Likhith · October 4, 2025 
Introduction
The GATE 2026 Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) paper offers an opportunity to candidates from diverse non-technical backgrounds to showcase their expertise across a range of disciplines like Economics, English, Linguistics, Philosophy, and more. This combined paper syllabus is designed with flexibility, allowing candidates to select two subjects from eight optional disciplines plus a mandatory section on General Aptitude. Understanding the syllabus structure and detailed topic areas is crucial for effective preparation.
Download the official GATE Humanities and Social Sciences 2026 syllabus PDF here: https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/doc/GATE2026_Syllabus/XH-2026_Combined_Syllabus.pdf
Exam Pattern and Structure
The GATE XH exam carries a total of 100 marks distributed as follows:
- Section A: General Aptitude (15 marks) (compulsory for all candidates)
- Two optional subjects of choice from Sections B to I (each 35 marks)
The paper consists of a mix of multiple choice questions (MCQs), multiple select questions (MSQs), and numerical answer type (NAT) questions.
Section A: General Aptitude (15 Marks)
This section tests verbal ability, numerical reasoning, and data interpretation skills essential for almost every discipline. Candidates should practice accuracy and speed to secure these marks consistently
Optional Subjects and Their Scope
| Section | Subject | Key Areas Covered |
|---|---|---|
| B | Economics | Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Public Finance, Growth and Development |
| C | English | Literary Analysis, Linguistics, Grammar, Poetry, Essay Writing |
| D | Linguistics | Phonetics, Syntax, Semantics, Morphology, Sociolinguistics |
| E | Philosophy | Ethics, Logic, Metaphysics, Epistemology, Indian and Western Philosophical Traditions |
| F | Psychology | Cognitive Processes, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Research Methodology |
| G | Sociology | Social Theory, Institutions, Research Methods, Social Change and Development |
| H | Anthropology | Cultural Anthropology, Physical Anthropology, Archaeology |
| I | Public Administration | Administrative Theory, Public Policy, Governance, Financial Administration |
Candidates must select exactly two optional subjects to solve along with the General Aptitude section.
Detailed Subject Insights
Economics
Focus on core economic theories, quantitative analysis through econometrics, and understanding of fiscal and monetary policies.
English
Key focus on language skills, comprehension, literary study, and writing techniques needed for various analytical and critical tasks.
Linguistics
Covers linguistic structures, language evolution, communication theories, and their societal impact, blending both practical and theoretical knowledge.
Philosophy
Examines fundamental philosophical questions, logic and argumentation skills, and ideas from diverse cultural perspectives.
Psychology
Involves understanding human behavior, motivation, perception, and statistical methods used in psychological research.
Sociology
Studies social processes, institutions, stratification, and methodologies to analyze societal patterns and issues.
Anthropology
Explores human evolution, culture, archaeology, and biological aspects relevant to anthropology.
Public Administration
Covers organizational theory, administrative law, public policy, and governance frameworks important for public sector roles.
Preparation Tips
- Focus on scoring well in General Aptitude since it is compulsory and accounts for 15% of the total marks.
- Choose optional subjects based on academic background and interest to optimize scoring potential.
- Thoroughly understand fundamental concepts and practice previous years’ questions and sample papers.
- Develop strong analytical writing and comprehension skills for subjects like English and Philosophy.
- Regularly attempt mock tests covering all sections to improve your speed and accuracy under exam conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where can I download the official GATE 2026 Humanities and Social Sciences syllabus?
A1: Download the syllabus here: https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/doc/GATE2026_Syllabus/XH-2026_Combined_Syllabus.pdf
Q2: How many optional subjects must I choose?
A2: Choose exactly two optional subjects in addition to the mandatory General Aptitude section.
Q3: What topics are covered in General Aptitude?
A3: It includes verbal ability, numerical proficiency, and basic data interpretation skills.
Q4: Are there differences in question types across optional subjects?
A4: Yes, the question types include MCQs, MSQs, and NATs tailored to the nature of each discipline.
Q5: How many mock tests are recommended?
A5: Approximately 15–20 mock tests with a balanced focus on all sections help improve exam readiness.
Conclusion
The GATE Humanities and Social Sciences paper provides a rich opportunity for diverse candidates to excel in their chosen disciplines. A clear understanding of the syllabus, strong preparation in General Aptitude, and focused study of two optional subjects are essential strategies. Download the official syllabus PDF and start building your success path for GATE 2026 XH.
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