CSIR NET 2025 Syllabus: Subject-Wise Syllabus, Topic-Wise Weightage, Exam Pattern

CSIR NET 2025 Syllabus will be released by NTA along with the official CSIR NET 2025 Notification. The syllabus includes all the important topics from Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science and Life Science. Reaction Mechanism and R.I. is one of the most high weightage chapters from chemistry while chemical kinetics and quantum physics hold the maximum weightage from physics.

CSIR NET 2025: Highlights

In this part, a detailed overview of CSIR NET 2025 will be discussed. Let’s Check:

Features	CSIR NET 2025 Details
Exam Name	CSIR NET 2025
Mode of Exam	Online - CBT (Computer-Based Test)
Exam Duration	180 minutes
No. Sections	3
Maximum marks	200
Types of Questions in CSIR NET	MCQs
Number of questions asked in CSIR NET	145
CSIR NET Exam Pattern	Life Science - 75 out of 145 Mathematical Science - 60 out of 120 Chemical Science - 75 out of 120 Physical Science - 55 out of 75 Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences - 75 out of 150
Negative Marking	0.5-1.32

CSIR NET 2025 Syllabus Detailed Breakdown

CSIR NET General Aptitude Syllabus

Section	Topics
Reasoning	Analytical Reasoning, Syllogisms, Analogies, Directions, Coding-Decoding, Classification, Alphabet Series, Symbols and Notations, Similarities and Differences, Number Series, Blood Relationships, Arrangements, Statements, Data Sufficiency, Non-verbal Reasoning, Visual Ability
Data Analysis	Graphical Analysis, Data Interpretation, Bar Graph, Pictorial Graph, Pie Chart, Line Graph, Tabulation, Measures of Dispersion (Mean, Median, Mode)
Quantitative Aptitude	Simplifications, Number System, Average, Algebra, Percentage, Time & Work, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Speed, HCF, LCM Problems, Area, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Permutation & Combination

CSIR NET Chemistry Syllabus

Unit	Topics
Unit 01	Inorganic Chemistry - Chemical periodicity - Structure and bonding in homo and heteronuclear molecules (VSEPR Theory) - Acids and bases: Hard-soft acid base concept, non-aqueous solvents - Main group elements and their compounds - Transition elements and coordination compounds - Organometallic compounds: Synthesis, bonding, reactivity, and catalysis - Analytical chemistry: Spectroscopic, electro and thermoanalytical methods - Bioinorganic chemistry: Photosystems, metalloenzymes, oxygen transport, nitrogen fixation, metal complexes in medicine - Nuclear chemistry: Nuclear reactions, fission and fusion, radio-analytical techniques
		Unit 02	Physical Chemistry - Basic principles of quantum mechanics (Particle-in-a-box, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom) - Atomic structure, spectroscopy, and group theory - Chemical thermodynamics: Laws, Maxwell’s relations, phase transitions, and equilibrium - Statistical thermodynamics and kinetic theory of gases - Electrochemistry: Nernst equation, redox systems, Debye-Huckel theory, conductometric titrations - Chemical kinetics: Rate laws, transition state theory, enzyme kinetics, photochemical reactions - Solid state: Crystal structures, band structure of solids - Polymer chemistry: Molar masses and kinetics of polymerisation

				Unit 03	Organic Chemistry - IUPAC nomenclature of organic molecules - Stereochemistry and isomerism - Organic reactive intermediates (carbocations, free radicals, carbenes) - Organic reaction mechanisms: Addition, elimination, substitution reactions - Named reactions and rearrangements in organic synthesis - Asymmetric synthesis: Chiral auxiliaries, enantioselectivity - Pericyclic reactions: Electrocyclization, cycloaddition, photochemical reactions - Chemistry of natural products: Carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, terpenes, steroids, alkaloids
						Unit 04	Interdisciplinary Topics - Chemistry in Nanoscience and Technology - Catalysis and Green Chemistry - Medicinal chemistry - Supramolecular Chemistry - Environmental chemistry

