CSIR will be officially release the CSIR NET Application Form 2026 for the June exam cycle. The online application process started on First week of February 2026, and interested candidates can now apply through the official website link at csirnet.nta.ac.in. This exam is conducted to select candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor/Lectureship (LS) roles in government universities and PSUs.
If you’re planning to apply, here’s everything you need to know in simple words from important dates to application steps, fees, and required documents.
CSIR National Eligibility Test (NET) is conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in India. It is held to determine the eligibility of candidates for research fellowships (Junior Research Fellowship – JRF) and lectureship (Assistant Professor) in various science and technology disciplines. CSIR NET exam is crucial for aspiring researchers and educators in fields like Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
Also Check CSIR NET Syllabus
Also Check CSIR NET Previous Year Questions Link
CSIR NET Exam Overview 2026
CSIR UGC NET is held twice a year (tentatively) in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode at centres across India. Qualifying this exam opens avenues for research in India’s premier laboratories (CSIR Labs, IISc, IITs) and teaching positions in universities and colleges.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | CSIR UGC NET 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Purpose | Eligibility for JRF & Assistant Professor |
| Exam Level | National |
| Subjects Covered | 5 science domains |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (Tentative) |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Medium of Exam | English & Hindi |
| Official Website | csirnet.nta.ac.in |
CSIR NET Notification 2026 Exam Dates
To help candidates plan their preparation effectively, here is the complete schedule of CSIR UGC NET 2026 at a glance.
| Events | CSIR NET Dates |
| CSIR NET 2026 Notification Release Date | To be announced |
| CSIR NET Application Form Starts | To be announced |
| CSIR NET Application Form Last Date | To be announced |
| CSIR NET Application Form Correction Window 2026 | To be announced) |
| CSIR NET Admit Card Release Date | To be announced |
| CSIR NET 2026 Exam Date (December Session) | To be announced |
| CSIR NET 2026 Exam Date (June Session) | To be announced |
| CSIR NET Answer Key Release Date | To be announced |
| CSIR NET Final Answer Key 2026 | To be announced |
| CSIR NET 2026 Result Date | To be announced |
CSIR NET Application Form 2026 official website
The official website to apply for the CSIR UGC NET 2026 examination is https://csirnet.nta.ac.in. All important updates, notifications, and the online application link will be available exclusively on this portal managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
CSIR NET Application Form 2026: Important Dates
The CSIR NET 2026 application form dates for the June session are expected to follow the usual annual schedule. As per the tentative timeline, the official notification is likely to be released in January 2026, followed by the opening of the online application window in the first week of February 2026. Candidates may be able to submit their applications until the first week of March 2026. After the application process closes, the correction window is expected to be available in mid-March 2026, allowing applicants to edit certain details (if permitted by NTA).
CSIR NET 2026 – Tentative Dates January Session
| Activity | Expected Timeline |
| Notification Release | January 2026 |
| Application Start Date | First week of February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | First week of March 2026 |
| Application Form Correction Window | Mid-March 2026 |
Note:
These dates are provisional and may change. Aspirants should visit the official NTA CSIR NET website frequently for the latest updates.
The exam is conducted twice a year, so a similar schedule will be released later for the December 2026 session as well.
Also Check CSIR NET Syllabus
Click here to fill out the CSIR NET December 2025 Application Form
CSIR NET Application Fee 2026
You must pay the application fee to successfully submit your form. You can pay using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI via SBI/ICICI payment gateways.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General | ₹1150/- |
| EWS / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | ₹600/- |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | ₹325/- |
No application will be accepted without fee payment.
Also Check CSIR NET Syllabus
Steps to Fill CSIR NET Application Form
The process for filling out the CSIR NET application form is straightforward but requires careful attention. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the official CSIR NET website.
- Click on the “Apply for CSIR NET” link to start the registration process.
- You will be asked to create a new account by entering your basic details like name, email address, mobile number, and choosing a password.
- After successful registration, you will receive a Registration Number and Password on your registered mobile number and email.
Step 2: Fill in the CSIR NET Application Form
- Log in using the Registration Number and Password.
- Fill out the application form by providing personal details such as:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Father’s/Mother’s Name
- Address and Contact Information
- Educational Qualification Details
- Exam Centre Preferences
- Make sure all the details are accurate and match the information on your academic certificates.
Step 3: Upload Documents
You will need to upload scanned copies of the following documents:
- Photograph: A recent passport-sized color photograph with a white background.
