NTA CSIR UGC NET 2025 Syllabus: Complete Subject-wise Topics and Exam Pattern
NTA CSIR UGC NET 2025 Syllabus: The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) – University Grants Commission (UGC) National Eligibility Test (NET) for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship (LS)/Assistant Professor positions. This comprehensive guide provides the complete subject-wise syllabus for CSIR UGC NET 2025 and important exam pattern details to help candidates prepare effectively.
| NTA CSIR UGC NET 2025 Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Joint CSIR-UGC NET for JRF and Lectureship/Assistant Professor |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Frequency | Twice a year (June and December) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Total Questions | Part A: 20 questions Part B: 40 questions Part C: 60 questions Total: 120 questions |
| Total Marks | 200 Marks |
| Negative Marking | Yes (25% for each wrong answer) |
| Official Website | csirnet.nta.nic.in |
NTA CSIR UGC NET 2025 Exam Pattern
The CSIR UGC NET examination consists of a single paper divided into three parts:
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | General Aptitude | 20 | 30 |
| Part B | Subject-specific MCQs | 40 | 70 |
| Part C | Advanced Subject-specific MCQs | 60 | 100 |
| Total | 120 | 200 | |
Important Notes:
- Candidates must answer all questions from Part A (General Aptitude).
- For Parts B and C, the number of questions to be attempted may vary by subject. Detailed instructions are provided in the question paper.
- Negative marking: 25% marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
- No negative marking for unattempted questions.
Subject-wise CSIR NET 2025 Syllabus
CSIR NET is conducted for five subjects:
- Chemical Sciences
- Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
Let’s look at the detailed syllabus for each subject:
CSIR UGC NET 2025 Part A: General Aptitude Syllabus (Common for All Subjects)
| Topics | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Analytical Reasoning, Logical Deduction, Data Interpretation, Venn Diagrams, Syllogisms, Pattern Recognition |
| Graphical Analysis | Interpretation of Graphs (Line, Bar, Pie charts), Tables, Data Sufficiency |
| Numerical Ability | Number Systems, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Ratio & Proportion, Speed, Time & Distance |
| General Knowledge | Scientific Phenomena, Current Affairs related to Science & Technology, Famous Scientific Discoveries & Inventions |
| Research Aptitude | Research Methodology, Data Analysis, Hypothesis Testing, Scientific Method |
CSIR UGC NET 2025 Chemical Sciences Syllabus
Part B: Chemical Sciences
| Topics | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Inorganic Chemistry | Chemical Periodicity, Structure and Bonding, Main Group Elements (s and p blocks), Transition Elements (d block), Inner Transition Elements (f block), Coordination Chemistry, Bioinorganic Chemistry, Organometallic Compounds |
| Physical Chemistry | Basic Principles of Quantum Mechanics, Chemical Thermodynamics, Chemical and Phase Equilibria, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Surfaces and Interfaces, Solids and Liquids |
| Organic Chemistry | IUPAC Nomenclature, Stereochemistry, Reaction Mechanisms, Organic Synthesis, Heterocyclic Compounds, Biomolecules, Spectroscopy in Organic Chemistry |
| Interdisciplinary Topics | Chemistry in Nanoscience and Technology, Catalysis and Green Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry |
Part C: Advanced Chemical Sciences
Part C includes advanced concepts of topics covered in Part B along with:
- Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques (NMR, ESR, Mössbauer, Mass, IR, UV-Vis, Fluorescence)
- Advanced Organic Synthesis and Methodologies
- Reaction Dynamics and Mechanisms
- Computational Chemistry and Molecular Modeling
- Advanced Materials Chemistry
- Photochemistry and Pericyclic Reactions
