UGC NET English Syllabus 2025, Download Syllabus PDF

Every year, the National Testing Agency conducts the UGC NET Exam twice (June session and December session) to determine eligibility for Assistant Professorships, Junior Research Fellowships, or both for Indian Universities and Colleges. Candidates who have chosen the English Subject for the exam must know the UGC NET English Syllabus to start their preparations for the exam. The syllabus will outline all the topics from which the questions will be asked in the exam. 

UGC NET English Syllabus 2025

UGC NET 2025 Examination shall be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) only. The Online Test will consist of two papers. Both papers will consist of objective-type, multiple-choice questions.  For every correct answer, 2 marks will be given. In this article, we have covered the complete UGC NET Syllabus for the English subject, including syllabus PDF for Papers 1 and 2. 

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UGC NET English Syllabus 2025

The UGC NET English Syllabus 2025 includes various units that are listed below;

Preparation Tips for UGC NET English Subject

The UGC NET English exam evaluates a candidate’s understanding of English literature, language, criticism, and pedagogy. Since the syllabus is vast, having a smart and structured preparation strategy is essential. With the right approach, consistency, and conceptual clarity, candidates can effectively cover the syllabus and secure qualifying marks.

Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

• Go through the UGC NET English syllabus thoroughly — it includes topics from Chaucer to contemporary literature, literary criticism, and language theories.
• Paper II focuses entirely on the English subject, so give special attention to literary movements, authors, and theories.
• Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern:
  Paper I – Teaching and Research Aptitude (50 questions, 100 marks)
  Paper II – English Subject (100 questions, 200 marks)

Create a Structured Study Plan

• Divide the syllabus into manageable sections — for example:
  (i) Week 1-2: British Literature (Chaucer to 18th century)
  (ii) Week 3-4: Romantic, Victorian, and Modern Literature
  (iii) Week 5-6: Literary Criticism, Cultural Studies, and Language
• Allocate time for revision and mock tests each week.

Focus on Literary Movements and Authors

• Study major literary ages (Elizabethan, Romantic, Victorian, Modern, Postmodern).
• Remember important writers, works, and timelines.
• Create short notes on themes, styles, and famous quotations.

Strengthen Literary Theory and Criticism

• Understand key concepts in Classical, Structuralist, Post-Structuralist, Feminist, and Psychoanalytic Criticism.
• Study important critics like Aristotle, Eliot, Derrida, Foucault, and Barthes.
• Refer to books like A Glossary of Literary Terms by M.H. Abrams and Beginning Theory by Peter Barry.

Practice Previous Year Question Papers

• Analyze UGC NET English previous year papers to identify recurring topics.
• Practice solving them in exam-like conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
• Note the question trends and focus on high-weightage areas.

Use Quality Study Material

• Recommended resources:
  (i) Trivedi and Board of Editors (for British Literature)
  (ii) History of English Literature by Edward Albert
  (iii) Contemporary Literary and Cultural Theory by Pramod K. Nayar
  (iv) UGC NET English books by Arihant or Trueman’s

Focus on Paper I (Teaching & Research Aptitude)

• Paper I can boost your overall score — cover topics like reasoning, communication, and data interpretation.
• Practice mock tests regularly for Paper I as well.

Revise Regularly

• Maintain short notes for quick revision before the exam.
• Use flashcards for important authors, works, and literary terms.
• Revise at least once every two weeks to retain information.

Attempt Mock Tests and Analyze Performance

• Take full-length mock tests every weekend.
• Analyze your mistakes and improve on weaker areas.
• Track progress to refine your preparation strategy.

Stay Consistent and Confident

• Consistency is key — study 3–4 hours daily with focus.
• Avoid last-minute cramming.
• Stay motivated by reading literary summaries and discussions online.