CSIR NET JRF examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) twice a year, opens doors to numerous opportunities for aspiring scientists and academicians in India. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the CSIR NET JRF position, including eligibility criteria, selection procedure, age limit, salary, and other pertinent information. CSIR June 2024 exam Date will be out soon. Candidates are advised to check the below article to know more about CSIR NET JRF Exam.
What is CSIR NET JRF Exam?
The CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test) is a national-level eligibility examination conducted in India. It is organized by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with the National Testing Agency (NTA). The CSIR NET JRF exam is conducted twice a year to determine the eligibility of candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship in various science and technology disciplines.
CSIR NET JRF 2024: Overview
The CSIR NET JRF Exam 2024 is conducted by the National Testing Agency. The exam is conducted twice a year. To know more about the CSIR NET 2024, candidates can go through the following table:
| CSIR NET JRF 2024 | |
| Name of Examination | CSIR NET JRF -Council of Science and Industrial Research Nationals Eligibility Test & Junior Research Fellowship |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency of Exam | Twice a year |
| Mode of Examination | Online |
| Exam Shifts |
|
| Duration of Examination | 180 minutes |
| CSIR NET Official Website | https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/ |
CSIR NET JRF Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the CSIR NET JRF exam, candidates must have completed or be pursuing a Master’s degree in the relevant science discipline. There are age restrictions for the JRF category, but there is no age limit for the Lectureship category. The eligibility criteria for the CSIR NET JRF exam are as follows:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates should have completed or be pursuing a BTech/ BE/ BPharma/ MBBS/ BS (4-year course)/ Integrated BS-MS/Master’s degree in the relevant subject from a recognized university or institution. Candidate having B.Sc. (Hons.) or equivalent degree or enrolled in Integrated MS-PhD program with at least 55% marks are also eligible.
- Subjects: Chemical Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, Life Science, and Mathematical Science.
- Minimum Percentage: General and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) category candidates must have obtained at least 55% aggregate marks in their qualifying BTech/ BE/ BPharma/ MBBS/ BS (4-year course)/ Integrated BS-MS/Master’s degree. SC/ST/PWD category candidates need a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
- Age Limit: For the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) category, the maximum age limit is 28 years as of the closing date of the application. However, age relaxation is provided for reserved category candidates as per government regulations i.e. SC/ ST/ Third gender/ (PwD)/ female – 5 years and OBC-NCL – 3 years. There is no age limit for the Lectureship category.
- Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens to be eligible for the CSIR NET JRF exam.
CSIR NET JRF 2024 Application Form
CSIR NET JRF 2024 Application process will be held by NTA. Candidate who are interested to apply for CSIR NET JRF Exam should check the official notification before applying for CSIR NET JRF 2024 Exam. Candidate should have fill one form for CSIR and CSIR JRF but have to select the option in application form.
To apply for the CSIR NET JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) position, you need to fill out the application form online. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to complete the CSIR NET JRF 2024 application form:
- Registration: Visit the official website of CSIR NET or the official website of the National Testing Agency (NTA) to access the application portal. Look for the CSIR NET JRF application link and click on it. Register yourself by providing the required details such as name, email address, mobile number, and create a password.
- Fill in Personal Details: Log in to the application portal using your registered credentials. Fill in your personal details accurately, including your name, date of birth, gender, category, nationality, and communication address.
- Educational Qualification: Enter the details of your educational qualifications, including the name of the university/institution, degree obtained, subjects studied, percentage of marks obtained, and year of completion. Ensure that you provide accurate information as per your academic records.
- Subject Selection: Choose the subject you wish to appear for in the CSIR NET exam. You can select from the available subjects, which include Chemical Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, Life Science, and Mathematical Science.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of the required documents, such as your recent photograph and signature, as per the specifications mentioned in the application form. Ensure that the documents are clear and meet the prescribed guidelines.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information provided in the application form. Make any necessary corrections or modifications if required. Once you are satisfied with the accuracy of the details, submit the application form.
- Fee Payment: Pay the required application fee through the available online payment options. The fee amount may vary depending on your category (General/OBC/SC/ST/PWD) and the number of subjects chosen for the exam. Save the payment confirmation for future reference.
- Print Application Form: After successful submission of the application form and payment, download and print a copy of the completed application form. This will serve as a reference and should be kept safely for future use.
