CSIR NET Exam | Syllabus | Eligibility | pattern | Apply Online

CSIR NET Exam: Applications are invited for full time PhD Programme under CSIR UGC NET JRF/SRF Scheme for individuals with high academic records. Candidates wants to admitted to the PhD programme are eligible to receive Junior Research fellowship for 3 years followed by Senior Research Fellowship for the next two years provided all programme requirements are met.

The purpose of this article is to provide information about the nature and status of a Junior Research Fellow at CSIR UGC. Please read these Further Particulars carefully before proceeding to make an application.

About CSIR NET UGC

CSIR NET Exam is one of the most prestigious, highly advanced entrance examinations for Indian science students. Every year On-line applications for JRF/NET are invited twice a year. The Notification is also made available on HRDG website (www.csirhrdg.res.in). CSIR and UGC provide Research Fellowships to bright young men and women for training in methods of research under expert guidance of faculty members/scientists working in University

Department/ National Laboratories and Institutions in various fields of Science. Only bonafide Indian citizens are eligible for this test. CSIR/UGC Fellowships are tenable in Universities/IITs/Post Graduate Colleges/Govt. Research Establishments including those of the CSIR, Research & Development establishments of recognized public or private sector industrial firms and other recognized institutions. CSIR/UGC Fellowship is tenable in India. The programme is aimed at National Science & Technology Human Resource Development.

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A large number of JRFs are awarded each year by CSIR to candidates holding BS-4 years program/BE/B.Tech/B. Pharma/MBBS/ Integrated BS-MS/M.Sc. or Equivalent degree/B.Sc (Hons) or equivalent degree holders or students enrolled in integrated MS-Ph.D program with at least 55% marks for General & OBC (50% for SC/ST candidates and Persons with Disability) after qualifying the Test conducted by CSIR twice a year in June and December.

This Test also determines the eligibility of candidates (i.e it is eligibility criteria only) for Lectureship positions in Indian University/Colleges. Those who qualify for JRF are eligible for Lectureship also, subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria laid down by UGC. Some aspirants are declared successful in eligibility for Lectureship only based on their performance in the test. The award of CSIR/UGC Fellowship is for a fixed tenure and does not imply any assurance or guarantee for subsequent employment by CSIR/UGC to the beneficiary.

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Highlights of CSIR NET Exam

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Stipend for CSIR NET JRF

1. The stipend of a JRF selected through CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) will be Rs.25,000/ p.m. for the first two years. In addition, annual contingent grant of Rs.20,000/- per fellow will be provided to the University / Institution. The Fellowship will be governed by terms and conditions of CSIR, UGC or Research Scheme, as applicable.
2. On Completion of two years as JRF and if the Fellow is registered for Ph.D, the Fellowship will be upgraded to SRF (NET) and the stipend will be increased to Rs.28,000/- p.m. for the 3rd and subsequent years, on the basis of assessment of Fellows’ research progress/ achievements through interview by an Expert Committee consisting of the Guide, Head of the Department and External Member from outside the University/ Institution who is an expert in the relevant field, not below the rank of Professor/ Associate Professor.
3. In the event of the Committee not recommending up-gradation or the fellow has not registered for Ph.D, the candidate will continue as JRF with a stipend of Rs.25,000/-p.m. for the 3rd year or his/her fellowship may be terminated depending upon the recommendation of the Committee and the decision of CSIR in this regard. The progress of research work of JRF will be assessed by duly constituted three-member assessment committee again at the end of 3rd year for such up-gradation.

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Number of Fellowship

The number of fellowship for each subject is limited. Candidates may go through the terms & conditions for CSIR Research Fellowship posted on our website http:www.csirhrdg.res.in for better awareness.

CSIR NET Exam Dates

CSIR has scheduled the Joint CSIR-UGC Test tentatively on Sunday 21 june 2020 for determining the eligibility of Indian Nationals for the award of Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and for determining eligibility for appointment of Lecturers (LS) in certain subject areas falling under the faculty of Science & Technology.

The award of Junior Research Fellowship (NET) to the successful eligible candidates will depend on their finding admission/placement in a university/ national laboratory/ institution of higher learning and research, as applicable.

Subjects For CSIR NET Exam

The Test will be held in the subjects mentioned below:

• (i) Chemical Sciences
• (ii) Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
• (iii) Life Sciences
• (iv) Mathematical Sciences
• (v) Physical Sciences

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Educational Qualifications for CSIR NET Exam

1. M.Sc or equivalent degree/ Integrated BS-MS/BS-4 years/BE/BTech/BPharma/MBBS with at least 55% marks for General (UR) and OBC candidates and 50% for SC/ST, Persons with Disability (PwD) candidates.
2. Candidates enrolled for M.Sc or having completed 10+2+3 years of the above qualifying examination as on the closing date of online submission of application form, are also eligible to apply in the above subject under the Result Awaited (RA) category on the condition that theyc omplete the qualifying degree with requisite percentage of marks within the validity period of two years to avail the fellowship from the effective date of award.
3. Such candidates will have to submit the attestation form duly certified by the Head of the Department/Institute from where the candidate is appearing or has appeared.
4. B.Sc (Hons) or equivalent degree holders or students enrolled in Integrated MS-PhD program with at least 55% marks for General (UR) and OBC candidates; 50% marks for SC/ST, Persons with Disability (PwD) candidates are also eligible to apply.
5. Candidates with bachelor’s degree will be eligible for CSIR fellowship only after getting registered/enrolled for Ph.D/Integrated Ph.D program within the validity period of two years.
6. Candidates possessing only Bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply only for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and not for Lectureship (LS).
7. Specification of degrees (whether Bachelor’s or Master’s) as notified by the UGC in its Gazette Notification No. F. 5-1/2013 (CPP-II) dated 5th July, 2014 and as amended from time to time, shall apply.
8. The eligibility for lectureship of NET qualified candidates will be subject to fulfilling the criteria laid down by UGC. Ph.D degree holders who have passed Master’s degree prior to 19th September, 1991 with at least 50% marks are eligible to apply for Lectureship only.

Upper Age Limit for CSIR NET Exam

For JRF (NET): Maximum 28 years as on 01-07-2018 {upper age limit may be relaxable up to 5 years in case of SC/ST/Persons with Disability(PwD)/female applicants and 03 years in case of OBC (Non Creamy Layer) applicants}. For Lectureship (NET): No upper age limit.

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CSIR NET Exam Pattern

The single paper MCQ based test will be held tentatively on Sunday, the 16th December, 2018 as under:

1. The subject-wise Schedule, date and timing of the Test is liable to be changed at the discretion of CSIR. To enable the candidates to go through the instructions printed on the OMR Answer Sheets and also to correctly fill up the required particulars in the said OMR Answer Sheet, the same will be distributed 15 minutes before the schedule time of start of the examination. The Test Booklet shall be distributed 5 minutes before the scheduled time of the exam & candidates are permitted to take duplicate copy of their OMR Answer Sheet while leaving the exam venue. The actual number of questions in each part and section to be asked & attempted may vary from subject to subject.

2. The candidates will not be permitted to leave the examination hall before the expiry of 3 hrs. from the start of the exam (i.e not before 12.00 noon in the morning session/5.00 PM in the afternoon session). Candidates are permitted to take their Test Booklet with them at the end of the scheduled time of exam.

3. Candidates should use only black ball point pen to fill in their particulars in the OMR Answer Sheet/Test Booklet and also to darken the appropriate circle to mark their answers in their OMR answer sheet. Candidates are not permitted to erase, scratch out, overwrite or use whitener fluid/eraser fluid to change their answers in the OMR sheet; otherwise that particular answer will not be evaluated.

4. The Test Booklet for this test will be printed in Hindi & English Version. The candidates opting for Hindi medium in the Application Form, will be given bilingual Test Booklet and Candidates opting for English medium will be given Test Booklet printed in English Version only. Candidates are required to answer in the medium as per option exercised in the application Form.

CSIR NET Exam Syllabus

The Test Booklet shall be divided into three parts, (A, B & C) as per syllabus & Scheme of Exam.

Part ‘A’: shall be common to all subjects. This part shall contain questions pertaining to General Aptitude with emphasis on logical reasoning, graphical analysis, analytical and numerical ability, quantitative comparison, series formation, puzzles etc.

Part ‘B‘: shall contain subject-related conventional Multiple Choice questions (MCQs), generally covering the topics given in the syllabus.

