CSIR NET previous year question papers pdf is a great practice tool for preparation for CSIR NET 2023 examination which is a national-level eligibility test. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for the selection of eligible Indian nationals for the award of Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and Lectureship (LS)/Assistant Professorship in certain subject areas falling under the faculty of Science and Technology across Indian universities and colleges.
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has entrusted the NTA with the responsibility of conducting the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2022/June 2023 examination through the computer-based test (CBT) mode. The CBT for all papers shall be held in three parts. All the parts will consist of objective type, multiple choice questions. There shall be no break between papers.

In this article, the exam prep team of Jagran Josh has shared the CSIR NET previous years question papers with solutions pdf, exam pattern, and preparation tips.
CSIR NET Question Papers 2023
CSIR NET question papers 2023 shall be released by the CSIR on its official website after the successful completion of the CSIR NET 2023 examination which is scheduled to be held on June 6 to 8, 2023. The CSIR NET question papers with solutions pdf shall also be available for download soon. The CSIR NET question papers consist of three parts for each subject. The test is held for the subjects mentioned below:
- Chemical Sciences
- Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
All the parts consist of objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Below, we have provided CSIR NET question paper pattern for all subjects in detail. There is a negative marking also applicable for all the parts.
Meanwhile, CSIR NET previous year question papers with solutions are available for download for all the candidates appearing for the CSIR NET 2023 exam. Candidates can download the CSIR NET question papers pdf in this article to kick start their preparation for the exam. Solving the CSIR NET question paper shall help in assessing the preparation level and understanding the nature of the questions, difficulty level, etc.
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers
The CSIR NET previous year question papers are highly valuable. They aid candidates to practice for the upcoming CSIR NET 2023 exam. We have gathered all the CSIR NET previous years question papers pdf download for the candidates. The CSIR NET last years question papers aim to help candidates in understanding the exam pattern, topics from which most questions are asked, format of questions, difficulty level, and determining the expected questions in the upcoming exam. The CSIR NET question papers with solutions are the most authentic source of CSIR NET study material. Candidates can download the CSIR NET Life Science previous year question papers with solutions pdf provided below:
CSIR NET 2022 Question Paper |
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Subject |
Question Paper |
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Chemical Sciences | Download PDF | |
Earth Sciences | Download PDF | |
Life Sciences | Download PDF | |
Mathematical Sciences | Download PDF | |
Physical Sciences | Download PDF | |
CSIR NET 2020 Question Paper |
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Subject |
Question Paper |
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Chemical Sciences | Download PDF | |
Earth Sciences | Download PDF | |
Life Sciences | Download PDF | |
Mathematical Sciences | Download PDF | |
Physical Sciences | Download PDF | |
CSIR UGC NET June 2019 Question Paper & Answer Key |
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Subject |
Question Paper |
Answer Key |
Chemical Sciences |
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Earth Sciences |
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Life Sciences |
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Mathematical Sciences |
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Physical Sciences |
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CSIR UGC NET December 2018 Question Paper & Answer Key |
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Subject |
Question Paper |
Answer Key |
Chemical Sciences |
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Earth Sciences |
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Life Sciences |
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Mathematical Sciences |
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Physical Sciences |
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CSIR UGC NET June 2018 Question Paper & Answer Key |
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Question Paper |
Answer Key |
Chemical Sciences |
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Earth Sciences |
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Life Sciences |
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Mathematical Sciences |
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Physical Sciences |
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CSIR UGC NET December 2017 Question Paper & Answer Key |
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Subject |
Question Paper |
Answer Key |
Chemical Sciences |
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Earth Sciences |
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Life Sciences |
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Mathematical Sciences |
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Physical Sciences |
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CSIR UGC NET June 2017 Question Paper & Answer Key |
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Subject |
Question Paper |
Answer Key |
Chemical Sciences |
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Earth Sciences |
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Life Sciences |
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Mathematical Sciences |
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Physical Sciences |
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CSIR UGC NET December 2016 Question Paper & Answer Key |
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Subject |
Question Paper |
Answer Key |
Chemical Sciences |
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Earth Sciences |
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Life Sciences |
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Mathematical Sciences |
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Physical Sciences |
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CSIR UGC NET June 2016 Question Paper & Answer Key |
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Subject |
Question Paper |
Answer Key |
Chemical Sciences |
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Earth Sciences |
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Life Sciences |
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Mathematical Sciences |
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Physical Sciences |
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CSIR UGC NET December 2015 Question Paper & Answer Key |
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Subject |
Question Paper |
Answer Key |
Chemical Sciences |
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Earth Sciences |
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Life Sciences |
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Mathematical Sciences |
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Physical Sciences |
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CSIR UGC NET June 2015 Question Paper & Answer Key |
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Subject |
Question Paper |
Answer Key |
Chemical Sciences |
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Earth Sciences |
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Life Sciences |
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Mathematical Sciences |
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Physical Sciences |
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Click here to know the CSIR UGC NET Eligibility Criteria
Benefits of Solving CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers
Solving CSIR NET previous year question papers have several advantages such as enhancing paper solving skills, time management skills, etc. The CSIR NET exam is conducted for 3 hours. It is crucial to practice CSIR NET previous year question papers to attempt the exam in timely manner and accuracy. Candidates who solve the CSIR NET previous year question papers have shared that they are able to cover the CSIR NET syllabus extensively. Below, check the benefits of solving CSIR NET previous year question paper:
- Solving CSIR NET previous year question papers pdf aid in understanding the type of questions asked in the exam as well as identifying their weak and strong areas from the CSIR NET syllabus that one needs to prepare thoroughly.
