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UGC NET English Syllabus 2026 - Check Paper 1 & 2 Topic wise Syllabus
The National Testing Agency (NTA) prescribed the UGC NET syllabus 2026 for English for all those opting for the English subject. Candidates can choose English as their subject while filling the UGC NET 2026 application form among the 85 subject options. Candidates must go through the UGC NET English syllabus before starting off with their preparation. By going through the UGC NET 2026 syllabus for English, candidates can know the topics that will be asked in the UGC NET exam.
This Story also Contains
- UGC NET English Syllabus Paper 1
- UGC NET English Syllabus Paper 2
- UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026
- UGC NET 2026 Best books
- Best Books for UGC NET 2026 Paper 1
However, as per the exam pattern of 2026 UGC NET, English is asked in paper 1, which is common for all candidates. Candidates opting for English as their main subject have to take Paper II in English containing questions from the topics mentioned in the UGC NET English syllabus. Ensuring to have completed all topics and subjects mentioned in the syllabus, candidates can easily crack the UGC NET exam 2026. To know more about the UGC NET syllabus for English, go through the article below.
The UGC NET 2026 test is held for two papers – paper I and II wherein paper I is common for all while paper II is based on the subjects opted by the candidates. The exam is conducted to determine the eligibility of the candidates for assistant professors and award junior research fellowship positions.
UGC NET English Syllabus 2026 Overview
Name of exam | UGC NET |
Conducting authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Mode of exam | Online |
Papers | Two papers: Paper I Paper II |
Subjects | 101 subjects |
Total Marks | Paper I - 100 marks Paper II - 200 marks |
UGC NET English Syllabus Paper 1
The UGC NET paper 1 is common for all the candidates appearing for the exam of UGC NET. Candidates can check the UGC NET English syllabus paper 1 given below:
- Teaching Aptitude
- Research Aptitude
- Reading Comprehension
- Communication
- Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
- Information and Communication Technology
- People and Environment
- Higher Education System: Governance, Polity and Administration
UGC NET English Syllabus Paper 2
As per the syllabus of UGC NET for English, there are a total of 10 units from where questions will be asked. The first four units will be tested through comprehension passages. As per the UGC NET English syllabus paper 2, candidates will be tested for the following:
Critical Reading
Critical Thinking
Writing Skills
Along with it, the first four units also cover the UGC NET English Literature syllabus.
UGC NET Syllabus 2026 - English (First Four Units)
Units | Topics |
Unit I | Drama |
Unit II | Poetry |
Unit III | Fiction, short story |
Unit IV | Non-Fictional Prose |
UGC NET English Syllabus 2026
Units | Topics |
Unit V | Language: Basic concepts, theories and pedagogy. English in Use |
Unit VI | English in India: history, evolution and futures |
Unit VII | Cultural Studies |
Unit VIII | Literary Criticism |
Unit IX | Literary Theory post World War II |
Unit X | Research Methods and Materials in English |
Read More:
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates must go through the exam pattern along with the UGC NET syllabus. The exam pattern contains the sections from where the questions are asked in the exam, the total number of questions, marking schemes, duration, etc. The table below contains the exam pattern of NTA UGC NET for both paper I and II.
UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026
Papers | Paper I | Paper II |
Subject | Generic | Subject selected by candidate |
No. of Questions | 50 | 100 |
Marks | 100 | 200 |
Duration | Consolidated 3 hours | |
Mode of Exam | Online | |
Negative Marks | No negative marks for wrong answers | |
UGC NET 2026 Best books
To crack the exam, candidates must go through the list of UGC NET 2026 best books to pick the best one for themselves. The table below contains the list of books for paper I as per the UGC NET English syllabus.
Best Books for UGC NET 2026 Paper 1
Book Name | Author/Publisher Name |
NTA UGC NET/SET/JRF - Paper 1: Teaching and Research Aptitude | KVS Madaan /Pearson Education |
NTA UGC NET / SET / JRF - Paper 1 Teaching and Research Aptitude | Harpreet Kaur /Oxford University Press |
Trueman's UGC NET/SET General Paper I - Teaching & Research Aptitude | Sajit Kumar, M. Gagan |
UGC NET Best Books For English
English | UGC NET/SET (JRF & LS) English Literature by Arihant Experts |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which book should I refer for UGC NET Paper 1?
A:
Candidates can refer books on NTA UGC NET/SET/JRF - Paper 1: Teaching and Research Aptitude by authors like KVS Madaan, Harpreet Kaur, Sajit Kumar, Arihant Experts etc.
Q: Where can I download the UGC NET syllabus English?
A:
Candidates can download the UGC NET syllabus 2026 from the official brochure available on the website – ugcnetonline.in.
Q: Are any negative marks cut for wrong answers marked?
A:
No, marks are not cut for any wrong answers marked in UGC NET paper I and paper II.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for UGC NET 2026?
A:
As per the UGC NET eligibility criteria 2026, a candidate for JRF needs to be within the age of 30 years. However, no age limit is prescribed for assistant professors. In order to be eligible for UGC NET 2026, an aspirant must have scored at least 55% marks in post graduation from a recognised university. There certainly exists some relaxation for the reserved sections.
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Have a question related to UGC NET ?
Yes, you will be eligible to appear for UGC NET Environmental Science exam with background in M.Sc Microbiology. You can also apply for JRF (PhD) and Lectureship (Assistant Professor) with an age limit of 30 years.
Hi Akansha,
Click on the links below to download UGC NET question papers PDF:
Hi Bhavesh,
The UGC NET 2026 result was announced on February 4, 2026. In case you find any issues checking the result, you can write an email at ugcnet@nta.ac.in (mailto:ugcnet@nta.ac.in) or call at 011-40759000.
For the UGC NET examination, only a Central OBC-NCL certificate is considered valid. Submitting a State OBC certificate may create complications during document verification and could lead to your candidature being treated under the General (Unreserved) category. You can immediately obtain a valid Central OBC-NCL certificate from the concerned Tehsil
If you filled the UGC NET form under EWS but you don’t have a valid EWS certificate, then forget using the EWS category. They won’t accept it. You’ll automatically be treated as General category during document verification.
And no, this won’t make your form “invalid” or “illegal.” It just means
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