Updated on Jun 30, 2025
Santana Banerjee
According to CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025, the exam is going to be conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) format, consisting of MCQs across three parts: Part A, Part B, and Part C. Part A focuses on General Aptitude, while Parts B and C test subject-specific knowledge and scientific applications. CSIR NET 2025 Exam covers a total of five subjects: Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Earth Sciences. The duration of the exam is 3 hours, and each subject paper carries a maximum of 200 marks. The marking scheme includes negative marking for incorrect answers, and it varies subject and section-wise. For example, in the majority of subjects, Part A and Part B carry +2 marks for a correct answer, with -0.5 marks for an incorrect one. Accordingly, Part C carries +4 marks for each correct option, with a -1 penalty for each incorrect option.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights
CSIR NET candidates are required to attempt 75 questions in each of the Earth Science, Chemical Science, and Life Science subjects, 60 questions in Mathematical Science, and 55 questions in Physical Science. The question paper will be available in both English and Hindi. Refer to the table below to check key highlights of CSIR NET 2025 Exam Pattern.
Also Read: CSIR NET Admit Card 2025
CSIR NET Subject-wise Exam Pattern 2025
As per the CSIR NET 2025 Exam Pattern, candidates must attempt a specific number of questions from Part A, Part B, and Part C. However, the total number of questions and the required number to be answered vary depending on the subject. For example, for Chemical Science, a candidate is required to answer a maximum of 15, 35, and 25 questions from Part A, Part B, and Part C, respectively. In contrast, for Physical Science, a candidate is required to answer a maximum of 15, 20, and 20 questions from Part A, Part B, and Part C, respectively. Each question will carry four options, and only one of those alternatives will be correct. Candidates can refer to the following section to check the subject-wise CSIR Exam Pattern 2025.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern Life Science
In Life Science (703), the question paper contains 145 questions, out of which candidates are required to attempt a maximum of 75 questions. Each correct answer carries +2 marks in Parts A and B, and +4 marks in Part C. Accordingly, -0.5 marks are deducted in Part A and Part B, and -1 mark is deducted in Part C for each incorrect answer.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern Physical Science
Physical Science paper contains 75 questions, out of which candidates are required to attempt 55 questions. Each correct answer carries +2 marks in Part A, +3.5 in Part B, and +5 in Part C for each correct answer. Accordingly, -0.5, -0.875, and -1.25 marks are deducted in Part A, Part B, and Part C, respectively.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern Chemical Science
CSIR NET 2025 Chemical Sciences (701) paper comprises a total of 120 questions, out of which candidates are required to answer 75 questions. Correct answers carry +2 marks in Parts A and B, and +4 marks in Part C.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern Mathematics
In the CSIR NET 2025 Mathematical Science question paper, there are 120 questions, out of which candidates must attempt 60 questions. Correct answers carry +2 marks in Part A, +3 marks in Part B, and 4.75 marks in Part C, with a penalty of -0.5 in Part A, -0.75 in Part B, and no negative marking in Part C.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern Earth Science
The Earth Science question paper contains a total of 120 questions, from which candidates must answer 75 questions. Correct answers carry +2 marks in Parts A and B, and +4 marks in Part C. For incorrect answers, -0.5 and -1.32 marks are deducted in Parts A, B, and C, respectively.
CSIR NET 2025: Syllabus Overview
CSIR NET Syllabus 2025 comprises several topics from each of the five subjects. The topics are highlighted in the table below:
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025: Preparation Tips
To cover the CSIR NET Syllabus, candidates need to set a proper study schedule first. Besides, practicing past year question papers can help students to understand the exam pattern. Below are some important tips for CSIR aspirants.
- Create a realistic timetable that includes practising mocks. Twice a week is enough for practice.
- Begin with basic concepts, utilize tutorials, and engage in group discussions.
- Utilise effective note-taking strategies and engage in regular revision.
- Allocate specific study times for practicing previous years’ question papers and mock tests.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025: Books
To prepare well for the CSIR NET 2025 Exam, candidates need the right study materials. Refer to the table below to find important books for preparing for the CSIR NET.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs
How many parts are included in the CSIR NET 2025 Exam?
The CSIR NET 2025 exam consists of three parts. Part A focuses on General Aptitude and is compulsory for all. Part B includes subject-specific questions, and Part C involves advanced subject-specific questions, along with questions assessing scientific application ability.
How to prepare for the CSIR NET 2025 Exam?
Candidates can easily prepare for the CSIR NET in three months if they dedicate 10 hours or more every day to their studies. Study previous year's question papers to figure out the most essential topics. Plan a study schedule, dedicating more time to the areas that need improvement to cover all the topics.
What is the duration of the CSIR NET 2025 Exam?
The maximum duration of the CSIR NET 2025 examination is 180 minutes and is common for all subjects.
What is the marking scheme of CSIR NET 2025 Exam?
The marking scheme varies across sections. Correct answers in Part A and Part B are awarded +2 to +3.5 marks, while Part C questions carry +4 to +5 marks. Negative marking is applicable, with deductions ranging from -0.5 to -1.32 marks for incorrect answers, depending on the section.
How many questions need to be attempted in the CSIR NET 2025 exam?
In the CSIR NET 2025 Exam, candidates are required to attempt 75 questions in each of the Earth Science, Chemical Science, and Life Science subjects, 60 questions in Mathematical Science, and 55 questions in Physical Science.
How many questions will be there in each part of the CSIR NET 2025 Exam?
The number of questions in each part of the CSIR NET exam varies depending on the subject. For subjects such as Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Mathematical Sciences, Part A consists of 20 questions, Part B consists of 40 questions, and Part C consists of 60 questions. For subjects such as Physical Sciences, Part A consists of 20 questions, Part B consists of 25 questions, and Part C consists of 30 questions.
In which language are questions asked in the CSIR NET exam?
The question paper of the CSIR NET 2025 Exam will be available in both English and Hindi. Candidates are required to answer in the medium selected in the Application Form.
Is it mandatory to attempt all three parts of the CSIR NET 2025 Exam?
No, it is not mandatory to appear for all three parts of the CSIR NET Exam. Candidates who wish to earn a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) award must appear for all three parts of the exam. Candidates who want to qualify for Assistant Professor are not required to appear for Part C.
Will previous year question papers help in preparation for the CSIR NET 2025 Exam?
Practicing previous years' question papers can help candidates understand the exam pattern, types of questions, most important topics, and the level of difficulty of the exam. Previous year question papers help prepare for the CSIR NET 2025 Exam.
What are some of the best books to prepare for Life Sciences in CSIR NET 2025?
Candidates can refer to Biochemistry by Lubert Stryer and Jeremy M. Berg, Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant by Bernard J. Glick, Jack J. Pasternak, and Cheryl L. Patten, and Plant Physiology by Ross and Salisbury to prepare for the Life Science subject in CSIR NET 2025.
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