The CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test) is a national-level examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in India. It is designed to select candidates for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and to determine their eligibility for the post of lecturer in Indian universities and colleges.
To apply for the CSIR NET exam, candidates must have a postgraduate degree in the Science stream from a recognized university. The eligibility criteria include age limit, nationality (Indian citizen), and educational qualifications. General category candidates need at least 55% aggregate marks in their post-graduation, while reserved category candidates require 50% marks.
The CSIR NET application process involves registration on the official website, uploading necessary documents like photographs and signatures, filling out the online application form, paying the application fee online, previewing the application, and printing the acknowledgement form. The application fees vary based on the category of the applicant.
The CSIR NET syllabus covers topics from five subjects: Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences. The exam pattern includes three sections (Part A, Part B, and Part C) in each subject, totaling 610 questions, out of which candidates need to attempt 310. There is a negative marking scheme, and the exam is conducted in online mode in English and Hindi languages.
Candidates can download their CSIR NET admit cards from the official website, which contain details like the candidate’s name, roll number, exam date, venue, and timing. The admit card is usually available for download two weeks before the exam date.