CSIR NET Details – Syllabus, Posts, and Recruitment Info

The CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Eligibility Test) is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to determine the eligibility of candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship/Assistant Professorship in science and technology fields across India. The exam is held twice a year, typically in June and December.

Posts under CSIR NET

Candidates who qualify CSIR NET can apply for the following posts:

• Junior Research Fellow (JRF):

  • Eligible to receive a fellowship stipend from CSIR/UGC to pursue doctoral research (PhD).

  • Initially awarded for 2 years, extendable based on performance.

• Assistant Professor / Lecturer:

  • Eligible to apply for teaching positions in universities and colleges across India.

  • No upper age limit for Lectureship eligibility.

Subjects Covered in CSIR NET

CSIR NET is conducted in the following five science subjects:

1. Chemical Sciences

2. Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences

3. Life Sciences

4. Mathematical Sciences

5. Physical Sciences

CSIR NET Syllabus Overview

1. Chemical Sciences

• Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry

• Analytical Techniques

• Interdisciplinary topics (e.g., supramolecular chemistry, green chemistry)

2. Earth Sciences

• Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, Environmental Science

• Earth structure, geomorphology, climatology

3. Life Sciences

• Molecules and Cells, Genetics, Ecology

• Physiology, Biochemistry, Developmental Biology

• Immunology, Plant and Animal Physiology

4. Mathematical Sciences

• Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Abstract Algebra

• Differential Equations, Numerical Analysis, Probability

• Classical Mechanics, Topology

5. Physical Sciences

• Mathematical Physics, Electromagnetic Theory

• Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics

• Atomic, Molecular, and Nuclear Physics

Recruitment and Career Opportunities

• JRF-qualified candidates can register for Ph.D. programs at CSIR laboratories, IITs, IISc, and universities.

• Lectureship-qualified candidates can apply for faculty posts in colleges, universities, and technical institutes.

• Many public sector undertakings (PSUs) and R&D organizations also recognize CSIR NET for research roles.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Educational Qualification: Master’s degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in the relevant subject with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD).

• Age Limit:

  • JRF: Maximum 28 years (relaxation for reserved categories)

  • Lectureship: No age limit

Selection Process

• Single paper examination

  • Duration: 3 hours

  • Objective-type questions divided into Part A (General Aptitude), Part B & Part C (Subject-specific)

• Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode only