GATE 2026 English Syllabus - Free PDF for XH-C2

GATE 2026 English Syllabus - Free PDF for XH-C2

Gandubilli UnnatiUpdated on 18 Nov 2025, 05:02 PM IST

GATE English Syllabus 2026 - IIT Guwahati has released the GATE 2026 English syllabus on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The detailed GATE 2026 syllabus for English has been updated in this article. The 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.

LiveGATE Admit Card 2026 (OUT) LIVE: Hall ticket issued at gate2026.iitg.ac.in; download link, exam updatesJan 13, 2026 | 9:58 PM IST

IIT Delhi MTech GATE cut-offs 2026 for the previous year are given below. 

IIT Delhi GATE MTech cut-off

Discipline

GEN

EWS

OBC-NCL

SC/ ST/ PWD

B.E./B.Tech. (Textile)

≥ 400

≥ 400

≥ 360

≥ 267

B.E./B.Tech.(Non-Textile) /M.Sc.

≥ 600

≥ 600

≥ 540

≥ 400

Degree cut-off

Percentage Marks

≥ 60%

≥ 60%

≥ 60%

≥ 55%

Equivalent CGPA on a 10 point scale

≥ 6.0

≥ 6.0

≥ 6.0

≥ 5.5

Read More

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.

Also Read:

GATE Previous Year Question Paper's
Download GATE previous year question papers to understand exam pattern and difficulty level. Practice with these papers to boost your preparation and improve your score.
Check Now

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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Pursue M.E/M.Tech in Germany

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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 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.

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

The GATE 2026 English paper code is XH-C2.

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Questions related to GATE

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to GATE ?

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.

Hello aspirant,

If you missed the correction window for GATE 2026, the portal will not allow changes right now. Usually, IIT opens a correction period only once. Since you need to change your surname, the best option is to contact the GATE organizing institute through their official support email or