Table of Contents
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test (CSIR NET) has been released on the official website to determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Lectureship positions and PhD admission in Indian universities and Research Institutes. The exam is 180 mins (3hrs) long and tests the candidate’s proficiency in 5 subjects under the Science domain.
The CSIR NET Exam is scheduled to be held from 16th February 2025 to 28th February 2025 in CBT mode. To excel in this competitive exam, a thorough understanding of the syllabus is crucial. The CSIR NET Syllabus 2024 outlines the specific topics that will be tested across all science streams.
CSIR NET Syllabus 2024
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) National Eligibility Test (NET) is a nationwide examination aimed at granting Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and Lectureships in diverse scientific disciplines. The CSIR NET Syllabus 2024 encompasses a broad spectrum of subjects within five major categories.
The CSIR NET Exam Syllabus is structured into three parts: Part A, Part B, and Part C. Part A of the CSIR NET Exam Syllabus 2024 is a general aptitude test designed to evaluate candidates’ reasoning ability, comprehension, and problem-solving skills. Part B of the CSIR NET Syllabus 2024 is subject-specific, covering 1 of the 5 subjects in the CSIR NET curriculum. Lastly, Part C of the CSIR NET Exam Syllabus is optional and focuses on assessing candidates’ research aptitude.
CSIR NET Subjects
The CSIR NET 2024 Exam is conducted to assess the eligibility of Indian Nationals for the conferral of Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and to establish eligibility for Lectureship (LS)/Assistant Professorship in specific subject areas within the Faculty of Science & Technology.
Therefore, every aspirant must be well-versed in the CSIR NET 2024 Syllabus and exam pattern. For a detailed CSIR NET Syllabus 2024, follow the steps provided below.
1. Life Sciences
2. Physical Sciences
3. Chemical Sciences
4. Earth Sciences
5. Mathematical Sciences
CSIR NET Subject Wise Syllabus
The CSIR NET Syllabus 2024 encompasses a comprehensive range of topics across five subjects: Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Mathematical Sciences. Each subject delves into specific areas of scientific inquiry, providing a thorough foundation for aspirants seeking research careers in their respective fields.
- Life Sciences encompass the intricate workings of living organisms, exploring cellular and molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and developmental biology.
- Physical Sciences delve into the fundamental principles of physics, encompassing mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and optics.
- Chemical Sciences unravel the mysteries of matter and its transformations, covering organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry.
- Earth Sciences investigate the Earth’s structure, composition, and dynamic processes, including geology, geophysics, oceanography, and atmospheric sciences.
- Mathematical Sciences provide the essential tools for scientific modelling and analysis, encompassing algebra, calculus, differential equations, and probability
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024
In the following section, the candidates will find the CSIR NET Exam Pattern and mark distribution details for all the subjects in tabular form. The candidates are advised to check out the following tables carefully and thoroughly.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024 | |
Exam Date | 16-28 February 2025 |
Total Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 Minutes) |
Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (Multiple Choice Questions) |
Exam Scheme | 3 Sections (Part: A,B and C) |
CSIR NET Chemical Science Exam Pattern
The CSIR NET Chemical Science Exam follows a three-part structure: Part A, Part B, and Part C. Part A contains 20 questions focusing on general aptitude, logical reasoning, and quantitative comparison, with candidates required to answer any 15. Part B consists of 40 subject-related multiple-choice questions, of which candidates must attempt 35. Part C contains 60 analytical and higher-order thinking questions, where candidates need to solve any 25. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours, and it is conducted for 200 marks, with negative markings applicable in Parts A and B.
Chemical Sciences | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
Total Questions | 20 | 40 | 60 | 120 |
Max No of Questions to attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
Negative marking | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 | – |
CSIR NET Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences Exam Pattern
The CSIR NET Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences exam comprises three sections: Part A, B, and C. Part A includes 20 general science and aptitude questions, with candidates required to answer 15. Part B features 50 subject-specific questions, out of which 35 must be attempted. Part C consists of 80 advanced, analytical questions, with 25 to be answered. The exam duration is 3 hours, totalling 200 marks, and negative marking is applied for incorrect answers in Parts A and B.
Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences |
Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
Total Questions | 20 | 50 | 80 | 150 |
Max No of Questions to attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
Negative marking | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.32 | – |
CSIR NET Life Sciences Exam Pattern
The CSIR NET Life Sciences exam is structured into three parts: Part A, Part B, and Part C. Part A consists of 20 questions on general science and aptitude, requiring candidates to answer 15 questions. Part B features 50 subject-specific multiple-choice questions, with candidates needing to attempt 35. Part C includes 75 advanced and analytical questions, from which candidates must solve 25. The total exam duration is 3 hours, and it carries 200 marks. Negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers in Parts A and B.
Life Sciences | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
Total Questions | 20 | 50 | 75 | 145 |
Max No of Questions to attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
Negative marking | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 | – |
CSIR NET Mathematical Sciences Exam Pattern
The CSIR NET Mathematical Sciences exam is divided into three sections: Part A, Part B, and Part C. Part A comprises 20 questions on general science and aptitude, with candidates required to attempt 15. Part B consists of 40 subject-specific multiple-choice questions, and candidates need to answer 25 of them. Part C includes 60 questions designed to test higher-order analytical and problem-solving skills, with 20 to be answered. The exam duration is 3 hours, and it is worth 200 marks, with negative markings applied in Parts A and B for incorrect answers.
Mathematical Sciences | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
Total Questions | 20 | 40 | 60 | 120 |
Max No of Questions to attempt | 15 | 25 | 20 | 60 |
Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 3 | 4.75 | 200 |
Negative marking | 0.5 | 0.75 | 0 | – |
CSIR NET Physical Sciences Exam Pattern
The CSIR NET Physical Sciences exam is organized into three parts: Part A, Part B, and Part C. Part A features 20 questions on general science and aptitude, with candidates required to answer 15. Part B includes 25 subject-specific multiple-choice questions, from which candidates must attempt 20. Part C comprises 30 advanced and analytical questions, and candidates need to solve 20 of these. The exam is conducted over 3 hours and is worth 200 marks, with negative marks for incorrect answers in Parts A and B.
Physical Sciences | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
Total Questions | 20 | 25 | 30 | 75 |
Max No of Questions to attempt | 15 | 20 | 20 | 55 |
Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 3.5 | 5 | 200 |
Negative marking | 0.5 | 0.875 | 1.25 | – |
CSIR NET Syllabus 2024 For Chemical Science
The pattern for the Chemical Sciences Paper MCQ test is given below. The candidates must look into it carefully.
1. Paper Type: MCQ test paper
2. Total Marks:200 marks.
3. Exam time: 3 hours.
4. The question paper shall be divided into three parts
5. Negative Marking – 25% for each wrong answer.
Part | Detailed Syllabus | Total Questions | Required to Answer | Each Question Marks | Total Marks |
Part A | General Science, Quantitative Reasoning & Analysis and Research Aptitude | 20 | 15 | 2 | 30 |
Part B | Subject Concerned | 40 | 35 | 2 | 70 |
Part C | Based on scientific concepts and/or application of the scientific concepts. | 60 | 25 | 4 | 100 |
Total | 75 | 200 |
CSIR NET Syllabus 2024 For Earth Sciences
The pattern for the Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences Paper MCQ test is given below. Read the following section table for more clarity.
1. Paper Type: MCQ test paper
2. Total Marks:200 marks.
3. Exam time: 3 hours.
4. The question paper shall be divided into three parts
5. Negative Marking For Part A & B- 25% for each wrong answer.
6. Negative Marking For Part C – 33% for each wrong answer.
Part | Syllabus | Questions | Answer | Marks | Total Marks |
Part A | General Science, Quantitative Reasoning & Analysis and Research Aptitude | 20 | 15 | 2 | 30 |
Part B | Subject Concerned | 50 | 35 | 2 | 70 |
Part C | Based on scientific concepts and/or application of the scientific concepts. | 80 | 25 | 4 | 100 |
Total | 75 | 200 |
CSIR NET Syllabus 2024 For Life Science
The pattern for the Life Sciences Paper MCQ test is given below. The CSIR NET Syllabus & Exam Pattern are explained in detail for Life Sciences.
1. Paper Type: MCQ test paper
2. Total Marks:200 marks.
3. Exam time: 3 hours.
4. The question paper shall be divided into three parts
5. Negative Marking – 25% for each wrong answer.
Part | Detailed Syllabus | Total Questions | Required to Answer | Each Question Marks | Total Marks |
Part A | General Science, Quantitative Reasoning & Analysis and Research Aptitude | 20 | 15 | 2 | 30 |
Part B | Subject Concerned | 50 | 35 | 2 | 70 |
Part C | Based on scientific concepts and/or application of the scientific concepts. | 75 | 25 | 4 | 100 |
Total | 75 | 200 |
CSIR NET Syllabus 2024 For Mathematical Science
The pattern for the Mathematical Sciences Paper MCQ test is given below in detail. Check out the CSIR NET Syllabus 2024 and marks distribution in detail for Mathematical Sciences.
1. Paper Type: MCQ test paper
2. Total Marks:200 marks.
3. Exam time: 3 hours.
4. The question paper shall be divided into three parts
5. Negative Marking for Part A & B – 25% for each wrong answer. No Negative marking for Part ‘C’.
Part | Detailed Syllabus | Total Questions | Required to Answer | Each Question Marks | Total Marks |
Part A | General Science, Quantitative Reasoning & Analysis and Research Aptitude | 20 | 15 | 2 | 30 |
Part B | Subject Concerned | 40 | 25 | 2 | 75 |
Part C | Based on scientific concepts and/or application of the scientific concepts. | 60 | 20 | 4.75 | 95 |
Total | 60 | 200 |
CSIR NET Syllabus 2024 For Physical Sciences
The pattern for the Physical Sciences Paper MCQ test is given below. Read the following section for more information on CSIR SET Syllabus 2024 for Physical Sciences.
1. Paper Type: MCQ test paper
2. Total Marks:200 marks.
3. Exam time: 3 hours.
4. The question paper shall be divided into three parts
5. Negative Marking – 25% for each wrong answer.
Part | Detailed Syllabus | Total Questions | Required to Answer | Each Question Marks | Total Marks |
Part A | General Science, Quantitative Reasoning & Analysis, and Research Aptitude | 20 | 15 | 2 | 30 |
Part B | Part A Core | 25 | 20 | 3.5 | 70 |
Part C | Part ‘B’ (Advanced) and Part ‘A are based on scientific concepts and/or application of the scientific concepts. | 30 | 20 | 5 | 100 |
Total | 55 | 200 |
CSIR NET Syllabus 2024 Subject-Wise PDF
Check out the CSIR NET Syllabus 2024 PDF given in the following table. All the CSIR NET 2024 Syllabus PDFs for subjects are given in a tabular format.
Subject | Link |
CSIR NET General Aptitude Syllabus | Download PDF |
Chemical Science | Click Here |
Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean & Planetary Science | Click Here |
Life Science | Click Here |
Mathematical Sciences | Click Here |
Physical Sciences | Click Here |