- Signature: A scanned copy of your signature.
- Category Certificate (if applicable): For candidates belonging to reserved categories like SC, ST, OBC, or PwD.
- Educational Qualification Documents: If applicable, proof of qualification or provisional certificate.
Ensure that all scanned documents meet the specified size and resolution requirements mentioned on the website.
Step 4: Payment of Application Fee
The application fee is an essential part of the application process. The fee varies according to the candidate’s category:
Payment can be made through various modes, including:
- Credit/Debit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
- e-Challan
Step 5: Final Submission and Print Out
After completing the CSIR NET application form and payment, review all the details you have entered. Once satisfied, submit the form. You will be able to download and print a confirmation page for your reference. Keep a copy of the confirmation page safe, as it contains important details like your application number and exam center details.
CSIR NET Age Limit 2026
CSIR NET Age Limit differs for candidates applying for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and those applying for the Lectureship/Assistant Professor (LS) positions.
CSIR NET JRF Age Limit
The age limit for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) under the CSIR NET 2025 is specifically defined to ensure that only young and eligible researchers can apply for this fellowship program.
| Post Name | Age Limit | Reference Date |
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | Maximum 30 years | Not more than 30 years as on 1st December 2025 |
CSIR NET 2026: Relaxation in Upper Age Limit for JRF NET
CSIR NET 2026 provides relaxation in the upper age limit for candidates belonging to reserved and special categories. This relaxation aims to promote inclusivity and give equal opportunities to candidates from diverse backgrounds to pursue research and academic careers through the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) program.
| Category | Upper Age Limit (after relaxation) |
| SC / ST / PwD / Female | 35 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 33 years |
CSIR NET Age Limit for Lectureship (LS/Assistant Professor)
| Post Name | Age Limit |
| Lectureship / Assistant Professor (LS) | No upper age limit |
CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Relaxation for Third Gender Category
Candidates belonging to the Third Gender category are entitled to the same relaxations and benefits in terms of age limit, application fee, and educational qualification as those provided to candidates from the SC/ST categories, ensuring fair representation and equal opportunity in the CSIR NET 2026 examination.
| Category | Relaxation / Benefit |
| Third Gender Candidates | Eligible for the same relaxation in age, fee, and educational qualification as SC/ST candidates. |
| Cut-off Criteria | The subject-wise qualifying cut-off for the Third Gender category will be the lowest among SC/ST/PwD/OBC–NCL/General-EWS categories. |
CSIR NET Reservation Criteria 2026
CSIR NET 2026 examination follows the Government of India’s reservation policy to ensure equal opportunity for candidates from all social categories. Under this policy, relaxation in qualifying marks, age limit, and application fees is provided to candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC–Non Creamy Layer), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
| Category | Relaxation in Marks (from 55%) |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 5% (i.e., 50% marks required) |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 5% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 5% |
CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria 2026 Important Points
Before applying for the CSIR UGC NET 2025, candidates must carefully go through the key eligibility guidelines mentioned in the official notification. Below are some important points to keep in mind:
| Key Point | Explanation |
| Dual Consideration (JRF + LS) | If a candidate applies for JRF and meets the eligibility for Lectureship, they will be considered for both. |
| Over-age Candidates | Candidates found over-age for JRF will be automatically considered for Lectureship/Assistant Professorship only. |
| Final Year M.Sc. Candidates | Candidates awaiting results of M.Sc. or equivalent degree can apply for Lectureship, provided they meet all other eligibility conditions later. |
CSIR NET Eligibility for OBC Candidates
Candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC–Non Creamy Layer) category are eligible to apply for the CSIR UGC NET 2025 examination, provided they meet the required educational and age criteria. The eligibility details for OBC candidates are as follows:
| Category | Educational Qualification | Additional Note |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | Master’s degree in Science or equivalent degree with at least 55% marks | 5 years age relaxation for female candidates and PwD candidates. |
CSIR NET Eligibility for Female Candidates
Female candidates are equally encouraged and supported under the CSIR UGC NET 2026 scheme, with specific relaxations provided in age limit and other eligibility conditions to promote their participation in research and higher education. The detailed eligibility criteria are as follows:
