CSIR NET stands for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Eligibility Test. The exam aims to ascertain candidates’ eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and/or Lectureship/Assistant Professorship and Admission to Ph.D. in Indian universities and colleges. To apply for the CSIR NET exam, the age of candidates must be 30 years for JRF and no age limit for the Assistant Professor post. The exam covers five core scientific subjects i.e. Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences. Check the detailed CSIR Notification PDF, eligibility, exam date, exam pattern, and much more on this page.
What is CSIR NET?
CSIR NET is a national-level exam conducted twice a year (June/December) to determine the eligibility of Indian candidates for ‘award of Junior Research Fellowship and appointment as Assistant Professor’, ‘appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to PhD’ and ‘admission to PhD only’ in Indian universities and colleges and R&D Establishment. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been entrusted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), with the task of administering the NET exam in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. Upon clearing the exam, all the qualified candidates will be awarded with CSIR NET Eligibility Certificate.
Why CSIR NET?
CSIR NET is a crucial exam for aspiring researchers and academicians owing to the reasons mentioned below:
- Clearing CSIR NET opens a door to career opportunities in teaching, research, and development in both the public and private sectors.
- Qualified candidates can enrol in Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and pursue PhD degrees in prestigious research institutes across India.
- It helps candidates gain recognition as it showcases their excellence and expertise in their respective scientific fields.
- CSIR NET certification is required by several universities and research institutions for recruitment to academic and research positions.
What Becomes of CSIR NET Qualifiers?
Candidates declared successful in the CSIR NET can avail of the following opportunities as discussed below.
- Junior Research Fellowships (JRF): They receive fellowships to enrol in research programs in several CSIR laboratories, universities, or recognized research institutions.
- Lectureship/Assistant Professorship: Qualified candidates can apply for teaching positions in universities, colleges, and other educational institutions across India.
- Industrial Research Careers: CSIR NET-qualified individuals are often employed for research positions in industries requiring subject-related expertise.
- Further Studies: Many aspirants use their CSIR NET qualifications to enrol in doctoral and postdoctoral research.
Importance of CSIR NET in Higher Education
Here is the importance of CSIR NET in higher education discussed below for the reference of the students:
- It promotes research culture by offering support to young researchers financially and academically.
- It enables qualified candidates to enhance the quality of higher education in India.
- CSIR NET qualification improves the academic profile of the candidates as it allows them to explore global opportunities in terms of further studies or collaborations.
- It builds skilled researchers and academicians who can contribute to scientific development and innovations in different fields.
CSIR NET 2025 Exam Highlights
Here are the key highlights of the CSIR NET 2025 exam shared below for the ease of the candidates:
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Eligibility Test (CSIR NET) |
| Frequency | Twice a Year |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Eligibility for | Junior Research Fellowship, Assistant Professor, and PHD |
| Age Limit | JRF: 30 years Assistant Professor: No age Limit Admission to PhD: No age limit |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Maximum Marks | 200 |
| Question Type | MCQs |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Official Website | csirnet.nta.ac.in |
CSIR NET Notification 2025
The National Testing Agency releases CSIR NET 2025 Notification twice a year i.e. June and December sessions for all the eligible candidates. The notification PDF comprises all the exam-oriented details such as exam date, application fees, application dates, exam pattern, syllabus and much more. Carefully verifying the CSIR NET Notification PDF is crucial to avoid disqualification of candidature at any stage. As the CSIR NET 2025 Notification is yet to be released, we have shared below the previous year’s notification PDF for reference purposes.
Download the CSIR NET December 2024 Notification PDF here.
CSIR NET Exam Date 2025
The National Testing Agency releases CSIR NET Exam Dates 2025 on its official website. The exam is typically conducted in June and December every year. Aspirants must keep an eye on the important dates related to CSIR NET 2025 to avoid missing any important deadlines. Here are the tentative CSIR NET June 2025 important dates based on previous year data tabulated below:
| Event | Dates (Tentative) |
| CSIR NET June 2025 Notification | 1st week of June 2025 |
| CSIR NET June 2025 Application Release Date | 1st week of June 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 4th week of June 2025 |
| CSIR NET 2025 Exam Date | Last week of June 2025 |
CSIR NET Application Form 2025
Candidates can apply online for CSIR NET June 2025 exam through online mode only. They must carefully read all the instructions and then submit the CSIR NET application form on or before the last date. They must submit only a valid Email ID/Mobile Number as all the information/communication will be sent to the provided registered mobile number and email address.
