GATE 2026 English Syllabus - Free PDF for XH-C2

GATE 2026 English Syllabus - Free PDF for XH-C2

Gandubilli UnnatiUpdated on 14 Jan 2026, 05:15 PM IST

GATE English Syllabus 2026 - IIT Guwahati has published the syllabus for GATE 2026 English paper at gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The GATE English 2026 syllabus includes all the topics on which the question paper will be prepared. The GATE English syllabus consists of five units, such as multi-genre literature in English, literature from India, literary criticism & theory, and more. Candidates preparing for the GATE 2026 exam must go through the syllabus carefully to not miss any important topic. The authority will conduct the GATE exam as a computer-based test. Along with that, candidates should also check out the GATE exam pattern for an effective preparation strategy. Read further for more information on GATE syllabus. The detailed GATE 2026 syllabus for English has been updated in this article.

This Story also Contains

  1. Gate 2026 English Paper Code
  2. Gate 2026 English(Xh-C2) Syllabus
  3. Best Books for GATE 2026 English paper
GATE 2026 English Syllabus - Free PDF for XH-C2
GATE 2026 English Syllabus

Gate 2026 English Paper Code

The paper code for the GATE 2026 English subject is XH-C2. The GATE English paper is a part of the optional subjects that can be chosen by candidates who have selected the GATE 2026 Humanities and Social Sciences(XH) paper in the exam. Hence, the paper code for English is XH-C2. Candidates must be aware of the paper codes while applying for the GATE 2026 exam.

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Gate 2026 English(Xh-C2) Syllabus

The GATE 2026 English (XH-C2) syllabus consists of topics that will be included in the GATE 2026 Humanities & Social Sciences exam. The detailed syllabus for the GATE English 2026 is specified below.

GATE 2026 English syllabus:

Units

Chapters

1

Multi-genre literature in English - Poetry, the novel and other forms of fiction including the short story, drama, creative non-fiction, and non-fiction prose—with emphasis on the long 19th and 20th centuries.

2

Especially in a comparative context, anglophone and in English translation, literatures from India and, extending to some degree, the larger Indian subcontinent.

3

Literary criticism and theory; critical and cultural intellectual traditions and approaches widely referred to and used in the discipline of English.

4

History of English literature and English literary studies.

5

Research approaches and methodologies, including interpretive techniques responsive to literary forms, devices, concepts, and genres

* Candidates must note that the topics specified above, aspects that will be included in the GATE 2026 English paper, rather than separate topics. Hence, the GATE English question paper will not be divided into sections according to the above topics. The questions included in the English section of the GATE 2026 Humanities and Sciences will focus on the conceptual depth and methodological sensitivity demonstrative of disciplinary training over information.

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Best Books for GATE 2026 English paper

The preparation for the GATE 2026 English section requires a deep understanding of the concepts included in the syllabus. Apart from theoretical knowledge, candidates also need to have practical knowledge about the application of the concepts included in the GATE English syllabus. Hence, candidates need to regularly practise questions related to the GATE English paper. Some books that candidates can refer to for their GATE preparation are specified below

Book

Author

Concepts covered

A Glossary of Literary Terms" by

M.H. Abrams and Geoffrey Galt Harpham

This book provides definitions and explanations of key literary terms and concepts, which are crucial for understanding literary texts.

The Norton Anthology of English Literature" (various editions)


A comprehensive anthology that covers a wide range of English literature, including poetry, prose, and drama from different periods.

Literary Theory: An Introduction"

Terry Eagleton

This book offers an accessible overview of major literary theories and movements, which is essential for GATE preparation

Understanding Poetry" by

Cleanth Brooks and Robert Penn Warren

"- A classic text that explores the elements of poetry and offers insights into poetic forms and techniques

Logical Reasoning Theory Book 2022 for GATE, ESE, MAT, SSC, BANK(PO), NDA, CDS, and other Competitive Exams

ICE GATE Institute.


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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the GATE 2026 english syllabus released?
A:

Yes, the authority has released the GATE 2026 English syllabus pdf on August 8, 2025.

Q: What is the GATE english paper code?
A:

The GATE 2026 English paper code is XH-C2.

Q: What are the important topics in the GATE 2026 English syllabus
A:

The important topics in the GATE English syllabus include Poetry, Literature from India and the Indian Subcontinent, Literary criticism and theory.

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Hello,

The link to the question paper is attached here. You can also find the answer key that will help you analyse your in-depth performance. Careers360 provides students with preparation tips that will help them utilise their time effectively in preparartion.

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-metallurgical-question-papers

Thank you

Hello,

Yes, you can get admission in M.Tech CSE without GATE .

  1. Through university entrance exams
    Many universities conduct their own M.Tech entrance exams. You have to qualify the test and sometimes attend an interview.

  2. Through JET for M.Tech
    JET (JAIN Entrance Test) is conducted by Jain University.
    It is

Hii

No  you cannot get admission to IIT for M Tech if your B Tech is not completed at the time of admission, even if you clear the GATE cutoff but Yes, you can appear for GATE 2028 in your 3rd year of B Tech even if your degree is

Hello,

The link to the question paper is attached here. You can access the question papers along with the answer key on the careers360 website. Careers360 also provides students with preparation tips that will help them in preparing and the mock test and analyse their in-depth performance.

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/last-15-years-gate-papers-solutions

Thank you.