- The Joint CSIR-UGC NET is conducted by the National Testing Agency for CSIR and UGC, twice a year in June and December
- The December 2025 exam was held on 18 December 2025 and June 2026 registration is live at csirnet.nta.nic.in
- The JRF upper age limit is now 30 years, and a qualifying score is valid for Junior Research Fellowship, Assistant Professor eligibility and PhD admission
- Application fees are 1,150 rupees (General), 600 (EWS/OBC-NCL) and 325 (SC/ST/PwD).
What Is CSIR NET and Who Conducts It?
The Joint CSIR-UGC NET is a national eligibility test conducted by the National Testing Agency on behalf of CSIR and UGC. It determines Indian candidates' eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship, appointment as Assistant Professor, and admission to PhD programmes across science and interdisciplinary research fields in Indian universities and colleges.
The exam was earlier administered by the CSIR Human Resource Development Group, and since 2019 the National Testing Agency conducts it. Junior Research Fellowship holders receive a monthly stipend to pursue research, while those qualifying for lectureship become eligible for Assistant Professor posts in universities and colleges.
When Is the CSIR NET 2026 Exam Held?
CSIR NET is held twice a year, in June and December. The December 2025 session was conducted on 18 December 2025, and registration for the June 2026 session is now live on the official website csirnet.nta.nic.in. Candidates should track the site regularly for exact exam dates and admit card releases.
The application form typically opens a few weeks after the notification, followed by a correction window, admit card download about a week before the exam, provisional answer keys, and finally the subject-wise result. Always cross-check every date against the public notices published on the official NTA portal.
How to Get a Scholarship to Study AbroadRead →What Subjects and Exam Pattern Does CSIR NET Cover?
CSIR NET is offered in five subjects: Chemical Sciences; Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences; Life Sciences; Mathematical Sciences; and Physical Sciences. Each computer-based paper is single, divided into Part A (general aptitude), Part B (subject-based) and Part C (higher-order science), carrying 200 marks with negative marking for wrong answers.
- Chemical Sciences
- Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
Part A is common to all papers and tests general aptitude, logical reasoning, graphical analysis and numerical ability. Part B and Part C are subject-specific, with Part C carrying higher-weight questions that test the application of scientific concepts. The exam is conducted in a single three-hour session in computer-based mode.
What Is the CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria?
Candidates need a Master's degree in a science subject with at least 55 percent marks (50 percent for SC, ST, PwD and third-gender applicants); four-year Bachelor's holders with 75 percent are also eligible. The JRF upper age limit is 30 years, with relaxations, while there is no age limit for Assistant Professor.
- Master's degree in Chemical, Earth, Life, Mathematical or Physical Sciences with at least 55 percent marks (50 percent for SC, ST, PwD and third-gender candidates).
- Candidates holding a four-year or eight-semester Bachelor's degree with at least 75 percent marks are also eligible to apply.
- Final-year students and those awaiting results may apply provisionally and must meet the percentage within two years.
- JRF upper age limit is 30 years, relaxable by five years for SC, ST, PwD, third-gender and female candidates and three years for OBC (non-creamy-layer).
- There is no upper age limit for the Assistant Professor eligibility or for PhD admission.
How Do You Apply and What Is the Fee?
Applications are submitted online at csirnet.nta.nic.in during the notified window. The examination fee is 1,150 rupees for General or unreserved candidates, 600 rupees for EWS and OBC non-creamy-layer applicants, and 325 rupees for SC, ST, PwD and third-gender candidates. Payment is made online via card, net banking or UPI.
| Category 2026 | Application Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 1,150 |
| EWS / OBC (Non-Creamy-Layer) | 600 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | 325 |
- Visit the official website csirnet.nta.nic.in and click the online application link for the current session.
- Register with your name, email and mobile number to receive a system-generated application number.
- Fill in personal, academic and exam-city details, then upload a scanned photograph and signature in the specified format and size.
- Pay the application fee online through debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI and download the confirmation page for your records.
What Are the CSIR NET Qualifying Cut-offs?
CSIR NET cut-offs are released separately for each subject and category after every session, and they vary with paper difficulty and vacancies. Qualifying marks differ for JRF and Lectureship, with General or unreserved candidates needing higher percentages than SC, ST, OBC and PwD candidates. Check the official result PDF for exact subject-wise cut-offs.
The result is published as a scorecard showing subject-wise marks and percentile, along with a separate merit list of qualified roll numbers. Candidates check results using their application number and date of birth on the NTA portal, and qualified candidates can download an e-certificate valid for JRF, Assistant Professor eligibility and PhD admission.
Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian StudentsRead →How Should You Prepare for CSIR NET?
Effective CSIR NET preparation needs several months of consistent study, not last-minute cramming. Master the official syllabus, revise core textbooks for your subject, practise previous-year papers and timed mock tests, and make concise revision notes. Strong time management across Parts A, B and C is essential given the negative marking scheme.
- Study the latest official syllabus for your chosen subject before starting, so you cover only what is examined.
- Build a strong base with standard reference books, for example Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology for Life Sciences aspirants.
- Solve previous-year question papers and full-length mock tests under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
- Prepare short, revision-friendly notes and manage time carefully across Parts A, B and C to reduce losses from negative marking.