CSIR NET Life Science exam 2025 was successfully conducted on 28th July 2025, during the first shift from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The exam was held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode at various centres across the country.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the official CSIR NET Life Science question paper on its official website csirnet.nta.nic.in. Candidates who appeared for the exam were able to download the question paper and compare it with their recorded responses once it was made available online.
Also Check CSIR NET Question Paper 2025
CSIR NET Life Science Exam 2025 Overview
The CSIR NET Life Science 2025 exam was conducted on 28th July 2025 in online (CBT) mode by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The paper followed the standard exam pattern and lasted for 3 hours, covering all key topics from the syllabus. Here is a quick look at the main highlights of the CSIR NET Life Science exam:
| Life Science Exam Overview | |
| Particulars | Information |
| Exam Name | CSIR NET Life Science 2025 |
| Exam Conducting Body | National Testing Agency |
| Frequency of Conduct | Twice a year |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Duration of Exam | 3 Hours |
| Official Website | csirnet.nta.nic.in |
Also, Check the CSIR NET Answer Key 2025
CSIR NET Life Science Question Paper 2025 PDF
Since the Life Science exam was conducted in CBT mode, the question paper will be released by NTA within a few days after the exam. Once uploaded, candidates will be able to download the CSIR NET Life Science Question Papers Download Pdf 2025 from the official NTA portal.
How to Download CSIR NET Life Science Question Paper 2025
Once released by the National Testing Agency (NTA), candidates can follow these steps to download the official question paper:
- Visit the official website: Go to csirnet.nta.nic.in.
- Click on the link: “CSIR NET Life Science Question Paper 2025”
- Login (if required): Use your application number and date of birth/password to log in.
- Download the PDF: Once the question paper is available, click the download link to save the PDF to your device.
Also Check CSIR NET Previous Year Questions
CSIR NET Life Science Question Paper 2025 Difficulty Level
As per the initial student reactions and memory-based questions, the overall difficulty level of the Life Science paper was reported to be moderate to difficult.
| CSIR NET Life Science Question Paper 2025 Difficulty Level | ||
| Section | Difficulty Level | Remarks |
| Part A | Easy to Moderate | General Aptitude – included basic math and reasoning |
| Part B | Moderate | Subject-based questions – conceptual and fact-based |
| Part C | Moderate to Difficult | Analytical questions – required deep understanding |
| Overall | Moderate to Difficult | Balanced paper but Part C was slightly more challenging |
Also Check the CSIR NET Cut Off
CSIR NET Life Science Topic-wise Weightage (Shift-1) for Part A
Part A of the CSIR NET Life Science paper evaluates the candidate’s General Aptitude, which includes numerical ability, logical reasoning, and analytical skills.
This section is common for all science streams and usually contains a mix of reasoning, mathematical, and data interpretation–based questions.
The table below provides topic-wise distribution of questions asked in Shift-1 of the exam, helping aspirants identify which areas carry more weight and require focused preparation.
Also read – CSIR NET Application Form 2026 : Age Limit, Eligibility Criteria, Process, Fee, Exam Dates, Exam Centres
Topic-wise Distribution of Questions (Part A — Shift 1)
| Topic / Area | Expected Number of Questions |
| Blood Relations | 1–2 |
| Order & Ranking | 1–2 |
| Data Interpretation (Bar Graph) | 2 |
| Profit & Loss | 2 |
| Speed, Time & Distance | 3 |
| Ratio & Proportion | 2 |
| Geometry | 2 |
| Algebra | 1–2 |
| Probability | 1 |
- Speed, Time & Distance had the highest weightage in this shift.
- Blood relation, order & ranking, and algebra appeared with variable frequency.
- Data Interpretation questions were graphical (Bar Graph) and required observation and calculation.
- Preparing these topics with basic formulas, visualization, and short tricks can significantly boost your score in Part A.
Commonly Asked Question
Is there negative marking in the CSIR NET Life Science exam?
Yes. Negative marking applies as per the exam pattern mentioned in the official notification.
CSIR NET Life Science Previous Years Question Papers 2025
For effective CSIR NET Life Science preparation, solving previous years’ question papers plays a crucial role. The CSIR NET Life Science Question Papers Download Pdf 2025 are now available, giving aspirants the opportunity to analyze the latest exam pattern. Practicing these papers helps you understand:
CSIR NET Life Science Question Papers PDF 2025
| Exam Year | Exam Session / Shift | Previous Question Paper PDF | |
| 2025 | Shift 1 | Download PDF | Answer Download Link |
Also Check CSIR NET Previous Year Questions
CSIR NET Life Science Previous Years Question Papers 2024
CSIR NET Life Science preparation, going through previous years’ question papers is extremely valuable. The question papers from CSIR NET Life Science Question Papers PDF 2024 are now accessible to candidates. Working on these papers gives insight into exam trends, the difficulty of questions, and the topics that are repeatedly covered.
CSIR NET Life Science Question Papers PDF 2024
| Exam Year | Exam Session / Shift | Previous Question Paper PDF | |
| 2024 | Shift 1 | Download PDF | Answer Download Link |
| 2024 | Shift 2 | Download PDF |
Also Check – CSIR NET Cut Off from 2018 to 2025 and How to Download
CSIR NET Life Science Previous Year Question Papers 2023
CSIR NET Life Science Question Papers Download Pdf 2023 papers provide insights into topic distribution and commonly asked concepts. Aspirants should solve both sessions’ papers to understand the exam pattern and improve their accuracy.