CSIR NET Earth Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences

Unit	Topics
Unit 01	The Earth and the Solar System - Milky Way and the solar system - Modern theories on the origin of the Earth and other planetary bodies - Earth's orbital parameters, Kepler’s laws, geological time scale - Radioactive isotopes and their applications - Meteorites and the primary differentiation of Earth - Basic principles of stratigraphy - Theories about the origin of life and fossil record - Earth’s gravity and magnetic fields, thermal structure, geoid, isostasy
		Unit 02	Earth Materials, Surface Features, and Processes - Composition and physical properties of important minerals and rocks - Properties and processes responsible for mineral concentrations - Distribution of rocks and minerals in different Earth units - Physiography of the Earth; weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition of Earth’s material - Formation of soil, sediments, and sedimentary rocks - Energy balance of Earth's surface processes - Physiographic features and river basins in India
				Unit 03	Interior of the Earth, Deformation, and Tectonics - Concepts of seismology and Earth's internal structure - Seismic properties and Earth’s interior - Stress and strain concepts - Behavior of rocks under stress: folds, joints, faults - Earthquakes: causes, measurement, and seismicity - Paleomagnetism, seafloor spreading, and plate tectonics
						Unit 04	Oceans and Atmosphere - Hypsography of continents and ocean floor (continental shelf, abyssal plains) - Physical and chemical properties of seawater and their variations - Ocean currents, waves, tides, thermohaline circulation, and the oceanic conveyor belt - Biological productivity in the oceans - Atmospheric turbulence, boundary layer, and fluid motion - Structure and composition of the atmosphere, lapse rate, greenhouse gases, global warming - Cloud formation, precipitation, air-sea interactions - Insolation, heat budget, and general circulation of the atmosphere and ocean - Climatic and sea level changes on different time scales - Coupled ocean-atmosphere system, El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) - General weather systems of India: monsoon, cyclone, jet stream, western disturbances, and precipitation distribution - Marine and atmospheric pollution, ozone depletion
								Unit 05	Environmental Earth Sciences - Properties of water, hydrological cycle, water resources, and management - Energy resources, degradation, alternatives, and management - Ecology and biodiversity, impact of energy and land use on the environment - Exploitation and conservation of natural resources - Natural hazards - Elements of remote sensing

Mathematical Science

Unit	Topics
Unit 01: Analysis	Elementary set theory, finite, countable, and uncountable sets, real number system as a complete ordered field, Archimedean property, supremum, infimum, sequences, series, convergence, Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem, Heine-Borel theorem, continuity, differentiability, mean value theorem, Riemann sums, Riemann integral, Lebesgue measure, Lebesgue integral, functions of several variables, metric spaces, compactness, connectedness, normed linear spaces, spaces of continuous functions.
Unit 02: Linear Algebra	Vector spaces, subspaces, linear dependence, basis, dimension, linear transformations, matrices, rank, determinant, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, Cayley-Hamilton theorem, change of basis, canonical forms, diagonal forms, Jordan forms, inner product spaces, orthonormal basis, quadratic forms, reduction and classification.
Unit 03: Complex Analysis	Algebra of complex numbers, complex plane, polynomials, power series, transcendental functions (exponential, trigonometric, hyperbolic), analytic functions, Cauchy-Riemann equations, contour integrals, Cauchy’s theorem, Cauchy’s integral formula, Liouville’s theorem, maximum modulus principle, Schwarz lemma, Taylor series, Laurent series, calculus of residues, conformal mappings, Mobius transformations.
Unit 04: Algebra	Permutations, combinations, pigeonhole principle, inclusion-exclusion principle, derangements, fundamental theorem of arithmetic, divisibility in Z, congruences, Chinese remainder theorem, Euler’s φ-function, primitive roots, groups, subgroups, normal subgroups, quotient groups, homomorphisms, cyclic groups, permutation groups, Cayley’s theorem, class equations, Sylow theorems, rings, ideals, fields, finite fields, Galois theory.
Unit 05: Topology	Basis, dense sets, subspace and product topology, separation axioms, connectedness, compactness.
Unit 06: Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs)	Existence and uniqueness of solutions, system of first-order ODEs, linear/non-linear ODEs, variation of parameters, boundary value problems, Green’s function.
Unit 07: Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)	Lagrange and Charpit methods for first-order PDEs, Cauchy problem, classification of second-order PDEs, separation of variables, Laplace, heat, and wave equations.
Unit 08: Numerical Analysis	Numerical solutions of algebraic equations, iteration methods (Newton-Raphson), Gauss elimination, Gauss-Seidel, interpolation (Lagrange, Hermite, spline), numerical differentiation and integration, numerical solutions of ODEs (Picard, Euler, Runge-Kutta).
Unit 09: Calculus of Variations	Variation of a functional, Euler-Lagrange equation, variational methods for boundary value problems.
Unit 10: Linear Integral Equations	Fredholm and Volterra equations, separable kernels, eigenfunctions, resolvent kernel.
Unit 11: Classical Mechanics	Generalized coordinates, Lagrange’s equations, Hamilton’s equations, the principle of least action, the motion of rigid bodies, Euler’s dynamical equations, and small oscillations.
Unit 12: Descriptive Statistics and Exploratory Data Analysis	Probability, random variables, distribution functions, expectation, moments, independent variables, marginal and conditional distributions, probability inequalities, laws of large numbers, Central Limit Theorem, Markov chains, sampling distributions, estimators, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, regression models, multivariate normal distribution, data reduction techniques (PCA, discriminant analysis, cluster analysis), factorial experiments, queuing models, linear programming, inventory models.

