CSIR NET previous year question papers are essential study resources that help candidates understand the actual exam pattern, the types of questions asked, and the level of difficulty for each subject across shifts and years. These papers are available for subjects including Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Mathematical Sciences. They offer insight into topics that are frequently repeated, allocation of marks across sections, and common question formats.โ

Also Checkย CSIR NET Important Questions for Life Scienceย
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers
The CSIR NET previous year question papers are an essential resource for aspirants preparing for the exam. They provide valuable insight into the exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level of each subject. By solving these papers, candidates can assess their preparation, identify weak areas, and improve time management. The papers are available for all five subjects โ Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences โ and can be downloaded from the official CSIR NET website (csirnet.nta.nic.in). Regular practice with these papers helps students understand topic weightage and boosts confidence for the CSIR NET 2025 exam.
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Paperย Key Highlights
The CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research โ National Eligibility Test) is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to assess candidatesโ eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor roles in various branches of science.
This prestigious examination is conducted twice every year and is designed to test both fundamental understanding and analytical thinking. The paper is divided into three sections โ Part A, Part B, and Part C, each focusing on different aspects such as general aptitude, subject knowledge, and problem-solving ability.

Practicing the CSIR NET previous year question papers is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the exam. It helps candidates understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and important topics, while also improving time management and accuracy during the test.
Below is an updated overview of the CSIR NET Exam Structure for your quick reference:
CSIR NET Exam Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of Examination | CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research โ National Eligibility Test) |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency of Exam | Twice a year |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Exam Structure | Three Sections: Part A (General Aptitude), Part B (Subject-Specific), Part C (Analytical and Higher-Order Questions) |
| Exam Duration | 180 Minutes (3 Hours) |
Also watch this- CSIR NET 2025 Memory Based Paper Discussion
Also Check theย CSIR NET Cut Off
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers PDF Download
Here is a list of CSIR NET previous year question papers available for download: Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences for various shifts and years.
ย If you prefer learning visually, watch this quick video guide!
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers 2024 PDF
Download theย CSIR NET 2024 question papersย (June and December sessions) for all subjects in PDF format. These papers help candidates analyze the latest question trends and difficulty levels to prepare effectively for CSIR NET 2025.
|
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers PDF (2024) |
||
|
Subjects |
Exam Shiftย |
Download Link |
|
Chemical Science |
Shift 1 |
|
|
Shift 2 |
||
|
Life Science |
Shift 1 |
|
|
Shift 2 |
||
|
Shift 1 |
||
|
Earth Science |
Shift 1 |
|
|
Shift 1 |
||
|
Shift 1 |
||
|
Mathematical Science |
Shift 1 |
|
|
Shift 2 |
||
|
Shift 1 |
||
|
Physical Science |
Shift 1 |
|
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers 2023 PDF
Theย CSIR NET 2023 papersย provide insights into topic distribution and commonly asked concepts. Aspirants should solve both sessionsโ papers to understand the exam pattern and improve their accuracy.
|
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers PDF (2023) |
||
|
Subjects |
Exam Shift |
Download Link |
|
Chemical Science |
Shift 1 |
|
|
Life Science |
Shift 1 |
|
|
Shift 2 |
||
|
Shift 1 |
||
|
Shift 2 |
||
|
Earth Science |
Shift 2 |
|
|
Mathematical Science |
Shift 1 |
|
|
Shift 2 |
||
|
Physical Science |
Shift 1 |
|
|
Shift 2 |
||
you can also watch this –ย
CSIR NET Life Sciences Dec 2025 | Protein Targeting Lecture 5 | Nucleus and Peroxisome |Cell Biology
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers 2022 PDF
Accessย CSIR NET 2022 question papersย in PDF format for Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Physical Sciences. These papers are ideal for revising key topics and testing conceptual understanding.
|
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers PDF (2022) |
||
|
Subjects |
Exam Shift |
Download Link |
|
Chemical Science |
Shift 1 |
|
|
Life Science |
Shift 1 |
|
|
Shift 2 |
||
|
Earth Science |
Shift 1 |
|
|
Mathematical Science |
Shift 2 |
|
|
Physical Science |
Shift 1 |
|
- Aspirants preparing for the upcoming CSIR NET 2025 examination can significantly enhance their preparation by practicing with the CSIR NET 2022 question papers. These papers are available in PDF format for all five subjects โ Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Physical Sciences โ and serve as one of the most reliable study resources for understanding the exam structure in depth.
