no negative marking. This means you should attempt every question. Guessing won’t penalize you, so leave no question blank.

Syllabus and Subject Coverage

The syllabus for Rajasthan SET 2026 closely mirrors that of the national-level UGC NET and CSIR NET exams. This alignment is helpful if you’ve been preparing for those tests. The exam covers 35 subjects across major disciplines, including Humanities, Commerce, Social Sciences, Languages, Management, Computer Science, Education, and Science.

For example, if you’re appearing for Chemical Science, Paper II will cover branches like Physical Chemistry (Thermodynamics, Quantum Chemistry), Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry. Educational platforms like Physics Wallah and Adda247 offer detailed subject-wise PDFs that can guide your preparation. Make sure you download the official syllabus for your specific subject from the University of Kota’s website to ensure you’re studying the right topics.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you generally need a Master’s degree in the relevant subject with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories). For Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), age limits may apply, usually between 18 and 35 years, though relaxations exist for certain groups. Always check the official notification for the most accurate and updated eligibility rules, as these can change slightly each year.