CSIR-UGC NETCSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (Science stream)
About CSIR-UGC NET
The CSIR-UGC NET (Science stream) is the national gateway to a research career in the sciences. Conducted by the National Testing Agency on behalf of CSIR-HRDG, it is held twice a year and determines eligibility for the CSIR Junior Research Fellowship and for lectureship / Assistant Professor positions. It covers five subjects: Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Physical Sciences.
The exam is a single three-hour computer-based paper of 200 marks split into three parts: Part A tests general aptitude (30 marks), Part B poses conventional subject MCQs (70 marks), and Part C sets higher-order, application-based problems (100 marks). Incorrect answers attract negative marking of one-fourth of the allotted marks, so accuracy matters as much as coverage.
Clearing the exam with a JRF is transformative: it carries a monthly stipend (currently ₹37,000 for the first two years) plus an annual research contingency, and it is the standard passport into a funded PhD at CSIR labs, universities and research institutes. Qualifying for lectureship eligibility, meanwhile, is a prerequisite for most college and university teaching posts in the sciences.
Accepted by: Award of the CSIR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and eligibility for Assistant Professor / lectureship posts; also used for PhD admission across universities and research institutes
Official websiteCSIR-UGC NET eligibility
Master's degree (or equivalent) in a science subject with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved/PwD categories); an upper age limit (commonly 28 years, with standard relaxations) applies for the Junior Research Fellowship but not for the lectureship/Assistant Professor eligibility.
CSIR-UGC NET exam pattern
Sections
- Part A — General Aptitude (common to all subjects)
- Part B — subject-related conventional MCQs
- Part C — higher-order, application-based questions
Marking scheme: Negative marking of one-fourth (25%) of the allotted marks for each incorrect answer
CSIR-UGC NET syllabus outline
- Five subjects: Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Physical Sciences
- Part A tests general aptitude (reasoning, graphical analysis, numerical ability); Parts B and C test the chosen subject
- Subject syllabi are published by CSIR-HRDG
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