Part ‘C’: shall contain higher value questions that may test the candidate’s knowledge of scientific concepts and/or application of the scientific concepts. The questions shall be of analytical nature where a candidate is expected to apply the scientific knowledge to arrive at the solution to the given scientific problem. Syllabus & Scheme of Exam of single MCQ Paper may be seen at CSIR HRDG website: www.csirhrdg.res.in

Note:

• The Exam Scheme for Chemical Sciences has been revised from June, 2017 CSIR-UGC (NET) Exam onwards.
• The revised exam scheme and model Question paper may be seen at CSIR HRDG website www.csirhrdg.res.in
• Negative marking for wrong answers, wherever required, shall be applicable as per subject wise scheme of Exam.
• If a question for any reason found wrong, the benefit of marks will be given to only those candidates who attempt the question.
• No grievances/representation with regard to Answer Key(s) after declaration of result will be entertained.

Exam Centers for CSIR NET Exam

The test will be held at 27 Centres spread all over India, as specified along with centre codes below:

• A candidate may opt for any of the above centres. No request for change of centre would ordinarily be granted.
• However, a request in writing for change of Centre may be entertained on merits, if received in the Exam Unit through email to: examunit@csirhrdg.res.in. Centre(s) may stand deleted from the above list if sufficient number of candidates do not opt for the particular Centre(s) OR for any administrative reasons.
• The concerned candidates who opted for the cancelled Centre(s) will be allotted any other Centre nearest to their place of residence, at the discretion of CSIR.
• No TA/DA will be admissible to any candidate for attending the test.

CSIR NET Exam Application Fees

Candidates applying for the Examination are required to use payment gateway facility to deposit their Examination fee only through Credit Card or Debit Card or Net Banking after verifying their eligibility. Candidates are not required to pay any transaction charges for using payment gateway facility.

1. General Rs. 1000/-
2. Other Backward Classes (OBC)-Non Creamy Layer Rs. 500/-
3. SC/ST/ Persons with Disability (PwD) Rs. 250/-

Important: Kindly note that to make online examination fee payment, candidate should use latest browser which support security protocol version TLS 1.1/TLS 1.2.

How to Apply Online

Before applying Online, candidates are advised to go through the detailed instructions contained in this Information Bulletin CAREFULLY. Candidates should apply online only on CSIR-HRDG website: (www.csirhrdg.res.in). Candidates must write their name, father/mother’s name as written in their Matriculation Certificate (Xth class Board) and should ensure that the same are matching with their educational qualification certificates and caste certificate except for married females.

Married female candidates are required to send scanned copy of their marriage certificates along with any other documents as proof through e-mail to: examunit@csirhrdg.res.in as and when asked for by CSIR-HRDG.  All Caste/PwD Certificates shall be strictly as per Govt. of India instructions. The validity of OBC certificates (Non-creamy layer) shall be governed as per Govt. of India instructions.

Documents Required for CSIR NET Application Form

The online application has provision for uploading the following documents and candidates should upload all the documents applicable to them:

• Scanned recent passport size photograph with light background in JPEG/JPG format with dimension ranging from 35mm width x 45mm height (Max. 280×360 pixels; Min. 150×180 pixels; Min. 200DPI; File size should be less than 150KB; Valid Filename-> Should have only one extension, only Alpha-Numeric characters allowed with hyphen (-) and underscore (_). Space not allowed; file extension should be in small letters)
• Scanned Signature JPEG/JPG format with dimension ranging from 35mm width x15mm height (Max. 280×120 pixels; Min. 100×40 pixels; Min. 200 DPI; file size should be less than 150 KB.

Note : Before applying Online, candidates are advised to go through the detailed instructions contained in this Information Bulletin CAREFULLY. Candidates should apply online only on CSIR-HRDG website: www.csirhrdg.res.in).

Correction Window

• After filling the online application, two options will appear at the bottom of the page, “Save and Preview” and “Reset”.
• If you select “Reset”, the entire information you have filled will be erased and you will have to fill the form afresh.
• If you select “Save and Preview”, two options “Edit Application” and “Final Submit and Proceed for Fee Payment” will appear.
• Here, you can view the information that you have filled in the application form and if you notice any error in what you have filled, you should select the option “Edit Application” and edit and correct the wrong entry that you have filled. So this is a very important stage.
• No change in the particulars entered in the application form will be possible after final submission of online application.
• In the event of qualifying the Test, certificate will be issued on the basis of information provided by the candidate in his/her online application form.
• After filling all the requisite details of online application form, candidates have to select the option of payment of examination fee.
• Candidates applying for the Examination are required to use payment gateway facility to deposit their Examination fee, only through Credit Card or Debit Card or Net Banking after verifying their eligibility.
• Once the fee has been paid successfully, fee status will appear as “SUCCESS.” Candidates will not pay any transaction charges for using payment gateway facility.

