CSIR NET Syllabus 2026 is the detailed topic-wise outline released by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) / National Testing Agency (NTA) for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET exam, covering five major science subjects. It helps candidates prepare for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship/Assistant Professor eligibility through a single three-hour MCQ paper divided into Parts A, B, and C.
CSIR NET Syllabus 2026 is now the key resource for candidates targeting the June or December session. Conducted by NTA for CSIR, the exam tests scientific knowledge through Part A (General Aptitude), Part B (subject-related MCQs), and Part C (analytical application-based questions).
The syllabus remains largely consistent with previous cycles, covering five subjects: Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. Understanding the exact topics in each part helps aspirants focus on high-weightage areas, manage negative marking, and prepare effectively for both JRF and Lectureship. Download the official syllabus from csirhrdg.res.in or csirnet.nta.nic.in once the notification is released.
CSIR NET 2026 Exam Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of CSIR |
| Exam Name | Joint CSIR-UGC NET (CSIR NET) |
| Purpose | JRF and Lectureship/Assistant Professor |
| Subjects | 5 (Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Negative Marking | 25% (varies slightly by subject and part) |
List of Subjects for CSIR NET 2026
| Subjects | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| 01 | Chemical Sciences |
| 02 | Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences |
| 03 | Life Sciences |
| 04 | Mathematical Sciences |
| 05 | Physical Sciences |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026
The exam is a single paper of 200 marks with three parts. The pattern is mostly common, but slight variations exist across subjects in the number of questions and marks per question in Parts B & C.
| Part | Nature | Questions to Attempt | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | General Aptitude | 15 out of 20 | 2 | 30 | 25% |
| B | Subject-related conventional MCQs | Varies (20-35) | 2 or 3.5 (subject-wise) | 70 | 25% |
| C | Analytical / Application-based | Varies (20-25) | 4 or 5 (subject-wise) | 100 | 25% |
Total Duration: 3 Hours (no sectional timing).
Part A Syllabus (General Aptitude) – Common for All Subjects
| Topic Category | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Reasoning | Analytical Reasoning, Syllogisms, Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Series, Classification, Non-verbal Reasoning, Visual Ability |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Number System, Simplification, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Permutation & Combination |
| Data Interpretation & Graphical Analysis | Bar Graph, Pie Chart, Line Graph, Tabulation, Mean/Median/Mode, Measures of Dispersion |
| General Science & Research Aptitude | Basic Scientific Concepts, Research Methodology, Logical Reasoning, Comprehension |
Part B Syllabus (Subject-Specific Core Topics)
| Subject Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Core Subject Topics | Covers fundamental concepts from the chosen subject syllabus (e.g., Inorganic, Physical & Organic Chemistry for Chemical Sciences; Molecules & Cells, Physiology, Genetics for Life Sciences) |
| Number of Questions | Varies by subject (typically 25–50 MCQs) |
| Marks | Usually 70 marks total |
| Nature | Conventional MCQs testing direct knowledge of syllabus topics |
Note: Detailed Part B topics differ by subject. For example:
- Chemical Sciences → Inorganic, Physical, Organic Chemistry
- Life Sciences → Cellular Organization, Fundamental Processes, Inheritance Biology, Ecology, etc.
- Physical Sciences → Mathematical Methods, Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, etc.
Candidates must refer to the official subject-wise PDF for complete unit-wise breakup.
Part C Syllabus (Subject-Specific Analytical/Advanced Topics)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Nature of Questions | Higher-order analytical questions testing scientific concepts and their applications |
| Question Type | May include multiple correct options; requires deep understanding |
| Number of Questions | Varies (typically 20–30 to attempt) |
| Marks per Question | 4 or 5 marks |
| Total Marks | 100 marks |
| Negative Marking | Usually 25% (no negative marking in some subjects for Part C) |
Note: Part C questions are designed to assess the candidate’s ability to apply knowledge to solve scientific problems. Topics are drawn from advanced portions of the subject syllabus.
Preparation Tips for CSIR NET 2026
- Master Part A first as it is common and scoring.
- Focus on conceptual clarity for Part B and problem-solving/application for Part C.
- Practice previous year papers and mock tests to handle negative marking.
- Refer only to official syllabus PDFs available on csirhrdg.res.in.
