If you are preparing for CSIR UGC NET 2026, understanding the latest CSIR NET Syllabus and exam pattern is important for success. Aspirants who are looking to appear in the CSIR NET Exam to pursue their career in teaching or research fields must know the Latest Syllabus and Paper pattern.
The syllabus is important to understand the topics asked in the exam, as it will help you know what needs to be covered, and the CSIR NET Exam pattern helps in planning the preparation according to the marking scheme, type of questions & sectional weightage.
The CSIR UGC NET Syllabus outlines the specific topics that will be tested across all science streams. It is important to have complete information to put the entire focus and effort into the CSIR NET Exam preparation.
Here in this article, we have provided detailed insights into the subject-wise CSIR NET Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern, exam structure as prescribed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Here in this article, you will find: -
CSIR NET Syllabus 2026
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the CSIR NET Exam in five science stream subjects, i.e., Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Earth Sciences.
The CSIR NET Syllabus is divided into three parts: Part A, B and C. The Part A syllabus is General Aptitude, and it is common to all subjects. THE CSIR NET Part B and C syllabus is based on the subject chosen by the candidates.
Candidates must note that the CSIR NET Exam syllabus for parts A, B and C. Below, we have mentioned the complete CSIR NET 2026 syllabus for each subject, along with a downloadable PDF. Once the new official syllabus is released, we will update it here.
CSIR NET Syllabus for Paper 1 – General Aptitude (Part A)
The CSIR NET Part-A Syllabus is common for all five subjects. The Part A syllabus covers Numerical Ability, Reasoning and Data Interpretation. Here you can check the detailed CSIR NET General Aptitude Syllabus.
| Section |
Topics |
| Numerical Ability |
Number and Simplification, LCM and HCF Average, Quadratic Equations, Sequence and Series, Surds and Indices, Logarithms, Percentage. Profit and Loss, Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Ratio, Proportion and Variation, Partnership, Alligation, and Mixture. Time, Speed and Distance, Time and Work, Permutations and Combinations, Probability, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, etc. |
| Reasoning |
Series Formation, Coding-Decoding, Distance and Directions, Calendar and Clock, Ranking and Arrangement, Puzzles, etc |
| Data Interpretation and Graphical Analysis |
Mean, Median, Mode, Measures of Dispersion, Graphical Analysis: Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie-Chart, Tabulation. |
CSIR NET General Aptitude Syllabus PDF
CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus
The Syllabus for Life Sciences is vast, i.e., there are 13 units in this subject. So, you must plan your studies in a way that you can cover all the topics one by one. You can check Part B and C of the CSIR NET Life Sciences Syllabus from the table below:
| Topics |
| Molecules and Their Interaction Relevant to Biology |
| Cellular Organization |
| Fundamental Processes |
| Cell Communication and Cell Signalling |
| Developmental Biology |
| System Physiology – Plant |
| System Physiology – Animal |
| Inheritance Biology |
| Diversity of Life Forms |
| Ecological Principles |
| Evolution and Behaviour |
| Applied Biology |
| Methods in Biology |
Download CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus 2026 PDF
CSIR NET Mathematical Science Syllabus
The CSIR NET Mathematics Syllabus is divided into 4 major units, covering Algebra, Analysis, Differential Equations, and Statistics. If you are going to appear for this subject, then you should check the complete Parts B and C of the CSIR NET Mathematical Sciences Syllabus as given below: -
| Unit No. |
Topics |
| Unit -1 |
Analysis |
| Linear Algebra |
|
| Unit -2 |
Complex Analysis |
| Algebra |
|
| Unit -3 |
Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) |
| Numerical Analysis |
|
| Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) |
|
| Calculus of Variations |
|
| Linear Integral Equations |
|
| Classical Mechanics |
|
| Unit -4 |
Descriptive Statistics, Exploratory Data Analysis |
Download CSIR NET Mathematics Syllabus 2026 PDF
CSIR NET Earth Science Syllabus
The Syllabus of CSIR NET Earth Sciences is divided into two parts, i.e., Part B & Part C. You can check the complete CSIR NET Syllabus for Earth Sciences in the table below:
| Part B |
Unit No. |
Name of Topic |
| 1 |
The Earth and the Solar System |
|
| 2 |
Earth Materials, Surface Features and Processes |
|
| 3 |
Interior of the Earth, Deformation and Tectonics |
|
| 4 |
Oceans and Atmosphere |
|
| 5 |
Environmental Earth Sciences |
|
| Part C | 6 |
