CSIR NET Syllabus 2026: Check Exam Pattern & Download Subject-Wise Syllabus PDF
CSIR NET Syllabus 2026: The NTA has started the online application process for CSIR NET December 2026 and the candidates who are planning to appear for the December examination should start their preparation now by downloading the CSIR NET Syllabus 2026. Check this article to know the exam pattern and download the syllabus pdf.
Key Points
- CSIR NET Dec 2026 notification released; exams on Dec 19, 22, 27, 2026.
- Exam assesses eligibility for JRF, Assistant Professor, and Ph.D. admission.
- The exam consists of a single paper with three objective-type parts.
CSIR NET Syllabus 2026: The CSIR NET is a national-level examination conducted by the NTA twice in a year to assess the eligibility of the test-takers for or ‘award of Junior Research Fellowship and appointment as Assistant Professor’, ‘appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D.’ and ‘admission to Ph.D. only’ in Indian universities and colleges. The exam consists of a single paper for all the 05 subjects. The paper has three parts which consist of objective-type questions. The candidates should download the subject-wise syllabus pdf so that they can understand the demand of the exam and the important topics. With the help of the syllabus, the candidates will be able to prepare a roadmap to begin their studies.
CSIR NET Syllabus 2026 Highlights
The CSIR NET December 2026 official notification is out now and as per the notification, the exam is scheduled to be held on 19, 22, and 27 December 2026. Therefore, there is very less time left for the candidates who are going to appear for the exam. Check the highlights of the syllabus in the table below:
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | CSIR NET Dec 2026 |
| Purpose | JRF, Assistant Professor, Ph.D. Admission |
| Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 180 Minutes (3 Hours) |
| Medium of Paper | English and Hindi |
| Maximum Marks | 200 |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Official Website | csirnet.nta.nic.in |
ALSO CHECK: CSIR NET December 2026 Notification
CSIR NET Subjects 2026
The CSIR UGC NET examination includes 05 subjects:
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Chemical Sciences
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Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
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Life Sciences and Bio-Technology
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Mathematical Sciences
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Physical Sciences
CSIR NET Subject-Wise Syllabus PDF 2026
The candidates who are going to appear for the CSIR NET December 2026 or those who are preparing for the upcoming cycles of CSIR NET can download the subject-wise syllabus pdf and start their preparation effectively.
| Subjects | Syllabus PDF |
| Chemical Sciences | |
| Earth Sciences | |
| Life Sciences and Bio-Technology | |
| Mathematical Sciences | |
| Physical Sciences |
CSIR NET Syllabus 2026
The CSIR NET syllabus serves as a very important resource for the candidates preparing for this exam. The syllabus consists of all the topics that are going to be asked in the exam in the form of questions. The CSIR NET exam consists of a single paper for each subject which further consists of three parts- Part A, Part B, and Part C. The Part A, which is General Aptitude, is common across all the subjects. Check the topics here:
| Subjects | Topics |
| Data Interpretation & Graphical Analysis |
|
| Quantitative Aptitude |
|
| Reasoning |
|
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026 for Chemical Sciences
The CSIR NET exam pattern for Chemical Sciences includes three parts. The total number of questions are 120 for 200 marks. There is also a provision for 25% negative marking in case of incorrect response.
| CHEMICAL SCIENCES (701) | PART A | PART B | PART C | TOTAL |
| Total questions | 20 | 40 | 60 | 120 |
| Max No of Questions to attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
| Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
| Marks for each incorrect answer (Negative marking for part A, B & C is @ 25%) | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 | - |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026 for Earth Sciences
The CSIR NET exam pattern for Earth Sciences includes a total of 150 MCQs for 200 marks, where the candidates are required to attempt a total of 75 MCQs compulsorily. There is also provision for negative marking which varies for each part. Check the table below:
| EARTH SCIENCES (702) | PART A | PART B | PART C | TOTAL |
| Total questions | 20 | 50 | 80 | 150 |
| Max No of Questions to attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
| Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
| Marks for each incorrect answer (Negative marking for part A, B & C is @ 25%) | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.32 | - |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026 for Life Sciences
The CSIR NET exam pattern for Life Sciences subjects includes a total of 145 MCQs for 200 marks, where the candidates are required to attempt a total of 75 questions. Check the table below for details:
| LIFE SCIENCES (703) | PART A | PART B | PART C | TOTAL |
| Total questions | 20 | 50 | 75 | 145 |
| Max No of Questions to attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
| Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
| Marks for each incorrect answer (Negative marking for part A, B & C is @ 25%) | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 | - |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026 for Mathematical Sciences
The CSIR NET exam pattern for Mathematical Sciences contains a total of 120 MCQs for 200 marks, where the test-takers are required to attempt a maximum of 60 questions. Check the table below:
| MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES (704) | PART A | PART B | PART C | TOTAL |
| Total questions | 20 | 40 | 60 | 120 |
| Max No of Questions to attempt | 15 | 25 | 20 | 60 |
| Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
| Marks for each incorrect answer (Negative marking for part A, B & C is @ 25%) | 0.5 | 0.75 | 0 | - |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026 for Physical Sciences
The CSIR NET exam pattern for Physical Science subject includes a total of 75 MCQs for 200 marks and the candidates are required to attempt a maximum of 55 questions. The number of total questions, max. Questions to attempt, and marks vary for each part. Check the table below”
| PHYSICAL SCIENCES (705) | PART A | PART B | PART C | TOTAL |
| Total questions | 20 | 25 | 30 | 75 |
| Max No of Questions to attempt | 15 | 20 | 20 | 55 |
| Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
| Marks for each incorrect answer (Negative marking for part A, B & C is @ 25%) | 0.5 | 0.875 | 1.25 | - |
Upasna is an education journalist and subject matter expert with an extensive background in the competitive exam landscape. Currently contributing to the Exam Prep Section of Jagran Josh, Upasna specializes in creating well-researched, aspirant-centric content and simplifying complex topics for competitive examinations. Her academic expertise, coupled with her own firsthand experience preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, helps her provide strategic preparation insights and a comprehensive perspective to aspirants. She holds a Master's degree in Forensic Chemical Sciences. Apart from delivering valuable exam resources, Upasna is a passionate communications professional who also enjoys reading and writing.
