Aspirants preparing for the UGC NET English Exam 2025 need to thoroughly understand the complete UGC NET English Syllabus 2025 in order to plan an effective preparation strategy and focus on the most important topics. The UGC NET exam 2025 conducts two papers: Paper 1 (General Aptitude) and Paper 2 (Subject-specific, i.e., English) to evaluate the candidates’ eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions in various universities and colleges across India.
Also Read: UGC NET Exam 2025
UGC NET English Syllabus 2025 Overview
The UGC NET exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to assess candidates’ eligibility for the roles of Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in English. The UGC NET exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 for General Aptitude and Paper 2 for Subject-Specific: English Literature. The UGC NET exam is conducted in a single session of 3 hours. The UGC NET English syllabus is designed to evaluate a candidate’s comprehensive understanding of English literature, criticism, theory, and linguistic aspects. Understanding the UGC NET syllabus in detail helps aspirants to prioritize the important areas, streamline their preparations and use relevant study resources.
| Exam | Details |
| Name | UGC NET 2025 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Purpose | Eligibility for Assistant Professor & Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) |
| Frequency of Exam | Twice a year |
| Exam Mode | Online Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Papers | Paper 1 and Paper 2 |
| Total Number of Questions | Paper 1- 50 questions Paper 2- 100 questions |
| Total Marks | 300 marks (Paper 1- 100 marks, Paper 2- 200 marks) |
| Subject Code for English | 30 |
| Expected Exam Date | 21 June to 30 June 2025 (Tentative) |
| Official Website | https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/ |
Enroll Now- UGC NET English Course June 2025
UGC NET English Syllabus 2025 PDF Download
Aspirants preparing for the UGC NET English exam, it is important to thoroughly understand the official syllabus released by the National Testing Agency. Candidates can download the UGC NET English Syllabus 2025 PDF from the below-mentioned link, as it serves as an important guide for focused and strategic preparation. The UGC NET English syllabus mentions all the key areas that candidates must master, and accessing the syllabus early ensures that your study efforts remain aligned with the exam’s expectations, minimizing the risk of overlooking important content. Aspirants must review the syllabus regularly to enhance their preparation plan and help track progress efficiently.
Download UGC NET English Syllabus 2025
UGC NET English Syllabus 2025 PDF in Hindi
The UGC NET English Syllabus 2025 in both Hindi and English released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) makes it accessible to a wider range of candidates. Hindi-medium aspirants can download the official syllabus in the Hindi language using the link mentioned below. Reviewing the syllabus in one’s preferred language helps in grasping key concepts more effectively and planning a more focused preparation strategy. Ensure you download the correct version and study systematically to cover all essential topics included in the syllabus.
यूजीसी नेट अंग्रेज़ी सिलेबस 2025 हिंदी में डाउनलोड करें
UGC NET English Syllabus Paper 1 PDF Download
UGC NET Paper I is a general paper designed to evaluate the teaching and research aptitude of all UGC NET aspirants, regardless of their chosen subject, including English. The UGC NET Paper 1 evaluates core competencies such as comprehension, communication, reasoning ability, and analytical skills—essential for academic and research roles. This exam is common for all the subjects, and candidates must thoroughly understand the official syllabus provided by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The clear grasp of all these foundational topics help to boost performance in exams and also strengthens essential skills required for a successful career in teaching and research.
UGC NET English Syllabus Breakdown
To understand the comprehensive topic-wise syllabus of UGC NET English is important for aspirants to have focused and effective preparation. The UGC NET syllabus is divided into ten major units, covering key areas of English literature, literary criticism, theory, language, and pedagogy. Candidates who approach each unit methodically are better positioned to identify high-priority topics, allocate study time efficiently, and ensure complete UGC NET syllabus coverage. This structured understanding also helps aspirants to align their preparation with the exam’s pattern and recurring question trends, ultimately enhancing performance.
UGC NET English Paper 1 Topic Wise Syllabus
The UGC NET Paper 1 exam is common for all aspirants and evaluates general skills such as teaching aptitude, research methodology, logical reasoning, and communication. Whereas UGC NET Paper 2 focuses on subject-specific expertise like English Literature, Paper 1 plays an important role in boosting overall score and is equally important for qualifying for Assistant Professor or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions. Below we have mentioned the Paper 1 syllabus in a detailed, topic-by-topic format.
| Unit | Topics |
| Unit 1: Teaching Aptitude | Nature and objectives of teaching
Learner characteristics
Factors affecting teaching
Teaching methods and techniques
Teaching aids and evaluation systems |
| Unit 2: Research Aptitude | Research characteristics and types
Methods of research (qualitative & quantitative)
Steps of research
Thesis and article writing
Research ethics and paper format |
| Unit 3: Reading Comprehension | A passage followed by questions to assess
|
| Unit 4: Communication | Basics of communication: types, characteristics
Verbal and non-verbal communication
Barriers to effective communication
Classroom communication |
| Unit 5: Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude | Number series, letter series, codes
Relationships and puzzles
Ratio, percentage, profit & loss
Averages and time-based problems |
| Unit 6: Logical Reasoning | Analogies, syllogism, Venn diagrams
Deductive and inductive reasoning
Arguments and assumptions
Structure of arguments |
| Unit 7: Data Interpretation | Data tables, charts, and graphs
Data analysis and interpretation
Percentages and ratios related to data |
| Unit 8: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) | Basics of computers and the internet
Digital initiatives in higher education
ICT tools and applications
E-learning and computer literacy |
| Unit 9: People, Development and Environment | Environmental issues and sustainable development
Natural resources and biodiversity
Environmental policies and education
Human and environmental interaction |
| Unit 10: Higher Education System | Structure and governance of higher education in India
Historical development
Policies, bodies (UGC, AICTE, NAAC, etc.)