To submit the CSIR NET 2025 application form successfully, they must fill out the form with valid details and pay the application fees using debit card, credit card, UPI or internet banking. Here is the category-wise CSIR NET application fees shared below:
| Category | Application Fees |
| General | Rs 1150 |
| General-EWS/OBC (NCL) | Rs 600 |
| SC/ST/PWD/Third Gender | Rs 325 |
CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria 2025
Candidates must ensure they fulfill all the CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria 2025 when applying for the computer-based test. The CSIR NET eligibility is different for JRF, Assistant Professor and Admission to Ph.D. Failing to satisfy any factors like the CSIR NET age limit or qualification can lead to the rejection of their application form.
CSIR NET Age Limit
The CSIR NET JRF Age Limit shall be 30 years (An age relaxation of up to 5 years will be provided to categories like OBC NCL, SC, ST, PWD, Women, etc). However, there shall be no upper age limit in applying for CSIR NET assistant professor and Admission to PhD posts.
CSIR NET Educational Qualification
Here is the CSIR NET Educational Qualification discussed below for reference purposes:
- General/ Unreserved/ General-EWS aspirants must have scored a minimum of 55% marks (50% for Other Backward Classes (OBC) belonging to Non-Creamy Layer/Scheduled Caste (SC)/ Scheduled Tribe (ST)/ Persons with Disability (PwD)/ Third gender category) in Master’s Degree or equivalent.
- Candidates enrolled in their Master’s degree or have appeared for their qualifying Master’s degree (final year) exam and are waiting for the result declaration or whose qualifying exams have been delayed can also apply.
- The PhD degree holders whose Master’s level examination is completed by 19 September 1991 can avail age relaxation up to 5% in aggregate marks (i.e. from 55% to 50%) to appear in NET.
- Candidates who possess a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme with at least 75% marks (5% marks relaxation for SC/ ST/ OBC (non-creamy layer)/ Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in aggregate or its equivalent grade.
- Aspirants pursuing Four Year/8 Semester Bachelor’s Degree course and are in their final semester/year can also apply.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025
Aspirants must thoroughly check the CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025 for all the subjects and plan their preparation accordingly. The exam exam is a computer-based test divided into three sections i.e. Part A, Part B, and Part C. Part A are common for all subjects and comprises General Aptitude questions whereas Part B and Part C cover subjects like Life Science, Chemical Science, Earth Science, Mathematical Science and Physical Science. The exam duration shall be 3 hours with a negative marking of 25% (33% for a few sections) for each incorrect answer in the exam. Check the latest CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025 below.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Chemical Sciences
Let’s discuss the CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025 for Chemical Science in the table below:
| Chemical Science | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
| Total Questions | 20 | 40 | 60 | 120 |
| Maximum Number of Questions to Attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
| Marks for Each Correct Answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
| Marks for Each Incorrect Answer | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 | – |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Earth Sciences
Have a look at the latest CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025 for Earth Science shared below.
| Earth Science | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
| Total Questions | 20 | 50 | 80 | 150 |
| Maximum Number of Questions to Attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
| Marks for Each Correct Answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
| Marks for Each Incorrect Answer | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.32 | – |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Life Sciences
Mentioned below is the CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025 for Life Science for the reference of the aspirants.
| Life Science | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
| Total Questions | 20 | 50 | 75 | 145 |
| Maximum Number of Questions to Attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
| Marks for Each Correct Answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
| Marks for Each Incorrect Answer | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 | – |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Mathematical Sciences
Here is the latest CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025 for Mathematical Science shared below.
| Mathematical Science | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
| Total Questions | 20 | 40 | 60 | 120 |
| Maximum Number of Questions to Attempt | 15 | 25 | 20 | 60 |
| Marks for Each Correct Answer | 2 | 3 | 4.75 | 200 |
| Marks for Each Incorrect Answer | 0.5 | 0.75 | 0 | – |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Physical Sciences
Here is the latest CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025 for Physical Science shared below.
| Physical Science | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
| Total Questions | 20 | 25 | 30 | 75 |
| Maximum Number of Questions to Attempt | 15 | 20 | 20 | 55 |
| Marks for Each Correct Answer | 2 | 3.5 | 5 | 200 |
| Marks for Each Incorrect Answer | 0.5 | 0.875 | 1.25 | – |
CSIR NET Syllabus 2025
Candidates must go through the CSIR NET Syllabus to gain detailed insights into the important topics and prepare the strategy accordingly. Here is the latest CSIR NET Syllabus 2025 shared below for all the subjects.