Geology - Mineralogy and Petrology |
| 7 |
Geology - Structural Geology and Geotectonics |
|
| 8 |
Geology - Palaeontology and Its Applications |
|
| 9 |
Geology - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy |
|
| 10 |
Geology - Marine Geology and Paleoceanography |
|
| 11 |
Geology - Geochemistry |
|
| 12 |
Geology - Economic Geology |
|
| 13 |
Geology - Precambrian Geology and Crustal Evolution |
|
| 14 |
Geology - Quaternary Geology |
|
| 15 |
Geology - Applied Geology |
|
| 16 |
Geology - Physical Geography |
|
| 17 |
Geology - Geophysics |
|
| 18 |
Geology - Meteorology |
|
| 19 |
Geology - Ocean Sciences |
Download CSIR NET Earth Science Syllabus 2026 PDF
CSIR NET Syllabus for Physical Science
The CSIR NET Physics syllabus is divided into two parts, i.e., Core (Part A) & Advanced (Part B) sections. The best way to prepare is to start with the core and then move to the advanced part. Check the CSIR NET Physical Sciences Syllabus for both from the table below:
| Part A – Core |
Mathematical Methods of Physics |
| Classical Mechanics |
|
| Electromagnetic Theory |
|
| Quantum Mechanics |
|
| Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics |
|
| Electronics and Experimental Methods |
|
| Part B – Advanced |
Mathematical Methods of Physics |
| Classical Mechanics |
|
| Electromagnetic Theory |
|
| Quantum Mechanics |
|
| Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics |
|
| Electronics and Experimental Methods |
|
| Atomic & Molecular Physics |
|
| Condensed Matter Physics |
|
| Nuclear and Particle Physics |
Download CSIR NET Physical Science Syllabus 2026 PDF
CSIR NET Chemical Science Syllabus
The CSIR NET Syllabus for Chemistry is divided into 4 Sections, which covers Section such as Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Interdisciplinary Topics. There is a negative marking of 25 per cent for each incorrect answer. Here you can check the CSIR NET Chemical Sciences Syllabus in the table below:
| Unit 1 |
Inorganic Chemistry |
| Unit 2 |
Physical Chemistry |
| Unit 3 |
Organic Chemistry |
| Unit 4 |
Chemistry in Nanoscience and Technology |
| Unit 5 |
Catalysis and Green Chemistry |
| Unit 6 |
Medicinal Chemistry |
| Unit 7 |
Supramolecular Chemistry |
| Unit 8 |
Environmental Chemistry |
Download CSIR NET Chemical Science Syllabus 2026 PDF
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026
The Exam Pattern of CSIR NET provides insights into the structure of the paper, marking scheme, and time allocation.
Those who apply for the exam should prepare as per the CSIR NET 2026 Paper Pattern. According to the test scheme, the Paper Pattern is divided into three sections, i.e., Part A, B and C and also consists of Negative Marking. CSIR NET Negative Marking differs for different subjects.
Candidates need to complete the paper in three hours. The test is conducted in online mode (CBT format) and includes the following details:
| Exam Events |
Details |
| Mode of Exam |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration |
3 hours |
| Total Marks |
200 |
| Question Types |
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Medium |
English and Hindi |
Below you can check the Complete details of these sections according to the latest CSIR NET Exam Pattern.
Part A:-
It is common for all subjects.
In this section, your talent is measured based on your skills in General Science, Quantitative Reasoning & Analysis, and Research Aptitude.
From this section, only MCQ-type questions will be asked.
Part B:-
According to the CSIR NET Paper pattern, this part contains the subject-related conventional MCQs with less difficulty.
Part C:-
In this part, you have to solve higher-value subject-related questions that will test your scientific knowledge.
The analytical questions require you to apply scientific knowledge to solve the given scientific problem.
You will get a total of 3 hours to attempt all three parts of the Paper.
| Download Free CSIR NET Study Material for All Subjects [Trusted & Recommended by 4600+ Selected Students] |
CSIR NET Life Science Exam Pattern
Having complete knowledge of the Paper pattern of Life Science is necessary if you want to have a good start on your preparation plan. Candidates need to attempt a total of 75 MCQs compulsory from Parts A, B and C.
Check below the complete CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026 for Life Sciences:
| Sections |
No. of Questions Asked |
No. of Questions to be Attempted |
Marks |
Correct Answer marks | Negative Marking |
| PART-A |
20 |
15 |
30 |
2 | 0.5 |
| PART-B |
50 |
35 |
70 |
2 | 0.5 |
| PART-C |
75 |
25 |
100 |
4 | 1 |
| TOTAL |
145 |
75 |
200 |
- |
|
CSIR NET Mathematical Science Exam Pattern
In CSIR NET Mathematics, candidates need to attempt 60 MCQs questions. Each question in Part A carries 2 marks, each question in Part B carries 3 marks, and each question in Part C carries 4.75 marks.