| Gender | Educational Qualification | Age Limit |
| Female | Master’s degree in Science or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology with 55% marks | 21 to 30 years (with 5 years relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates) |
CSIR NET 2026: Subject-wise Educational Qualification
CSIR UGC NET 2026 examination assesses candidates’ eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship/Assistant Professor (LS) in five major science disciplines. To apply for a specific subject, candidates must possess the corresponding educational qualification as prescribed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
| Subject | Required Educational Qualification |
| Life Sciences | Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Life Sciences only |
| Chemical Sciences | M.Sc./B.S./B.Tech or equivalent qualification in Chemistry |
| Earth Sciences | M.Sc./B.S.–M.S./B.S. (4 Years)/B.Pharm or equivalent degree in Earth Sciences |
| Mathematical Sciences | M.Sc./B.S.–M.S./B.S./B.Tech or equivalent qualification in Mathematics |
| Physical Sciences | M.Sc. in Physics or B.S.–M.S. in Physics or equivalent qualification |
CSIR NET Life Sciences Dec 2025 | Immunology Top 30 Questions | CSIR NET Dec 2025 | Biology Academy
- JRF Age Limit: 30 years (with relaxation as per category)
- Lectureship (LS): No age limit
- Qualification: Master’s degree or equivalent with minimum 55% marks (50% for reserved categories)
- Subjects Covered: Life, Chemical, Earth, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences
CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria 2026 Nationality
To be eligible for the CSIR NET 2025 examination, a candidate must be an Indian citizen. The exam is conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with the National Testing Agency (NTA), exclusively for individuals holding Indian nationality.
Foreign nationals are not eligible to apply for this exam, as the CSIR NET is specifically designed to identify and support Indian candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship/Assistant Professor (LS) positions in Indian universities, colleges, and research institutions.
Best CSIR NET Books 2025 For Chemical, Life, Physical, Earth & Math Sciences
Documents Required for CSIR NET Application Form 2026
For the CSIR NET Application Form 2026, candidates must upload and keep the following documents ready in the specified format and size:
| Documents Required for CSIR NET Application Form 2026 | |||
| Document | Format | File Size | Description |
| Recent Photograph | JPG/JPEG | 10–200 KB | Passport-size, color or black & white |
| Candidate’s Signature | JPG | 4–30 KB | Signed in black/blue ink on white background |
| Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS, if applicable) | JPG/PDF | 50–300 KB | Required for reserved category candidates |
| PwD Certificate (if applicable) | JPG/PDF | 50–300 KB | Only if claiming PwD reservation |
| Duly Verified Result Awaited Attestation Form | JPG/PDF | 50–500 KB | For candidates awaiting results |
| Class 10th Certificate or Board/University Certificate | JPG/PDF | As prescribed | For date of birth and verification |
| Graduation & PG Certificates/Mark Sheets | JPG/PDF | As prescribed | Required to confirm educational qualifications |
| Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.) | JPG/PDF | As prescribed | For identification and verification |
All documents must be clear, legible, and in the required file size and format to avoid rejection of the application form.
CSIR NET Life Sciences Dec 2025 | Protein Targeting Lecture 5 | Nucleus and Peroxisome |Cell Biology
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the minimum qualification required for CSIR NET 2026?
Candidates must have a Master’s degree in Science or an equivalent qualification with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories).
How long is the CSIR NET score valid?
JRF award is valid for two years from the date of issue, while Lectureship (LS) eligibility remains valid for a lifetime.
How to Edit the CSIR NET Application Form 2026
Candidates who wish to make changes in their CSIR NET Application Form 2026 can do so during the correction window. Follow the steps given below to edit the form:
- Visit the official CSIR NET website during the correction window period.
- Log in using your application number and password.
- Click on the ‘Application Form Correction’ option.
- Carefully review all the details entered in your application form.
- Make corrections only in the fields permitted by NTA (such as name, date of birth, category, exam centre, etc.).
- Recheck all the edited details before submitting.
- Click on ‘Submit’ to confirm the changes.
- Download and save the confirmation page or acknowledgment slip for future reference.
you can also watch this –
CSIR NET Life Sciences Dec 2025 | Protein Targeting Lecture 5 | Nucleus and Peroxisome |Cell Biology
CSIR NET Application Form Common Mistakes to Avoid
Filling out the CSIR NET application form 2026 is a critical task, and small errors can lead to complications. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Incorrect Details: Double-check personal information, including your name, date of birth, and category.
- Wrong Photograph and Signature: Ensure that your photograph and signature meet the prescribed specifications in terms of size and format.
