From eligibility, and registration to last year's cut-off, all about CSIR NET 2025

Every year the National Testing Agency, NTA, conducts the National Eligibility Test (NET) for a research fellowship program offered by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. CSIR NET 2025, as its name implies, is a national-level exam conducted twice yearly, i.e., the June and December sessions. 

The CSIR NET 2025 is conducted to select candidates for the research fellowships provided by CSIR(Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) for training in research methods under expert guidance of faculty members/scientists working in University Department/ National Laboratories and Institutions in various fields of Science.

Brief Overview Of The CSIR NET 2025 Exam:

Registration Process:

1. The registration process begins online, and candidates must fill out application forms during the (tentative) application date. 

2. The registration/application form requires the candidates to fill in details like personal information, academic details, exam center choices, etc. (Note: do check the eligibility before heading to the application form)

3. Once the application is filled with documents uploaded, the next step is to pay a minimal application fee (Rs. 1150/- for the general category; Rs. 600/- for OBC; and Rs. 325/- for SC/ST)

4. Before submitting the application form, make sure every detail is entered correctly. 

5. Once the application is submitted, take a hard copy for further use during the admission process. 

Eligibility Criteria For CSIR NET:

• Student must have completed their Master’s in any relevant field for which they are applying to CSIR NET.

• Must score at least 55% in their Master’s degree qualifying examination or equivalent.

• Age limit for application to JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)

• Even if the applicant is in his/her final year of degree, he/she/they can appear for the CSIR NET Exam.

Exam Pattern & Syllabus:

Also Read: All You Need to Know About UGC NET 2024  

Syllabus of CSIR-NET Exam:

Paper-I Syllabus: 

1. Reasoning Ability (Analytical Reasoning, Syllogisms, Analogies, Directions, Coding-Decoding, Classification, Alphabet Series, Symbols and Notations, Similarities and Differences, Number Series, Blood Relationships, Arrangements, Statements, Data Sufficiency, Non-verbal Reasoning, Visual Ability, Graphical Analysis)

2. Quantitative Aptitude (Simplifications, Number System, Average, Algebra, PercentageTime & Work, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Speed, HCF, LCM Problems, Area, Profit & Loss, Bar Graph, Pictorial Graph, Pie Chart, Ratio & Proportion, Permutation & Combination)

3. Data Interpretation & Graphical Analysis (Mean, Median, Mode, Measures of Dispersion, Graphical Analysis: Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie-Chart and Tabulation)

Paper-II Syllabus: 

1. Chemical Science - Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemistry in nanoscience and technology, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry. (Full Syllabus)

2. Earth Science - The Earth and the Solar System, Earth Materials, Surface Features and Processes, Interior of the Earth, Deformation and Tectonics, Oceans and Atmosphere, Environmental Earth Sciences, Geology – Mineralogy and Petrology, Geology – Structural Geology and Geotectonic, Geology – Paleontology and its Applications, Geology – Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, Geology – Marine Geology and Paleoceanography, Geology – Geochemistry, Geology – Economic Geology, Geology – Precambrian, Geology and Crustal Evolution, Geology – Quaternary Geology, Geology – Applied Geology, Geology – Physical Geography, Geology – Geophysics, Geology – Meteorology, Geology – Ocean Sciences. (Full Syllabus)

3. Life Science - Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology, Cellular Organization, Fundamental Processes, Cell Communication and Cell Signaling, Developmental Biology, System Physiology – Plant, System Physiology – Animal, Inheritance Biology, Diversity of Life Forms, Ecological Principles, Evolution and Behavior, Applied Biology, Methods in Biology. (Full Syllabus)

4. Mathematical Science - Analysis, Linear Algebra, Complex Analysis, Algebra, Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs), Partial Differential Equations (PDEs), Numerical Analysis, Calculus of Variations, Linear Integral Equations, Classical Mechanics, Descriptive Statistics, Exploratory Data Analysis. (Full Syllabus) 

5. Physical Science - Mathematical Methods of Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics, Electronics and Experimental Methods. (Full Syllabus) 

Also Read: All About UPSC Prelims 2025 

CSIR NET Last-year Cut-Offs:

Last-year cut-offs are one thing about any exam that gives the students/candidates a clear understanding of the exam features, based on category and subject-wise results. Below are the last year - 2024 cut-offs for the CSIR NET to consider for 2025 exam preparation. 

Junior Research Fellowship (NET) Cut Off Category 1 (June 2024 Session)

Lectureship/Assistant Professor (NET) Cut Off Category 2 (June 2024 Session) 

So here is your quick guide for your 2025 attempt for CSIR NET 2025. Don’t forget to keep a check on the deadline for the application and admit card. After all, every innovation requires fresh and bright minds of young researchers like you to enter the field!