Have a look at the for more detailed CSIR NET Mathematical Sciences Paper Pattern 2026 below:
| Sections |
No. of Questions Asked |
No. of Questions to be Attempted |
Marks |
Correct Answer marks | Negative Marking |
| PART-A |
20 |
15 |
30 |
2 | 0.5 |
| PART-B |
40 |
25 |
75 |
3 | 0.75 |
| PART-C |
60 |
20 |
95 |
4.75 | 0 |
| TOTAL |
120 |
60 |
200 |
- |
|
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Earth Science (ES)
Understanding the CSIR NET Earth Sciences Exam pattern and marking scheme is essential, as it offers vital information about the weightage distribution and exam structure.
Have a look at the for more detailed CSIR NET Earth Sciences Paper Pattern 2026 below:
| Sections |
No. of Questions Asked |
No. of Questions to be Attempted |
Marks |
Correct Answer marks | Negative Marking |
| PART-A |
20 |
15 |
30 |
2 | 0.5 |
| PART-B |
50 |
35 |
70 |
2 | 0.5 |
| PART-C |
80 |
25 |
100 |
4 | 1.32 |
| TOTAL | 150 | 75 | 200 | - | |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Physical Science (PH)
The CSIR NET Physical Science paper has 75 MCQs in three parts: A, B, and C. Part C questions may have multiple correct answers. There is a negative marking of 25 per cent in Parts A, B and C for each wrong answer.
Here, we have provided the CSIR NET Physical Science Paper Pattern 2026:
| Sections |
No. of Questions Asked |
No. of Questions to be Attempted |
Marks |
Correct Answer marks | Negative Marking |
| PART-A |
20 |
15 |
30 |
2 | 0.5 |
| PART-B |
25 |
20 |
70 |
3.5 | 0.875 |
| PART-C |
30 |
20 |
100 |
5 | 1.25 |
| TOTAL | 75 | 55 | 200 | - | |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Chemical Science
In this Paper, candidates need to attempt a total of seventy-five Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) combined from Part A, B and C. Each question in Part A and B carries two marks weightage, and each question in Part C carries four marks.
Candidates can check the detailed CSIR NET Chemical Science Paper Pattern 2026 below:
| Sections |
No. of Questions Asked |
No. of Questions to be Attempted |
Max. Marks |
Correct Answer marks | Negative Marking |
| PART-A |
20 |
15 |
30 |
2 | 0.5 |
| PART-B |
40 |
35 |
70 |
2 | 0.5 |
| PART-C |
60 |
25 |
100 |
4 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 120 | 75 | 200 | - | |
Note - To understand the exam format in a better way, you must go through the analysis of CSIR NET Previous Years' Question Papers.
Frequently Asked Questions About CSIR NET Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026
Here we have catered to students' most frequently asked queries, like CSIR NET Exam Pattern & Syllabus. Check them below.
If you have any further queries regarding the exam, please refer to the CSIR NET FAQs blog.
Ques 1 - What is the syllabus of CSIR NET?
Ans - NTA provides the syllabus for CSIR NET for all the subjects separately. You can check the complete subject-wise syllabus in the above blog.
Ques 2 - Does the CSIR UGC NET syllabus change every year?
Ans - No, exam authorities do not change the syllabus every year. The changes are made in almost 8 to 10 years.
Ques 3 - How many attempts are allowed in the CSIR NET exam?
Ans – There is no limit on the number of attempts for the CSIR NET exam.
Ques 4 - What is the Exam Pattern of CSIR NET?
Ans – You must be aware of the complete CSIR NET Pattern 2026 to start preparing yourself for the exam. The exam is divided into three parts: Part A, Part B & Part C.
Ques 5 – Is there any negative marking in the CSIR NET Exam 2026?
Ans – Yes, according to the Exam Pattern of CSIR NET, there are different negative marking schemes for each part.
Ques 6 - Is the CSIR NET exam tough?
Ans – Yes, the NET Exam is tough. However, that does not imply that the NTA NET Exam is impossible to crack.
Ques 7 - What are the qualifying marks for CSIR NET??
Ans – Candidates must score a minimum of 33% marks for the General/EWS/OBC category and 25% marks for SC/ST/PwD category across all papers to qualify for CSIR NET.
Ques 8 - How many marks are allotted for a correct answer in the CSIR NET Examination?
Ans - A total of 200 marks is allotted to the CSIR NET examination. The total marks allotted for Part A are 20. Part B and Part C comprise subject-specific questions, and each question carries 2 or 4 marks.
Ques 9 - How many papers are in the CSIR NET exam?
Ans - The CSIR NET 2026 exam is held for five papers- Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences and Mathematical Sciences.
Ques 10 - How many sections are there in the CSIR NET exam?
Ans - The CSIR NET exam contains three sections- Part A, B and C. Part A
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