Updated on Feb 12, 2025
Shreya
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024 along with the December notification on the official website, csirnet.nta.ac.in. The CSIR UGC NET 2024 December exam will be held from February 28 to March 2, 2025. Earlier, the June 2024 exam was conducted on July 25, 26, and 27, 2024. The exam has five subjects: Earth Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. Each paper has multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and the total marks are 200.
The CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024 also includes negative marking, which varies for different subjects. The question paper is divided into three parts: Part A, Part B, and Part C. There is no break between these parts, and students must complete the paper in 3 hours. Below, we have explained the exam pattern and structure for each paper as given by HRDG. Read the details carefully and start preparing accordingly.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024: Highlights
Before going through the detailed CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024, let us have a look at the major highlights of the exam below.
| Particulars | CSIR Exam Pattern Highlights |
|---|---|
| Exam mode | Online |
| Exam duration | 3 hours |
| Number of subjects | 5 |
| Name of subjects | Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences Chemical Sciences Life Sciences Mathematical Sciences Physical Sciences |
| Total questions to attempt | Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences: 75 MCQs Chemical Sciences: 75 MCQs Life Sciences: 75 MCQs Mathematical Sciences: 60 MCQs Physical Sciences: 55 MCQs |
| Type of questions | MCQs; 4 options with only 1 correct option |
| Total marks | 200 |
| Marking scheme | +2 for the correct answer Negative marking of 25 percent (33 percent for some parts) |
| Language of paper | English and Hindi |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024: Subject-Wise
The CSIR NET exam pattern varies for all five subjects. The subject-wise exam pattern of the CSIR NET Question Paper 2024 is given below:
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024 for Chemical Sciences
In the CSIR NET Chemical Sciences paper, students have to answer a total of 75 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from Part A, Part B, and Part C. Each question in Part A and Part B is worth 2 marks, and each question in Part C is worth 4 marks. If a student gives a wrong answer, 25% marks will be deducted as negative marking. Below is the detailed exam pattern for the CSIR NET Chemical Sciences paper.
| Particulars | 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 |
| Negative marking of 25% | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 | - |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024 for Earth Sciences
The CSIR NET Earth Sciences exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions from three sections: Part A, Part B, and Part C. In Part A and Part B, each question carries 2 marks, while in Part C, each question is worth 4 marks. There is also negative marking for wrong answers. In Part A and Part B, 25% of the marks for that question will be deducted for each incorrect answer, while in Part C, 33% of the marks will be deducted. Below is the exam pattern for CSIR NET Earth Sciences.
| Particulars | 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 |
| Negative marking- 25% in Part A & B and 33% in Part C | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.32 | - |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024 for Life Sciences
The CSIR NET Life Sciences exam has 75 multiple-choice questions from three sections: Part A, Part B, and Part C. In Part A and Part B, each question gives 2 marks, while in Part C, each question gives 4 marks. If a question is answered incorrectly, some marks will be deducted. In all three parts, 25% of the marks for that question will be lost for a wrong answer. Below is the exam pattern for CSIR NET Life Sciences.
| Particulars | 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 |
| Negative marking of 25% in Part A, B & C | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 | - |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024 for Mathematical Sciences
The CSIR NET Mathematical Sciences exam has 120 multiple-choice questions, but candidates only need to answer 60 of them. The exam lasts for three hours. In Part A, each question is worth 2 marks, in Part B, each question is worth 3 marks, and in Part C, each question is worth 4.75 marks. If a question is answered incorrectly in Part A or B, 25% of its marks will be deducted. However, there is no negative marking in Part C. Below is the exam pattern for CSIR NET Mathematical Sciences.
| Particulars | 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 | 3 | 4.75 | 200 |
| Negative marking in Part A & B of 25% and no negative marking in Part C | 0.5 | 0.75 | 0 | - |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024 for Physical Sciences
The CSIR NET Physical Sciences exam has 75 multiple-choice questions, but candidates only need to answer 55 of them. In Part A, each question is worth 2 marks. In Part B, each question is worth 3.5 marks, and in Part C, each question is worth 5 marks. If a question is answered incorrectly in any part (A, B, or C), 25% of its marks will be deducted. Below is the detailed exam pattern for CSIR NET Physical Sciences.
| Particulars | 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 | 3.5 | 5 | 200 |
| Negative marking of 25% | 0.5 | 0.875 | 1.25 | - |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024: Important Points
Candidates can read the CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024 Important Points below.
- The CSIR NET exam has three parts: Part A, Part B, and Part C.
- Part A is the same for all subjects and includes questions on reasoning, graphs, math skills, comparisons, series, and puzzles.
- Part B has multiple-choice questions related to the subject. These questions are based on topics from the syllabus.
- Part C checks how well candidates understand and apply scientific concepts. These questions require thinking and problem-solving skills.
- If a candidate answers more questions than needed, only the first required ones will be counted.
- The exam paper is available in both Hindi and English.
CSIR NET Exam Syllabus 2024 overview
The CSIR NET syllabus for 2024 was released on the official website csirnet.nta.ac.in for the December session. The syllabus includes topics from five subjects: Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. Candidates should carefully check the syllabus for their subject to prepare well for the exam.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024 FAQs
How many subjects are included in the CSIR NET 2024 exam?
The CSIR NET 2024 exam includes five subjects: Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
How many questions do candidates need to attempt in the CSIR NET Mathematical Sciences paper?
Candidates need to attempt 60 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) out of a total of 120 in the CSIR NET Mathematical Sciences paper.
What is the marking scheme for the CSIR NET Life Sciences exam?
In the CSIR NET Life Sciences exam, each question in Part A and Part B carries 2 marks, while each question in Part C carries 4 marks. There is a negative marking of 25% in all three parts.
Is there negative marking in the CSIR NET Physical Sciences paper?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 25% in all three parts (Part A, Part B, and Part C) of the CSIR NET Physical Sciences paper.
What is the duration of the CSIR NET exam?
The CSIR NET exam is conducted for a total duration of 3 hours.
How many multiple-choice questions (MCQs) are there in the CSIR NET Earth Sciences exam?
The CSIR NET Earth Sciences exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that candidates need to attempt.
What is the marking scheme for the CSIR NET Chemical Sciences paper?
In the CSIR NET Chemical Sciences paper, each question in Part A and Part B carries 2 marks, while each question in Part C carries 4 marks. There is a negative marking of 25% for incorrect answers.
What type of questions are asked in the CSIR NET exam?
The CSIR NET exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), where each question has four options, with only one correct answer.
In which languages is the CSIR NET question paper available?
The CSIR NET exam paper is available in both English and Hindi languages.
Where can candidates check the CSIR NET syllabus for 2024?
Candidates can check the CSIR NET 2024 syllabus on the official website csirnet.nta.ac.in.
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