CSIR NET Life Science: Notification, Registration Eligibility Criteria, Syllabus
CSIR NET Life Science: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened the registration window for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET Examination in June 2024. Eligible and interested candidates can apply online at the official website – https://csirnet.ntaonline.in/frontend/site/login. NTA will conclude the online registration process on May 21, 2024. Registered candidates can make fee payments till May 23, up to 11:50 pm.
The notification will include details about the age criteria, eligibility requirements, exam format, and key dates. Aspirants must ensure that they fulfill all the eligibility criteria and follow the instructions provided by NTA while filling out the application form to avoid any discrepancies or disqualifications.
CSIR UGC NET 2024 Highlights
CSIR and UGC offer Research Fellowships that provide training in research methodologies under the mentorship of faculty members and scientists in university departments, national laboratories, and institutions across various scientific fields.
The Joint CSIR-UGC NET Fellowship program is geared towards the development of national science and technology human resources. CSIR awards a significant number of Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs) annually to candidates who pass the qualifying test conducted by the organization.
The Joint CSIR UGC NET exam is designed to assess the eligibility of Indian nationals for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and for the role of Lectureship (LS)/Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges, subject to meeting the criteria set by UGC.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been tasked by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to conduct the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2022/June 2023 Examination in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
| Exam Name | CSIR UGC NET for Life Sciences |
|---|---|
| Conducted By | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Subjects Offered | Life Sciences (including topics like Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Physiology, Ecology, Evolution, etc.) |
| Eligibility | Master’s degree in Life Sciences or equivalent with minimum 55% marks for General/OBC category and 50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates |
| Exam Type | National Level Eligibility Test |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Question Format | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Negative Marking | No upper age limit for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF); for lectureship, the maximum age limit varies as per UGC norms |
| Exam Frequency | Conducted biannually (usually in June and December) |
| Eligibility Age | No upper age limit for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF); for lectureship, maximum age limit varies as per UGC norms |
| Official Website | www.csirhrdg.res.in |
Eligibility Criteria for CSIR NET Exam
The CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test) stands as the top choice for science students aspiring to pursue careers in JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) and lectureship. Administered nationally by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CSIR NET is a pivotal examination for these career paths. To apply for the CSIR NET exam, candidates must meet specific educational qualifications:
- To be eligible for this exam, applicants must have completed a Master’s Degree in the relevant subject with a minimum of 55% marks, while reserved categories require a minimum of 50% marks.
- Additionally, candidates with a BSc (Hons) degree holding at least 55% marks are also eligible to apply.
- Those enrolled in MSc/BE/BTech/BPharma/MBBS programs are also eligible to apply.
- It’s important to note that candidates with only a Bachelor’s degree are eligible for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) but not for Lectureship (LS)/Assistant Professor positions.
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Master’s degree or equivalent in Science stream with specialization in subjects like Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Physical Sciences, etc. |
| Percentage Required | General/OBC category: Minimum 55% marks; SC/ST/PwD candidates: Minimum 50% marks |
| Age Limit | For JRF (Junior Research Fellowship): Maximum 28 years as of the closing date of online application (relaxation up to 5 years for SC/ST/PwD/Female candidates and 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates) |
| For Lectureship: No upper age limit | |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Number of Attempts | No restriction on the number of attempts as long as the candidate meets other eligibility criteria |
| Reservation Criteria | As per Government of India regulations |
Age Limit
For JRF (Junior Research Fellowship), the maximum age limit is 28 years. However, there are relaxations for certain categories:
- SC/ST/Third gender/PwD/female applicants can avail up to 5 years of relaxation.
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) applicants are eligible for up to 3 years of relaxation.
- For Lectureship (LS)/Assistant Professor positions, there is no upper age limit.
| Category | Age Limit | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| General | Maximum 28 years | No relaxation |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | Maximum 28 years | Up to 3 years (31 years maximum) for JRF |
| SC/ST/PwD | Maximum 28 years | Up to 5 years (33 years maximum) for JRF |
| Women candidates | Maximum 28 years | Up to 5 years (33 years maximum) for JRF |
| Transgender candidates | Maximum 28 years | Up to 5 years (33 years maximum) for JRF |
| For Lectureship (LS) | No Age Limit | As per UGC norms and guidelines |
CSIR NET Life Science Exam Pattern
| Exam Component | CSIR NET Life Science |
|---|---|
| Number of Papers | Single Paper |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Sections | Section A: General Aptitude (Common for all subjects) |
| Section B: Subject-specific questions in Life Sciences | |
| Number of Questions | Section A: 20 questions |
| Section B: 50 questions | |
| Marking Scheme | Section A: 2 marks for each correct answer; -0.5 for each wrong answer |
| Section B: 3.5 marks for each correct answer; -0.875 for each wrong answer (for partially correct answers, fractions are also considered) | |
| Medium of Exam | English and Hindi |
| Eligibility | Master’s degree in Life Sciences or equivalent with minimum 55% marks for General/OBC category and 50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates |
CSIR UGC NET 2024 Important Dates
| Events | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 01 May 2024 |
| Starting Date to Apply | 01 May 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | 21 May 2024 |
| Application Correction Dates | 25 May to 27 May 2024 |
| Examination Date | 25, 26 & 27 June 2024 |
Registration fee
To apply for these positions, candidates are required to deposit the registration fee. Applications will not be accepted without paying the registration fee. The registration fee varies for candidates belonging to different categories:
| Category | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹1100 |
| EWS/OBC-non creamy layer | ₹600 |
| SC/ST & Third Gender | ₹325 |
| PwD | NIL |
How to apply online for the CSIR NET Life Science June 2024?
