Detailed Guide
About CSIR UGC NET 2026: Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern, Admit Card & Result
The Joint CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (CSIR UGC NET) is a prestigious national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The examination determines the eligibility of Indian nationals for:
- Category 1: Award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and eligibility for Assistant Professor
- Category 2: Eligibility for Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D.
- Category 3: Admission to Ph.D. programs only in Indian universities and research institutions
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Joint CSIR-UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of CSIR |
| Official Portals | csirnet.nta.ac.in / csirhrdg.res.in |
| Exam Level | National Level (Pan-India) |
| Frequency | Twice a year (June & December cycles) |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 180 Minutes (3 Hours) |
| Test Subjects | Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences |
| Medium of Paper | Bilingual (Hindi and English) |
| Total Marks | 200 Marks |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill the educational qualifications and age limits prescribed by NTA and CSIR:
- Educational Qualification: M.Sc. or equivalent degree / Integrated BS-MS / BS (4 years) / BE / B.Tech / B.Pharma / MBBS with at least 55% marks (without rounding off) for General (UR)/General-EWS and OBC (NCL) candidates, and 50% marks for SC/ST, Third gender, and PwD candidates.
- Result Awaited (RA): Candidates enrolled for M.Sc. or having completed 10+2+3 years of the qualifying degree can apply under the 'Result Awaited' category provided they complete their degree within two years with the requisite percentage.
- B.Sc. (Hons) / Enrolled Students: B.Sc. (Hons) or equivalent degree holders or students enrolled in Integrated MS-PhD programs are also eligible to apply.
- Age Limit for JRF: Maximum 28 years (upper age limit relaxable up to 5 years for SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender and female candidates, and 3 years for OBC-NCL candidates).
- Age Limit for Assistant Professor & Ph.D. Only: There is no upper age limit for applying for Lectureship (LS) / Assistant Professor or admission to Ph.D. programs.
Application Fee & Mode of Payment
The application fee must be paid online via Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | ₹ 1,150/- |
| General-EWS / OBC (NCL) | ₹ 600/- |
| SC / ST / Third Gender | ₹ 325/- |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | Nil (Exempted) |
Exam Pattern & Structure
The CSIR UGC NET examination consists of a single objective-type test consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into three distinct parts:
- Part A (Common to all subjects): General Aptitude with 20 questions (candidates attempt 15) covering reasoning, quantitative ability, graphical analysis, and puzzles (Total: 30 marks).
- Part B (Subject-Specific): Covers basic and conventional concepts from the respective subject syllabus.
- Part C (Advanced Scientific Concepts): Higher-order analytical questions designed to test knowledge of scientific concepts and applications.