Prof. Vineet Pandey is a popular name in the field of English literature coaching for UGC-NET exam, GATE, CUET-PG English, SET exams, and UPSC English Literature exams along with TGT-PGT exams. Prof. Pandey is known for his unmatched expertise, engaging and interactive teaching methods, and passion for literature. He has guided more than 10,000+ English literature competitive exam aspirants to qualify for the exam. Today, we had the privilege of interviewing the dynamic educator to uncover the story behind his success and philosophy behind founding the best UGC-NET coaching institute in Delhi, Sahitya Classes.
Prof. Pandey, thank you for joining us today! Can you tell us about your journey into the world of teaching English literature?
Prof. Pandey: Thank you for having me! My journey started with English literature after I failed to crack the NDA. I have wanted to join the Army since my childhood. And, I never ever thought that I would become a teacher as I felt that it was not that rewarding. I have seen my father and grandfather struggling in their teaching careers. Therefore, I decided to prepare for SSB exams. However, I did not qualify for it. I was feeling depressed and thought that I was not good enough. I kept worrying about my future. Often, when I was angry, I wrote “Vineet Pandey only M.A.” in my notebook. Then, I heard about the UGC-NET exam and started preparing for it. I came to Delhi and started my exam preparations. In the first attempt, I just qualified for NET. Although, I was sceptical about it as I completed my studies in Hindi medium. However, in the next attempt, I qualified JRF. I was happy and I wanted to train youth to crack such exams. Hence, I started teaching English literature in various coaching centres. Now, I have qualified NET for 10 times, JRF twice, and SET for 17 times. Eventually, teaching became my calling. Over the years, I’ve worked tirelessly to make English Literature accessible and enjoyable for students across India.
Your classes are renowned for their unique approach. What sets your teaching style apart?
Prof. Vineet Pandey: My teaching philosophy revolves around making literature relatable and accessible to students belonging from different states, different cultures, and rural backgrounds. Instead of just focusing on rote learning, I emphasize contextual understanding. For instance, when discussing the Romantic Age, I connect it to current environmental issues, showing how themes from the past are still relevant today. Additionally, I use humor, storytelling, and multimedia tools to keep the learning process engaging. Every class is a new journey, filled with surprises and insights. My classes are usually multi-faceted and multi-cultural which helps students from different backgrounds and states to zeal with each other and interact with each other.
What challenges do students usually face while preparing for exams like UGC-NET, and how do you address them?
Prof. Vineet Pandey: The biggest challenge is the overwhelming UGC-NET English literature syllabus and lack of proper guidance. Many students feel lost trying to figure out where to begin. I help students in breaking the syllabus into manageable chunks and providing a clear roadmap. My Google Drive courses offer recorded lectures, live sessions, PDFs, and mock tests to ensure comprehensive preparation. I also focus on building students’ confidence, as many of them struggle with self-doubt. I am always available for my students and deal with their problems empathetically because I know how it feels when you have to fight for yourself alone.
How do you stay updated with the evolving patterns of competitive exams?
Prof. Vineet Pandey: Staying updated is crucial. I dedicate time every day to research, read academic papers, and analyze past exam trends. I also keep an eye on updates from exam-conducting bodies. This allows me to tweak my content and strategies accordingly. Being a lifelong learner is essential in this profession. It is rightly said that if you want to teach, you need to learn every day and remain updated.
What advice would you give to students preparing for English Literature exams?
Prof. Vineet Pandey: Firstly, fall in love with literature—it’s your strongest ally. Secondly, focus on understanding the syllabus and prioritizing key topics. Thirdly, practice consistently. Mock tests are your best friends. And finally, don’t hesitate to seek help. Join a reliable course or community where you can learn and grow. Remember, perseverance and smart work always pay off.
We hope that you loved reading this interview with one of the renowned mentors in the field of English literature, Prof. Vineet Pandey. Stay tuned for more such blogs!