CSIR NET 2025: Check Pattern, Syllabus & Previous Year Papers PDF

The CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test) is a national-level examination conducted in India to assess the eligibility of candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship/Assistant Professor positions, primarily in science and technology fields. The exam is overseen by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is held twice a year, typically in June and December. The CSIR NET exam will be held in December, with the Date of Examination scheduled for 18th December 2025.

CSIR NET Application Form 2025 for December Session

CSIR NET Exam

The CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test) is a national-level competitive examination that evaluates candidates’ knowledge in core scientific disciplines. It is jointly conducted by the CSIR and the University Grants Commission (UGC) to ensure the selection of qualified professionals for teaching and research roles in India. The exam is applicable only to science-based subjects, and successful candidates are eligible for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or can apply for Lectureship (LS)/Assistant Professor positions in recognized universities and colleges. Those who qualify can pursue PhD programs under prestigious government fellowships or start academic careers in reputed institutions across the country.

CSIR NET Full Form

The full form of CSIR NET is “Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test”. This national-level examination is conducted to determine eligibility for the positions of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Assistant Professor (Lectureship) in science and technology disciplines at Indian universities and research institutes.

CSIR-UGC NET December 2025 Exam Schedule

Here are the CSIR NET important dates you should remember:

Make sure to submit your form before the last date to avoid technical glitches or late submissions.

CSIR NET 2025 Eligibility Criteria

CSIR NET 2025 examination is designed to assess the eligibility of candidates for the Junior Research Fellowship, Assistant Professorship, and admission to Ph.D. programs in Indian universities and research institutions. To appear for the CSIR NET 2025, candidates must fulfill specific CSIR NET eligibility criteria based on their academic qualifications, age, and nationality. Below are the key requirements for CSIR NET 2025:

• Educational Qualification

1. 1. • Candidates must have completed a Master’s degree or an equivalent degree in a relevant field from a recognized university or institution. The degrees must be in fields such as Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, or other subjects as specified in CSIR NET notification.
      • Minimum qualifying percentage for CSIR NET 2025 is 55% for General and OBC candidates, and 50% for SC/ST/PWD candidates. It is important to note that this criterion is based on aggregate marks in the Master’s degree or its equivalent.

• Age Limit

1. 1. • JRF: Candidates applying for the JRF must not exceed 28 years of age as of the examination year.
      • Age relaxations are provided for candidates belonging to reserved categories. The relaxation is 5 years for OBC, SC/ST, and PWD candidates, and 10 years for women candidates.
      • Assistant Professorship: There is no upper age limit for candidates applying for the position of Assistant Professor.

• Nationality

1. • All Indian Citizens can apply for CSIR NET.
   • Candidates from other countries who wish to undertake research in Indian institutions may also be eligible but the exam will be conducted in India only.

CSIR NET 2025 Exam Pattern

CSIR NET 2025 exam pattern is divided into three parts: Part A, Part B, and Part C, and all questions are objective type with multiple-choice options.

• Part A: Common to all subjects, it tests General Aptitude, including logical reasoning, numerical ability, graphical analysis, and puzzles. It carries 2 marks per question with 25% negative marking.
• Part B: This section contains subject-related MCQs from the syllabus. It focuses on conceptual understanding. Marks per question and negative marking vary by subject (e.g., 2 or 3.5 marks).
• Part C: It includes higher-order analytical questions, testing the application of scientific knowledge. Each question carries higher marks (up to 5), and negative marking is generally applied (except in some subjects like Mathematical Sciences).

CSIR NET 2025 Marking Scheme

The CSIR NET 2025 marking scheme varies slightly depending on the subject and section but generally follows this format:

CSIR NET Subjects List

The official CSIR NET 2025 subjects list consists of five core science subjects, each assigned a unique subject code. Candidates must select their preferred subject based on their postgraduate qualification. The subjects are:

How to Apply for CSIR NET 2025

To apply for CSIR NET 2025, candidates need to follow the fully online application process as detailed below:

1. Registration

   • Visit the official CSIR NET website: csirnet.nta.ac.in.

   • Click on the link “Joint CSIR-UGC NET DECEMBER – 2025: Click Here to Register/Login.”

   • Select “New Registration” and read the instructions carefully.

   • Provide required details such as name, email, phone number, and complete the identity verification.

   • Verify your email and phone number through OTPs.

   • On successful registration, receive Application Number and Password via email/SMS.

2. Fill Application Form

   • Log in with the received credentials.

   • Complete the application form by entering personal details, educational qualifications, category, research experience, subject choice, and exam center preferences.

   • Check all entries carefully before proceeding.