CSIR NET Life Science Previous Year Question Papers PDF 2023 | |||
| Exam Year | Exam Session / Shift | Previous Question Paper PDF | |
| Life Science | Shift 1 | PDF Download | Answer Download Link |
| Shift 2 | PDF Download | ||
| Shift 1 | PDF Download | ||
| Shift 2 | PDF Download | ||
CSIR NET Life Science Previous Year Question Papers 2022
CSIR NET Life Science Question Papers Download Pdf 2022 offer valuable guidance on the distribution of topics and frequently tested concepts. Candidates are encouraged to practice both session papers to gain familiarity with the exam structure and enhance their accuracy and problem-solving speed.
CSIR NET Life Science Question Papers PDF 2022
| Exam Year | Exam Shift / Session | PDF Download Link | Answer Download Link |
| 2022 | Shift 1 | Download PDF | Answer Download Link |
| 2022 | Shift 2 | Download PDF |
Commonly Asked Question
Is there negative marking in the CSIR NET Life Science exam?
Yes. Negative marking applies as per the exam pattern mentioned in the official notification.
CSIR NET Life Science Previous Question Papers 2021
Practicing the CSIR NET Life Science Question Papers Download Pdf 2021 enables candidates to get a clear idea of the exam format, frequently tested topics, and the overall level of difficulty. These papers are available for download on the official CSIR–NTA website.
CSIR NET Life Science Question Papers 2021 PDF
| Exam Year | Exam Shift / Session | PDF Download Link | Answer Download Link |
| 2021 | Shift 1 | Download PDF | Answer Download Link |
| 2021 | Shift 2 | Download PDF |
CSIR NET Life Science Previous Question Papers 2020
Solving previous year papers helps you understand the paper pattern, important concepts, and difficulty level. The CSIR NET Life Science Question Papers Download Pdf 2020 can be accessed from the official CSIR–NTA portal.
CSIR NET Life Science Previous Question Papers PDF 2020
| Exam Year | Exam Shift / Session | PDF Download Link | Answer Download Link |
| 2020 | Shift 1 | Download PDF | Answer Download Link |
| 2020 | Shift 2 | Download PDF |
How to Prepare for CSIR NET Life Science Exam
The CSIR NET Life Science examination consists of two papers, and candidates must qualify both to clear the exam. Many students find the Life Science paper challenging because the syllabus is wide and concept-heavy. A disciplined approach, correct study resources, and consistent practice are the keys to scoring well.
Step 1: Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Before beginning your preparation, take time to thoroughly read the official syllabus and understand the question pattern.
This keeps your preparation focused and saves time.
Why this helps:
- You know exactly what to study.
- You can distribute your study hours section-wise.
- You will avoid unnecessary topics and stay aligned with the exam demand.
CSIR NET Life Science Exam Pattern
| Parameters | Part A (General Aptitude) | Part B (Subject Concepts) | Part C (Analytical/Application) | Total |
| Total Questions Given | 20 | 50 | 75 | 145 |
| Questions to be Attempted | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
| Marks for Correct Answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
| Negative Marking (25%) | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 | — |
| Nature of Questions | Reasoning, DI, Aptitude | Conceptual subject questions | Higher-order thinking, analysis | — |
Step 2: Practice Previous Years’ Papers + Mock Tests
Reviewing past year papers is one of the strongest preparation strategies.
It familiarizes you with:
- The style of questions
- Frequently asked topics
- Level of difficulty
Practice at least 8–10 previous year papers and evaluate your performance after each one.
Mock tests help in:
- Speed control
- Accuracy improvement
- Building exam temperament
Aim for 2–3 mocks per week (not every day, quality over quantity).
Step 3: Refer to Standard Books
Using trusted and expert-written textbooks helps you understand concepts clearly instead of memorizing.
| Book Name | Author |
| Developmental Biology | Scott F. Gilbert |
| Molecular Biology of the Cell | Bruce Alberts |
| Introductory Plant Biology | Stern |
| Principles of Genetics | Snustad |
These books clarify fundamentals, which is essential to tackle Part C analytical questions.
Step 4: Create a Realistic Study Schedule
Since the Life Science syllabus is vast, plan your preparation in phases.
A good plan should include:
- Topic-wise goals
- Weekly targets
- Fixed revision slots
Advantages of planning:
- Ensures full syllabus coverage
- Helps track weak and strong areas
- Reduces last-minute pressure
CSIR NET Life Science Smart Preparation Tips
Use the following smart strategies to streamline your preparation and maximize your chances of success in CSIR NET Life Science.
| Preparation Step | Why It Works |
| Analyze PYQs & mock tests | Shows exam pattern and expected problem type |
| Prepare concise handwritten notes | Saves time during revision |
| Focus on conceptual clarity | Mandatory for solving Part C analytical questions |
| Follow a time-bound study plan | Keeps preparation structured and goal-oriented |
| Revise multiple times | Improves memory and retention |
Consistency matters more than studying long hours.
Understanding concepts → Solving PYQs → Mock tests → Revision
This sequence guarantees progress.
| Related Topics | |
| important topics for csir net Physical Science | important topics for csir net Life Science |
| important topics for csir net Chemistry | important topics for csir net Mathematics |
CSIR NET Life Science Question Papers Download Pdf 2025 FAQs
Is the CSIR NET Life Science exam conducted online or offline?
The exam is held in CBT mode which gives real time question navigation.
What is the difficulty level of the CSIR NET Life Science paper?
Moderate to difficult. Part C is concept intensive so clarity is important.
How much time should I spend on solving PYQs daily?
One full paper every alternate day helps improve time control plus accuracy.
Do I need to finish the entire Life Science syllabus before solving PYQs?
No. Start PYQs topic wise so you understand how the exam asks problems.