- The 2022 papers provide a comprehensive look into the actual question patterns, difficulty levels, and topic-wise distribution that CSIR follows. By analyzing these papers, candidates can easily recognize the recurring topics and the concepts that carry higher weightage, ensuring a more focused and smart preparation strategy.
- Regularly solving previous year papers, especially from CSIR NET 2022, allows candidates to test their conceptual understanding, strengthen their problem-solving speed, and identify areas that require improvement. It also familiarizes them with the latest changes in question framing, helping them adapt to both analytical and theoretical question types asked in Parts A, B, and C.
- Moreover, attempting these papers under timed conditions boosts exam temperament and builds the confidence needed for the real test. Students preparing for Life Science can focus on biological processes and molecular interactions, while Chemical Science aspirants can master reaction mechanisms and numerical problems. Likewise, Physical Science candidates can analyze advanced topics like quantum mechanics and thermodynamics, and Earth Science students can revise geological and atmospheric patterns effectively.
- The CSIR NET 2022 question papers are not only essential for practice but also for self-assessment. Candidates should review their performance after each test, compare their answers with the official answer key, and refine their preparation accordingly.
- By incorporating these papers into your regular study routine, you ensure that your preparation remains exam-oriented, data-backed, and strategically efficient. The more you practice, the better your accuracy, time management, and conceptual clarity will become โ bringing you a step closer to cracking CSIR NET JRF or Lectureship in 2025.
Also watch this-
How to Crack CSIR NET Dec 2025 Life Sciences in 1st Attempt | Beginner to Topper Full Strategy
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers 2020 PDF
Practice withย CSIR NET 2020 papersย to get familiar with the revised exam format and updated question style. These papers also help in identifying high-scoring areas and improving problem-solving skills.
|
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers PDF (2020) |
||
|
Subjects |
Exam Shiftย |
PDF Download Link |
|
Chemical Science |
Shift 1 |
|
|
Shift 1 |
||
|
Life Science |
Shift 1 |
|
|
Shift 2 |
||
|
Mathematical Science |
Shift 2 |
|
|
Shift 2 |
||
|
Physical Science |
Shift 1 |
|
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers 2019 PDF
Theย CSIR NET 2019 papersย are useful for analyzing the difficulty level and conceptual focus of each subject. Solving these papers regularly builds confidence for upcoming sessions.
|
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers PDF (2019) |
|
|
Subject |
PDF Download |
|
Chemical Sciences |
|
|
Earth Sciences |
|
|
Life Sciences |
|
|
Mathematical Sciences |
|
|
Physical Sciences |
|
This video simplifies everything we just discussed โ take a look!ย
CSIR NET Life Sciences Dec 2025 | Protein Targeting Lecture 5 | Nucleus and Peroxisome |Cell Biology
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers 2018 PDF
Downloadย CSIR NET 2018 question papersย in PDF format for all subjects. These older papers help track changes in exam trends over the years and are perfect for full-length practice sessions.
|
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers PDF (2018) |
||
|
Subjects |
PDF Download Link |
|
|
Chemical Science |
SET A |
|
|
SET B |
||
|
SET C |
||
|
Life Science |
SET A |
|
|
SET B |
||
|
SET C |
||
|
Earth Science |
SET A |
|
|
SET B |
||
|
SET C |
||
|
Mathematical Science |
SET A |
|
|
SET B |
||
|
SET C |
||
|
Physical Science |
SET A |
|
|
SET B |
||
|
SET C |
||
Click here to download CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers PDF.
How to Download CSIR NET Previous Year Papers?
To downloadย CSIR NET previous year question papers, follow the steps given below:
-
Visit theย official CSIR NET websiteย โย csirnet.nta.nic.in.
-
Click on theย โPrevious Year Question Papersโย orย โDownload Question Paperโย link available on the homepage.
-
Select theย exam year, subject, and session (June/December)ย from the options.
-
Click on theย download linkย to save the PDF file of the chosen paper.
-
Candidates can also download theย official CSIR NET answer keysย from the same page for better exam preparation.
These papers help aspirants analyze question trends, difficulty levels, and important topics for the upcomingย CSIR NET 2025 exam.