To apply online for the CSIR NET June 2024 exam, follow these steps
- Visit the csirnet.nta.ac.in website.
- On the homepage, find and click on the link labeled “Joint CSIR NET June 2024: Click Here to Register/Login.”
- You’ll be directed to a new page. Click on the “New Registration” tab.
- A page for login and identification for online submission of the Application Form will appear.
- Select the identity proofs required to create a User ID or Password.
- Follow the subsequent steps to fill out the application form, ensuring all details are accurate and complete.
- Proceed to pay the registration fee online.
- After successful payment, take a printout of the registration form for future reference and processing.
- By following these steps, you can successfully apply for the CSIR NET June 2024 exam online.
CSIR NET Exam 2024 Admit card
The CSIR NET Exam 2024 Admit Card is a crucial document issued by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It includes essential details such as the candidate’s name, photograph, signature, roll number, parental information, and the location and timing of the exam session.
Possessing the admit card is mandatory for candidates to get entry into the examination hall. The NTA releases the admit cards prior to the examination date. It’s imperative for candidates to carry their admit cards to the exam venue, Without an admit card, a candidate is not allowed to attend the examination.
Release of Admit Card for CSIR NET Exam 2024
The release date of the admit card for the CSIR NET Exam 2024 has not been specified by the CSIR NET authorities. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates regarding the release of the admit card.
Typically, the commission releases the admit card approximately 3-4 weeks before the scheduled examination date.
For instance, if the examination were to take place on the specified dates of 25th, 26th, and 27th June 2024, the admit card would likely have been released in the first week of June. However, considering the current timeline, it is anticipated that the admit card may be released around the last week of May.
How to Download CSIR NET Admit Card 2024?
Before downloading the admit card from the CSIR NET website, candidates must have specific details at hand. These include their registration ID and the date of birth used during the application process. It’s crucial to note down the registration ID while completing the CSIR NET examination application.
Candidates can then proceed to the official website of CSIR NET to download the admit card. The admit card will be in electronic format (e-admit card), serving as a provisional document permitting candidates to participate in the examination. It’s important to note that the commission does not dispatch admit cards via postal mail. To download the CSIR NET Admit Card 2024, candidates can adhere to the following steps:
- Step 1: Go to the official website of NTA.
- Step 2: Locate and click on the ‘CSIR NET Admit Card’ link.
- Step 3: Enter your application number, date of birth, and the security code displayed in the image.
- Step 4: Click on the ‘Login’ button to proceed.
- Step 5: Once logged in, find the ‘Download Admit Card’ button and click on it.
- Step 6: Download the admit card to your device, ensure to save it, and then print a copy for your reference.
CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus
The CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus, published by the Human Resource Development Group (HRDG) in the official notification, is crucial for candidates preparing for this highly competitive exam. The CSIR NET exam is conducted to assess candidates’ eligibility for the positions of Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowships.
The CSIR NET Life Science exam consists of three parts. Part A, known as General Aptitude, is common for all candidates. Parts B and C of the syllabus are subject-specific and focus on topics relevant to Life Sciences. These include 13 units given below in the table:
- Cell Organization
- Fundamental Processes
- System Physiology of plants and animals
- Applied Biology
- Molecules and their Interaction
- Ecological Principles
- Inheritance Biology
- Methods in Biology
- And more.
It is essential for candidates to thoroughly understand the CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus to effectively prepare for the exam. By familiarizing themselves with the topics outlined in the syllabus, candidates can develop a targeted study plan and approach each section of the exam with confidence.
| Unit No. | Unit Name | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology | 6-7 |
| 2 | Cellular Organization | 9-10 |
| 3 | Fundamental Processes | 8-9 |
| 4 | Cell Communication and Cell Signaling | 5-6 |
| 5 | Developmental Biology | 7-8 |
| 6 | System Physiology – Plant and Animal | 9-10 |
| 7 | Inheritance Biology | 8-9 |
| 8 | Diversity of Life Forms | 11-12 |
| 9 | Ecological Principles | 8-9 |
| 10 | Evolution and Behavior | 10-11 |
| 11 | Applied Biology | 8-9 |
| 12 | Methods in Biology | 3-4 |
| 13 | Emerging Areas in Biology | 6-7 |
CSIR NET Life Science Books
Understanding that every topic is crucial for the CSIR NET Life Sciences Exam, candidates need to thoroughly cover the vast syllabus, whether their expertise lies in Botany, Zoology, Biotechnology, or Life Sciences. With numerous books and study materials available, it’s common for candidates to feel overwhelmed and confused about which ones to refer to for preparation.
