CSIR NET Exam Pattern: The CSIR NET Exam Pattern is a crucial aspect that aspirants must understand to excel in this national-level test. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CSIR NET is designed to assess candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship (LS) in five core science subjects. The exam follows a computer-based format and consists of three sections: Part A (General Aptitude), Part B (Subject-Specific MCQs), and Part C (Analytical & Application-Based Questions). Each subject has a unique distribution of questions, making it essential for candidates to be well-versed with the pattern to maximize their scores. This article covers all the details of the exam pattern and marking scheme of the CSIR NET exam 2025.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025 Overview
One key highlight of the CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025 is its subject-wise variation in marking schemes and negative marking policies. Let’s check the complete detail:
| CSIR NET Feature | Details |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration of Exam | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Number of Sections | Part A (General Aptitude) Part B (Subject-Specific MCQs) Part C (Analytical & Application-Based Questions) |
| Total Questions | Varies by subject (Max: 145-150 Questions) |
| Questions to Attempt | Subject-specific (Ranges from 55 to 75) |
| Marking Scheme | Each section has different marking criteria |
| Negative Marking | Applicable in most subjects (Varies by section) |
Section Wise Breakdown of CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025
The CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025 consists of three sections: General Aptitude, Subject-Specific MCQs, and Analytical Questions, designed to assess candidates’ research aptitude and subject expertise.
Part A: General Aptitude
- Common for all subjects.
- Covers logical reasoning, numerical ability, and graphical analysis.
- Total Questions: 20 questions out of which 15 must be attempt.
- Each question carries 2 marks.
- Negative marking: -0.5 marks per wrong answer.
Part B: Subject-Specific MCQs
- Tests conceptual and theoretical knowledge of the chosen subject.
- Total Questions: Number of questions varies by subject (25-50 questions).
- Candidates must attempt a subject-specific number of questions.
- Each question carries 2 marks.
- Negative marking: -0.5 to -0.75 marks per wrong answer (varies by subject).
Part C: Analytical & Application-Based Questions
- Evaluates higher-order problem-solving and research aptitude.
- Total Questions: Number of questions varies by subject (20-75 questions).
- Each question carries 4 marks.
- Negative marking applies in most subjects, except Mathematical Sciences (no negative marking in Part C).
Also Check: CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria 2025, Check Qualification & Age Limit
CSIR NET Subject Wise Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2025
The CSIR NET Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme vary across subjects like Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Earth Sciences, each having a distinct question structure and evaluation criteria. This detailed subject wise breakdown provides insights into the number of questions, marks per correct answer, and penalty for incorrect responses, helping candidates optimize their attempt strategy for CSIR NET 2025.
CSIR NET Chemical Sciences Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
| Section | Total Questions | Max Questions to Attempt | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marking | Total Marks |
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | -0.5 | 30 |
| Part B | 40 | 35 | 2 | -0.5 | 70 |
| Part C | 60 | 25 | 4 | -1 | 100 |
| Total | 120 | 75 | – | – | 200 |
Negative Marking: 25% for Part A, B & C
CSIR NET Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2025
| Section | Total Questions | Max Questions to Attempt | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marking | Total Marks |
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | -0.5 | 30 |
| Part B | 50 | 35 | 2 | -0.5 | 70 |
| Part C | 80 | 25 | 4 | -1.32 | 100 |
| Total | 150 | 75 | – | – | 200 |
CSIR NET Life Sciences Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2025
| Section | Total Questions | Max Questions to Attempt | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marking | Total Marks |
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | -0.5 | 30 |
| Part B | 50 | 35 | 2 | -0.5 | 70 |
| Part C | 75 | 25 | 4 | -1 | 100 |
| Total | 145 | 75 | – | – | 200 |
CSIR NET Physical Sciences Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2025
| Section | Total Questions | Max Questions to Attempt | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marking | Total Marks |
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | -0.5 | 30 |
| Part B | 25 | 20 | 3.5 | -0.875 | 70 |
| Part C | 30 | 20 | 5 | -1.25 | 100 |
| Total | 75 | 55 | – | – | 200 |
CSIR NET Mathematical Sciences Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2025
| Section | Total Questions | Max Questions to Attempt | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marking | Total Marks |
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | -0.5 | 30 |
| Part B | 40 | 25 | 3 | -0.75 | 75 |
| Part C | 60 | 20 | 4.75 | 0 (No Negative Marking) | 95 |
| Total | 120 | 60 | – | – | 200 |
Note: Negative Marking in Mathematical Sciences: 25% in Part A & B, but no negative marking in Part C.
CSIR NET Marking Scheme 2025
The CSIR NET 2025 marking scheme varies across subjects and consists of three sections: Part A, Part B, and Part C. Each section follows a different marking pattern and negative marking rule, impacting the final score.
1. Part A, B, and C Marking Criteria
- Part A (General Aptitude): Common for all subjects; each correct answer carries 2 marks.
- Part B (Subject-Specific MCQs): Moderate-level conceptual questions with subject-wise marking variations.
- Part C (Analytical & Application-Based Questions): Higher-order problem-solving questions with higher weightage per question.
2. Negative Marking Details for Different Subjects
- Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences & Physical Sciences: 25% negative marking for incorrect answers in Part A, B, and C.
- Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean & Planetary Sciences: 25% negative marking in Part A & B, but 33% negative marking in Part C.
- Mathematical Sciences: Negative marking of 25% in Part A & B, but no negative marking in Part C.
3. Maximum Marks & Qualifying Score Considerations
- Total marks: 200 for all subjects.
- Qualifying marks: Vary based on category; typically, General/EWS candidates require 33%, while SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates require 25%.
- JRF & Lectureship Cutoff: The final cutoff depends on exam difficulty and the number of applicants.
Also Check: CSIR NET Previous Year Papers
Key Changes & Latest Updates in CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025
As of 2025, the CSIR NET Exam Pattern remains consistent with previous iterations, featuring three sections: Part A (General Aptitude), Part B (Subject-Specific MCQs), and Part C (Analytical & Application-Based Questions). The exam is conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format, with a total duration of three hours. The marking scheme and negative marking policies continue to vary across subjects and sections, as detailed in the official guidelines.
Regarding the syllabus, there have been no significant updates or revisions announced for 2025. Candidates are advised to refer to the existing syllabus available on the official CSIR-HRDG website at https://csirhrdg.res.in/. It’s crucial to stay updated by regularly checking official communications for any future announcements or changes related to the exam pattern or syllabus.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2025 Conclusion
The CSIR NET Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2025 follows a structured format with three sections: Part A (General Aptitude), Part B (Subject-Specific MCQs), and Part C (Application-Based Questions). Each subject has a distinct question distribution, marking scheme, and negative marking policy, making it essential for candidates to understand the pattern thoroughly.
A well-planned preparation strategy focusing on high-weightage topics, accuracy, and time management is key to securing a top score. Since the exam pattern and syllabus can undergo modifications, aspirants must stay updated with official notifications from CSIR-HRDG to avoid missing crucial changes. Consistency, practice, and smart preparation will be the driving forces for success in the CSIR NET 2025 exam.
Also Read: Ultimate 30 Day Strategy to Crack the CSIR JRF Exam
CSIR NET Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2025 FAQs
Ans: CSIR NET 2025 has three sections: Part A (General Aptitude), Part B (Subject-Specific MCQs), and Part C (Application-Based Questions).
Ans: The CSIR NET exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
Ans: Yes, with 25%-33% negative marking depending on the subject and section.
Ans: The CSIR NET exam duration is 3 hours (180 minutes) for all subjects.
Ans: No significant changes have been reported in the exam pattern for 2025.
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