3. Upload Documents

   • Upload scanned recent passport-size photograph and signature in JPG/JPEG format.

   • Upload category certificate (if applicable), PwD certificate (if applicable), and Result Awaited Attestation form if applying under this category.

   • File size and format must follow prescribed guidelines (typically photo: 10-200 KB, signature: 4-30 KB, certificates as per instructions).

4. Application Fee Payment

   • Pay the application fee online using debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.

   • Fee structure:

     • General: ₹1150

     • OBC (NCL)/General-EWS: ₹600

     • SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender: ₹325

     • PwD: No fee

5. Final Submission

   • Verify all filled details and uploaded documents.

   • Click on “Final Submit” to complete the application process.

   • Save/download the confirmation page and fee receipt for future reference.

CSIR NET Study Material

Here are some of the CSIR NET best books recommended for CSIR NET 2025 preparation, covering various subjects:

CSIR NET Previous Year Questions

Vedprep provides CSIR NET previous year question papers in PDF format for free download. These question papers cover all CSIR NET subjects—Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. They include detailed papers from prior years along with answer keys and solutions, which help candidates familiarize themselves with exam patterns, question types, and difficulty levels.

CSIR NET Previous Year Questions Link

CSIR NET Admit Card 2025

The CSIR NET Admit Card 2025 will be released separately for the June and December sessions by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates can download their admit cards from the official website by entering their application number and date of birth. The admit card includes important details such as exam date, time, venue, and candidate information. It is mandatory to carry a printed copy of the CSIR NET admit card to the examination center, along with a valid photo ID proof.

CSIR NET 2025 Syllabus

The CSIR NET 2025 syllabus focuses on evaluating candidates’ subject knowledge, conceptual understanding, and analytical ability in core scientific fields. The exam consists of three parts—Part A, Part B, and Part C—which together assess general aptitude, subject-specific knowledge, and problem-solving skills.

1. Part A – General Aptitude
This section is common to all subjects and tests candidates on logical reasoning, graphical analysis, analytical and numerical ability, quantitative comparison, series formation, and general awareness.

2. Part B – Subject-Related Questions
Part B includes subject-specific questions covering the core topics from the candidate’s chosen discipline. These questions are generally based on the syllabus of undergraduate and postgraduate levels of the respective subject.

3. Part C – Higher-Level Analytical Questions
This section contains higher-order questions designed to test the candidate’s scientific knowledge, application of concepts, and ability to solve research-oriented problems. Below is the subject-wise syllabus overview for CSIR NET 2025:

How to Prepare for CSIR NET Effective Strategy for 2025

Preparing effectively for the CSIR NET 2025 requires a well-planned strategy, consistent effort, and conceptual clarity. Candidates should begin by understanding the complete syllabus and exam pattern of their chosen subject. Creating a realistic study schedule with equal focus on all three sections—Part A (Aptitude), Part B (Core Subject), and Part C (Analytical Questions)—is crucial.

1. Understand the complete syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly for the chosen subject to prioritize high-weightage topics.

2. Break the syllabus into weekly study modules to ensure complete coverage and multiple revisions before the exam.

3. Build strong conceptual clarity in Parts B and C through standard textbooks and CSIR NET notes, focusing on formulas, experiments, and derivations.

4. Practice Part A (General Aptitude) regularly to improve reasoning, numerical ability, and problem-solving speed.

5. Solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests frequently to improve accuracy, speed, and time management.

6. Maintain a mistake log to identify weak areas and revisit concepts to avoid repeating errors.

7. Create concise revision notes and formula sheets for quick daily revision during the final weeks.

8. Manage time effectively during the exam—attempt easier questions first and avoid guesswork due to negative marking.

CSIR NET 2025 FAQs

Can I Crack the CSIR NET in One Month?

Yes ofcourse if you already have some background knowledge and can study 6 to 10 focused hours daily, you can prepare effectively in one month with the right strategy.

How many hours should I study daily for the CSIR NET Exam in one month?

You should aim for 6 - 10 hours of focused study every day, depending on your current level of preparation & subject familiarity.

Which topics should I focus on more for the CSIR NET Exam?

Focus on high weightage topics from your subject area and strengthen your general aptitude for Paper one. Check past papers to identify repeated themes.

Is Paper I of the CSIR NET Exam important?

Yes, Paper I carries 100 marks and tests your reasoning, comprehension & teaching aptitude, which play a key role in overall qualification.

Should I solve previous year papers for CSIR NET Exam?

Absolutely yes. Solving previous year papers is crucial for understanding the exam pattern, improving speed, and identifying weak areas.