CSIR NET Result 2024

Two separate merit lists, one comprising of the candidates qualifying for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF-NET) and the second, of those candidates qualifying the Eligibility Test for Lectureship (LS-NET), will be made on the basis of their performance in the above Test.

Candidates qualifying for JRF (NET), will also be eligible for Lectureship (NET) subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria laid down by UGC.  The candidates qualifying for Lectureship will be eligible to be considered for recruitment as Lecturers as well as for Junior Research Fellowship in a Scheme/Project, if otherwise suitable.

However, they will not be eligible for Regular JRF-NET Fellowship. Candidates qualifying for the award of JRF (NET) will receive fellowship either from CSIR or UGC as per their assignment or from the Schemes with which they may find association.

The candidates declared eligible for Junior Research Fellowship under UGC Scheme and Lectureship will be governed by UGC Rules/Regulations in this regard. The final result of this Single MCQ test may be declared sometime in the month of March/April, 2019 and fellowship to successful candidates will be effective from 1st July, 2019 with the validity period of 2 years for joining the fellowship under CSIR Scheme.

Important Instructions

• i) Candidates are required to bring a photo identity card such as voter ID Card/PAN Card/Driving License /Adhaar Card/Photo ID Card issued PSU/Central/State Govt./ID Card issued by University/College, along with a printout of their online e-Admit Card on the day of examination.
• ii) While applying for this test, please ensure that you fulfill all the eligibility conditions and follow all the laid down procedures/guidelines for this test.
• iii) Candidates can check their registration status on our website from 15.11.2018. However, this date is tentative.
• iv) Facility for downloading e-Admit Cards to the registered candidates will be provided on our website www.csirhrdg.res.in. E-Admit Card will not be sent by post. No duplicate e-admit card shall be issued to the candidates at the Exam Centre. CSIR will not be responsible for any delay on the part of the candidates.
• v) The Test Booklet for this test will be printed in Hindi & English Version. The candidate opting for Hindi medium in the Application Form, will be supplied bilingual Test Booklet and Candidate opting for English medium will be supplied Test Booklet printed in English Version only. Candidates are required to answer in the medium as per option exercised in the application Form.
• vi) The actual number of questions in each Part and Section to be asked and attempted may vary from subject to subject.
• vii) A candidate should submit only one application. If a candidate submits more than one application, only the latter/last application will be considered.
• viii) Candidate should exercise due care in filling up the application form. In case of any error on the part of the candidate, he/she will be held solely responsible for any loss suffered by him/her.
• ix) No candidate shall be permitted to leave the Exam Hall before the expiry of 3 Hours from the start of the exam.
• x) Candidates will be permitted to take their Test Booklet and also the carbonless duplicate copy of OMR sheet with them after the completion of the examination for their reference/record.
• xi) The OMR Answer Sheets shall be distributed to the candidates 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the exam while the Test Booklet shall be distributed 5 minutes before the scheduled start of the exam to enable the candidates to go through the instructions and correctly fill up the required particulars.

Other General Information and Guideline

• (i) Candidates are advised to thoroughly go through this Information Bulletin and our future notification(s) including terms & conditions given/uploaded on our website for this test.
• (ii) Candidates must read the terms and conditions for CSIR /UGC Research Fellowships/Lectureship on respective websites of CSIR and UGC.
• (iii) Submission of Online Application is mandatory. Hard copies of application form will not be accepted by CSIR.
• (iv) Application Form must be complete in all respect.
• (v) The Center and date of the Test are liable to be changed at the discretion of CSIR. No TA/DA will be paid to the candidates by CSIR.
• (vi) No candidate will be admitted to the Test unless he/she brings the e-Admit Card to the Test venue.
• (vii) Candidates should note that their candidature is strictly provisional till their joining.
• (viii) Please note that no correspondence will be entertained for any matter for which last date has expired.
• (ix) In all matters the decision of the CSIR as to the eligibility or otherwise of a candidate for admission to the Test or his/her subsequent qualifying in the Test shall be final.
• (x) Any attempt on the part of a candidate to obtain support for his / her candidature by any means may disqualify him/her for admission to the examination.
• (xi) A candidate who is found guilty of impersonation or of submitting fabricated documents or documents which have been tampered with or of making statements which are incorrect or false or of suppressing material information or otherwise resorting to any other irregular or improper means for obtaining admission to the examination.
• (xii) All disputes pertaining to the NET Examination shall fall within the jurisdiction of Delhi only.
• (xiii) CSIR will not be responsible for any printing error in this booklet.
• (xiv) Printout of online application should be kept by the candidate for future reference.
• (xv) Candidates are required to bring a photo identity card also along with their printout of online e-Admit Card on the day of the examination.