| Subject | Syllabus PDF | Important Topics |
| Life Science | Click Here | Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology, Cellular Organization, Fundamental Processes, Cell Communication and Cell Signaling, Developmental Biology, System Physiology-Plant & Animal, Inheritance Biology, etc |
| Physical Science | Click Here | Mathematical Methods of Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics, and Electronics and Experimental Methods |
| Mathematical Science | Click Here | Analysis, Linear Algebra, Complex Analysis, Algebra, Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs), Partial Differential Equations (PDEs), Numerical Analysis, Calculus of Variations, Linear Integral Equations, Classical Mechanics, etc. |
| Earth Science | Click Here | The Earth and the Solar System, Earth Materials, Surface Features and Processes, Interior of the Earth, Deformation and Tectonic, Geology |
| Chemical Science | Click Here | Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemistry in nanoscience and technology, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, etc. |
| Reasoning | – | Analytical Reasoning, Syllogisms, Classification, Alphabet Series, Analogies, Directions, Coding-Decoding, Symbols and Notations, Similarities and Differences, etc |
| Quantitative Aptitude | – | Simplifications, Number System, Average, Time & Speed, HCF, LCM Problems, Algebra, Percentage, Time & Work, Simple & Compound Interest, etc. |
| Data Interpretation & Graphical Analysis | – | Mean, Median, Mode, Measures of Dispersion, Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie-Chart and Tabulation |
CSIR NET Admit Card 2025
The CSIR NET Admit Card 2025 is usually released a few days before the exam date. It is mandatory to carry the hall ticket and valid ID proof to complete the identification formalities and appear on the CSIR NET 2025 exam. Here is the step-by-step guide to access the CSIR NET Admit Card without any hassles:
- Go to the official CSIR NET website.
- On the homepage, click on the “Admit Card” link.
- Enter the registration number and password in the required fields.
- The admit card can be viewed on the desktop.
- Print the copies of the call letter for future reference.
CSIR NET Answer Key 2025
The CSIR NET Answer Key 2025 is usually released a few days after the exam is conducted successfully. It helps candidates compute tentative scores and predict their qualifying chances in the CSIR NET 2025 exam. Here is the step-by-step guide to accessing the CSIR NET Answer Key without any hassles:
- Go to the official CSIR NET website.
- On the homepage, click on the “Answer Key” link.
- Enter login details in the required fields.
- The answer key can be viewed on the desktop.
- Download and save the copies of answer key for future reference.
CSIR NET Result 2025
The CSIR NET Result 2025 is usually released a few days after the release of the answer key. It comprises the list of qualified candidates declared successful in the CSIR NET 2025 exam. Here is the step-by-step guide to access CSIR NET Result without any hassles:
- Go to the official CSIR NET website.
- On the homepage, click on the “Result” link.
- Enter the registration number and password in the required fields.
- The result can be viewed on the desktop.
- Print the copies of results for future reference.
CSIR NET Cut-Off 2025
There shall be no separate CSIR NET Cut Off for Parts A, B, and C. The cumulative scores of all the parts will be considered during the preparation of the merit list. As per the official notification, the minimum qualifying marks for General, EWS, and OBC shall be 33% and 25% for SC, ST and PWD. As the official CISR NET Cut Off 2025, we have discussed the previous year’s CSIR NET 2024 Cut Off for the June session.
CSIR NET JRF 2024 Cut Off for June
Here is the category-wise CSIR NET JRF 2024 Cut Off for the June session tabulated below:
| Subject | UR (%) | EWS (%) | OBC (%) | SC (%) | ST (%) | PwD (%) |
| Chemical Science | 55.500 | 47.500 | 47.750 | 36.000 | 30.750 | 25.000 |
| Earth Science | 56.950 | 51.220 | 49.150 | 41.650 | 37.490 | 25.350 |
| Life Science | 99.0846682 | 96.5223413 | 96.4460997 | 91.7864773 | 87.8236782 | 69.135054 |
| Mathematical Science | 58.875 | 50.750 | 49.750 | 37.000 | 30.625 | 25.375 |
| Physical Science | 43.813 | 36.000 | 37.188 | 28.563 | 26.250 | 25.18 |
CSIR NET Assistant Professor 2024 Cut Off for June
Here is the category-wise CSIR NET Lectureship/Assistant Professor 2024 Cut Off for the June session tabulated below:
| Subject | UR (%) | EWS (%) | OBC (%) | SC (%) | ST (%) | PwD (%) |
| Chemical Science | 49.950 | 42.750 | 42.975 | 32.400 | 27.675 | 25.000 |
| Earth Science | 51.255 | 46.098 | 44.235 | 37.485 | 33.741 | 25.000 |
| Life Science | 98.3439721 | 94.4568228 | 93.7092211 | 87.8428316 | 83.7408166 | 69.135054 |
| Mathematical Science | 52.9875 | 45.675 | 44.775 | 33.300 | 27.5625 | 25.000 |
| Physical Science | 39.4317 | 33.000 | 33.4692 | 25.7067 | 25.000 | 25.000 |
Check the last 5-year CSIR NET Cut Off PDF from 2023 to 2019 shared below for the reference of the candidates.