Value and ethics in higher education |
UGC NET English Paper 2 Topic Wise Syllabus
Paper 2 of the UGC NET English exam evaluates a candidate’s subject-specific knowledge in English Literature. The syllabus spans a broad range of literary periods, genres, critical theories, and linguistic aspects. Below is the unit-wise breakdown of the Paper 2 syllabus to guide focused preparation:
| Unit | Topics |
| Unit 1: Drama | Origins and development of drama
Greek, Elizabethan, Jacobean, Modern drama
Indian English drama
Important dramatists: Shakespeare, Ibsen, Beckett, Girish Karnad, etc.
Theatrical movements and performance theory |
| Unit 2: Poetry | Historical development of poetry from Chaucer to contemporary poets
British, American, Indian, and postcolonial poets
Forms: sonnet, ode, elegy, ballad, free verse
Poets: Milton, Wordsworth, Whitman, Eliot, Kamala Das, etc. |
| Unit 3: Fiction, Short Story, and Novel | Rise and evolution of the novel and short story
Major novelists and short story writers from British, American, Indian, and world literature
Genres: Gothic, Realism, Postmodern, Magic Realism
Authors: Austen, Dickens, Joyce, Toni Morrison, Arundhati Roy, etc. |
| Unit 4: Non-Fictional Prose | Essays, memoirs, travelogues, biographies
Key prose writers and thinkers: Bacon, Orwell, Nehru, Ambedkar, etc.
Development of non-fictional prose in various literary traditions |
| Unit 5: Literary Criticism | Classical criticism: Plato, Aristotle, Longinus
Neoclassical and Romantic criticism
Modern criticism: Formalism, New Criticism, Reader-Response, Structuralism, etc.
Indian aesthetics and theories of Rasa and Dhvani |
| Unit 6: Literary Theory | Poststructuralism, Postcolonialism, Feminism, Marxism, Psychoanalysis, Eco-criticism, Queer theory, Cultural Studies
Theorists: Foucault, Derrida, Said, Spivak, Judith Butler, etc. |
| Unit 7: English Language: History and Structure | Origin and development of English
Phonetics and phonology
Morphology, syntax, semantics
Varieties of English |
| Unit 8: English in India: History, Evolution, and Futures | English education during British rule
English in post-independence India
Debates on English vs regional languages
Policies and teaching methods |
| Unit 9: Cultural Studies | Concepts: Ideology, Discourse, Hegemony, Popular Culture, Globalization
Intersections with race, gender, class, and identity
Media, cinema, digital culture |
| Unit 10: Research Methods and Materials in English | Types of research in literature and language
MLA, APA citation styles
Using digital resources and research databases
Plagiarism and ethical research practices |
Also Read: UGC NET Syllabus 2025
UGC NET English Exam Pattern 2025
The UGC NET English exam comprises two papers conducted in a single session without any break. Both papers consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and are administered in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the UGC NET exam for English have different goals and cover different topics. There will be +2 marks for each correct answer; no negative marking for incorrect answers.
| Papers | No. of Questions | Marks | Type of Questions |
| Paper 1 | 50 | 100 | General Aptitude |
| Paper 2 | 100 | 200 | Subject-specific (English) |
Also Read: UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025
Conclusion
Aspirants preparing for the UGC NET English Exam 2025 require a thorough understanding of both the Paper 1 and Paper 2 syllabus. With a detailed and structured UGC NET syllabus available in both English and Hindi, aspirants can plan their study strategies effectively. Paper 1 evaluates essential teaching and research skills, while Paper 2 demands subject-specific expertise in English Literature, theory, criticism, and language. Having a thorough understanding of the official syllabus helps candidates to prioritize the important topics, manage time efficiently, and boost overall confidence.
Aspirants should download the official UGC NET English Syllabus PDFs, follow the topic-wise breakdown, and regularly revise to stay on track. A smart, well-informed approach will significantly improve your chances of qualifying for Assistant Professor or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) under the UGC NET.
UGC NET English Syllabus 2025
What topics are covered in UGC NET English Paper 2?
Paper 2 covers topics such as English Literature (Drama, Poetry, Fiction), Literary Criticism, Theory, Linguistics, Cultural Studies, and Research Methods.
How should I use the UGC NET English syllabus for preparation?
Use the syllabus to create a study plan, focus on topic-wise revision, and prioritize important units. Regularly refer back to it to ensure full coverage.
What is the duration of the UGC NET English exam?
The total duration of the UGC NET English exam (Paper 1 + Paper 2) is 3 hours (180 minutes) in a single session.
Are there any changes in the UGC NET English syllabus for 2025?
As of now, no major changes have been officially announced. However, candidates should always refer to the latest syllabus on the official NTA website for updates.
