The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Eligibility Test (CSIR NET 2026) is a national-level examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of CSIR. It determines the eligibility of candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship (Assistant Professor) positions in Indian universities and research institutions.

CSIR NET is one of the most prestigious exams for science stream postgraduates aspiring for a research career or teaching position. The exam is conducted twice a year (June & December) in subjects under the faculty of Science and Technology.

🧭 CSIR NET 2026 Selection Process

The selection process for CSIR NET 2026 includes:

Online Application & Fee Payment
Admit Card Download
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Result Declaration with Cut-off
Issuance of JRF / Lectureship Certificate

Candidates qualifying for JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) are eligible for fellowship under CSIR schemes, while those qualifying for Lectureship (LS) can apply for assistant professor positions in universities.

📘 CSIR NET 2026 Exam Pattern

The CSIR NET 2026 exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and includes five subjects:

Life Sciences
Physical Sciences
Chemical Sciences
Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean & Planetary Sciences
Mathematical Sciences

Each paper has a different structure, but all follow a similar Part A, B, and C pattern.

Part	Description	No. of Questions	Marks	Negative Marking
Part A	General Aptitude (common for all subjects)	20 (attempt 15)	30	-0.5 per wrong answer
Part B	Subject-related conventional MCQs	40–50	70–100	-0.5 or -0.75 depending on subject
Part C	Analytical / Application-based questions	25–30	100–150	-1 per wrong answer
Total Marks	—	—	200	—
Duration	—	—	3 Hours	—

⚠️ The total marks are 200 for all subjects, and negative marking applies as per subject-specific rules.

📚 CSIR NET 2026 Detailed Syllabus

The CSIR NET Syllabus 2026 covers five major subjects, each focusing on advanced scientific understanding and research aptitude.

🧬 1️⃣ Life Sciences

Molecules and Their Interaction Relevant to Biology
Cellular Organization
Fundamental Processes
Cell Communication and Signaling
Developmental Biology
System Physiology (Plant and Animal)
Inheritance Biology
Diversity of Life Forms
Ecology and Evolution
Applied Biology
Methods in Biology

⚗️ 2️⃣ Chemical Sciences

Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Interdisciplinary Topics
Analytical Techniques and Spectroscopy
Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis

🌍 3️⃣ Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean & Planetary Sciences

Earth Structure and Composition
Plate Tectonics and Geodynamics
Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems
Oceanography and Marine Geology
Planetary Atmospheres
Paleontology and Geochronology

🔢 4️⃣ Mathematical Sciences

Linear Algebra and Real Analysis
Complex Analysis
Differential Equations
Numerical Analysis
Topology
Probability and Statistics
Calculus of Variations and Functional Analysis

⚛️ 5️⃣ Physical Sciences

Atomic and Molecular Physics
Classical Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics
Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
Electromagnetic Theory
Electronics and Experimental Techniques
Mathematical Methods of Physics

📄 Official CSIR NET 2026 Syllabus PDF: https://csirnet.nta.ac.in/

🏁 Final Selection Process

The final selection depends on the normalized score in the CSIR NET 2026 exam and the candidate’s category.

Category	Expected Qualifying Cut-off (2026)
General (UR)	45–50%
EWS / OBC	40–45%
SC / ST / PwD	35–40%

Candidates qualifying for JRF are eligible for fellowship of ₹37,000/month (1st 2 years) + ₹42,000/month (subsequent years).
Candidates qualifying for Lectureship can apply directly for Assistant Professor posts in universities and colleges.

💡 Practical Preparation Tips for CSIR NET 2026

Understand the Pattern: Focus more on Part C, which has high-weightage analytical questions.
Prepare Notes: Make concise notes from standard reference books like Lehninger (Biochemistry), Atkins (Chemistry), Griffiths (Physics), and Rudolph (Maths).
Solve PYQs: Analyze at least last 10 years’ papers for recurring concepts.
Mock Tests: Attempt full-length CBT-based mock tests weekly.
Time Management: Allocate time slots subject-wise; prioritize conceptual clarity.
Stay Updated: Follow CSIR and NTA notifications for any syllabus or pattern updates.

🔗 Useful Resources for CSIR NET 2026

🌐 Official Website: https://csirnet.nta.ac.in/
📄 Official Syllabus PDF (CSIR NET 2026): https://csirnet.nta.ac.in/
🧾 Previous Year Question Papers: Available on the official site.
📢 CSIR NET 2026 Notification PDF: Expected in March 2026

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🔬 CSIR NET 2026 Exam: Latest Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Selection Process & Preparation Tips