Introduction
Every engineering aspirant reaches a moment of reckoning — the entrance exam. You’ve worked hard through Class 11 and 12, survived the chaos of boards, and now you’re staring at yet another exam that could shape the next four years of your life. If Symbiosis Institute of Technology is on your list, then understanding the Symbiosis SET Syllabus Engineering is not just important — it’s the very first step toward cracking it. And the good news? It’s far more manageable than you think.
The SITEEE 2026 exam is designed around the CBSE Class 11 and 12 curriculum, which means you’re not learning something entirely new. What you need is a clear, subject-wise map of what to study, what to skip, and where to invest your time. This blog gives you exactly that — a complete breakdown of the Symbiosis SET Syllabus Engineering, from Physics and Chemistry to Mathematics, along with weightage analysis, preparation strategy, and recommended resources.
What Is SITEEE and Who Should Appear for It?
SITEEE stands for the SIT Engineering Entrance Exam, conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed University) for admissions to B.Tech programmes at its campuses. Since 2018, what was earlier known as “SET – Engineering” has been officially rebranded as SITEEE, and it is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode across various cities of India.
Visit the website for more information: https://www.set-test.org/overview
Students who have passed or are appearing in 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with at least 45% aggregate marks, are eligible to apply. The exam dates for 2026 are May 2 (Test 1) and May 10 (Test 2), and candidates can appear for one or both tests — the higher score is considered for final admission.
Symbiosis International is ranked #46 in NIRF, and candidates qualifying SITEEE are considered for admission based on merit and subsequent admission rounds.
SITEEE Syllabus 2026
The SITEEE exam syllabus is based on the CBSE Class 11th and 12th syllabus, and covers three main subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
Here is a quick look at the exam structure, as per the official SITEEE test structure page:
| Subject | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
| Physics | 15 | 30 |
| Chemistry | 15 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 60 |
| Total | 60 | 120 |
Important exam details:
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- No negative marking
- All sections are mandatory
Note: The earlier assumption of 20 questions per subject has been updated. The official SITEEE 2026 structure shows 15 questions each for Physics and Chemistry, and 30 for Mathematics — giving Maths double the weightage. Plan your preparation accordingly.
Physics Syllabus for SITEEE 2026 (15 Questions | 30 Marks)
Physics in SITEEE tests your conceptual clarity and numerical ability. Since it covers both Class 11 and 12 topics, your foundation matters as much as your board-level preparation.
Mechanics
This is the backbone of Class 11 Physics. Topics include Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work-Energy-Power, Gravitation, and Rotational Motion. Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work-Energy-Power, Rotational Motion, and Oscillations are among the most crucial areas, with a significant portion of the paper testing numerical problem-solving, especially from mechanics and thermodynamics. Expect 2–3 questions from this area.
Thermodynamics
Thermal Properties of Matter, Kinetic Theory of Gases, and the Laws of Thermodynamics form this section. Conceptual questions around heat engines, efficiency, and entropy are common. This is a relatively high-scoring area if formulas are memorised well.
Electromagnetism
Covering Electric Charges & Fields, Gauss’s Law, Capacitance, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current, Faraday’s Laws, and Alternating Current — this is one of the heaviest units in Class 12 Physics. Expect 3–4 questions from this cluster.
Optics
Ray Optics (mirrors, lenses, refraction) and Wave Optics (interference, diffraction, polarisation) are tested here. Numericals based on lens formula and mirror formula are standard fare.
Modern Physics
Dual Nature of Radiation, Atoms and Nuclei, and Semiconductor Devices form this section. Nuclear reactions, photoelectric effect, and energy level transitions are high-priority topics. These are conceptual and scoring if practised well.
Chemistry Syllabus for SITEEE 2026 (15 Questions | 30 Marks)
Chemistry in SITEEE is structured across three core branches: Physical, Organic, and Inorganic. The syllabus covers fundamental concepts from each area, with particular emphasis on chemical equations, reactions, and their practical applications. Additionally, a strong understanding of reaction mechanisms and numerical problem-solving is essential for scoring well.
