CSIR NET 2026: Exam Date, Syllabus, Eligibility, Pattern, Application

CSIR NET 2026 (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Eligibility Test) is a national-level examination conducted to determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship/Assistant Professorship in Indian universities and research institutions. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) twice a year for five major science subjects.
CSIR NET is considered one of the most prestigious competitive exams for science graduates who aim for careers in research or academia.

CSIR NET 2026 Exam Highlights

What’s New in CSIR NET 2026

• Expected revision in syllabus based on NEP 2020 guidelines.

• More exam centres likely to be added for remote regions.

• Improved normalization process for multi-shift papers.

• Higher number of JRF seats expected due to increased research funding.

Important Dates for CSIR NET 2026

Eligibility Criteria for CSIR NET 2026 

Educational Qualification

• Candidates must have a Master’s degree in the relevant subject with 55% (General/OBC) and 50% (SC/ST/PwD).

• Subject-wise degrees accepted:

  • Life Sciences – Biotechnology, Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Zoology, Botany etc.

  • Chemical Sciences – Chemistry (all branches).

  • Physical Sciences – Physics or equivalent.

  • Mathematical Sciences – Mathematics/Applied Mathematics.

  • Earth Sciences – Geology, Earth Science, Ocean Science, Atmospheric Science.
    
    

Age Limit

• JRF: Upper age limit 30 years (relaxation for reserved categories).

• Lectureship (LS): No age limit.

CSIR NET 2026 Subjects and Codes

CSIR NET 2026 Application Process

Follow the steps below to apply online:

1. Visit the official CSIR NET portal (link will be updated).

2. Click on “CSIR NET 2026 Registration”.

3. Register using name, email ID, mobile number.

4. Fill out the application form with academic details.

5. Upload scanned documents:

   • Passport-size photo

   • Signature

   • Category certificate (if applicable)

6. Pay the application fee online.

7. Download and print the confirmation page.

CSIR NET 2026 Application Fee

CSIR NET 2026 Exam Pattern

• Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

• Duration: 3 Hours

• Total Marks: 200

• Negative Marking: Yes, varies by subject

Each subject has three parts:

CSIR NET Syllabus 2026

Life Sciences

• Molecules and Cells

• Cellular Organization

• System Physiology

• Plants/Animals

• Genetics

• Ecology

• Evolution

• Applied Biology

Chemical Sciences

• Inorganic Chemistry

• Organic Chemistry

• Physical Chemistry

• Interdisciplinary Topics

Physical Sciences

• Classical Mechanics

• Quantum Mechanics

• Thermodynamics

• Mathematical Physics

• Electronics

Mathematical Sciences

• Algebra

• Real Analysis

• Complex Analysis

• Linear Algebra

• ODE and PDE

• Probability

Earth Sciences

• Geophysics

• Oceanography

• Atmospheric Sciences

• Environmental Science

CSIR NET 2026 Admit Card

• Released around 2 weeks before the exam.

• Download using application number password/DOB.

• Check details: name, photograph, exam date, shift, and centre.

• Carry a valid ID proof and photo on exam day.

CSIR NET 2026 Answer Key

• First, a provisional answer key is released.

• Candidates can challenge responses for a fee (₹200 per question, expected).

• Final answer key is released after evaluating all objections.

CSIR NET 2026 Result and Scorecard

• Result uploaded on the official NTA website.

• The scorecard includes:

  • Percentile

  • Total marks

  • Category-wise cutoff

  • Qualification status

CSIR NET 2026 Cutoff

Expected Cutoff (2026)

CSIR NET 2026 Selection Process

• Final selection depends on marks, cutoff, and category.

• Top-performing candidates are awarded JRF.

• Others who qualify the cutoff for Lectureship get LS eligibility.

• JRF awardees receive monthly fellowship under various research schemes.

Preparation Tips for CSIR NET 2026 

• Understand the pattern and analyze previous year trends.

• Create a 3-month or 6-month study plan.

• Solve at least 20–30 mock tests.

• Focus heavily on Part C, as it carries the highest weightage.

• Refer to standard books like Lehninger, Atkins, H.C. Verma, and Kreyszig depending on subject.

CSIR NET 2026 Best Books and Resources

• Life Sciences: Lehninger Biochemistry, Lodish Cell Biology

• Chemical Sciences: Atkins Physical Chemistry, Clayden Organic Chemistry

• Physical Sciences: H.C. Verma, Halliday Resnick

• Mathematical Sciences: Kreyszig, Rudin

• Earth Sciences: P.K. Sarkar, Turcotte and Schubert

CSIR NET 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

• Carry admit card valid ID recent photos.

• Arrive 1 hour early to avoid last-minute issues.

• Avoid electronic items, calculators, notes, or jewellery.

• Follow all NTA rules for CBT examination.