Full Information about NTA CSIR UGC NET

Introduction

The NTA CSIR-UGC NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is a national-level examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in India. It aims to determine the eligibility of candidates for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and for appointment as Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges. The exam is held twice a year in various subjects under five major streams—Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.

Nta Csir Ugc Net
Nta Csir Ugc Net

It assesses a candidate’s research aptitude, subject knowledge, and analytical skills. Qualifying the CSIR-UGC NET opens opportunities for pursuing a Ph.D., engaging in advanced research, and starting an academic career in higher education institutions. It is considered one of the most prestigious exams for science postgraduates aspiring to contribute to research and teaching in India’s scientific community.

 Difference Between NTA CSIR UGC NET and UGC NET

Point CSIR UGC NET UGC NET (General)
Conducted by NTA (on behalf of CSIR and UGC) NTA (on behalf of UGC)
Fields Covered Sciences: Chemical, Earth, Life, Mathematical, Physical Humanities, Social Sciences, Commerce, Management, others
Frequency Twice a year (June & December cycles) Twice a year (usually June & December)
Exam Pattern One Paper, 3 sections (A, B, C), Subject-specific Two Papers (I: General, II: Subject-specific)
Eligibility Master’s or 4-year Bachelor’s in Science with required marks Master’s degree in any recognized program with required marks
For Posts JRF/Assistant Professor in Sciences JRF/Assistant Professor in Humanities, social sciences etc.
Syllabus Science-oriented and subject-specific General Paper I + Subject Paper II
Physical Test No No

Eligibility Determination

 

Qualified for JRF Assistant Professor Ph.D. admission
Category-1 Award of JRF and appointment as Assistant Professor Yes Yes Yes
Category-2 Appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D. No Yes Yes
Category-3 Admission to Ph.D. only No No Yes

Pattern of Question Papers

 

Subject Part Total questions Max No of Questions to attempt Marks for each correct answer Marks for each incorrect answer (Negative Marking)
CHEMICAL SCIENCES (701) PART A 20 15 2 0.5 (25%)
PART B 40 35 2 0.5 (25%)
PART C 60 25 4 1 (25%)
TOTAL 120 75 200 (Max Marks) –
EARTH, ATMOSPHERIC, OCEAN AND PLANETARY SCIENCES (702) PART A 20 15 2 0.5 (25%)
PART B 50 35 2 0.5 (25%)
PART C 80 25 4 1.32 (33%)
TOTAL 150 75 200 (Max Marks) –
LIFE SCIENCES (703) PART A 20 15 2 0.5 (25%)
PART B 50 35 2 0.5 (25%)
PART C 75 25 4 1 (25%)
TOTAL 145 75 200 (Max Marks) –
MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES (704) PART A 20 15 2 0.5 (25%)
PART B 40 25 3 0.75 (25%)
PART C 60 20 4.75 0 (No negative marking)
TOTAL 120 60 200 (Max Marks) –
PHYSICAL SCIENCES (705) PART A 20 15 2 0.5 (25%)
PART B 25 20 3.5 0.875 (25%)
PART C 30 20 5 1.25 (25%)
TOTAL 75 55 200 (Max Marks) –

Important Dates (December 2025 Cycle)

 

Event Date & Time
Notification Release September 25, 2025
Start of Online Application September 25, 2025
Last date to submit Application October 24, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM)
Last Date for Fee Payment October 25, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM)
Application Correction Window October 27 – 29, 2025
Release of Admit Card December 3, 2025 (expected)
CSIR NET Exam Date December 18, 2025
Declaration of Results (Tentative) January 2026 (exact date TBA)

Vacancy Details

The CSIR UGC NET does not declare fixed "vacancies" per se, as it's an eligibility test. However, JRF awards and Assistant Professorship eligibility numbers are determined based on cutoff marks and merit. The approximate number of fellowships awarded is usually notified post-examination.

 Eligibility Criteria

A. Educational Qualification

  • Master’s Degree or Equivalent: in relevant subject (Chemical, Earth, Life, Mathematical, or Physical Sciences) from a recognized institute with at least 55% marks (General/EWS), 50% for OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender.
  • Bachelor’s Degree (4-year/8-semester): with at least 75% marks (relaxable by 5% for reserved categories).
  • Candidates in the final year of Master’s or Bachelor’s degree are eligible provisionally.
  • PhD degree holders who completed Master’s by September 19, 1991, get a 5% relaxation in aggregate marks.

B. Age Limit

  • Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Not more than 30 years as of December 1, 2025.
  • Assistant Professorship / PhD Admission: No upper age limit.