| Year | CSIR NET June Cut Off | CSIR NET December Cut Off |
| 2023 | Click Here | Click Here |
| 2022 | Click Here | Click Here |
| 2021 | Click Here | – |
| 2020 | Click Here | – |
| 2019 | Click Here | Click Here |
CSIR NET Best Books 2025
It is strongly recommended to consider the best CSIR NET books for top-notch exam preparation. The right books will help them cover fundamental concepts and core topics of the entire syllabus. Here is the subject-wise CSIR NET Books 2025 shared for the knowledge of the candidates aspiring for the upcoming exam.
| Subject | Author/Publications |
| Life Sciences | Life Sciences UGC CSIR NET/ SET (JRF & LS) Life Sciences by Arihant |
| Physical Science | CSIR-UGC NET/ JRF/ SET Physical Sciences by Upkar’s |
| Mathematical Sciences | CSIR-UGC NET/ SET (JRF & LS) by Mathematical Sciences Khanna Publishers |
| Earth Sciences | Joint CSIR-UGC NET Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences by R. Gupta’s |
| Chemical Sciences | UGC-CSIR JRF/ NET Chemical Sciences (Chemistry) by Trueman’s |
CSIR NET Preparation Tips 2025
Here is the preparation guide to ace the CSIR NET 2025 with flying colours shared below for all the aspirants:
- Check the CSIR NET syllabus to get the list of important topics and study accordingly.
- Prepare a study plan based on daily commitments, preferences, subject weightage and previous knowledge.
- Utilize the best books to gain conceptual clarity of all important topics.
- Attempt unlimited mock papers and PYQs to improve speed and accuracy.
CSIR NET Exam Analysis 2024
The CSIR NET Exam Analysis 2024 helps candidates analyse their performance level, difficulty level, good number of attempts and predict the qualifying chances in the exam. As the CSIR NET 2025 exam is yet to be conducted, we have discussed below the previous year’s subject-wise CSIR NET exam analysis 2024 based on the feedback of the candidates who attempted the computer-based test.
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
| Chemical Science | Moderate | 59-62 |
| Life Science | Moderate | 57-58 |
| Earth Science | Moderate | 58-59 |
| Physical Science | Moderate | 44-46 |
| Mathematical Science | Moderate-Difficult | 48-49 |
CSIR NET Certificate 2025
After the release of the result, all the qualified candidates will be awarded with CSIR NET Qualifying Certificate. The validity period of the qualifying certificate for JRF shall be two years whereas the qualifying certificate of Lectureship/Assistant Professor will remain valid for a lifetime.
How to Apply Online for CSIR NET 2025?
The CSIR NET application process is divided into three parts such as registration, filling out online forms, and paying application fees. Follow the step-by-step guide shared below to apply online for the CSIR NET 2025 exam without any hassles:
- Go to the official CSIR NET website.
- On the homepage, click on the “Apply Online for CSIR NET 2025” link.
- Register successfully with a valid Email ID and Mobile Number.
- Fill out the entire online application form and upload all the documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the prescribed application fees and keep the proof of fee payment for future reference.
- Download, save, and take the printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
CSIR NET 2025 FAQs
What is CSIR NET?
CSIR NET is a national-level exam conducted twice a year (June/December) to determine the eligibility of Indian candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and/or Lectureship/Assistant Professorship in Indian universities and colleges.
Who can apply for CSIR NET?
The CSIR NET JRF Age Limit shall be 30 years whereas there shall be no upper age limit in applying for CSIR NET assistant professor and Admission to PhD posts
What is CSIR NET Exam Pattern?
The CSIR NET exam is a computer-based test. The exam comprises objective-type questions for maximum marks in this exam shall be 200 and the test duration shall be 3 hours.
What is the CSIR NET Syllabus?
CSIR NET syllabus is divided into various subjects such as Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences.