Pune, 23 August 2025: The long wait for the State Eligibility Test (SET) 2025 results has left thousands of candidates frustrated. The exam, organized by Savitribai Phule Pune University on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC), was held on June 15. More than two months later, the results remain pending.
This year, over 1.1 lakh candidates from Maharashtra and Goa had registered for the exam, with nearly 82 percent appearing. Clearing SET is mandatory for appointment as an assistant professor, making the delay a serious concern for aspiring teachers.
According to university officials, the results are on hold as the state government is yet to clarify whether reservation for the Special Backward Class (SBC) category will be applied. Once the decision is communicated, the results will be declared.
Students and organizations, however, are growing restless. They allege that the delay reflects poor management within the SET department and undermines trust in the examination process. They also point out that the exam itself was conducted three months late this year, meaning many students may lose nearly a year of opportunities.
Student groups have warned of escalating protests if the situation persists. They argue that delayed results directly affect recruitments, leaving eligible candidates at risk of missing teaching posts in Maharashtra’s upcoming faculty hiring process. Some have also suggested that the SET exam should be held twice a year to give students fairer chances.
The prolonged uncertainty has placed the Pune-based SET department under increasing scrutiny, with calls for greater accountability and timely results.