Importance of CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers
CSIR NET previous year question papers are invaluable for the exam preparation, and the CSIR NET is no exception. Here’s why:
- Understanding the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the question types, marks distribution, and difficulty level, helping in better planning.
- Identifying Repeated Topics: Recognize recurring topics to focus on during preparation, optimizing study time.
- Time Management Practice: Practice solving papers under timed conditions to develop efficient time allocation skills.
- Improving Accuracy: Gain confidence and increase accuracy by understanding the exam format.
- Boosting Confidence: Regular practice simulates exam conditions, reducing anxiety and boosting confidence.
- Self-assessment: Evaluate strengths and weaknesses to adjust the study plan for improvement.

Also Checkย CSIR NET Notes
How to Use CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers Effectively?
To make the most of CSIR NET previous year question papers, candidates should follow a systematic approach:
- Start Early: Solve one paper per week well in advance to familiarize yourself with the content and address weak areas.
- Simulate Exam Conditions: Practice in a quiet environment, adhering to time limits to develop time management skills.
- Analyze the Answers: Review incorrect answers to understand challenges and revise those topics.
- Group Study and Discussion: Collaborate with peers to gain different perspectives and enhance understanding.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Prioritize difficult topics based on your performance in previous papers.
- Take Mock Tests: Simulate full-length tests under exam conditions to refine your performance.

Also, Checkย Important Topics for Physical Science
Benefits of Solving CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers
Solving CSIR NET previous year question papers offers several benefits that can improve both preparation and performance in the exam.
- Better Time Management: Regular practice helps candidates improve speed and accuracy in answering multiple-choice questions within the fixed time limit.
- Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Solving varied questions boosts problem-solving abilities, making it easier to tackle difficult or unfamiliar problems.
- Build Exam Strategy: Develop strategies such as which section to attempt first or when to skip difficult questions.
- Reduces Exam Stress: Familiarity with the exam environment lowers anxiety and builds confidence, leading to a relaxed approach on exam day.
- Closer Look at Important Topics: Identifying frequently asked topics helps prioritize preparation.
How to Start Preparing for CSIR NET Exam 2025
The biggest mistake aspirants make is starting preparation without a proper plan. Follow these steps to begin smartly:
- Understand your subject syllabus deeply.
- Divide topics into easy, moderate, and difficult levels.
- Create a practical timetable (not a fancy one).
- Set weekly and monthly targets.
- Start with conceptual clarity before jumping into MCQs.
Preparation Strategy Step-by-Step
A clear preparation plan is the foundation of success in any competitive exam. Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step strategy designed to help aspirants prepare systematically for the CSIR NET 2025 examination.
Step 1: Understand the Exam Pattern & Weightage
- Focus 40% time on Part C (analytical questions)
- Part A (Aptitude): Practice daily 1โ2 questions
- Part B: Revise NCERT + graduation basics
Step 2: Topic-Wise Study Plan
- Divide syllabus into Units โ Subtopics โ Micro concepts
- Make short notes and formula sheets
- Use standard books (VedPrepโs recommended list)
Step 3: Practice
- Solve previous 10 yearsโ CSIR papers
- Attempt mock tests & topic-wise PYQs
- Analyze weak areas weekly
Step 4: Revision
- Make mind maps / flowcharts
- Use spaced repetition for memory retention
- Weekly revision cycles
Step 5: Smart Time Management
- 3 hours daily = 1 hr theory + 1 hr PYQ + 1 hr notes/mocks
- Increase gradually to 6โ8 hours near exam
CSIR NET Exam 2025 Study Plan
Planning your preparation is as important as studying itself. Below is a detailed CSIR NET 2025 study plan, designed to help aspirants manage time, track progress, and maximize their performance in the final exam.
| Phase | Duration | Focus Area | Key Actions |
| Phase 1 | 3โ4 months | Syllabus Coverage | Read concepts, make short notes |
| Phase 2 | 2 months | Strengthening Concepts | Solve topic-wise MCQs, revise theory |
| Phase 3 | 1 month | Full Revision | Attempt mocks, analyze mistakes |
Daily Routine Example:
- 2 hours โ Concept study
- 2 hours โ Practice MCQs
- 1 hour โ Revision
- 30 mins โ Aptitude practice
Bonus Tip: Make your own handwritten short notes for formulae, reactions, and diagramsย they help during final revision.
