The invention provides an ink set for ink-jet recording that is able to form an image having a sufficient optical density and causing no feathering and intercolor bleed within a short period of time while being excellent in reliability of the maintenance unit. The ink set comprises at least a liquid (a) containing a colorant, water soluble solvent and water; a liquid (b) containing a pH adjusting agent, water soluble solvent and water; and a liquid (c). The ink set satisfies any one of the conditions in the first embodiment: (i) the colorant is anionic, (ii) the liquid (b) has a pH of not higher than 6.5, (iii) the liquid (c) has a pH of not lower than 8.0, and (iv) the mixed liquid of the liquid (b) and the liquid (c) in a mass ratio of 1:1 has a pH of not lower than 7; or the second embodiment: (i) the colorant is cationic, (ii) the liquid (b) has a pH of not lower than 8.5, (iii) the liquid (c) has a pH of not higher than 6.0, and (iv) the mixed liquid of the liquid (b) and the liquid (c) in a mass ratio of 1:1 has a pH of not higher than 7.