C. Category-wise Age Relaxation for JRF

Category Relaxation
OBC (Non-creamy Layer) 5 Years
SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender 5 Years
Women 5 Years
Research Experience 5 Years (after M.Sc.)
Ex-Servicemen As per Govt rules

D. Nationality

  • Indian Citizens, and eligible subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees, or certain PIO migrants (see official notification for full details).

 

 Application Fee and Process

Application Fee (December 2025):

Category Application Fee (₹)
General ₹1150
OBC (Non-creamy) ₹600
SC/ST/Third Gender ₹325
PwD ₹325

  • Fees are payable only online (Credit/Debit/Net Banking/UPI).

Process Steps

  1. Register at 
  2. csirnet.nta.nic.in
  3. Complete application form and upload documents
  4. Pay application fee
  5. Download and save confirmation page

Salary

  • Junior Research Fellow (JRF): ₹37,000/- per month + admissible HRA
  • After 2 years or on upgradation to SRF: ₹42,000/- per month + HRA
  • Assistant Professorship (entry level): Approx. ₹57,700/- to ₹1,82,400/- (Academic Pay Level 10, as per UGC guidelines), plus allowances.

Selection Process

  1. Computer-based Written Exam (only phase)
  2. Preparation of Merit List: Based on subject-wise and category-wise cutoff marks
  3. Document Verification (by the institutions where candidates seek admission/employment)
  4. Award Letters issued by CSIR/UGC for JRF or Assistant Professorship

 Exam Pattern (December 2025)

Section No. of Questions Maximum Questions to Attempt Marks per Qn Maximum Marks Duration Medium
Part A 20 15 2 30
Part B 40 35 2 70
Part C 60 25 4 100
Total 120 75 - 200 180 min English/Hindi

  • Total Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes), single shift
  • Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
  • Negative Marking: Yes; varies by subject. E.g., in Life sciences, for Part A and B,
    0.5 marks each for incorrect response, in Part C 1 mark for incorrect response (consult subject wise notification)

Syllabus (Detailed by Subject)

 

Subject Major Topics Covered
A. Chemical Sciences - Inorganic, Organic, Physical, Interdisciplinary Chemistry, Analytical, Environmental Chemistry, Instrumental Methods

- Atomic structure, chemical periodicity, and chemical bonding

- Reaction mechanisms, organic synthesis, spectroscopy, photochemistry

- Thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, surface chemistry

- Analytical techniques: chromatography, spectroscopy

- Green chemistry, industrial, and environmental chemistry
B. Earth Sciences - Geology, Physical & Structural geology

- Mineralogy and Petrology

- Applied geology, Geophysics basics

- Environmental geology, hydrogeology

- Paleontology and stratigraphy

- Remote sensing, GIS, oceanography, atmospheric sciences
C. Life Sciences - Cellular organization, fundamental processes (replication, transcription, translation)

- Genetics and diversity of life forms

- Evolution and behavior, ecology, applied biology

- Biotechnology, methods in biology, instrumentation

- Plant sciences and animal sciences
D. Mathematical Sciences - Analysis, Linear algebra, Complex analysis

- Algebra (group, ring, field), differential equations

- Mechanics, Probability and statistics

- Numerical analysis, Linear programming

- Computer science basics
E. Physical Sciences - Mathematical methods in physics

- Classical mechanics, Electromagnetic theory

- Quantum mechanics, Thermodynamics, Statistical physics

- Atomic and molecular physics

- Electronics, Solid state physics, Nuclear and particle physics

 Physical Standards & Efficiency Test

There are no physical standards or physical efficiency tests for CSIR UGC NET exams; the examination is only computer-based (CBT) with no physical or medical fitness requirements.

 

 Result

  • Results are published on 
  • csirnet.nta.nic.in
  • , mostly within a month after the exam.
  • Subject-wise and category-wise cutoff marks are released along with merit lists of those eligible for JRF and Assistant Professor.
  • Candidates need to download their e-certificate from the website.

 Admit Card

  • To be downloaded from 
  • csirnet.nta.nic.in
  •  a week prior to the exam by logging in with Registration details.
  • The admit card contains exam date, slot, venue, and important instructions.
  • No admit card by post/email will be issued.

 Preparation Tips

  • Understand the latest exam pattern and detailed syllabus for your subject.
  • Begin with standard reference books and previous years’ question papers.
  • Take at least one mock test weekly under timed conditions.
  • Join study groups or online forums to discuss complex topics.
  • Focus on Part C of your subject (higher marks, problem-solving based).
  • For last-minute preparation, revise important formulas, mechanisms, and key facts.
  • Practice time management and accuracy; avoid negative marking.
Author

Madhav Sharma

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