Also Check CSIR NET Important Questions for Life Scienceย
CSIR NET 2025 Preparation Timetable Subject-Wise Study Plan
To crack the CSIR NET Exam 2025, a well-structured and consistent study plan is key.
Below are expert-curated subject-wise timetables for all five CSIR NET subjectsย designed to help you cover the syllabus completely with systematic revisions.
How to prepare for CSIR NET General Aptitude (Part A)ย 31-Day Study Plan
Even though Part A (General Aptitude) carries lesser weightage (30 marks), itโs a scoring section. Prepare it alongside your main subject using this 31-day micro-plan.
| Days | Topics / Focus Areas |
| Day 1โ2 | Number & Simplification, Bar Graph, Line Graph |
| Day 3โ4 | LCM & HCF, Mean, Median, Mode |
| Day 5โ6 | Average, Quadratic Equations, Coding-Decoding |
| Day 7 | Revision of Days 1โ6 |
| Day 8โ9 | Sequence & Series, Series Formation, Pie-chart |
| Day 10โ11 | Surds & Indices, Logarithms, Percentages |
| Day 12โ13 | Profit & Loss, Tabulation, Direction-Distance |
| Day 14โ15 | Revision of Days 1โ13 |
| Day 16โ17 | Simple & Compound Interest, Calendar & Clock |
| Day 18โ19 | Ratio-Proportion, Ranking, Seating Arrangement |
| Day 20โ21 | Partnership, Mixtures, Time & Work |
| Day 22โ23 | Revision of Days 1โ21 |
| Day 24โ25 | Speed-Time-Distance, Geometry |
| Day 26โ27 | Permutation & Combination, Mensuration |
| Day 28โ29 | Probability, Trigonometry |
| Day 30 | Major Revision of Days 1โ29 |
| Day 31 | Full Revision + Sectional Mock Test |
Tip: Practice 10โ15 aptitude questions daily alongside subject preparation.
How to prepare for CSIR NET exam Chemistry 90-Day Study Plan
This 3-month plan ensures coverage of Inorganic, Organic, Physical & Interdisciplinary Chemistry, with dedicated revision blocks
| Days | Topics |
| Day 1โ3 | Chemical Periodicity, Bonding |
| Day 4โ5 | Main Group Elements, Acids & Bases |
| Day 6โ8 | Transition & Inner Transition Elements, Coordination Compounds |
| Day 9โ10 | Revision of Days 1โ8 |
| Day 11โ12 | Organometallic Compounds, Metal Clusters |
| Day 13โ15 | Analytical & Bioinorganic Chemistry |
| Day 16โ17 | Characterization, Nuclear Chemistry |
| Day 18โ20 | Revision of Days 1โ17 |
| Day 21โ27 | Quantum Mechanics, Atomic Structure, Spectroscopy |
| Day 28โ30 | Group Theory, Molecular Spectroscopy |
| Day 31โ40 | Thermodynamics, Kinetics, Electrochemistry, Solid State |
| Day 41โ47 | Polymers, Stereochemistry, Nomenclature |
| Day 48โ56 | Organic Mechanisms, Rearrangements, Reagents, Pericyclic Reactions |
| Day 57โ67 | Natural Products, Medicinal, Supramolecular & Environmental Chemistry |
| Day 68โ85 | Full Revision โ Physical, Inorganic, Organic Chemistry |
| Day 86โ90 | Final Revision + Interdisciplinary Topics |
| Day 91+ | Mock Tests + Formula Recap |
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers FAQs
Q1. How can I download CSIR NET previous year question papers?
You can download the CSIR NET previous year question papers in PDF format from the official CSIR website or by visiting platforms like Vedprep.
Q2. Are there any specific benefits to solving CSIR NET previous year question papers?
Yes, solving them improves speed, boosts confidence, and helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, refining your preparation strategy for the actual exam.
Q3. How can I use CSIR NET previous year question papers effectively?
Start early, simulate exam conditions, analyze your mistakes, and focus on weak areas. Incorporate regular mock tests and group discussions for better understanding.
Q4. How often is the CSIR NET exam conducted?
CSIR NET exam is held twice a year, usually in June and December, with separate question papers for different subjects like Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and more.
Q5. Can I get solutions for CSIR NET previous year question papers?
Yes, several resources, including books and online platforms like Vedprep, offer detailed solutions along with the previous yearโs question papers for better understanding and practice.



