Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test 2025
CSIR NET stands for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test.
It is an exam conducted in India by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of CSIR to determine the eligibility of candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship (LS)/Assistant Professorship in subjects related to science and technology.
CSIR NET Exam Overview
The CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Eligibility Test) is a national-level exam conducted in India for determining eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship/Assistant Professorship in science and technology subjects. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of CSIR.
1. Exam Conducting Body
Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Organized for: CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research)
Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
2. Subjects Covered
CSIR NET is conducted for five subjects:
Chemical Sciences
Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean & Planetary Sciences
Life Sciences
Mathematical Sciences
Physical Sciences
Candidates must choose one subject based on their qualification and interest.
3. Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
M.Sc. or Equivalent Degree in the respective subject.
Integrated BS-MS/BS-4 Years/BE/B.Tech/B.Pharma/MBBS candidates are also eligible.
Minimum 55% marks (General/EWS/OBC) and 50% marks (SC/ST/PwD) in the qualifying exam.
Age Limit
For JRF: Maximum 28 years (Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST/PwD, 3 years for OBC)
For Lectureship (LS)/Assistant Professor: No upper age limit
4. Exam Pattern
Mode: Online (CBT)
Duration: 3 hours
Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Marks: 200
Marking Scheme: Negative marking for incorrect answers
Section Part A (General Aptitude) Part B (Subject-Specific) Part C (Advanced Subject Knowledge)
Type Common for all subjects Subject-specific questions Higher-order questions
Marks Weightage 30 marks 70-75 marks 95-100 marks
Each subject has a slightly different marking scheme.
Candidates qualifying JRF are eligible for research programs and Ph.D. admissions.
Candidates qualifying Lectureship (LS) are eligible for teaching positions in universities and colleges.
The CSIR NET JRF certificate is valid for 2 years, while the Lectureship certificate has lifetime validity.
7. Career Opportunities After CSIR NET
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Research in CSIR labs, IITs, IISc, universities, etc.
Lectureship (LS)/Assistant Professor: Teaching positions in colleges/universities.
Scientist Positions: Opportunities in CSIR laboratories, DRDO, ISRO, BARC, etc.
Ph.D. Admissions: Many research institutes prefer CSIR NET-qualified candidates for Ph.D. programs.
8. Important Dates (Tentative)
CSIR NET is conducted twice a year (June & December).
Notification Release: March/April & September/October
Application Window: Around one month after notification
Exam Date: June & December