Advantages of clearing CSIR NET JRF

If you’ve passed the CSIR JRF / UGC JRF exam, you’ll have two main career paths open to you.

• Firstly, you can pursue a Ph.D. in a research institution and build a career in research. Alternatively, you can apply for the position of Assistant Professor at various universities across India.
• The Government of India offers a monthly stipend of 31,000/- plus HRA to JRF qualifiers enrolled in a Ph.D. program at a research institute or university. This stipend increases to 35,000/- plus HRA in the third, fourth, and fifth years.
• Successful JRFs can also be promoted to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) after two years, based on satisfactory performance.
• The promotion to SRF is contingent upon assessment. If your work during the JRF period is deemed satisfactory, you’ll be promoted. This progression allows you to complete your Ph.D.
• The second option is to directly apply for the Assistant Professor position. The JRF certificate includes the NET certificate, making you eligible for this role.
• NET, or the National Eligibility Test, is the minimum requirement for applying for an Assistant Professor position.
• It’s important to note that JRF is not equivalent to a Ph.D. It’s an exam that grants you the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D.

How to crack CSIR NET exam

• Cracking the CSIR NET exam requires more than just reading materials or notes—it’s about consistent practice.
• Since NET follows a multiple-choice pattern, success often depends on reasoning and strategic thinking.
• A helpful tactic is to eliminate answer choices and then deduce the correct answer from the remaining options.
• Utilize previous years’ question papers and question banks extensively, and keep practicing with them.
• Regarding study materials, instead of trying to cover every topic listed in the syllabus, focus on the ones you’re already familiar with.
• For topics that are challenging, read them thoroughly and take detailed notes. However, avoid spending too much time on note-taking without revising them later.
• After completing each topic, reinforce your learning by solving related questions and then revisiting the material.
• Create a study loop for each topic, allowing you to effectively cover familiar topics while continuously practicing them.
• During the exam, if you encounter questions you’re unsure about, consider skipping them to minimize negative marking.

FAQs on CSIR UGC NET Exam

1. Who can apply for CSIR UGC NET Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)?
Answer: Only bonafide Indian citizen residing in India are eligible for the award of Junior Research fellowships. The JRFs are awarded each year by CSIR/UGC to those holding the required degree, with a minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST candidates and PH/VH candidates),  and who qualify the Joint CSIR-UGC Test for Junior Research Fellowship and Eligibility for Lectureship- National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by CSIR twice in a year.

The fellowships are tenable in Universities / IITs/ Post Graduate Colleges /Government Research Establishments including those of the CSIR, Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Research & Development establishments of recognized public or private sector industrial firms and other recognized institutions.

2. Which documents do I need to send?
Answer: Enclosures required to be sent along with the application form:

1. One black and white passport size recent photograph. The photo should be pasted on the application form and signed across by the candidate.
2. An attested copy of PHYSICALLY or VISUALLY HANDICAP or SC/ST/OBC certificate in the prescribed form (App II or III as the case may be), wherever applicable.
3. CSIR’s copy of the Bank Challan slip. (Only those who apply online).

3. Can I edit my information after submitting?
Answer: Data once entered cannot be edited. Care should therefore be taken that only correct information is entered in the application form.

4. What are the subjects for which the  test is conducted?
Answer: The Test is conducted for following subjects:
1. Chemical Sciences
2. Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences 
3. Life Sciences
4. Mathematical Sciences
5. Physical Sciences
6. Engineering Sciences

5. What is the maximum age for appearing in CSIR UGC NET Exam?
Answer: The upper age limit for applying for the award of JRF shall be 28 years, which is relaxed up to 5 years for candidates belonging to Schedule Castes/Schedule Tribes, Women, Physically Handicapped and OBCs. However, there is no upper age limit for those applying for Lectureship.