Syllabus

CSIR NET Syllabus 2025: Detailed Part A, B & C Subject-wise Guide

Explore the comprehensive CSIR NET syllabus for 2025, covering all five subjects: Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Physical Sciences. Understand the exam pattern, marking scheme, and download subject-wise PDFs to enhance your preparation.

CSIR UGC NET 2025 is a prestigious exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to select candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship positions in science streams. This detailed article provides the complete CSIR NET syllabus 2025 with subject-wise topics, exam pattern, recommended books, PDF download links, preparation tips, and specialization scope.


CSIR NET 2025 Exam Overview

Mode of Exam Online (CBT)
Conducting Body National Testing Agency (NTA)
Subjects Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Mathematical Sciences
Medium English & Hindi
Duration 3 Hours
Total Marks 200
Question Types Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Parts Part A (Aptitude), Part B (Subject), Part C (Analysis)


CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025

The CSIR NET 2025 exam pattern consists of three sections – Part A (General Aptitude), Part B (Subject Knowledge), and Part C (Higher Analytical Skills). The pattern slightly varies for each subject, but the overall structure remains consistent. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of each section.

Section No. of Questions Questions to Attempt Marks per Question Total Marks Negative Marking
Part A (General Aptitude) 20 15 2 30 Yes (0.5 per wrong answer)
Part B (Subject-based MCQs) 25–50 (varies) 20–35 2–3.5 70 Yes (0.5–0.875 per wrong answer)
Part C (Analytical & Research-based) 30–80 20–25 4–5 100 Yes (1–1.25 per wrong answer)
Total 200 Marks Subject-specific

Part A – General Aptitude (Common for All Subjects)

This section tests your numerical, logical, and reasoning skills. It is the same for all subjects and consists of:

  • Number Series
  • Algebra and Arithmetic
  • Data Interpretation
  • Graph and Table Analysis
  • Reasoning and Puzzle Solving

Questions Asked: 20
To Be Attempted: 15
Marks per Question: 2
Total Marks: 30
Negative Marking: 0.5 per wrong answer

Part B – Subject Knowledge (Conceptual MCQs)

This section contains direct concept-based multiple-choice questions from your chosen subject (Life, Chemical, Physical, Earth, or Mathematical Sciences).

Subject Questions Asked Attempt Marks/Question Total Marks Negative Marking
Life Sciences 50 35 2 70 0.5
Chemical Sciences 40 35 2 70 0.5
Physical Sciences 25 20 3.5 70 0.875
Earth Sciences 50 35 2 70 0.5
Mathematical Sciences 40 25 3 75 0.75

Part C – Higher Analytical and Research-based Questions

This part focuses on higher-order problem-solving abilities, scientific analysis, and application of concepts. These questions are more difficult and carry higher weightage.

Subject Questions Asked Attempt Marks/Question Total Marks Negative Marking
Life Sciences 75 25 4 100 1
Chemical Sciences 60 25 4 100 1
Physical Sciences 30 20 5 100 1.25
Earth Sciences 80 25 4 100 1
Mathematical Sciences 60 20 4.75 95 No Negative Marking

Summary Table of CSIR NET Exam Pattern

Subject Part A Part B Part C Total Marks
Life Sciences 30 70 100 200
Chemical Sciences 30 70 100 200
Physical Sciences 30 70 100 200
Earth Sciences 30 70 100 200
Mathematical Sciences 30 75 95 200

Important Notes:

  • There is no sectional time limit. You can attempt questions in any order.
  • All questions are multiple choice with four options.
  • Use intelligent guessing only if you’re confident, as negative marking applies.
  • The exam is conducted in both English and Hindi.

CSIR NET Subject-wise Syllabus with Topics

Life Sciences

  • Molecules and Interactions
  • Cellular Organization
  • Fundamental Processes
  • Cell Communication and Signaling
  • Developmental Biology
  • Plant and Animal Physiology
  • Genetics and Evolution
  • Ecology and Environment
  • Applied Biology and Techniques

Chemical Sciences

  • Inorganic Chemistry – Bonding, Coordination, Organometallics
  • Organic Chemistry – Reactions, Stereochemistry, Heterocycles
  • Physical Chemistry – Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry, Quantum
  • Interdisciplinary Topics – Spectroscopy, Chromatography

Physical Sciences

  • Mathematical Physics
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Electrodynamics
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics
  • Electronics and Instrumentation

Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences

  • Geology: Plate Tectonics, Structural Geology
  • Atmospheric Science: Climate, Meteorology
  • Oceanography: Ocean Currents, Marine Life
  • Planetary Science: Composition of Planets, Satellites

Mathematical Sciences

  • Linear Algebra, Real and Complex Analysis
  • Differential Equations, Numerical Methods
  • Abstract Algebra, Probability & Statistics

CSIR NET Syllabus PDF Download

Subject Download Link
Life Sciences Download PDF
Chemical Sciences Download PDF
Physical Sciences Download PDF
Earth Sciences Download PDF
Mathematical Sciences Download PDF

Best Books for CSIR NET Preparation

Subject Recommended Books
Life Sciences Trueman’s Life Science, Arihant Pathfinder, Rastogi Publications
Chemical Sciences JD Lee (Inorganic), Morrison & Boyd (Organic), Atkins (Physical)
Physical Sciences Griffiths (EM), Resnick & Eisberg (Quantum), Mathur (Thermo)
Earth Sciences P.G. Gupta, W.M. Tiwari, Mahapatra’s Earth Science
Mathematics Schaum Series, S.C. Malik, B.S. Grewal, Rudin

Preparation Tips for CSIR NET 2025

  • Understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly.
  • Segment preparation for Part A (Aptitude), Part B (Concepts), and Part C (Applications).
  • Practice previous year papers and online mock tests.
  • Prepare notes and formula sheets for quick revision.
  • Follow NCERT + reference books for conceptual clarity.
  • Revise regularly and stay consistent with your schedule.
  • Use online platforms and apps for additional practice and guidance.

Specializations After Qualifying CSIR NET

After clearing the CSIR NET, candidates can pursue:

  • Ph.D. and Research Fellowships (via JRF)
  • Lectureship/Assistant Professor positions
  • Postdoctoral Research (National & International Institutes)
  • Jobs in Research Labs (ISRO, DRDO, CSIR Labs)
  • Private Sector R&D roles

Conclusion

The CSIR NET 2025 syllabus is designed to assess deep scientific knowledge and research aptitude across five science domains. A focused strategy, reliable books, regular mock tests, and conceptual clarity are keys to success. Whether you’re aiming for a JRF or a lectureship, CSIR NET is a pathway to an esteemed scientific career.

Start your preparation now, download the official syllabus PDFs, and plan your success with confidence!

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