- Bioorganic Chemistry and Enzyme Mechanisms
- Statistical Thermodynamics
CSIR UGC NET 2025 Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences Syllabus
Part B: Earth Sciences
| Topics | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Earth and Planetary System | Solar System, Earth’s Structure and Composition, Origin and Evolution of Earth, Earth’s Interior, Gravitational Field of Earth, Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism |
| Geomorphology | Weathering and Erosion, Landforms, Fluvial Processes, Glacial and Periglacial Processes, Coastal Processes, Aeolian Processes |
| Structural Geology | Stress and Strain, Folds and Faults, Joints and Fractures, Plate Tectonics, Continental Drift, Seismicity, Volcanism |
| Paleontology | Fossils, Evolution of Life Forms, Micropaleontology, Paleobotany, Paleoecology |
| Stratigraphy | Stratigraphic Principles, Correlation Methods, Indian Stratigraphy, Geological Time Scale |
| Mineralogy and Petrology | Crystal Chemistry, Mineral Groups, Igneous Rocks, Sedimentary Rocks, Metamorphic Rocks, Economic Geology, Mineral Resources |
| Atmospheric Sciences | Atmospheric Composition, Atmospheric Structure, Radiation Balance, Weather and Climate, Atmospheric Dynamics, Climate Change |
| Oceanography | Physical, Chemical, and Biological Oceanography, Ocean Circulation, Marine Resources, Marine Pollution |
Part C: Advanced Earth Sciences
Part C includes advanced concepts of topics covered in Part B along with:
- Remote Sensing and GIS Applications
- Advanced Geophysical Methods
- Isotope Geology and Geochronology
- Ore Genesis Models
- Basin Analysis
- Advanced Climate Dynamics
- Ocean-Atmosphere Interactions
- Planetary Geology
- Environmental Geology
- Natural Hazards and Disaster Management
CSIR UGC NET 2025 Life Sciences Syllabus
Part B: Life Sciences
| Topics | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Cell Biology | Cell Structure and Function, Membrane Structure and Transport, Cell Division, Cell Signaling, Cellular Organelles |
| Molecular Biology | DNA Replication, Transcription, Translation, Gene Regulation, DNA Repair, Recombination |
| Genetics | Mendelian Genetics, Linkage and Crossing Over, Gene Mapping, Chromosomal Aberrations, Population Genetics, Genetic Disorders |
| Biochemistry | Biomolecules (Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Nucleic Acids), Enzymes, Metabolism, Bioenergetics, Biological Membranes |
| Microbiology | Bacterial Structure and Function, Viral Structure, Microbial Genetics, Host-Pathogen Interactions, Microbial Ecology |
| Immunology | Innate and Adaptive Immunity, Antigens, Antibodies, Cell-Mediated Immunity, Immune Response, Hypersensitivity |
| Biotechnology | Genetic Engineering, Recombinant DNA Technology, PCR, CRISPR, Cloning, Cell and Tissue Culture |
| Physiology | Plant Physiology, Animal Physiology, Human Physiology, Comparative Physiology |
| Ecology | Ecosystems, Population Ecology, Community Ecology, Biodiversity, Conservation Biology |
| Evolution | Theories of Evolution, Population Genetics, Molecular Evolution, Speciation, Phylogenetics |
Part C: Advanced Life Sciences
Part C includes advanced concepts of topics covered in Part B along with:
- Genomics, Proteomics, and Metabolomics
- Systems Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Neurobiology
- Cancer Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Advanced Immunotechnology
- Advanced Genetic Engineering
- Structural Biology
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Environmental Biotechnology
- Biostatistics and Experimental Design
CSIR UGC NET 2025 Mathematical Sciences Syllabus
Part B: Mathematical Sciences
| Topics | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Analysis | Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Functional Analysis, Measure Theory, Integral Equations |
| Linear Algebra | Vector Spaces, Linear Transformations, Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors, Inner Product Spaces, Matrices |
