The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Eligibility Test (CSIR NET) is a national-level exam for students who want to work as Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) or apply for Lectureship/Assistant Professor posts in Indian universities and colleges. One of the most common questions students ask before applying is about the CSIR NET Age Limit. Knowing the correct age criteria is very important, as it helps candidates understand whether they are eligible for JRF or Lectureship.
Also Check CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria
CSIR NET Age Limit 2025-26 Overview
The CSIR NET Age Limit varies depending on the fellowship or post. For Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), the upper age limit is 30 years, with relaxations for reserved categories; there is no upper age limit for Lectureship or Assistant Professor posts.
| CSIR NET Age Limit 2025-26 | ||||||
| Post | CSIR NET age limit for General | CSIR NET age limit for OBC | CSIR NET age limit for SC | CSIR NET age limit for ST | CSIR NET age limit for females | Attempts |
| Junior Research Fellowship | 30 years | 33 years | 35 years | 35 years | 35 years | 5 |
| Assistant Professor/Lectureship | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit | No Limit | Unlimited |
Minimum Age Limit For CSIR NET
The minimum CSIR NET age limit for appearing is not fixed by the authorities. Instead, eligibility depends on academic qualification. A candidate must complete M.Sc. or an equivalent postgraduate degree before applying. This naturally means most candidates are in their early 20s when they first apply.
Also Check CSIR NET Notes
Maximum Age Limit For CSIR NET
The maximum CSIR NET age limit is applicable only for JRF. The upper age limit for CSIR-NET 2025 remains the same as previous years — 30 years for General category, 33 years for OBC, and 35 years for SC/ST/PwD/Women. For Lectureship (LS), the maximum age is not defined, so candidates can apply at any stage of their career.
Also Check CSIR NET Previous Year Questions
Age Relaxation Rules for CSIR NET 2025-26
The CSIR NET age relaxation rules for reserved categories NET are very important for aspirants. These rules give students from OBC, SC/ST, PwD, and women categories extra years of eligibility for JRF.
| Age Relaxation Rules for CSIR NET | ||
| Category | Age Relaxation | Upper Age Limit for JRF |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years | 33 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years | 35 years |
| PwD (Persons with Disability) | 5 years | 35 years |
| Women Candidates (All Categories) | 5 years | 35 years |
Also Check the CSIR NET Cut Off
Difference Between Age Limit for LS vs JRF in CSIR NET 2025-26
The difference between age limit for LS vs JRF in CSIR NET is simple yet significant.
| Difference Between Age Limit for LS vs JRF in CSIR NET | ||
| Criteria | Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | Lectureship (LS) / Assistant Professor |
| Maximum Age Limit | 30 years for General (33 years for OBC, 35 years for SC/ST/PwD/Women) | No upper age limit |
| Minimum Age Requirement | Must have completed M.Sc. or equivalent degree | Must have completed M.Sc. or equivalent degree |
| Age Relaxation | OBC: +3 years, SC/ST/PwD/Women: +5 years | Not Applicable (No limit) |
| Attempts | Limited (about 5 attempts before crossing age bar) | Unlimited attempts |
| Suitability | Best for younger candidates starting research careers | Best for candidates of any age aiming for teaching careers |
CSIR NET Age Limit 2025 -26 FAQs
Q2. What are the age relaxation rules for reserved categories in CSIR NET?
In CSIR NET age limit for Candidates from OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) get 3 years relaxation, while SC, ST, PwD, and women candidates get 5 years relaxation for JRF.
Q3. What is the maximum CSIR NET age limit Junior Fellowship?
The maximum age for CSIR NET Junior Fellowship is 30 years for general candidates, with relaxation up to 35 years for reserved categories.
Q4. Is there a minimum CSIR NET age limit?
There is no fixed lower CSIR NET age limit, but candidates must have completed an M.Sc. or equivalent degree before applying.
Q5. What is the difference between the CSIR NET age limit for LS vs JRF?
JRF has a fixed upper age limit (30 years for general candidates), while LS has no age limit. This makes LS open for unlimited attempts, unlike JRF.