- Incomplete Payment: Ensure that the payment is successfully made and a receipt is generated. Without the payment, your application will not be processed.
- Failure to Review: Always review your form before submission. Once submitted, you cannot make changes to your application form.
CSIR NET Application Form 2026 Admit Card and Exam Center
After successfully submitting the CSIR NET application form, candidates will receive their admit cards, which contain details like the exam center, date, and timing. Admit card is released a few weeks before the exam and is available for download on the official website. It is a mandatory document for attending the exam.
you can also watch this –
CSIR NET Life Sciences Dec 2025 | Protein Targeting Lecture 5 | Nucleus and Peroxisome |Cell Biology
List of CSIR NET Exam Centres 2026 Expected
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the CSIR UGC NET 2026 exam across various cities in India to ensure maximum accessibility for candidates. Applicants will be able to choose their preferred exam centre city while filling out the online application form.
Given below will be the complete state-wise list of expected CSIR NET 2026 exam centres, along with their respective city codes (based on the previous year’s data; the final list will be released in the official notification).
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
| State | City | City Code |
| Andaman & Nicobar | Port Blair | AN01 |
Click here to fill out the CSIR NET December 2025 Application Form
Andhra Pradesh
| City | City Code |
| Anantapur | AP01 |
| Bhimavaram | AP03 |
| Chirala | AP04 |
| Chittoor | AP05 |
| Eluru | AP06 |
| Guntur | AP07 |
| Kadapa | AP08 |
| Kakinada | AP09 |
| Kurnool | AP10 |
| Narasaraopeta | AP20 |
| Nellore | AP11 |
| Ongole | AP12 |
| Proddatur | AP21 |
| Rajahmundry | AP13 |
| Srikakulam | AP14 |
| Surampallem | AP23 |
| Tirupati | AP16 |
| Vijayawada | AP17 |
| Visakhapatnam | AP18 |
| Vizianagaram | AP19 |
Arunachal Pradesh
| City | City Code |
| Itanagar / Naharlagun | AL01 |
you can also watch this – CSIR NET Life Sciences Dec 2025 | Protein Targeting Lecture 5 | Nucleus and Peroxisome |Cell Biology
Assam
| City | City Code |
| Dibrugarh | AM01 |
| Guwahati | AM02 |
| Jorhat | AM03 |
| Silchar | AM04 |
| Tezpur | AM05 |
Bihar
| City | City Code |
| Arrah | BR09 |
| Bhagalpur | BR02 |
| Darbhanga | BR04 |
| Gaya | BR05 |
| Muzaffarpur | BR06 |
| Patna | BR07 |
| Purnea | BR08 |
you can also watch this – CSIR NET June 2025 Life Sciences Answer Key & Full Paper Solutions | Fastest & Most Accurate
Chandigarh
| City | City Code |
| Chandigarh / Mohali / Panchkula | CH01 |
Chhattisgarh
| City | City Code |
| Bhilai Nagar / Durg | CG01 |
| Bilaspur | CG02 |
| Raipur | CG03 |
Delhi (NCT)
| City | City Code |
| New Delhi | DL01 |
Goa
| City | City Code |
| Panaji / Madgaon | GO01 |
Gujarat
| City | City Code |
| Ahmedabad / Gandhinagar | GJ01 |
| Anand | GJ02 |
| Bhavnagar | GJ03 |
| Himatnagar | GJ14 |
| Jamnagar | GJ06 |
| Junagadh | GJ07 |
| Mehsana | GJ08 |
| Rajkot | GJ10 |
| Surat | GJ11 |
| Vadodara | GJ12 |
| Vapi | GJ13 |
Haryana
| City | City Code |
| Ambala | HR01 |
| Faridabad | HR03 |
| Gurugram | HR04 |
| Hisar | HR05 |
| Karnal | HR06 |
| Kurukshetra | HR07 |
| Panipat | HR08 |
| Sonipat | HR09 |
| Yamuna Nagar | HR10 |
Himachal Pradesh
| City | City Code |
| Bilaspur | HP01 |
| Hamirpur | HP03 |
| Kangra | HP04 |
| Kullu | HP10 |
