Just like UGC NET in English Literature, GATE exam in English Literature is equally challenging for literature aspirants like yourself. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a national examination on the comprehensive understanding of students in various undergraduate courses in Engineering, Technology, Architecture and post-graduate subjects in Arts, Commerce, and Science. Read on to know more about the GATE exam in English Literature.
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) has become one of the most sought-after exams for postgraduate admissions and government jobs in India. While it is commonly associated with engineering disciplines, GATE also offers a specialized paper in English Literature (C2), attracting literary enthusiasts and scholars. Understanding the GATE English syllabus is crucial for effective preparation. GATE 2025 will be conducted for 30 test papers. A candidate is allowed to appear either in one or up to two test papers as per the guidelines issued. The test papers will be in English. Each GATE 2025 paper is for a total of 100 marks, General Aptitude (GA) is common for all papers (15 marks), and the rest of the paper covers the respective test paper syllabus (85 marks).
Link: https://gate2025.iitr.ac.in/exam-papers-and-syllabus.html
Here’s a detailed look at what the GATE English syllabus comprises and how you can approach your studies.
Overview of GATE English Syllabus
GATE English syllabus comprises reasoning and comprehension which is of 25 marks and English Literature (optional paper) carries 60 marks.
The GATE English syllabus is designed to test candidates on a range of topics within English literature, including literary theory, criticism, and historical periods. The exam evaluates not only your knowledge of literature but also your analytical skills and understanding of various literary forms and theories.
Marking Scheme for GATE English Syllabus
All the questions in the GATE English Exam will carry 1 or 2 marks. There are two types of MCQs: In the TYPE 1 MCQ, you will be awarded 1 mark each for correct answer while 1/3rd mark will be deducted for every wrong answer. In TYPE 2 MCQs, you will be awarded 2 marks for every right answer and 2/3rd marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
If you are interested in accessing the latest hardcopy and softcopy notes, course syllabus, previous years’ question papers, answer keys, crash courses, Google Drive Course, and wish to receive personal guidance from Prof. Vineet Pandey, please fill out the form!
Major Topics You Must Cover for GATE English Exam 2025
GATE General Aptitude Syllabus 2025
The GATE GA Syllabus is common for all 30 papers and holds 15% weightage in the GATE question paper. You can check the chapters and topics of the GATE GA Syllabus 2025 in the given table.
The GATE GA Syllabus covers chapters like, verbal aptitude, quantitative aptitude, analytical aptitude, and spatial aptitude.
In the verbal aptitude, questions related to topics like Basic English grammar: tenses, articles, adjectives, prepositions, conjunctions, verb-noun agreement, and other parts of speech, basic vocabulary, reading and comprehension, and narrative sequencing are covered.
Under the Quantitative Aptitude, you will get questions related to data interpretation. In the analytical aptitude, the GATE English Exam will cover questions pertaining to logical reasoning.
You will get questions related to transformation of shapes in the spatial aptitude.
The GATE English exam syllabus 2025 consists of five units including, multi-genre literature in English, Comparative Literature, Literary Criticism and Theory, History of English Literature, and research approaches and methodologies.
In the multi-genre literatures in English, you need to cover topics like poetry, novel, other forms of fiction including short story, drama, creative non-fiction, and non-fiction prose. Here, you must focus majorly on 19th and 20th centuries. Moreover, you should concentrate on comparative contextual understanding of Literature, anglophone and in English Translation, literatures from India and, extending to some degree, the larger Indian subcontinent.
Under literary criticism and theory, you should focus on critical and cultural intellectual traditions and approaches widely referred to and used in the discipline of English. In the research approaches and methodologies, just focus on interpretive techniques responsive to literary devices, forms, concepts, and genres.
So, the GATE English Guide for Exam will assess your literary knowledge and prioritize conceptual depth and methodological sensitivity demonstrative of disciplinary training over information, if possible.
Preparing for the GATE English exam requires a strategic approach. For this, you should have a thorough understanding of the syllabus and combine with regular practice and revision. By focusing on the key areas outlined above and staying disciplined in your studies, you can excel in this challenging yet rewarding exam. Whether you’re aiming for a career in academia or other literary fields, mastering the GATE English Literature syllabus is a significant step toward achieving your goals. Further, you should also check the GATE English exam pattern mentioned in the official site.
If you want some kind of guidance then, you can also join India’s Best GATE Coaching Institute for English Literature, the Sahitya Classes, run by Prof. Vineet Pandey. At Sahitya Classes, you can opt for offline classes which will provide with national level exposure combined with fun-filled pedagogy and specialized GATE English notes. You can also opt for the online Google Drive Course for availing his live lectures from anywhere and at any time.
Hurry up and join Sahitya Classes now!
If you are interested in accessing the latest hardcopy and softcopy notes, course syllabus, previous years’ question papers, answer keys, crash courses, Google Drive Course, and wish to receive personal guidance from Prof. Vineet Pandey, please fill out the form!