| Abstract Algebra | Groups, Rings, Fields, Modules, Galois Theory |
| Topology and Geometry | Point-Set Topology, Algebraic Topology, Differential Geometry, Manifolds |
| Differential Equations | Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Boundary Value Problems |
| Numerical Analysis | Numerical Methods for Linear Systems, Interpolation, Numerical Integration, Numerical Solution of ODEs and PDEs |
| Probability and Statistics | Probability Theory, Random Variables, Probability Distributions, Statistical Inference, Regression Analysis |
| Discrete Mathematics | Combinatorics, Graph Theory, Mathematical Logic, Set Theory, Number Theory |
Part C: Advanced Mathematical Sciences
Part C includes advanced concepts of topics covered in Part B along with:
- Advanced Analysis (Harmonic Analysis, Fourier Analysis)
- Representation Theory
- Operator Theory
- Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos Theory
- Cryptography and Coding Theory
- Mathematical Modeling
- Operations Research and Optimization
- Stochastic Processes
- Advanced Numerical Methods
- Computational Mathematics
CSIR UGC NET 2025 Physical Sciences Syllabus
Part B: Physical Sciences
| Topics | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Classical Mechanics | Newtonian Mechanics, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Formulations, Central Forces, Rigid Body Dynamics, Oscillations, Wave Motion |
| Electromagnetic Theory | Electrostatics, Magnetostatics, Electromagnetic Induction, Maxwell’s Equations, Electromagnetic Waves, Waveguides |
| Quantum Mechanics | Wave-Particle Duality, Schrödinger Equation, Operators, Quantum States, Angular Momentum, Spin, Approximation Methods |
| Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics | Laws of Thermodynamics, Thermodynamic Potentials, Phase Transitions, Kinetic Theory, Classical and Quantum Statistics |
| Atomic and Molecular Physics | Atomic Structure, Spectra, Selection Rules, Molecular Spectroscopy, Lasers |
| Solid State Physics | Crystal Structure, Lattice Vibrations, Electronic Properties of Solids, Band Theory, Superconductivity, Magnetic Properties |
| Nuclear and Particle Physics | Nuclear Structure, Radioactivity, Nuclear Reactions, Elementary Particles, Conservation Laws, Fundamental Forces |
| Electronics | Circuit Theory, Semiconductor Devices, Operational Amplifiers, Digital Electronics, Communication Systems |
Part C: Advanced Physical Sciences
Part C includes advanced concepts of topics covered in Part B along with:
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics
- Quantum Field Theory
- Relativistic Quantum Mechanics
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Advanced Nuclear Physics
- Particle Physics and Cosmology
- Advanced Statistical Mechanics
- Non-linear Dynamics
- Plasma Physics
- Advanced Optics and Photonics
- Computational Physics
CSIR UGC NET 2025 Qualifying Criteria
| Category | JRF Qualifying Criteria | Lectureship/Assistant Professor Qualifying Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| General/EWS | ≥ 55% aggregate marks | ≥ 50% aggregate marks |
| OBC (Non-creamy layer) | ≥ 50% aggregate marks | ≥ 45% aggregate marks |
| SC/ST/PwD | ≥ 45% aggregate marks | ≥ 40% aggregate marks |
Note: All qualified candidates for JRF are also eligible for Lectureship/Assistant Professor positions.
CSIR NET 2025 Preparation Strategy
General Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the subject-specific syllabus and mark important topics.
- Study Material: Use standard textbooks and reference materials for each subject. Refer to previous years’ question papers.
- Time Management: Allocate specific time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Regular Practice: Solve MCQs regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
- Mock Tests: Take full-length mock tests to build exam temperament and identify weak areas.
- Revision: Make short notes for quick revision before the exam.
