CSIR NET
CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test
Joint CSIR-UGC NET is conducted by NTA for the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode in five subjects: Chemical Sciences; Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences; Life Sciences; Mathematical Sciences; and Physical Sciences. Results fall into three categories: JRF with eligibility for Assistant Professor and PhD admission; eligibility for Assistant Professor and PhD admission; and eligibility for PhD admission only. Each paper has three parts: Part A (general aptitude, common to all subjects), Part B (subject-related conventional multiple-choice questions) and Part C (higher-value analytical questions that apply scientific concepts). For PhD admission under categories 2 and 3, NET marks carry 70% weight and the university's interview 30%, and they count for one year from the result; the Assistant Professor certificate has no end date.
Frequency
Twice a year, in June and December cycles; the June 2026 cycle was held on 17–18 July 2026 — confirm the next cycle on csirnet.nta.nic.in
Duration
3 hours (180 minutes)
Format
Computer-based
Score range
200 marks per subject paper, in three parts (A, B and C); the number of questions, marks per question and negative marking vary by subject — e.g. Part C of Mathematical Sciences has no negative marking
Eligibility
Indian citizens only. A Master's degree or equivalent with at least 55% (50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD and third-gender candidates); final-year students may apply provisionally. A four-year bachelor's degree with at least 75% (5% relaxation for eligible categories) qualifies for JRF and PhD admission, but not for Assistant Professor. JRF upper age limit: 30 years as on 1 July 2026, with relaxations; no upper age limit for Assistant Professor or PhD admission. (Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2026 bulletin)
Conducting body
National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Registration fee
Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2026: ₹1,150 General; ₹600 Gen-EWS/OBC-NCL; ₹325 SC/ST/PwD/PwBD/third gender; bank or payment-gateway service charges extra
Source: National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Details here are for guidance only — fees, dates and eligibility change each cycle, so confirm on the official site before applying.
Verified against: Joint CSIR-UGC NET — official portal (NTA); NTA — Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2026 Information Bulletin; NTA — About Joint CSIR-UGC NET (twice a year; Indian citizens); CSIR-HRDG — CSIR-UGC NET syllabus and paper structure; NTA — press release: scores of Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2026 (29 Aug 2026).
Last verified: 30 September 2026.
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