The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-UGC National Eligibility Test, is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and for determining eligibility for Lectureship (LS)/Assistant Professorship in certain subject areas falling under the faculty of Science & Technology.
Overview
This examination is conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India. It is primarily aimed at assessing the eligibility of candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship in various science subjects.
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum of 55% marks in their Master’s degree. SC/ST/PwD categories are eligible for a 5% relaxation in the minimum marks requirement. The eligibility criteria for the CSIR exam 2023 are as follows:
- Nationality: Indian.
- Age limit: The upper age limit for the CSIR exam is 28 years for JRF and 33 years for Lectureship. However, there is a relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
- Educational qualification: Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines:
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Geology, Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, etc.
- Engineering: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, etc.
- Technology: Computer Science, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Information Technology, etc.
- Agriculture: Agronomy, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Science, Horticulture, etc.
- Medicine: MBBS
- Management: MBA
- Pharmacy: M.Pharm
Exam Pattern
Exam | Stage | Subject | Number of Questions | Time Duration | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSIR | Main Exam | Life Sciences | 120 (75 to be answered) | 3 hours | 2, 2, 4 marks for Parts A, B, and C respectively, negative marking of 0.25 for each incorrect answer |
| CSIR | Main Exam | Chemical Sciences | 120 (75 to be answered) | 3 hours | 2, 2, 4 marks for Parts A, B, and C respectively, negative marking of 0.25 for each incorrect answer |
| CSIR | Main Exam | Earth Sciences | 120 (75 to be answered) | 3 hours | 2, 2, 4 marks for Parts A, B, and C respectively, negative marking of 0.25 for each incorrect answer |
| CSIR | Main Exam | Mathematical Sciences | 120 (75 to be answered) | 3 hours | 2, 2, 4 marks for Parts A, B, and C respectively, negative marking of 0.25 for each incorrect answer |
| CSIR | Main Exam | Physical Sciences | 150 (100 to be answered) | 4 hours | 2, 2, 3, 3 marks for Parts A, B, C, and D respectively, negative marking of 0.25 for each incorrect answer |
Application Process
The application process for CSIR exams varies depending on the program you are applying for. Application process is as follows:
- Go to the official website of the exam: https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/
- Click on the “Apply Online” button.
- Create a new account or log in to your existing account.
- Fill out the application form and upload the required documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the application form.
Fee for the exam is as follows:
- General category: INR 1000
- SC/ST/PwD category: INR 500
The application form for the CSIR exam will be available online from January to March of the year in which the exam is being conducted. The last date to apply for the exam is usually in April of the same year.
The admit card for the CSIR exam will be available online a few weeks before the exam. The card will contain the candidate’s name, roll number, exam center, and other important details.
Syllabus
Syllabus for CSIR exams varies depending on the program you are applying for. However, the general syllabus includes the following topics:
Part A: General Science
- Basic concepts of physics, chemistry, and mathematics
- Scientific reasoning and problem-solving
- Data interpretation and analysis
- Research aptitude
Part B: Life Sciences
- Cell biology
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Ecology
- Microbiology
- Plant biology
- Animal biology
Part C: Higher-Order Questions
- Application of scientific concepts to real-world problems
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Problem-solving skills
Important Dates
Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2023 | Notification released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| October 2023 | Online application starts |
| November 2023 | Online application closes |
| December 2023 | Admit card released |
| June 2023 | CSIR exam (June session) |
| July 2023 | CSIR result (June session) |
Tips for Exam Preparation
Here are some additional tips for preparing for the CSIR NET exam:
- Start studying early and make a study plan.
- Focus on the topics that are most important for the exam.
- Practice with previous year’s question papers.
- Join a study group or take online courses.
- Get enough sleep and eat healthy foods.
FEES
Exam | Stage | Category | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSIR | Preliminary Exam | General | INR 1100 |
| CSIR | Preliminary Exam | SC/ST/PwD | INR 550 |
| CSIR | Main Exam | General | INR 1100 |
| CSIR | Main Exam | SC/ST/PwD | INR 550 |
FAQ?
This is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for the recruitment of Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) and for eligibility for the award of the Ph.D. degree by the CSIR-funded institutions.
This exam is open to all Indian nationals who have a Master’s degree in any of the subjects covered by the exam
Candidates must have a minimum of 55% marks in their Master’s degree. SC/ST/PwD categories are eligible for a 5% relaxation in the minimum marks requirement.
There is no limit on the number of times you can appear for the CSIR exam. However, you can only appear for the same subject once in a year.
Conclusion
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research exam is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for the recruitment of Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) and for eligibility for the award of the Ph.D. degree by the CSIR-funded institutions. The exam is conducted in two stages: the preliminary exam and the main exam. The preliminary exam is a qualifying exam, and only those candidates who qualifies are eligible to appear for main exam. The main exam is a 500-mark exam, and the qualifying marks are 60%. Exam is a challenging exam, but it is also a great opportunity for those who want to pursue a career in research. It covers a wide range of topics, so it is important to start studying early and make a study plan. It is also important to practice with previous year’s question papers and join a study group or take online courses.
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