Updated on Feb 12, 2025
Shreya
To apply for the CSIR NET 2024 exam, candidates must meet certain eligibility rules related to age, education, and nationality. The age limit varies based on the category of the candidate, with a maximum age of 28 years for some. In terms of education, applicants must have a master’s degree (M.Sc.) or an equivalent qualification such as BS-MS, B.Tech, B.Pharma, or MBBS, with at least 55% marks. Scoring a minimum of 55% in their studies is necessary to be eligible for the exam. To improve their preparation, candidates can practice using CSIR NET practice papers.
CSIR NET Eligibility 2024
Candidates applying for the examination must fulfil the CSIR NET Eligibility to avoid disqualification of their applications. Candidates must also have valid documents to support their claim of fulfilling the required eligibility.
CSIR NET Age Limit
The CSIR NET Age Limit varies depending on whether the candidate is applying for JRF, Lectureship or PhD, as follows:
- JRF: Maximum Age: 30 years
- Assistant Professor: No upper age limit
- Admission to PhD: There is no upper age limit in applying for Joint CSIR-UGC-NET for Admission to PhD.
CSIR NET JRF Age Limit
The age limit for the CSIR NET JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) exam is 30 years. However, there are age relaxations for candidates belonging to certain categories such as SC/ST/PwD/Women/Transgender, etc. The maximum age limit for such candidates is 33 years.
CSIR NET LS Age Limit
There is no upper age limit for CSIR NET LS (Lectureship)/ Assistant Professor. Candidates who have qualified for the JRF exam and are below 34 years of age can apply for the post of Assistant Professor/Lecturer in universities and colleges. However, the age limit may vary for different universities and institutions depending on their respective recruitment policies.
CSIR NET Age Relaxation
Age relaxation in the CSIR NET Upper age limit is allowed for reserved category candidates. This is for the post of JRF only. A relaxation of upto 5 years is provided to candidates belonging to OBC-NCL/ SC/ ST/ PwD/Third gender categories and to women applicants
CSIR NET Educational Qualification
As per the CSIR NET Eligibility, the candidates must have the following educational qualifications to be eligible for the exam:
- To be eligible for the CSIR NET exam, candidates must have certain educational qualifications. They should have completed M.Sc. or a similar degree, such as BS-MS, B.Tech, B.Pharma, or MBBS, with at least 55% marks (50% for SC, ST, and disabled candidates).
- Students who are still studying for their M.Sc. or have finished their graduation can also apply under the "Result Awaited" category. However, they must complete their degree within two years and score the required marks.
- Those who have a B.Sc. (Hons) degree or are studying in an Integrated MS-Ph.D. program with at least 55% marks (50% for SC, ST, and disabled candidates) can also take the exam.
- Candidates with only a bachelor's degree can apply for a fellowship if they join a Ph.D. or an Integrated Ph.D. program within two years after graduation.
- For the Lectureship, only candidates who completed their Master’s degree before September 19, 1991, with at least 50% marks can apply. People with only a bachelor’s degree cannot apply for the Lectureship.
CSIR NET Subject-wise Educational Qualification
The CSIR NET exam is conducted in various subjects, including Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. The table below covers the CSIR NET Subject-wise Educational Qualification:
| Subject | CSIR NET Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| CSIR NET Eligibility for Life Science | Candidates should have an M.Sc. or equivalent degree in Life Sciences, with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ ST/ OBC candidates) or a B.Tech degree in Biotechnology, with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ ST/ OBC candidates). |
| CSIR NET Eligibility for Chemical Science | Candidates should have an M.Sc. or equivalent degree in Chemical Sciences, with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) or a B.Tech degree in Chemical Engineering, with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ ST/ OBC candidates). |
| CSIR NET Eligibility for Earth Science | Candidates should have an M.Sc. or equivalent degree in Earth Sciences/ Geology/ Geophysics/ Atmospheric Sciences/ Ocean Sciences or a related subject, with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ ST/ OBC candidates) or a B.Tech degree in Engineering, with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates). |
| CSIR NET Eligibility for Mathematical Science | Candidates should have an M.Sc. or equivalent degree in Mathematics/Statistics or a related subject with Mathematics/Statistics as one of the main subjects, with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) or a B.Tech degree in Engineering, with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates). |
| CSIR NET Eligibility for Physical Science | Candidates should have an M.Sc. or equivalent degree in Physical Sciences, with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ ST/ OBC candidates) or a B.Tech degree in Engineering, with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ ST/ OBC candidates). |
CSIR NET Nationality
This exam is only limited to Indian Nationals, any candidate of any other nationality cannot appear in this exam.
CSIR NET Number of Attempts
According to the National Testing Agency, there is no limit on the number of attempts for the CSIR NET exam.
Through this article, we were able to look at different aspects related to the eligibility for the CSIR NET exam. The above table takes into account various areas related to the exams starting from age of a candidate to the fees that a candidate has to pay to appear for their exams.
CSIR NET Special Reservation Criteria
CSIR follows the stipulated guidelines regarding the marks relaxation for different categories. Candidates can check the table below for CSIR NET Reservation Criteria 2024.
| Category | Relaxation in marks |
|---|---|
| Other Backward Classes | 5 percent |
| Scheduled Caste | 5 percent |
| Scheduled Tribe | 5 percent |
CSIR NET Eligibility 2024 FAQs
What is the age limit for the CSIR NET JRF exam?
The age limit for the CSIR NET JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) exam is 30 years. However, candidates from SC/ST/PwD/Women/Transgender categories get a relaxation of up to 5 years, making the upper age limit 33 years.
Is there any age limit for the CSIR NET Lectureship (LS)?
No, there is no upper age limit for the CSIR NET Lectureship (LS)/Assistant Professor. Candidates of any age can apply if they meet the educational qualifications.
What are the educational qualifications required for the CSIR NET exam?
Candidates must have completed an M.Sc., BS-MS, B.Tech, B.Pharma, MBBS, or an equivalent degree with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) to be eligible for the exam.
Can final-year students apply for the CSIR NET exam?
Yes, candidates who are in the final year of their M.Sc. or an equivalent course can apply under the "Result Awaited" (RA) category. However, they must complete their degree within two years and secure the required marks.
How many times can a candidate attempt the CSIR NET exam?
There is no limit on the number of attempts for the CSIR NET exam. Candidates can take the exam as many times as they want, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Can candidates with only a bachelor's degree apply for CSIR NET?
Candidates with only a bachelor's degree are not eligible for the Lectureship. However, they can apply for JRF if they enroll in a Ph.D. or Integrated Ph.D. program within two years of completing their bachelor's degree.
What is the nationality requirement for CSIR NET?
Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply for the CSIR NET exam. Candidates from other nationalities cannot appear for the exam.
Is there any special reservation or relaxation for different categories?
Yes, candidates from OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, and Third Gender categories get a 5% relaxation in the minimum marks required for eligibility. Women candidates also receive an age relaxation for JRF.
What subjects are covered in the CSIR NET exam?
The CSIR NET exam includes subjects like Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. Each subject has specific educational qualification requirements.
Can candidates apply for both JRF and Lectureship through CSIR NET?
Yes, candidates can apply for both JRF and Lectureship through the CSIR NET exam if they meet the required eligibility criteria. However, the age limit applies only to JRF applicants.
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