Difference Between NET and SET Exam - Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Eligibility

Read to know the difference between NET and SET exam and which is better?. Also, compare the syllabus, exam pattern, and eligibility criteria.

What is the difference between NET and SET exams? While trying to choose a lecturer as a career, aspirants often get confused about this particular question. Taking up a job as a lecturer is not easy; it is amongst one of the highest forms of selfless jobs. Not everyone is fit to devote all their time and patience to building the careers of others.

However, those who want to pursue one such career must be well-versed in the distinct area of learning. The universities that employ lecturers always choose the best from the queue. Therefore, there are two exams, i.e. NET and SET, that the aspiring teachers take to engage for lectureship. Nevertheless, the question arises: what is the difference between NET and SET exams?. The basic difference between both is that a national-level exam and the other is a state-level exam.

The UGC conceptualizes both exams. However, both the exam scores are accepted by all the leading universities. Although, there are differences in the frequency of the exam. Moreover, to apply for this examination, the candidate should have completed their PG degree or Ph.D.

What is the Difference Between the NET and SET Exams?
Difference Between NET and SET Exam Syllabus
Difference Between NET and SET Exam Eligibility
What is the Difference Between NET and SET Exam Pattern?
What is the Difference Between NET and SET Exam and Which is Better?

What is the Difference Between the NET and SET Exams?

The primary difference between NET and SET exams is a national-level examination. At the same time, the other is a state-level exam. Although the candidates' must know what is the purpose and scope of each examination.

NET (National Eligibility Test) - NET is conducted as per the guidelines of UGC. This exam facilitates candidates to further build a career in Lectureship and for the award of Junior Research Fellowship. However, it is a national-level examination, and only deserving candidates are eligible.

NTA conducts CSIR NET. In contrast, ICAR NET, or the Indian Council of Agriculture Research National Eligibility Test is conducted by Agriculture Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB). Moreover, UGC NET and CSIR NET are organized twice every year, and ASRB is conducted once every year. Therefore, all the applicants who qualify for the examinations can apply to become lecturers all over the country.

SET (State Eligibility Test) - SET is a state-level examination conducted under the University Grant Commission (UGC) guidelines. It is conducted once every year. SET is a gateway for deserving candidates to apply for lectureship and junior research fellowships. Although, candidates can only apply for universities run under the state.

Furthermore, here is a list of state-organized SET exams:

State-Wise SET Exam
West Bengal State Eligibility Test (WB SET)	Chhattisgarh State Eligibility Test (CG SET)	Himachal Pradesh State Eligibility Test (HP SET)
Jammu & Kashmir State Eligibility Test (JK SET)	Assam State Level Eligibility Test (Assam SLET)	Madhya Pradesh State Eligibility Test (MP SET)
Gujarat State Eligibility Test (GSET)	Maharashtra State Eligibility Test (MH SET)/ UNIPUNE SET	Rajasthan State Eligibility Test (RSET)
Telangana State Eligibility Test (TSSET)	Tamil Nadu State Eligibility Test (TNSET)	Kerala State Eligibility Test (Kerala SET)
Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET)	Andhra Pradesh State Eligibility Test (APSET)	Uttarakhand State Eligibility Test (USET)

Difference Between NET and SET Exam Syllabus

The major difference between the NET and Set exam is the syllabus. As we already know, the NET examination is national-level; therefore, it is carried at a wide level and for 81 subjects. While the SET examination is administered at the state level, the state determines the subjects.

NET and SET Syllabus - Difference
NET	SET
NET is organised on a broad scale, and only 5% of the total candidates appearing is estimated to clear it.	The percentage of candidates clearing SET is comparatively higher than NET.
Conducted twice a year	Conducted once every year
The qualifying candidates for NET can appeal for teaching in any college in the country.	The qualified candidates can only apply to particular state-owned colleges/ universities for teaching.
All the NET qualifying candidates are awarded Junior Fellowships	Candidates are awarded Junior Fellowship if they have passed the SET and applied for the same during the application registration.

Difference Between NET and SET Exam Eligibility

Certainly, there are specific criteria on which the selection process is conducted. However, every aspiring candidate is expected to abide by the guidelines and eligibility criteria.

NET and SET Eligibility Criteria
NET		SET
UGC NET	There is a need to score at least 55% of marks for unreserved category candidates and 50% score for candidates from reserved category in any post-graduation subject recognised by UGC. Thirty years is the age barrier for Junior Research Fellowship. There is no age boundary for Lectureship.	Candidates who have achieved their master or post-graduation or parallel from the University Grant Commission (UGC) can appeal for the SET exam. However, there is no age restriction.
CSIR NET	There is a need to score at least 55% of marks for unreserved category candidates and 50% marks for candidates from reserved category in any post-graduation subject recognised by UGC. Age restriction for Junior Research Fellowship is 28 years. Although, there is no age boundary for Lectureship.
ASRB NET	A Masters degree is mandatory for the subject opted for lectureship or JRF. Additionally, there is no age restriction on applying.

What is the Difference Between NET and SET Exam Pattern?

The NET and SET exam patterns are slightly different, with one being national-level while the other is state-level. While appearing for both exams, one common thing is that the candidates need to be well versed in their particular field. Both the exams will strain the wisdom of candidates and only then offer lectureship or JRF. However, NET is harder to crack.

NET and SET Exam Pattern
NET		SET
UGC NET	UGC NET is divided into two Papers, I and II. Both have to be completed in three hours. Paper I carries 100 marks, and Paper-II carries 200 marks. There is no negative marking.	The SET exam consists of two papers, i.e. I and II. Based on the state authority, the exam may be conducted in one single stretch or two sessions on the same day. The total count of questions is 150, and the marks are 300. However, there is no negative marking.
CSIR NET	The questions are divided into three sections in a single paper: A, B, and C. The complete span of the exam is three hours. CSIR NET is carried for 200 marks. The division of marks and negative marking varies from paper to paper.
ASRB NET	All the questions are MCQ type in a single paper. The total mark is 150. Marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.

What is the Difference Between NET and SET Exam and Which is Better?

There are certain contrasts among the NET and SET exams which we have discussed earlier in this article. Both NET and SET are important for aspirants who are aiming for lectureship and Junior Research Fellowship. However, NET is considered difficult compared to SET. Therefore, candidates preparing for NET can also appear for SET.

Additionally, this depends on the choice of candidates. They can apply for both at the same time with adequate preparation. Both NET and SET will offer a value-oriented career. Also, the syllabus is quite similar. Also, the syllabus is quite similar. Although, candidates should be thoroughly prepared and have an in-depth understanding of their field of study.

Moreover, SET was initiated as the level of NET was quite high, and the medium of answering was not quite flexible. To bring balance, SET started. Candidates appearing for SET can opt for their choice of language along with questions in English. NET questions are mostly organised in English and a few selected regional languages.