To address this challenge, we’ve compiled a list of essential books that serve as the backbone of CSIR NET Life Sciences Exam preparation. Consider this list as your comprehensive study companion, containing all the necessary resources and guidance you need to succeed in the CSIR-UGC NET/JRF battle.
These books cover the essential topics in the CSIR NET Life Sciences syllabus comprehensively. By studying from these recommended resources, candidates can strengthen their understanding of key concepts, clarify doubts, and enhance their preparation for the exam.
| Book Title | Author(s) |
|---|---|
| Cell and Molecular Biology | De Robertis, E.M.F. and De Robertis, E.M. |
| Genes IX | Benjamin Lewin |
| Cell Biology | Pollard, T.D. and Earnshaw, W.C. |
| Biochemistry | Lehninger, A.L., Nelson, D.L., and Cox, M.M. |
| Molecular Biology of the Cell | Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., et al. |
| Developmental Biology | Gilbert, S.F. |
| Ecology | Cain, M.L., Bowman, W.D., and Hacker, S.D. |
| Genetics: Analysis of Genes and Genomes | Hartl, D.L. and Jones, E.W. |
| Evolution | Futuyma, D.J. |
| Plant Physiology | Taiz, L. and Zeiger, E. |
| Animal Physiology | Hill, R.W., Wyse, G.A., and Anderson, M. |
| Immunobiology | Janeway, C.A., Travers, P., Walport, M., et al. |
| Biophysical Chemistry | Cantor, C.R. and Schimmel, P.R. |
CSIR NET Life Science Previous Year Question Paper
Solving previous year’s question papers for the CSIR NET Life Science exam has long been recommended as a valuable strategy to understand the exam’s nature and pattern. Practicing authentic CSIR NET question papers provides a real feel for the style and format of questions encountered in the exam. By attempting and performing well in these CSIR NET Life Science Previous Year Question Papers, candidates can boost their confidence and pinpoint the most important topics from the perspective of the CSIR NET Life Science exam.
Aspirants preparing for the CSIR NET Life Science 2024 exam should thoroughly review the previous year question papers and answer keys to grasp the question types and develop an effective strategy accordingly.
Studying CSIR NET Life Science Previous Year Question Paper helps candidates familiarize themselves with the syllabus, identify key topics, and assess the difficulty level of the exam. Furthermore, analyzing model answers and evaluation standards aids in enhancing answer writing skills and developing a structured approach to addressing various question formats.
| Year | Question Paper Link |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Question Paper 2023 |
| 2022 | Question Paper 2022 |
| 2021 | Question Paper 2021 |
| 2020 | Question Paper 2020 |
| 2019 | Question Paper 2019 |
How to prepare for CSIR NET Life Science
Preparing for the CSIR NET Life Science exam requires a well-structured approach to maximize your chances of success. Here are 10 tips to help you prepare effectively for CSIR NET Life Science
- Start Early: Begin your preparation at least a year before the CSIR NET Life Science exam to allow sufficient time for comprehensive study.
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the syllabus of CSIR NET Life Science exams to know what topics to focus on.
- Analyze Past Papers: Analyze previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern and the type of questions asked.
- Refer Best Books: Start with basic books and then move on to CSIR NET Life Science syllabus-relevant textbooks to build a strong foundation.
- Take Short Notes: Make concise notes in a format that suits you, whether it’s online or hard copy, to aid in quick revision.
- Set Objectives: Create a timeline of objectives to achieve, including both long-term goals and daily study targets.
- Attend Coaching Regularly: If you’re attending coaching classes, make sure to attend them regularly and revise the content after each class.
- Utilize Online Resources: Make use of the internet and social media platforms judiciously for study materials, updates, and guidance.
- Join Test Series: Enroll in a Test Series for both Prelims and Mains to evaluate your preparation, identify strengths, and work on weaknesses.
- Form Study Groups: Collaborate with peers to form discussion or answer writing groups to share knowledge and provide mutual support.
- Revise Regularly: Revise the content you’ve studied regularly, preferably on a weekly basis, to reinforce your understanding and retention.
By following these tips and maintaining consistency and dedication in your preparation, you can enhance your readiness for the CSIR NET Life Science.