CSIR-NET
Qualifies science postgraduates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor eligibility and PhD admission in five science streams. JRF carries a stipend of ₹37,000 per month for the first two years.
Eligibility
M.Sc or equivalent (Integrated BS-MS, BS-4 years, BE/B.Tech/B.Pharm/MBBS) with at least 55% (50% for OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/third gender); students enrolled in M.Sc, or BS-4 years/integrated programmes with 55%, can also apply. B.Sc (Hons) or equivalent students enrolled in an integrated MS-PhD programme are eligible for JRF only.
Age limit: JRF: maximum 30 years (relaxation of up to 5 years for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/women/third gender). Assistant Professor and PhD admission: no upper age limit.
Exam pattern
Computer-based test of 3 hours (shifts 9 am-12 noon and 3-6 pm), English and Hindi, total 200 marks in three parts. Part A (common general aptitude): 20 questions, attempt any 15, 2 marks each. Part B: subject-specific conventional MCQs. Part C: higher-order analytical questions with 4-5 marks each. Negative marking is 25% in most parts; Mathematical Sciences Part C has multiple correct answers and no negative marking. Number of questions in B and C varies by subject.
Syllabus at a glance
Five papers: Chemical Sciences; Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences; Life Sciences; Mathematical Sciences; and Physical Sciences. Each follows the CSIR syllabus covering the full M.Sc core of that discipline. Part A tests graphical analysis, numerical ability, reasoning and research aptitude.
Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| December 2026 online application (open now; last date) | 7 Oct - 5 Nov 2026 | confirmed |
| Late application with ₹500 fee | 6-9 Nov 2026 | confirmed |
| Application correction window | 10-12 Nov 2026 | confirmed |
| City slip and admit card | Early-mid Dec 2026 | expected |
| December 2026 exam | 19, 22 and 27 Dec 2026 | confirmed |
| Result | Feb-Mar 2027 | expected |
Expected dates follow the usual calendar; confirm on the official notification before planning.
Free prep material
Standard books
- Life Sciences: Fundamentals and Practice (Vol I & II) - Pranav Kumar & Usha Mina (Pathfinder)
- Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry - David L. Nelson & Michael M. Cox
- Inorganic Chemistry: Principles of Structure and Reactivity - Huheey, Keiter & Keiter
- Atkins' Physical Chemistry - Peter Atkins & Julio de Paula
- Introduction to Quantum Mechanics / Introduction to Electrodynamics - David J. Griffiths
- Principles of Mathematical Analysis - Walter Rudin
How toppers play it
- Part A is 30 marks with free choice of 15 of 20 questions: attempt only those you are certain of, as 25% negative marking applies.
- Part C carries the most marks per question; spend the bulk of your time there and build depth in your strongest 4-5 units rather than covering everything thinly.
- In Mathematical Sciences Part C there is no negative marking but you must mark all correct options for credit; practise these multi-correct questions specifically.
- Solve the last 10 years of papers unit-wise; CSIR repeats concept families, especially in Life Sciences and Chemistry.
- Sit full 3-hour mocks in the 9 am or 3 pm slot to match exam-day stamina, and track accuracy per part, not just overall score.