Physical Science

Unit	Topics
Mathematical Methods of Physics
Unit 01: Mathematical Methods	Dimensional analysis, vector algebra, and vector calculus, linear algebra, matrices, Cayley-Hamilton theorem, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, linear ODEs (first and second order), special functions (Hermite, Bessel, Laguerre, Legendre), Fourier series, Fourier and Laplace transforms, complex analysis (analytic functions, Taylor and Laurent series, poles, residues), elementary probability theory (binomial, Poisson, normal distributions), central limit theorem, Green's function, partial differential equations (Laplace, wave, heat equations in 2 and 3 dimensions), computational techniques (roots of functions, interpolation, integration by trapezoidal and Simpson’s rule, Runge-Kutta method), finite difference methods, tensors, introductory group theory (SU(2), O(3)).
Physical Sciences-Part-A (Core)
Unit 02: Classical Mechanics	Newton’s laws, dynamical systems, phase space dynamics, stability analysis, central force motions, two-body collisions (scattering in lab and center of mass frames), rigid body dynamics (moment of inertia tensor), non-inertial frames and pseudo forces, variational principle, generalized coordinates, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism, equations of motion, conservation laws, cyclic coordinates, periodic motion (small oscillations, normal modes), special relativity (Lorentz transformations, relativistic kinematics, mass-energy equivalence), Poisson brackets, canonical transformations, symmetry and Noether’s theorem, Hamilton-Jacobi theory.
Unit 03: Electromagnetic Theory	Electrostatics (Gauss’s law, Laplace and Poisson equations, boundary value problems), magnetostatics (Biot-Savart law, Ampere's theorem), electromagnetic induction, Maxwell's equations, boundary conditions on fields at interfaces, scalar and vector potentials, gauge invariance, electromagnetic waves in free space, dielectrics and conductors, reflection, refraction, polarization, Fresnel’s law, interference, coherence, diffraction, dynamics of charged particles in static and uniform electromagnetic fields, plasma dispersion relations.
Unit 04: Quantum Mechanics	Wave-particle duality, Schrödinger equation (time-dependent and independent), eigenvalue problems (particle in a box, harmonic oscillator), tunneling through a barrier, wave-function in coordinate and momentum representations, commutators, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, Dirac notation, motion in a central potential (orbital angular momentum, angular momentum algebra, spin, hydrogen atom), Stern-Gerlach experiment, time-independent perturbation theory, variational method, time-dependent perturbation theory and Fermi’s golden rule, selection rules, identical particles, Pauli exclusion principle, spin-statistics connection.
Unit 05: Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics	Laws of thermodynamics and their consequences, thermodynamic potentials, Maxwell relations, chemical potential, phase equilibria, phase space, micro and macro-states, micro-canonical, canonical, grand-canonical ensembles, partition functions, free energy, classical and quantum statistics, ideal Bose and Fermi gases, principle of detailed balance, blackbody radiation, Planck's distribution law.
Unit 06: Electronics and Experimental Methods	Semiconductor devices (diodes, junctions, transistors, field effect devices, homo- and hetero-junction devices), device structure and characteristics, frequency dependence, applications, opto-electronic devices (solar cells, photo-detectors, LEDs), operational amplifiers, digital techniques (registers, counters, comparators), A/D and D/A converters, microprocessor and microcontroller basics, data interpretation and analysis, precision, accuracy, error analysis, propagation of errors, least squares fitting.

CSIR NET 2025: Chapter-Wise Weightage

CSIRNET 2025 chapter-wise weightage will help the candidates to understand the importance of chapters. Here are the details:

Chemistry

Chapter	Expected Weightage)
Stereochemistry	10-11
Reaction Mechanism + R.I	24-25
Reagents	22-23
Pericyclic + Photochemistry	17-18
Biomolecules	9-10
Named Reactions	10-11
Organic Spectroscopy	15-16
Heterocyclic Chemistry	7-8
Chemical Bonding	9-10
Bioinorganic Chemistry	8-9
Organometallic Chemistry	24-25
Main Block	11-12
Coordination Chemistry	21-22

Physics

Chapter	Expected Weightage
Solid State + Phase	9-10
Physical Spectroscopy	9-10
Group Theory	9-10
Surface + Polymer	11-12
Chemical + Stat Thermo	14-15
Electrochemistry	11-12
Chemical Kinetics	13-14
Quantum	19-20

Mathematics

Chapter	Total Number of Questions (Expected Weightage)
Linear Algebra	15-20
Topology	1-2
Number Theory	1-2
Operation Research(LPP)	0-2
Complex Analysis	5-8
Ordinary Differential Equation	4-7
Classical Mechanics	0-2
Partial differential Equation(PDE)	4-7
Integral Equation	1-3
Real Analysis	15-20
Dynamical System	0-2
Markov chain	1-3
Abstract Algebra	6-8
Calculus of Variation(cov)	1-2