Physical Chemistry
This includes Mole Concept, Atomic Structure, Chemical Thermodynamics, Chemical Equilibrium, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, and Solutions. Mole Concept, Thermodynamics, Structure of Atom, and Chemical Bonding are among the most important topics in Class 11 Chemistry and frequently appear in entrance exams. Calculation-heavy questions require formula fluency.
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry covers Basic Concepts of Organic Chemistry, Hydrocarbons, Haloalkanes & Haloarenes, Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers, Carbonyl Compounds (Aldehydes & Ketones), Carboxylic Acids, Amines, and Biomolecules. Named reactions — Aldol Condensation, Cannizzaro, Sandmeyer — are must-know. This section rewards students who understand reaction mechanisms over those who simply mug up products.
Inorganic Chemistry
The p-block, d-block, and f-block elements, Coordination Compounds, and Metallurgy fall here. Also included are concepts from the Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, and Hydrogen. NCERT is king in Inorganic Chemistry — almost every question can be traced back to it.
Mathematics Syllabus for SITEEE 2026 (30 Questions | 60 Marks)
Mathematics carries half the total marks in SITEEE. This is where toppers are made and lost. A strong performance in Maths can single-handedly change your percentile. Here’s what to cover:
Algebra
Sets and Functions, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Sequences and Series, Permutations and Combinations, and Binomial Theorem are all included. Questions here are typically formula-based and solvable with practice.
Calculus
Limits, Continuity, Differentiability, Differentiation, Applications of Derivatives, Integration, Definite Integrals, and Differential Equations form a large chunk. In the CBSE Class 12 Mathematics syllabus, Calculus carries the maximum marks, and it tests logical reasoning, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills. Expect 8–10 questions from Calculus in SITEEE.
Coordinate Geometry
Straight Lines, Circles, Parabola, Ellipse, and Hyperbola. This is a highly scoring area for students who are comfortable with the standard formulas and can visualise the geometry. Practice previous year problems extensively here.
Trigonometry
Trigonometric Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions, and Identities. Questions are usually direct but require speed and accuracy. Learn all standard identities by heart.
Vectors and 3D Geometry
Vector Algebra (dot product, cross product, projection) and Three-Dimensional Geometry (direction cosines, planes, lines in 3D space). These chapters have become increasingly important in entrance exams.
Probability and Statistics
Probability (conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem, Bernoulli trials), Mean, Variance, and Standard Deviation. These are comparatively easier chapters and should not be left out.
High-Priority vs Low-Priority Chapters — What to Focus On?
With limited time, smart preparation beats comprehensive coverage. Here is a practical priority guide:
| Chapter | Subject | Priority | Expected Questions |
| Electromagnetism | Physics | High | 3–4 |
| Mechanics | Physics | High | 2–3 |
| Calculus | Maths | High | 8–10 |
| Coordinate Geometry | Maths | High | 4–5 |
| Organic Chemistry | Chemistry | High | 4–5 |
| Physical Chemistry | Chemistry | High | 4–5 |
| Optics | Physics | Medium | 1–2 |
| Algebra | Maths | Medium | 3–4 |
| Vectors & 3D | Maths | Medium | 2–3 |
| Modern Physics | Physics | Medium | 1–2 |
| Inorganic Chemistry | Chemistry | Medium | 2–3 |
| Probability & Stats | Maths | Lower | 1–2 |
ParameterSITEEE 2026JEE Main 2026Total Questions6090Duration60 minutes3 hoursNegative MarkingNoneYes (–1)Maths Weightage50% (30 questions)~33% (30 questions)Difficulty LevelModerate (CBSE-level)High (beyond CBSE)Chemistry DepthNCERT-focusedDeeper than NCERTPhysics ApproachConcept + NumericalsHeavy numerical focus
The biggest takeaway: SITEEE is significantly less intense than JEE Main. If you have been preparing for JEE, SITEEE should feel far more approachable. However, do not underestimate it — the speed required in 60 minutes for 60 questions means every second counts.