- CSIR NET question papers also give insights into most often asked topics, question weightage of topics which have been asked most often or repeatedly in the past years. This can help candidates in formulating better preparation and solving strategies for the exam.
- Practicing the CSIR NET question papers shall also help candidates in improving their time management skills, speed, accuracy, and boost confidence when attempting the papers. Previous year question papers also help in memory retention and mental preparation for the exam.
- Candidates solving CSIR NET previous year question papers will also be able to spot the important topics which can help them perform better in the exam. Previous year question papers also are a great source of revision and applying practical knowledge to solve actual questions asked till date in the exam. This also helps in reducing exam-related anxiety and assessing your exam readiness.
How to Attempt CSIR NET Question Papers?
We have compiled few important points to keep in mind when attempting the CSIR NET Life Science question paper which include:
- Start with questions in Part C: Questions in the part C are more analytical in nature which means you have to apply scientific knowledge therefore attempting this part first is advisable as you have a fresh energetic mind at the start of the exam.
- Never attempt a question related to an experiment with a preconceived notion. Always remember that one size does not fit all. This is most apt in the case of CSIR NET question paper. Keep your mind open to possibilities as not all questions will have the same approach to arrive at the solution. Do not presume any information when attempting CSIR NET questions.
- Be extra careful when solving graphical questions. Always look at the units (kg, ml, l, mg, etc) of the data presented in the question. Observe the X and Y axis as the questions may be presented in a tricky manner.
- Do not try to attempt all the questions. As per the CSIR NET exam pattern, the maximum number of questions to be attempted in all parts (A, B, C) subject-wise is as follows: 15, 35, 25 questions in part A, B, C respectively (for Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences) and 15, 25, 20 questions in part A, B, C respective (Mathematical Sciences) and 15, 20, 20 questions in part A, B, C respectively (Physical Sciences).
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers Analysis
CSIR NET previous year question paper analysis is crucial to improvise your preparation for the upcoming CSIR NET exam. As per the CSIR NET exam analysis 2022, the overall difficulty level was moderate to difficult for all subjects. As per the CSIR NET exam review 2022, the overall good attempts for each paper is as follows: Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences (50-55 out of 150), Physical Sciences (45-50 out of 75), Mathematical Sciences (40-50 out of 120), Chemical Sciences (40-50 out of 120), and Life Sciences (40-50 out of 145). Candidates must check the detailed CSIR NET previous year question papers analysis for in-depth topic-wise distribution of questions, weightage of topics in each paper, etc.
CSIR NET Question Paper Pattern
As per the CSIR NET question paper pattern, there are three parts – part A, B, and C. All the parts include objective type, multiple choice questions (MCQs).
- Part A shall be common to all subjects. This part shall include questions related to general aptitude with emphasis on logical reasoning, graphical analysis, analytical and numerical ability, quantitative comparison, series formation, puzzles, etc
- Part B shall include subject-related conventional MCQs generally covering the topics given in the syllabus.
- Part C includes higher order questions that may test the candidate knowledge of scientific concepts and/or application of the scientific concepts. The questions are analytical in nature where a candidate is expected to apply scientific knowledge to arrive at the solution to the given scientific problem.
Below, we have shared the CSIR NET Life Science exam pattern in detail which include the total number of questions asked, maximum number of questions to attempt, marks for each correct answer, and marks for each incorrect answer.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern - Chemical Sciences |
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Life Science |
PART A |
PART B |
PART C |
TOTAL |
Total questions |
20 |
40 |
60 |
120 |
Max. Number 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 – Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences |
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Life Science |
PART A |
PART B |
PART C |
TOTAL |
Total questions |
20 |
50 |
80 |
150 |
Max. Number 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 is @25% and part C is @33%) |
0.5 |
0.5 |
1.32 |
- |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern – Life Sciences |
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Life Science |
PART A |
PART B |
PART C |
TOTAL |
Total questions |
20 |
50 |
75 |
145 |
Max. Number of questions to attempt |
15 |
35 |
25 |
75 |
Marks for each correct answer |
2 |
2 |
4 |
200 |
Marks for each incorrect answer |
0.5 |
0.5 |
1 |
- |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern – Mathematical Sciences |
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Life Science |
PART A |
PART B |
PART C |
TOTAL |
Total questions |
20 |
40 |
60 |
120 |
Max. Number of questions to attempt |
15 |
25 |
20 |
60 |
Marks for each correct answer |
2 |
3 |
4.75 |
200 |
Marks for each incorrect answer |
0.5 |
0.75 |
0 |
- |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern – Physical Sciences |
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Life Science |
PART A |
PART B |
PART C |
TOTAL |
Total questions |
20 |
25 |
30 |
75 |
Max. Number of questions to attempt |
15 |
20 |
20 |
55 |
Marks for each correct answer |
2 |
3.5 |
5 |
200 |
Marks for each incorrect answer |
0.5 |
0.875 |
1.25 |
- |
Important Points to Note:
As per the CSIR NET exam pattern, the maximum number of questions to be attempted in all parts (A, B, C) subject-wise is as follows:
- Candidate is required to answer a maximum of 15, 35 and 25 questions from part A, B and C respectively (for Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences). If more than required number of questions are answered, only first 15, 35 and 25 questions in part A, B and C respectively will be taken up for evaluation.
- Candidate is required to answer a maximum of 15, 25, 20 questions in part A, B, and C respectively (Mathematical Sciences), If more than required number of questions are answered, only first 15, 25 and 20 questions in part A, B, and C respectively will be taken up for evaluation.
- Candidate is required to answer a maximum of 15, 20, 20 questions in part A, B, and C respectively (Physical Sciences). If more than required number of questions are answered, only first 15, 20 and 20 questions in part A, B and C respectively will be taken up for evaluation.
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