Earth Science

Chapter	Expected Weightage
Metrology	40-45
Oceanography	60-65
Geomorphology	15-20
Atmospheric Science	30-50
Geophysics	50-55

CSIR NET Life Science

Chapter	Expected Weightage
Cell Communications and Cell Signaling	12
System Physiology – Plant	12
Biochemistry	8
Fundamental Processes	30
Diversity of Life Forms	18
Ecological Principles	8-9
Cellular Organisation	8
System Physiology – Animal	7
Methods in Biology	11
Developmental Biology	10
Applied Biology	10
Evolution and Behavior	9
Inheritance Biology	10

Check: CSIR NET 2025 Exam Pattern

CSIR NET 2025: Important Books

Physical Sciences

CSIR-UGC NET/JRF/SET Physical Sciences by Dr. Surekha Tomar
Mathematical Physics by H.K. Dass and Rama Verma
Classical Mechanics by J.C. Upadhya
Modern Physics and Solid State Physics by S.O. Pillai

Chemical Sciences

Joint CSIR-UGC NET Chemical Science (Paper-II & III) by Narender Sharma
CSIR-UGC NET/JRF/SET Chemical Sciences by Dr. Hemant Kulshrestha and Dr. Ajay Taneja
Trueman's UGC-CSIR JRF / NET Chemical Sciences (Chemistry) by M. Gagan
Modern Methods of Organic Synthesis by William Carruthers

Mathematical Sciences

CSIR-UGC NET/JRF/SET Mathematical Sciences by Alok Kumar (Upkar)
Real Analysis by H.L. Royden
Complex Variables and Applications by Ruel Churchill and James Brown
Contemporary Abstract Algebra by Joseph A. Gallian

Life Sciences

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
Plant Physiology by Ross and Salisbury
Kuby Immunology by Thomas J. Kindt

How to Prepare for CSIR NET 2025

Here are some preparation tips for the 2025 aspirants:

Understand the Syllabus and Exam Format: Begin by studying the syllabus and exam pattern to gain a clear understanding of what to expect in the CSIR NET exam.
Master Fundamental Concepts First: Start by building a strong foundation with basic concepts before advancing to more complex topics.
Review Previous Year’s Question Papers: Study past question papers to get acquainted with the type of questions asked and help guide your preparation.
Take Mock Tests Early: Begin taking mock tests at an early stage to evaluate your current knowledge level and identify areas that need improvement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During CSIR NET Preparation

Skipping Topics: Many students tend to skip complex topics they find it difficult or time-consuming, assuming they can focus on easier ones.

How to Overcome: Make a study schedule that includes all topics, ensuring you allocate time to revise every subject.

Overfocusing on Low-Weightage Areas: Students often get caught up in areas with a lower weightage.

How to Avoid: Chapter-wise weightage above will help to overcome this.

Not Practicing Enough Problem-Solving: Focusing only on theoretical knowledge without practising problems can result in poor performance in numerical or applied questions.

How to Avoid: Regularly solve practice problems and numerical questions from previous exams to improve your problem-solving skills.

Neglecting Revision: Some candidates focus too much on learning new topics and fail to revise frequently, which hampers long-term retention.

How to Avoid: Dedicate a portion of your time each week to revision. Regularly go over your notes and solve practice papers to strengthen your memory.

CSIR NET 2025 Syllabus FAQs

What subjects are included in the CSIR NET 2025 exam?

The CSIR NET 2025 exam includes the following subjects: Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. Candidates should select the subject that aligns with their Master's degree specialization.

How is the CSIR NET exam structured?

The CSIR NET exam consists of three parts: Part A, which is General Aptitude (Common to all subjects); Part B, which contains subject-related conventional questions; and Part C, which includes higher value questions that test the candidate's knowledge of scientific concepts and/or their application. Each part has a specific marking scheme and duration.

Is there any negative marking in the CSIR NET exam?

Yes, the CSIR NET exam has a negative marking system. In Part A, candidates receive 1 mark for each correct answer and lose 0.25 marks for incorrect answers. In Part B, candidates get 2 marks for correct answers, with a 0.5 mark deduction for incorrect answers. In Part C, candidates earn 4 marks for correct answers and lose 1 mark for incorrect answers. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.

How long is the CSIR NET exam?

The CSIR NET exam lasts for a total of three hours, divided into two shifts: the first shift from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and the second shift from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Candidates should verify the exact timings in the official notification, as they may vary.

Does the CSIR NET syllabus change annually?

No, the CSIR NET syllabus remains consistent and typically does not change every year. Major revisions occur approximately every 8 to 10 years.

What is the mode of the CSIR NET exam?

The CSIR NET exam is conducted in online mode (Computer Based Test).