CSIR NET: syllabus, exam pattern & eligibility
CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test. JRF (with lectureship) / Assistant Professor / PhD eligibility in 5 science subjects
- Category
- Science & Research
- Conducted by
- National Testing Agency (NTA) for CSIR & UGC
- Level
- PhD/Research
- Frequency
- Twice a year (June, December)
- Mode
- CBT
- Languages
- English, Hindi
Eligibility
- Education: M.Sc./equivalent (subject-specific); appearing final year allowed
- Age: JRF <=28 (relaxation)
- Attempts: Unlimited
Exam pattern
Life Sciences
180 min · 200 marks
- Part A General aptitude: 15 questions, 30 marks
- Part B subject: 35 questions, 70 marks
- Part C higher-order: 25 questions, 100 marks
Syllabus
Life Sciences
Molecules & their interaction, Cellular organisation, Fundamental processes, Cell communication & signalling, Developmental biology, System physiology - plant, System physiology - animal, Inheritance biology, Diversity of life forms, Ecological principles, Evolution & behaviour, Applied biology, Methods in biology
Chemical Sciences
Inorganic, Physical, Organic, Interdisciplinary
Physical Sciences
Mathematical methods, Classical mechanics, Quantum mechanics, EM theory, Thermodynamics & statistical physics, Electronics, Atomic/molecular/nuclear/condensed matter
Mathematical Sciences
Analysis, Linear algebra, Complex analysis, Algebra, ODE/PDE, Numerical analysis, Probability & statistics
Earth Sciences
Earth materials & processes, Atmosphere & ocean, Geochemistry, geophysics, stratigraphy etc.
Important dates (June 2026 (Dec 2026 announced))
- June 2026 exam: 2026-07-17 to 2026-07-18
- June 2026 result: 2026-08-29
- Dec 2026 exam date: announced (not captured)
Selection process
Cut-off per category -> JRF / Assistant Professor eligibility
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Pricing
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Frequently asked questions
What is CSIR NET?
CSIR NET stands for CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test. JRF (with lectureship) / Assistant Professor / PhD eligibility in 5 science subjects. It is conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) for CSIR & UGC. Level: PhD/Research.
Who is eligible for CSIR NET?
Education: M.Sc./equivalent (subject-specific); appearing final year allowed. Age limit: JRF <=28 (relaxation). Attempts: Unlimited.
What is the exam pattern of CSIR NET?
Life Sciences: 180 minutes, 200 marks. Mode: CBT.
How often is CSIR NET held?
Twice a year (June, December).
When is CSIR NET held?
June 2026 (Dec 2026 announced) cycle: June 2026 exam 2026-07-17 to 2026-07-18; June 2026 result 2026-08-29; Dec 2026 exam date announced (not captured).
How are candidates selected through CSIR NET?
Cut-off per category -> JRF / Assistant Professor eligibility.
Compiled from public sources, last checked 2026-09-25. Dates, fees and rules change, so confirm with the official website before you apply.