The woman was rushed to a hospital and her condition was stated to be serious, police said today.
The victim, who is the wife of a bank employee, was alone in her house yesterday when the youth, identified has Shiv Kumar, barged in and tried to rape her, Senior Superintendent of Police Alok Priya Darshi told reporters.
Kumar set the woman ablaze when she resisted his assault, he said.
A case has been registered against Kumar, who is absconding.
In another incident, a 21-year-old woman, who was apparently upset over an influential man harassing her father, allegedly committed suicided at Luhari village in the district yesterday.
Police said they are investigating the matter.