CSIR NET JRF 2024 Selection Process
The selection process for the award of Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in CSIR is based on a competitive written test known as the National Eligibility Test (NET). This test is conducted by CSIR at the national level, typically twice a year, in the fields of Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
Candidates who successfully clear the CSIR NET 2024 examination and are awarded the JRF have the opportunity to pursue research work in esteemed institutions, universities, CSIR laboratories, and recognized research establishments. This fellowship not only provides financial support but also acts as a launchpad for a career in research and academia.
CSIR NET JRF 2024 Exam Pattern
The CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test) exam follows a specific pattern. Here is the exam pattern for the CSIR NET 2024 :
| CSIR NET JRF 2024 Exam Pattern | |
| Mode of Examination | computer-based mode |
| Subjects | Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. |
| Question Types | MCQ |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Sections | Part A, Part B, and Part C. |
| Negative marking | There will be a negative marking @ 25% for each wrong answer. |
| Part A | This section is common to all subjects and tests the candidates’ general aptitude. It consists of multiple-choice questions, and candidates need to answer any 20 out of 30 questions. Each question carries 2 marks. |
| Part B | This section contains subject-specific questions. The number of questions and marks vary based on the subject chosen. Candidates need to answer the given number of questions, and each question carries 2 marks. |
| Part C | This section also contains subject-specific questions. The number of questions and marks vary based on the subject chosen. Candidates need to answer the given number of questions, and each question carries 4 marks. |
CSIR NET JRF Syllabus 2024
The CSIR NET JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) exam syllabus varies for different subjects i.e. Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. Candidates who are preparing for CSIR NET JRF 2024 Exam should know about the syllabus and exam pattern in detail. Here we are explaining the CSIR NET JRF syllabus subject wise in the below link. For a detailed syllabus, candidates can easily download the subject-wise complete CSIR NET JRF syllabus 2024 pdf by clicking on the links given below.
| Subject | Link |
| Chemical Science | Click Here |
| Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean & Planetary Science | Click Here |
| Life Science | Click Here |
| Mathematical Sciences | Click Here |
| Physical Sciences | Click Here |
CSIR NET JRF Salary
Candidates who want to join as CSIR NET Professor, CSIR NET Associate Professor, CSIR NET Assistant Professor in College or Universities, should know the pay scale, salary and entry pay. Here we are explaining CSIR NET Salary of CSIR NET Professor, CSIR NET Associate Professor, and CSIR NET Assistant Professor with details in the following table.
| Name of Posts | Pay Scale | Entry Pay | Scale of pay |
| Professor | Academic level 14 | Rs. 1,44,200/- | Rs.37,400-67,000 ,Rs. 1,44,200 – Rs. 2,18,200/- |
| Associate Professor | Academic level 13A | Rs. 1,31,400/- | Rs.37,400-67,000 ,Rs. 1,31,400 – Rs. 2,17,100/- |
| Assistant Professor | Academic level 10 | Rs.57,700/- |
Rs.15,600-39,100 , Rs. 57,700/- 1,82,400/- |
CSIR NET JRF Fellowship
CSIR and UGC offer Research Fellowships to individuals who seek training in research methodologies under the guidance of experienced faculty members and scientists. These fellowships are available in various scientific fields and can be pursued at University Departments, IITs, Post Graduate Colleges, Government Research Establishments (including those of CSIR), Research & Development establishments of recognized public or private sector industrial firms, and other recognized institutions.
The fellowships are exclusively awarded to Indian citizens and can be undertaken within India. The primary objective of the Joint CSIR NET Fellowship program is to foster the development of national science and technology human resources.
JRF Salary after DST Hike in Stipend
CSIR SPM Fellowship
The Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (SPM) Fellowship was established in 2000 to commemorate Dr. Mukherjee’s legacy as the first Vice-President of CSIR in independent India. This prestigious fellowship aims to nurture scientific talent among toppers of CSIR-UGC JRF (NET) awardees, facilitating their Ph.D. studies in CSIR labs, specialized R&D institutions, or universities. Candidates are selected through a competitive interview process, with specific allocations for various scientific disciplines, ensuring a merit-based approach to fostering research in science.
Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Fellowship
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (SPM) Fellowship |
| Established | 2000 (to commemorate Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee’s birth centenary) |
| Objective | To nurture scientific talent and encourage research |
| Scope | Pursuing Ph.D. in CSIR labs, specialized R&D institutions, or universities |
| Stipend |
|
| Contingency grant | Rs. 70,000 p.a. |
| Duration | Initial: 2 years, extendable up to 5 years |
| Contingent Grant | Annual grant of Rs. 70,000 for research, with provisions for carry forward |
| Extra Benefits | Rs. 3,000 lump sum for submitting PhD thesis in e-form |
| Selection Process | Interview-based selection |
| Eligibility Criteria | 10 fellowships in Chemical and Life Sciences; 5 in Earth, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences |
| Interview Ratio | 1:3 for each subject |
CSIR NET JRF Stipend
Becoming a CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test) Junior Research Fellow (JRF) is not only a prestigious achievement but also a gateway to financial support and career progression. The CSIR NET JRF program provides aspiring researchers with a stipend and various other benefits to foster their research ambitions.
- JRF Stipend: Selected CSIR NET JRFs receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000/- for the first two years of their fellowship as per revised by DST. This stipend ensures financial stability and enables JRFs to focus on their research without worrying about monetary constraints. Additionally, the University/Institution receives an annual contingent grant of Rs. 20,000/- per fellow to support the research work.
- SRF Stipend: Upon completing two years as a JRF and being registered for a Ph.D. program, the fellowship is upgraded to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) (NET). This upgrade comes with an increased stipend of Rs. 42,000/- per month for the third year onwards. The SRF status recognizes the progress and commitment of the fellow towards advanced research and provides a higher level of financial support.
| Designation | Tenure |
Contingency Grant | Emoluments (Per month) |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 2 Years | Rs.20,000/-p.a. | Rs. 37,000/- |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | 3 Years | Rs.20,000/-p.a. | Rs. 42,000/- |
CSIR NET JRF Tenure
The CSIR NET tenure of a candidate for both i.e. Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and an SRF should not exceed five years. This includes the initial two years as a JRF and the subsequent extension(s) as an SRF. The purpose of this limitation is to ensure a reasonable time frame for research and academic growth while allowing opportunities for other aspiring researchers.
- CSIR NET JRF Tenure: CSIR NET JRF Tenure is for 2 yrs.
- CSIR NET SRF Tenure: The initial tenure of CSIR NET SRF is two years. To extend the tenure for the third year, the EMR (Extramural Research) Division of HRDG (Human Resource Development Group) evaluates the progress and achievements of the fellow. The evaluation is based on a detailed progress report, publications (reprints/preprints/manuscripts), or papers submitted for publication.
- Engineering & Medical Sciences: For candidates in the fields of Engineering and Medical Sciences, the tenure of the CSIR NET SRF is four years. Similar to other disciplines, extensions for the third and fourth years are granted by the EMR Division based on the evaluation process mentioned above.
CSIR NET Research Associates
CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test) also provides opportunities for individuals to become Research Associates. Research Associates are individuals who have completed their Ph.D. and wish to engage in research work in prestigious institutions, universities, CSIR laboratories, and recognized research establishments. Here are some key details about CSIR NET Research Associates:
- Eligibility: To become a CSIR NET Research Associate, candidates must have Doctorate (PhD/MD/MS/MDS) or equivalent degree or having 3 years of research, teaching and design and development experience after MVSc/MPharm/ME/MTech will be eligible for award as RA.
- Age Limit: The upper age limit for award of RA shall be 35 years. The upper age limit is relaxable upto 5 years in the case of applicants belonging to scheduled castes/tribes, women, physically handicapped and OBC candidates.
- Tenure: Research Associateship will be tenable initially for a period of one year. It may be extended further at the discretion of CSIR. The total tenure of RA is planned to be of maximum 3 years including the tenure of associateship awarded by UGC/DST/ICMAR/ICAR etc.
- Stipend: Depending on the qualification and experience, the emolument of the Research Associate any fall into the 3 pay levels mentioned below:
Category Revised Emoluments (Per month revised DST) Research Associates-I Rs. 58,000/- Research Associates-II Rs. 61,000/- Research Associates-III Rs. 63,000/- Contingency Grant Rs. 20,000/-p.a. - Research Opportunities: Research Associates have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects. They collaborate with established researchers, scientists, and faculty members to contribute to scientific advancements and knowledge in their respective fields. This experience allows Research Associates to further develop their research skills, broaden their expertise, and make significant contributions to their field of study.