| Mandi | HP08 |
| Shimla | HP06 |
| Solan | HP07 |
| Una | HP09 |
Jammu & Kashmir
| City | City Code |
| Baramulla | JK01 |
| Jammu | JK02 |
| Samba | JK03 |
| Srinagar | JK04 |
Jharkhand
| City | City Code |
| Bokaro Steel City | JH01 |
| Dhanbad | JH02 |
| Hazaribagh | JH05 |
| Jamshedpur | JH03 |
| Ranchi | JH04 |
Karnataka
| City | City Code |
| Belagavi (Belgaum) | KK02 |
| Bellary | KK03 |
| Bengaluru | KK04 |
| Bidar | KK05 |
| Davanagere | KK06 |
| Dharwad / Hubballi | KK10 |
| Gulbarga | KK08 |
| Hassan | KK09 |
| Mandya | KK18 |
| Mangaluru | KK12 |
| Mysuru | KK14 |
| Shivamogga | KK15 |
| Tumakuru | KK16 |
| Udupi / Manipal | KK17 |
Kerala
| City | City Code |
| Alappuzha | KL01 |
| Ernakulam | KL04 |
| Idukki | KL05 |
| Kannur | KL07 |
| Kasaragod | KL08 |
| Kollam | KL09 |
| Kottayam | KL11 |
| Kozhikode | KL12 |
| Malappuram | KL13 |
| Palakkad | KL15 |
| Pathanamthitta | KL16 |
| Thiruvananthapuram | KL17 |
| Thrissur | KL18 |
Ladakh & Lakshadweep
| City | City Code |
| Leh (Ladakh) | LL01 |
| Kavaratti (Lakshadweep) | LD01 |
Madhya Pradesh
| City | City Code |
| Balaghat | MP01 |
| Betul | MP02 |
| Bhopal | MP03 |
| Chhindwara | MP05 |
| Gwalior | MP06 |
| Indore | MP07 |
| Jabalpur | MP08 |
| Rewa | MP11 |
| Sagar | MP12 |
| Satna | MP13 |
| Ujjain | MP15 |
Maharashtra
| City | City Code |
| Ahmednagar | MR01 |
| Akola | MR02 |
| Amravati | MR03 |
| Aurangabad | MR04 |
| Chandrapur | MR09 |
| Dhule | MR10 |
| Jalgaon | MR13 |
| Kolhapur | MR14 |
| Latur | MR15 |
| Mumbai / Navi Mumbai | MR16 |
| Nagpur | MR17 |
| Nanded | MR18 |
| Nashik | MR19 |
| Pune | MR22 |
| Raigad | MR23 |
| Ratnagiri | MR24 |
| Sangli | MR25 |
| Satara | MR26 |
| Solapur | MR27 |
| Thane | MR28 |
| Wardha | MR29 |
Uttar Pradesh
| City | City Code |
| Agra | UP01 |
| Aligarh | UP02 |
| Prayagraj | UP03 |
| Bareilly | UP04 |
| Ayodhya | UP06 |
| Ghaziabad | UP07 |
| Gorakhpur | UP08 |
| Noida / Greater Noida | UP09 |
| Jhansi | UP10 |
| Kanpur | UP11 |
| Lucknow | UP12 |
| Mathura | UP13 |
| Meerut | UP14 |
| Moradabad | UP15 |
| Muzaffarnagar | UP16 |
| Sitapur | UP17 |
| Varanasi | UP18 |
Uttarakhand
| City | City Code |
| Dehradun | UK01 |
| Haldwani | UK02 |
| Haridwar | UK03 |
| Nainital | UK04 |
| Pantnagar | UK05 |
| Roorkee | UK06 |
West Bengal
| City | City Code |
| Asansol | WB01 |
| Burdwan | WB02 |
| Durgapur | WB04 |
| Hooghly | WB06 |
| Howrah | WB07 |
| Kalyani | WB08 |
| Kolkata | WB10 |
| Siliguri | WB11 |
CSIR NET Application Form 2026 FAQs
How can I apply online for CSIR NET 2026?
Candidates can apply only through the official website — csirnet.nta.ac.in. The process includes: registration → filling the form → uploading documents → fee payment → downloading the confirmation page.
Will NTA provide an application correction window for CSIR NET 2026?
Yes, after the application process, a short correction window will be opened for editing specific details (if allowed). However, some details may not be editable, so candidates must fill the form carefully.
What documents are required to fill the CSIR NET application form 2026?
You will need a scanned passport-size photo, signature, valid ID proof (Aadhar/PAN/Voter ID), category certificate (if applicable), and academic qualification details.
Can I submit the CSIR NET application form through offline mode?
No. The CSIR NET application form is accepted only in online mode, and no offline forms will be considered.
