The CSIR UGC NET Syllabus is framed by the Human Resource Development Group (HRDG) of CSIR. The exam covers five major scientific disciplines, each having a standardized 3-part layout (Part A, Part B, and Part C).

Part A: General Aptitude Syllabus (Common to All Subjects)

Part A is identical across all subject disciplines and comprises 20 questions carrying 2 marks each (maximum 30 marks to attempt):

• Graphical Analysis: Bar graphs, histograms, line graphs, pie charts, and data interpretation.
• Numerical & Quantitative Ability: Arithmetic reasoning, percentages, ratio & proportion, series formation, permutations and combinations, probability, mensuration, and geometry.
• Logical Reasoning: Analogies, syllogisms, blood relations, seating arrangements, directions, coding-decoding, and Venn diagrams.
• Scientific Aptitude & Observation: Common sense reasoning, puzzles, day-to-day scientific principles, and analytical deduction.

Subject-Wise Core & Advanced Topics (Part B & C)

1. Life Sciences

• Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology (Biochemistry)
• Cellular Organization (Cell Biology and Organelles)
• Fundamental Processes (Replication, Transcription, Translation, DNA Repair)
• Cell Communication and Cell Signaling (Immunology & Signal Transduction)
• Developmental Biology (Embryology, Morphogenesis in Plants & Animals)
• System Physiology – Plant (Photosynthesis, Respiration, Plant Hormones)
• System Physiology – Animal (Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nervous, Excretory systems)
• Inheritance Biology (Mendelian Genetics, Gene Mapping, Chromosomal Alterations)
• Diversity of Life Forms (Taxonomy, Phylogeny, Microorganisms)
• Ecological Principles (Ecosystems, Population Ecology, Conservation)
• Evolution and Behavior (Natural Selection, Speciation, Paleontology)
• Applied Biology and Methods in Biology (Molecular Tools, Biophysical Techniques, Microscopy)

2. Chemical Sciences

• Inorganic Chemistry: Chemical periodicity, main group elements, transition metal chemistry, coordination compounds, organometallics, bioinorganic chemistry, and characterization techniques.
• Physical Chemistry: Quantum mechanics, atomic structure, chemical thermodynamics, statistical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, surface chemistry, and spectroscopy.
• Organic Chemistry: IUPAC nomenclature, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms (reactive intermediates), pericyclic reactions, organic synthesis, photochemistry, heterocyclic compounds, and biomolecules.
• Interdisciplinary Topics: Catalysis, green chemistry, environmental chemistry, and chemistry in nanoscience.

3. Mathematical Sciences

• Unit 1: Real Analysis, Metric Spaces, Multivariable Calculus, and Linear Algebra (Vector spaces, Linear transformations, Matrices, Eigenvalues).
• Unit 2: Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra (Groups, Rings, Fields), and General Topology.
• Unit 3: Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE), Partial Differential Equations (PDE), Numerical Analysis, Calculus of Variations, Linear Integral Equations, and Classical Mechanics.
• Unit 4: Probability Theory, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Inference, Markov Chains, and Operations Research.

4. Physical Sciences

• Mathematical Methods of Physics
• Classical Mechanics (Lagrangian & Hamiltonian dynamics, Central force problems)
• Electromagnetic Theory (Maxwell’s equations, Radiation, Waveguides)
• Quantum Mechanics (Schrödinger equation, Perturbation theory, Angular momentum)
• Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics (Ensembles, Phase transitions, Bose-Einstein & Fermi-Dirac statistics)
• Electronics and Experimental Methods (Semiconductors, Digital logic, Operational amplifiers)
• Atomic & Molecular Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, and Nuclear & Particle Physics.

5. Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences

• The Earth and the Solar System
• Earth Materials, Surface Features and Processes (Geomorphology, Mineralogy, Petrology)
• Interior of the Earth, Deformation and Tectonics (Plate Tectonics, Seismology)
• Oceans and Atmosphere (Physical oceanography, Meteorology, Climatology)
• Environmental Earth Sciences and Economic Geology (Mineral & fossil fuel resources).