Updated on Jun 06, 2025
Shreya Panagria
CSIR NET 2025 Exam Pattern will be released by NTA along with the CSIR NET 2025 Notification. As per previous years’ pattern CSIR NET 2025 Exam paper will contain 200 Marks questions. Candidates will get 180 minutes to complete the exam. Once the notification is out candidate can access the CSIR NET Notification 2025 at csirnet.nta.ac.in.
CSIR NET 2025 Exam Pattern: Overview
A general format of CSIR NET 2025 Exam Pattern is laid out below in tabular format.
Details | Particular |
Name of Exam | CSIR NET 2025 |
Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Exam Mode | CBT |
Exam Duration | 3 hours |
Types of Questions | MCQ |
Total Marks | 200 |
CSIR NET Subjects | Mathematical Sciences
Life Sciences
Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences
Chemical Sciences |
CSIR NET 2025 Exam Pattern
The CSIR NET exam is to assess the eligibility of candidates for the role of Lecturers and Junior Research Fellows (JRF) in various science disciplines. Below is a detailed breakdown of the exam structure for CSIR NET 2025, including sections, question types, marking scheme, and time allocation.
Marking Scheme
Section-wise marking Scheme is presented below.
Section | Total Questions | Questions to Attempt | Marks for Correct Answer | Negative Marking for Incorrect Answer |
Part-A (General Aptitude) | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0.5 |
Part-B (Subject-Specific) | 40-50 | 35-40 | 2-3.5 | 0.5-0.875 |
Part-C (Advanced Subject-Specific) | 60-80 | 25-30 | 4-5 | 1-1.32 |
Question Types
The CSIR NET 2025 exam consists of three parts:
- Part A: This section is common across all subjects and tests general aptitude. The questions include topics such as logical reasoning, numerical ability, graphical analysis, puzzles etc.
- Part B: This section covers subject-specific topics.
- Part C: This section includes questions from advanced topics.
Time Allocation
The CSIR NET exam is a 3-hour long test, divided into three parts with the following time allocation:
- Total Duration: 180 minutes
- Sectional Time: There is no sectional time limit.
CSIR NET 2025 Exam Pattern: Subject-Wise
Candidates can refer to the table below for subject-specific CSIT NET 2025 Exam Pattern.
Subject | Total Questions | Questions to Attempt | Marks for Correct Answer | Negative Marking for Incorrect Answer |
Life Sciences | 145 | 75 | 2 (Part-A and B), 4 (Part-C) | 0.5 (Part-A and B), 1 (Part-C) |
Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences | 150 | 75 | 2 (Part-A and B), 4 (Part-C) | 0.5 (Part-A and B), 1.32 (Part-C) |
Chemical Sciences | 120 | 75 | 2 (Part-A and B), 4 (Part-C) | 0.5 (Part-A and B), 1 (Part-C) |
Mathematical Sciences | 120 | 60 | 2 (Part-A), 3 (Part-B), 4.75 (Part-C) | 0.5 (Part-A), 0.75 (Part-B) |
Physical Sciences | 75 | 55 | 2 (Part-A), 3.5 (Part-B), 5 (Part-C) | 0.5 (Part-A), 0.875 (Part-B), 1.25 (Part-C) |
CSIR NET 2025 Syllabus
A brief overview of CSIR NET 2025 Syllabus is presented below.
Subject | Topics |
Mathematical Sciences | Analysis, Linear Algebra, Complex Analysis, Algebra, Topology, Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Numerical Analysis, Calculus of Variations, Linear Integral Equations, Classical Mechanics, Descriptive Statistics |
Earth Sciences | The Earth and the Solar System, Earth Materials, Surface Features and Processes, Interior of the Earth, Deformation and Tectonics, Oceans and Atmosphere, Environmental Earth Sciences, Geology, Physical Geography, Geophysics, Meteorology, Ocean Sciences |
Life Sciences | Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology, Cellular Organization, Fundamental Processes, Cell Communication and Cell Signaling, Developmental Biology, System Physiology – Plant, System Physiology – Animal, Inheritance Biology, Diversity of Life Forms, Ecological Principles, Evolution and Behavior, Applied Biology, Methods in Biology |
Chemical Sciences | Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Chemistry in Nanoscience and Technology, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry |
Physical Sciences | Mathematical Methods of Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics, Electronics and Experimental Methods, Atomic & Molecular Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Nuclear and Particle Physics |
CSIR NET 2025 Preparation
- During their CSIR NET 2025 Preparation, candidates should follow some strategies to ace the exam:
- Begin by thoroughly reviewing the syllabus and exam pattern to understand the pattern of the CSIR NET exam.
