The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Eligibility Test (CSIR NET) is one of the most prestigious national-level exams for aspiring researchers and lecturers in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the exam assesses candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship (LS) in five core scientific disciplines. With the CSIR NET June 2025 Notification expected soon on the official website csirnet.nta.ac.in, aspirants must familiarize themselves with the CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025 to plan their preparation effectively.
Check out CSIR NET Exam date 2025 here!
Overview of CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025
The CSIR UGC NET 2025 exam will be conducted online in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. It is a single-session paper comprising objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The CSIR NET exam total marks for all subjects is 200.
The five subjects offered under the CSIR NET exam are:
- Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
- Chemical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
Each subject follows a slightly different paper structure. However, all of them are divided into three sections: Part A, Part B, and Part C, to be completed within a 3-hour duration.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025: Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Subjects | 5 |
| Question Type | MCQs (Only one correct option) |
| Medium | English and Hindi |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Negative Marking | Yes (Varies by subject and section) |
Subject-Wise CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025
Let’s delve into the detailed CSIR exam pattern for each subject, including section-wise questions, marks distribution, and the CSIR NET negative marking scheme.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Chemical Sciences
- Total Questions: 120
- Questions to Attempt: 75
- CSIR NET Exam Marks: 200
| Section | Total Questions | To Attempt | Marks per Question | Negative Marking |
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0.5 (25%) |
| Part B | 40 | 35 | 2 | 0.5 (25%) |
| Part C | 60 | 25 | 4 | 1 (25%) |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Earth Sciences
- Total Questions: 150
- Questions to Attempt: 75
- CSIR NET Exam Total Marks: 200
| Section | Total Questions | To Attempt | Marks per Question | Negative Marking |
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0.5 (25%) |
| Part B | 50 | 35 | 2 | 0.5 (25%) |
| Part C | 80 | 25 | 4 | 1.32 (33%) |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Life Sciences
- Total Questions: 145
- Questions to Attempt: 75
- CSIR NET Exam Marks: 200
| Section | Total Questions | To Attempt | Marks per Question | Negative Marking |
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0.5 (25%) |
| Part B | 50 | 35 | 2 | 0.5 (25%) |
| Part C | 75 | 25 | 4 | 1 (25%) |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Mathematical Sciences
- Total Questions: 120
- Questions to Attempt: 60
- CSIR NET Exam Total Marks: 200
| Section | Total Questions | To Attempt | Marks per Question | Negative Marking |
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0.5 (25%) |
| Part B | 40 | 25 | 3 | 0.75 (25%) |
| Part C | 60 | 20 | 4.75 | No Negative Marking |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Physical Sciences
- Total Questions: 75
- Questions to Attempt: 55
- CSIR NET Exam Marks: 200
| Section | Total Questions | To Attempt | Marks per Question | Negative Marking |
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0.5 (25%) |
| Part B | 25 | 20 | 3.5 | 0.875 (25%) |
| Part C | 30 | 20 | 5 | 1.25 (25%) |
With one of the highest per-question mark values, Physical Sciences can be scoring for well-prepared candidates.
Check out CSIR NET Exam Results here!
What is CSIR NET Exam Pattern?
Part A – Common for All Subjects
This section evaluates general aptitude and is common across all five subjects. It includes questions on:
- Logical reasoning
- Graphical analysis
- Analytical ability
- Numerical problem-solving
- Series formation
- Data interpretation
Scoring well in this section boosts overall marks irrespective of the subject chosen.
Part B – Subject-Specific MCQs
Part B focuses on conventional subject knowledge, typically based on the official CSIR NET syllabus. Questions are direct and test factual understanding of core concepts.
Part C – Application-Oriented & Conceptual Questions
Part C includes questions that assess analytical and research-based thinking. These are typically more time-consuming and hold higher mark value.
CSIR NET Exam Marking Scheme
The CSIR NET exam marking scheme varies by section and subject. However, a general rule is:
- Correct answer: +2 to +5 marks depending on section
- Wrong answer: -25% of the marks allotted (some sections have 33% negative marking)
- No answer: 0 marks
CSIR NET Negative Marking
| Subject | Part A | Part B | Part C |
| Chemical Sciences | 25% | 25% | 25% |
| Earth Sciences | 25% | 25% | 33% |
| Life Sciences | 25% | 25% | 25% |
| Mathematical Sciences | 25% | 25% | No Negative Marking |
| Physical Sciences | 25% | 25% | 25% |
How Many Papers in CSIR NET Exam?
The CSIR NET exam comprises five different papers, corresponding to the following subjects:
- Earth Sciences
- Chemical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
Each candidate chooses one paper based on their academic background and career interest.
Important Guidelines on CSIR NET Exam Pattern
- All three parts (A, B, C) must be completed within 3 hours in a single sitting.
- If more questions are attempted than required, only the first set of attempted answers will be evaluated.
- The language medium of the question paper is bilingual (English and Hindi).
- All questions are objective-type with a single correct option.
- The exam is held in online mode only (CBT).
Conclusion
Understanding the CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025 is essential for efficient preparation and maximizing scores. From subject-specific formats to negative marking policies, every detail plays a crucial role in shaping your exam strategy. Whether you are planning to appear for Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, or any other discipline, aligning your study approach with the paper pattern is key to success.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern FAQs
How many papers are there in the CSIR NET Exam?
There are five subject-wise papers: Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. Candidates must choose one based on their specialization.
What is the marking scheme in CSIR NET Exam?
Correct answers fetch 2 to 5 marks depending on the section, while incorrect answers attract a 25% to 33% negative marking, varying by subject and section.
What is the duration of the CSIR NET Exam?
The total duration of the CSIR NET Exam is 3 hours for all subjects and is held in a single session without any sectional breaks.
Is there negative marking in the CSIR NET Exam?
Yes, negative marking is applicable in all subjects. The penalty ranges from 25% to 33% depending on the part and subject.