Best Textbooks and Resources for SITEEE 2026
Here are the go-to resources, subject-wise:
Physics:
- NCERT Class 11 & 12 Physics — mandatory starting point
- H.C. Verma — Concepts of Physics (Vol. 1 & 2) — for numericals and deeper understanding
- D.C. Pandey — Arihant Physics Series — excellent for topic-wise practice
Chemistry:
- NCERT Class 11 & 12 Chemistry — especially for Inorganic; NCERT alone is nearly sufficient
- O.P. Tandon — Physical Chemistry — for numerical depth
- Morrison & Boyd — for Organic mechanisms (optional, for extra clarity)
Mathematics:
- NCERT Class 11 & 12 Mathematics — build your base here
- R.D. Sharma — comprehensive practice, especially for Algebra and Coordinate Geometry
- Arihant — Skills in Mathematics series by Dr. S.K. Goyal — excellent chapter-wise practice
Online platforms: SITEEE Official Website for updates, sample papers, and exam notifications.
Chapter-Wise Preparation Strategy
Phase 1 — Foundation (3 Months Before Exam)
Start with NCERT. Yes, all three subjects. Read each chapter, solve every example, and attempt every exercise. This phase is about building clarity, not speed.
- Physics: Complete Mechanics and Electromagnetism first
- Chemistry: Cover Physical Chemistry and NCERT Inorganic
- Maths: Finish Calculus and Algebra — these two alone can score 15+ marks
Phase 2 — Practice (6–8 Weeks Before Exam)
Move to reference books and practice sets. Focus on:
- Solving 20–30 questions per chapter from Arihant or RD Sharma
- Taking timed mini-tests per subject (30 questions in 30 minutes)
- Reviewing mistakes immediately — never skip this step
Phase 3 — Revision and Mock Tests (Final 3–4 Weeks)
- Attempt full-length mock tests simulating actual SITEEE conditions: 60 questions, 60 minutes, no breaks
- Maintain a formula sheet for quick revision
- Focus on speed — with no negative marking, attempt every question
Pro tip: Since there is no negative marking, never leave a question unanswered. Even an educated guess is better than a blank.
How Career Plan B Helps
Career Plan B supports students in navigating SITEEE preparation and beyond with structured, future-focused guidance:
- Personalized Career Counselling: Helps students choose the right engineering branch based on their strengths, interests, and long-term goals.
- Psycheintel & Career Assessment Tools: Identifies aptitude and preferences to guide informed, data-backed decisions.
- Admission & Academic Profile Guidance: Assists in building a strong profile and making smart application choices.
- Career Roadmapping: Provides a clear plan that connects exam preparation with long-term career success.
For Latest Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the SITEEE syllabus only from Class 12 or does it include Class 11?
The SITEEE syllabus is based on the full CBSE Class 11 and 12 curriculum for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Both years are equally relevant.
Q2. How many questions are there in SITEEE 2026, and is there negative marking?
SITEEE 2026 consists of 60 questions in total, conducted over 60 minutes in CBT mode. There is no negative marking for wrong answers, and all sections are mandatory.
Q3. Can I use JEE Main preparation for SITEEE?
Absolutely. JEE Main preparation covers more depth than SITEEE requires. If you are preparing for JEE, you are more than ready for SITEEE — just ensure you practise the speed aspect, since SITEEE gives you just 1 minute per question.
Q4. What is the weightage of Mathematics in SITEEE 2026?
Mathematics has the highest weightage — 30 questions out of 60 total, carrying 60 marks out of 120. This means Maths accounts for 50% of your SITEEE score. Prioritise it accordingly.
Q5. Can I get admission to SIT through JEE Main instead of SITEEE?
Yes. Candidates can also get admission to SIT Pune, Nagpur, and Hyderabad through JEE Main or any other state government engineering entrance exam.
Conclusion
The SITEEE 2026 exam is not designed to trick you — it is designed to test how well you know your Class 11 and 12 fundamentals. The students who do well are not always the ones who studied the most; they are the ones who studied the right things in the right order. With Mathematics carrying half the total marks, a strong command over Calculus and Coordinate Geometry alone can put you in a very comfortable position.
Start early, stick to NCERT as your base, supplement with strong practice books, and simulate real exam conditions regularly. Engineering is a long road, and SITEEE is just the first gate. Walk into that exam hall knowing your syllabus is cold, your speed sharp, and your confidence intact. You’ve got this.