- Start with basic concepts and gradually move on to more advanced topics.
- Take detailed notes on topics that require frequent revision to aid in better understanding and retention.
- Regularly revise each topic before starting a new one to increase memory retention.
- Analyse previous years' question papers to familiarise yourself with the types of questions commonly asked.
- Attempt a mock test early in your preparation to assess your current level of understanding.
- Create a study plan that focuses more on weaker subjects while still revisiting stronger topics.
- Choose study materials that best suit your learning style, focusing on quality over quantity to avoid unnecessary overload.
List of Important Books For CSIR NET 2025
Chemical Sciences
- Joint CSIR-UGC NET Chemical Science (Paper-II & III) by Narender Sharma
- CSIR-UGC NET/JRF/SET Chemical Sciences by Dr. Hemant Kulshrestha and Dr. Ajay Taneja
- Trueman's UGC-CSIR JRF / NET Chemical Sciences (Chemistry) by M. Gagan
- Modern Methods of Organic Synthesis by William Carruthers
Physical Sciences
- CSIR-UGC NET/JRF/SET Physical Sciences by Dr. Surekha Tomar
- Mathematical Physics by H.K. Dass and Rama Verma
- Classical Mechanics by J.C. Upadhya
- Modern Physics and Solid State Physics by S.O. Pillai
Mathematical Sciences
- CSIR-UGC NET/JRF/SET Mathematical Sciences by Alok Kumar (Upkar)
- Real Analysis by H.L. Royden
- Complex Variables and Applications by Ruel Churchill and James Brown
- Contemporary Abstract Algebra by Joseph A. Gallian
Life Sciences
- Biochemistry by Lubert Stryer and Jeremy M. Berg
- Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant by Bernard J. Glick, Jack J. Pasternak, and Cheryl L. Patten
- Plant Physiology by Ross and Salisbury
- Kuby Immunology by Thomas J. Kindt
Earth Sciences
- CSIR-UGC NET/JRF Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences Exam Guide by Surendra Kumar
- An Objective Earth Sciences by S. Ahmad
- Earth Science: The Physical Setting by Jeffrey C. Callister
- Climatology and Oceanography by D.S. Lal
Common Challenges that CSIR NET Aspirants Face
Here are some common issues that CSIR NET Aspirants face and include difficulty in understanding complex concepts, covering vast syllabus, dealing with negative markings and lack of time for mock test practice and previous years' questions.
Here are some tips to overcome this issue:
- Create a realistic timetable that includes practising mocks. Twice a week is enough for practice.
- Start with basic concepts, use tutorials, and participate in group discussions.
- Use effective note-taking strategies and regular revision.
- Allocate specific study times for revision
- Use spare time for analysing performance.
CSIR NET 2025 Exam Pattern FAQs
Ques. What are the sections included in the CSIR NET 2025 exam?
Ans. The CSIR NET 2025 exam consists of three sections: Part A focuses on General Aptitude, Part B includes subject-specific questions, and Part C involves advanced subject-specific questions that assess candidates' in-depth knowledge.
Ques. How is the marking scheme structured for the CSIR NET 2025 exam?
Ans. The marking scheme varies across sections. Correct answers in Part-A and Part-B are awarded 2 to 3.5 marks, while Part-C questions carry 4 to 5 marks. Negative marking is applicable, with deductions ranging from 0.5 to 1.32 marks for incorrect responses, depending on the section.
Ques. What is the duration of the CSIR NET 2025 exam?
Ans. The total duration of the CSIR NET 2025 exam is 3 hours.
Ques. How many questions need to be attempted in the CSIR NET 2025 exam?
Ans. The number of questions varies by subject. Candidates must attempt between 55 to 75 questions, depending on the specific subject and section requirements.
Ques. Is there a negative marking in the CSIR NET 2025 exam?
Ans. Yes, the CSIR NET 2025 exam includes negative markings. Incorrect answers in Part A and Part B result in a deduction of 0.5 to 0.875 marks, while Part C may have deductions of up to 1.32 marks per incorrect response.
Ques. What is the mode of the CSIR NET 2025 exam?
Ans. The CSIR NET 2025 exam is conducted in online mode (Computer-Based Test).
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