Subject-wise Preparation Tips
Chemical Sciences
- Focus on fundamental concepts in all branches (Organic, Inorganic, Physical Chemistry)
- Practice named reactions, mechanisms, and structural problems
- Give special attention to spectroscopic techniques and their applications
- Practice numerical problems in Physical Chemistry
Earth Sciences
- Study Earth’s internal structure and plate tectonics thoroughly
- Focus on mineralogy, petrology, and structural geology
- Understand atmospheric dynamics and oceanic circulation patterns
- Pay attention to environmental geology and natural hazards
Life Sciences
- Master cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics
- Focus on biochemical pathways and their regulations
- Understand recombinant DNA technology and its applications
- Pay special attention to immunology and recent advances in biotechnology
Mathematical Sciences
- Focus on analysis, algebra, and topology
- Practice problem-solving in differential equations
- Master the fundamentals of probability and statistics
- Solve previous years’ questions to understand the pattern
Physical Sciences
- Master classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and electrodynamics
- Focus on thermodynamics and statistical physics
- Practice problems in solid state physics and nuclear physics
- Understand fundamental concepts in modern physics
Recommended Books for CSIR UGC NET 2025
| Subject | Recommended Books | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Sciences | Organic Chemistry | Morrison & Boyd, Jonathan Clayden, Solomons & Fryhle |
| Inorganic Chemistry | J.D. Lee, F.A. Cotton & G. Wilkinson, Huheey | |
| Physical Chemistry | P.W. Atkins, Puri & Sharma, Silbey & Alberty | |
| Earth Sciences | Physical Geology | Arthur Holmes, K.M. Bangar |
| Mineralogy & Petrology | W.A. Deer, R.A. Howie & J. Zussman | |
| Structural Geology | M.P. Billings, Robert J. Twiss & Eldridge M. Moores | |
| Life Sciences | Molecular Biology of the Cell | Bruce Alberts et al. |
| Biochemistry | Lehninger, Voet & Voet | |
| Genetics | Strickberger, T.A. Brown | |
| Immunology | Kuby Immunology, Abbas | |
| Mathematical Sciences | Real Analysis | Walter Rudin, H.L. Royden |
| Abstract Algebra | I.N. Herstein, Dummit & Foote | |
| Differential Equations | M.D. Raisinghania, Shepley L. Ross | |
| Physical Sciences | Classical Mechanics | Goldstein, Landau & Lifshitz |
| Quantum Mechanics | Griffiths, Cohen-Tannoudji | |
| Electrodynamics | David J. Griffiths, J.D. Jackson |
Important Dates for CSIR UGC NET 2025
| Event | June 2025 Session (Tentative) | December 2025 Session (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | March 2025 | September 2025 |
| Online Application Begins | March 2025 | September 2025 |
| Last Date for Application | April 2025 | October 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | May 2025 | November 2025 |
| Examination Date | June 2025 | December 2025 |
| Result Declaration | August 2025 | February 2026 |
Important Note: The above dates are tentative. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official NTA CSIR website for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about CSIR UGC NET 2025
What is the eligibility criteria for CSIR UGC NET 2025?
For JRF: Candidates must have a master’s degree in the relevant subject with minimum 55% marks (50% for OBC-NCL and 45% for SC/ST/PwD). The upper age limit is 28 years (relaxable as per rules).
For Lectureship/Assistant Professor: No age limit with qualification requirements same as JRF.
How many attempts are allowed for CSIR UGC NET?
There is no limit on the number of attempts for Lectureship/Assistant Professor. For JRF, the number of attempts is limited as per the following:
- UR/EWS/OBC: Maximum 2 attempts allowed
- SC/ST/PwD: Maximum 5 attempts allowed
What is the validity period of JRF awarded through CSIR UGC NET?
The validity of JRF is 2 years, which can be extended for 3 more years upon fulfilling certain conditions. The fellowship is provided for a maximum period of 5 years.
What is the monthly stipend for CSIR JRF and SRF?
The current monthly stipend for CSIR JRF is ₹31,000 for the first two years. After two years, it is upgraded to SRF with a monthly stipend of ₹35,000 for the remaining tenure. Additionally, candidates receive an annual contingency grant and HRA as per rules.
Is there negative marking in CSIR UGC NET 2025?
Yes, there is negative marking in CSIR UGC NET. For each wrong answer, 25% of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. There is no negative marking for unattempted questions.
Can I apply for multiple subjects in CSIR UGC NET?
No, candidates can apply for only one subject in a single session of CSIR UGC NET. However, they can apply for a different subject in the next session if eligible.
What language options are available for the CSIR UGC NET exam?
CSIR UGC NET question papers are set in both English and Hindi, except for Engineering Sciences, where the question paper is available only in English.
Important Links for CSIR UGC NET 2025
| Description | Links |
|---|---|
| NTA CSIR Official Website | Click Here |
| NTA Official Website | Click Here |
| CSIR Official Website | Click Here |
| UGC Official Website | Click Here |
| CSIR NET 2025 Online Application | Coming Soon |
| Previous Year Question Papers | Click Here |
We hope this comprehensive guide on CSIR UGC NET 2025 syllabus helps you in your preparation. Stay focused, develop a strategic study plan, and practice regularly to achieve success in this prestigious examination. All the best for your preparation!
