The CSIR NET exam is an important test for students in science streams like Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, and Mathematics. To prepare well for this exam, students must clearly understand the CSIR NET Marking Scheme. This scheme tells how marks are awarded for correct answers, how negative marking is applied, and how total scores are calculated.
The marking scheme also explains the weightage of each section, the variation across subjects, and the rules of multiple-choice questions. With this knowledge, students can avoid mistakes, manage their time, and score better.
Also Check CSIR NET Exam Pattern
CSIR NET Marking Scheme
The CSIR NET exam is based on multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Each paper is divided into three parts: Part A, Part B, and Part C. All subjects, like Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Mathematical Sciences, follow this three-part pattern.
| CSIR NET Marking Scheme | |||
| Part | Focus Area | Question Type | Weightage |
| A | General science, reasoning, maths | MCQ | 30 Marks |
| B | Subject knowledge (basic level) | MCQ | 70–75 Marks |
| C | Subject knowledge (deep level) | MCQ | 95–120 Marks |
| Total | — | — | 200 Marks |
This table shows that the total marks of the exam are 200, with Part C being the most important.
Also Check CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria
Marks Per Question in Part A, B, C CSIR NET
The marks per question are not the same in every subject. Some subjects give 2 marks per question, while others give more. This difference is part of the CSIR NET Marking Scheme and must be understood well by students.
By knowing the marks per question in Part A, B, C CSIR NET, students can focus on high-value questions. Below is the subject-wise breakdown:
| Marks Per Question in Part A, B, C CSIR NET | |||
| Subject | Part A (per Q) | Part B (per Q) | Part C (per Q) |
| Life Sciences | 2 | 2 | 4.75 |
| Chemical Sciences | 2 | 2 | 4.75 |
| Physical Sciences | 2 | 3.5 | 5 |
| Earth Sciences | 2 | 2 | 4.75 |
| Mathematical Sciences | 2 | 3 | 4.75 |
This table shows the marking scheme variation across subjects like Math, Chemistry, and Physics. For example, Physical Sciences gives 5 marks per question in Part C, which is different from Life Sciences or Chemistry.
Also Check CSIR NET Previous Year Questions
Penalty for Wrong Answer in Different Parts
In CSIR NET, wrong answers can reduce marks. This is called negative marking. The penalty for wrong answer in different parts is clearly explained in the official marking scheme.
The negative marking percentage is not the same everywhere. While most subjects cut 25% marks for wrong answers, Mathematical Sciences is slightly different.
| Penalty for Wrong Answer in Different Parts | |||
| Subject | Part A | Part B | Part C |
| Life Sciences | –25% per wrong | –25% per wrong | –25% per wrong |
| Chemical Sciences | –25% per wrong | –25% per wrong | –25% per wrong |
| Physical Sciences | –25% per wrong | –25% per wrong | –25% per wrong |
| Earth Sciences | –25% per wrong | –25% per wrong | –25% per wrong |
| Mathematical Sciences | –25% per wrong | –25% per wrong | No negative marking |
This table explains the CSIR NET negative marking rules subject-wise. Students of Mathematics can attempt more in Part C because there is no negative marking.
Scoring Scheme MCQ Marking CSIR NET
Students must also know the exact scoring system for MCQs. The scoring scheme MCQ marking CSIR NET explains what happens for correct, wrong, and skipped questions.
This helps in making smart choices while attempting the paper.
| Scoring Scheme MCQ Marking CSIR NET | |
| Answer Type | Marks Given |
| Correct Answer | Full marks for that question |
| Wrong Answer | 25% marks cut in most subjects (except Part C of Maths) |
| Unattempted | 0 marks (no gain, no loss) |
From this table, students can see why it is better to leave doubtful questions instead of losing marks.
Weightage of Sections in CSIR NET Exam Pattern
The weightage of sections in CSIR NET exam pattern shows which part is more important. Part C always has the highest weightage, while Part A has the least.
By understanding the weightage, students can give more time to the section that brings more marks.
| Weightage of Sections in CSIR NET Exam Pattern | ||
| Part | Weightage (Marks) | Focus |
| A | 30 | General aptitude and reasoning |
| B | 70–75 | Subject basics |
| C | 95–120 | Higher-level subject knowledge |
This makes it clear that Part C decides the majority of a student’s score.
Total Marks and Question Distribution for CSIR NET
The CSIR NET exam is of 200 marks. But the total number of questions asked, and the number of questions to be attempted, are not the same in every subject. Students must carefully check the distribution.
The table below explains the total marks and question distribution for CSIR NET in all subjects.
| Total Marks and Question Distribution for CSIR NET | ||||
| Subject | Part A (Q + Marks) | Part B (Q + Marks) | Part C (Q + Marks) | Total Marks |
| Life Sciences | 20 Q, 30 Marks (attempt 15) | 50 Q, 70 Marks (attempt 35) | 75 Q, 100 Marks (attempt 25) | 200 |
| Chemical Sciences | 20 Q, 30 Marks (attempt 15) | 40 Q, 70 Marks (attempt 35) | 60 Q, 100 Marks (attempt 25) | 200 |
| Physical Sciences | 20 Q, 30 Marks (attempt 15) | 25 Q, 70 Marks (attempt 20) | 30 Q, 100 Marks (attempt 20) | 200 |
| Earth Sciences | 20 Q, 30 Marks (attempt 15) | 50 Q, 70 Marks (attempt 35) | 80 Q, 100 Marks (attempt 25) | 200 |
| Mathematical Sciences | 20 Q, 30 Marks (attempt 15) | 40 Q, 75 Marks (attempt 25) | 60 Q, 95 Marks (attempt 20) |
200 |
This table highlights the marking scheme variation across subjects like Math, Chemistry, and Life Sciences.
CSIR NET Marking Scheme FAQs
Q2. Is there negative marking in CSIR NET?
Yes, there is negative marking of 25% for wrong answers, except for Part C of Mathematics.
Q3. How many marks are given per question in CSIR NET?
It varies by subject. For example, in Physical Sciences, Part B questions carry 3.5 marks, while in Life Sciences, they carry 2 marks.
Q4. Which section has the highest weightage in CSIR NET?
Part C has the highest weightage with up to 120 marks, testing in-depth subject knowledge.
Q5. How many questions should I attempt in CSIR NET?
It depends on the subject, but usually students must attempt 55 to 75 questions out of the total asked.
