UGC NET English Syllabus is vast. For the preparation, it is necessary to analyse previous year’s papers and thorough understanding of the subject is must. Before discussing English best books for UGC NET Exam let us have a look on some important topics from the syllabus of UGC NET which have been analysed from last few previous years’ papers to make your preparation easier and confined.
- Chaucer to Shakespeare
- Victorian Period
- Modern Period
- Contemporary Period
- English Language History
- English Language Teaching
- Indian Writing in English
- Indian Literature in English Translation
- Contemporary British literature
- Modern British Literature
- American and other non-British English Literature
- Contemporary Theory
- Literary Theory and Criticism
With these topics read Glossary of Literary Terms, stay updated on current contemporary developments in the field of literature like Booker Prize, Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Prize etc., solve previous year's papers and practice model papers as much as you can.

6 Best English Books for UGC NET Exam
1.UGC NET English Literature by Arihant Experts
This book is a complete study material and provide ample of practice as per the requirement of the exam.
Key features of the book
- Chapters are given in detail according to the latest and revised syllabus of UGC NET.
- At the last of each Chapter, objective questions and answers are given for better understanding.
- Book is featured with over 5500 chapter wise objective questions based on latest exam trends for systematic learning.
- Important facts and information are given in the box which is incorporated in the chapters for revision.
- Book also consists of Previous Year's Questions Papers for analysis.
- In fact book has some Model Papers for self-analysis and practice.
- Book is informative and useful.
- Page quality of the book is average.
- Printing of the book is good.
- Paperback: 828 pages
You can purchase this book from here also
2.An Objective & Analytical Approach to English Literature for UGC NET-JRF by Dr. Vivekanand Jha
It is a comprehensive book of English Literature Subject for UGC NET Exam.
Key features of the book
- The book contains theory as per the syllabus of UGC NET Exam.
- Book also covers content like Booker Prize Winners, Books on Feminism, British literature, Novels, Famous Poems, Famous Quotations and Experts, Indian Literature, Jnanpith Award Winners, Nobel Prize Winners in Literature etc.
- Chapter wise questions are given for practice.
- Several practice sets are given for self-analysis.
- Previous Year's Questions Papers with Answer Keys are given for analysing the English paper.
- Rhyme Schemes are also covered in the book.
- Print quality of the book is good.
- Pages quality of the book is fine.
- Paperback: 657 pages
You can purchase this book from here also
3.Objective Approach to English Literature for NET, JRF by K.K. Narayan, Pandey Om Prakash, Rahmat Jahan Ivan K. Masih and Neeraj Kumar
The book covers almost the entire syllabus as per the latest pattern of UGC NET Exam.
Key features of the book
- The book covers the entire history of British Literature.
- It also consists of an exhaustive material on American literature, Commonwealth Literature and Indian Writing in English.
- It caters all the post graduate students and scholars as well as aspirants preparing for UGC NET and other competitive examinations.
- The book also consists of Multiple Choice Questions for practice.
- Language in the book is simple and easy to understand.
- Page quality of the book is good.
- Print quality is also good.
- Paperback: 600 pages
You can purchase this book from here also
4. Trueman's UGC NET English Literature by B.P. Panigrahi
It is a comprehensive book of English Literature, fully updated according to the syllabus of UGC NET Exam.
Key features of the book
- All the topics are covered according to latest pattern and syllabus.
- The book comprises of multiple sections to give students a better understanding of various topics.
- Book also has Previous Year's Papers for analysis.
- Book provides ample of practice to gain confidence before exams.
- Book is good for revision point.
- The content of the book is organised properly.
- Book gives you the idea about the pattern of the paper asked in the exam.
- Page quality of the book is fine.
- Printing of the book is good.
- Paperback: 828 pages
You can purchase this book from here also
5.English for UGC-NET/JRF by R.S. Malik
In the book most of the syllabus is covered in the form of objective questions according to the latest pattern of the examination.
Key features of the book
- Book comprises objective type questions with answers for practice and better understanding.
- Main focus of the book is on 'Literary Theory and Criticism'.
- One of the unique features of the book is that it consists of explanatory notes wherever required.
- Chapters have some boxes in which some additional information is given.
- Language used in the book is not much tough.
- Previous Year's Questions with answers are given in the book for analysis of the exam pattern.
- Book contains lots of questions on every era of English Literature with answers.
- MCQs given in the book are not much lengthy and easy to understand.
- Most of the literary theories are covered in the book.
- Page quality of the book is good.
- Printing of the book is good.
- Paperback: 614 pages
You can purchase this book from here also
6.English for UGC-NET by Neeru Tandon
It is a comprehensive book designed as a guide for the aspirants who are appearing for UGC NET/SLET and other competitive examinations with English as a subject.
Key features of the book
- Book is based on latest UGC Syllabus and pattern.
- All the information required for the subject is covered in the book.
- Topics are categorically described in an analytical and coherent way.
- It contains point wise study material for revision during exam.
- Multiple choice questions with answers are given according to the topics for better understanding and practice.
- Syllabus is briefly described in the book.
- Model questions papers are also given in the book.
- All the topics are covered according to the syllabus.
- Language used in the book is simple and impressive.
- Book provides ample of practice which gives confidence to the aspirant.
- Pages quality of the book is good.
- Printing of the book is good.
- Paperback: 600 pages
You can purchase this book from here also
Some more English books for reference:
- Objective Type Questions on Literature in English for UGC Net by Bhim S. Dahiya
- A History of Indian English by M.K Naik
- The Story of English in India by Krishnaswamy
- A Critical History of English literature Volume I and II by David Daiches
- UGC NET: English Previous Year's Solved papers by RPH Editorial Board
- An Objective History of English Literature through Multiple Choice Questions by B.B Jain
- The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory by J. A Cuddon
- A Glossary of Literary Terms by M.H. Abrams
6 Best English Books for UGC NET Exam |
||
S. No. |
Book Name |
Author/Publisher Name |
1. |
Arihant Experts |
|
2. |
An Objective & Analytical Approach to English Literature for UGC NET-JRF |
Dr. Vivekanand Jha |
3. |
K.K. Narayan, Pandey Om Prakash, Rahmat Jahan Ivan K. Masih and Neeraj Kumar |
|
4. |
B.P. Panigrahi |
|
5. |
R.S. Malik |
|
6. |
Neeru Tandon |