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CSIR NET Exam Pattern: All you Need to Know

CSIR NET is the National Eligibility Test for Lectureship and Junior Research Fellowship in Indian colleges and universities. It is one of the most challenging competitive exams to qualify if you wish to pursue a career in academia. However, a sound knowledge of the exam pattern and thorough preparation can see you through this exam. CSIR NET Exam Pattern.

The CSIR UGC NET Exam paper contains 120 questions, which are of 200 marks in total. These questions are divided into three sections: A, B, and C. Part A contain questions aimed at testing the general aptitude of students, whereas Part B and C contain subject-specific questions. Each one of these sections contains a different number of questions. They also mention the total number of questions that a candidate needs to answer for every section. 

There are five subjects on which the CSIR UGC NET exam is conducted. These are–Earth Science, Chemical Science, Life Science, Physical Science, and Mathematical Science. You can choose the desired subject while filling the online application form. Here is a basic idea of the CSIR NET exam pattern:

  • Part A, B, and C will contain 20, 40, and 60 questions, respectively, wherein candidates will need to attempt 15, 35, and 25 questions, respectively. 
  • The questions will be of the MCQ type. There will be four alternatives, out of which only one will be the correct answer.
  • Questions in Part A, B and C will carry 2, 2, and 4 marks, respectively. 
  • There is a one-fourth negative marking scheme in case of incorrect answers. 

Earth Sciences CSIR NET Exam Pattern

For the Earth Sciences exam, candidates have to answer 15, 35, and 25 questions out of 20, 50, and 80 questions  (Part-A, Part-B, and Part-C, respectively).

Exam Pattern:

  • Every question will have four alternatives. 
  • Questions in Part-A and Part-B will carry 2 marks each. Every incorrect answer will carry a negative marking of 0.5. 
  • Part-C questions are worth 4 marks each. An incorrect answer will cost you 1.32 marks.

Chemical Sciences Exam Pattern

In the Chemical Sciences paper, candidates will have to answer 15, 35, and 25 questions out of 20, 40, and 60 in Part A, B, and C.  

Pattern: Same

Life Sciences CSIR NET Exam Pattern

Candidates for Life Sciences will have to answer 15, 35, and 25 questions respectively out of 20, 50, and 75 questions in Parts A, B, and C.

Exam Pattern: 

  • There will be four alternatives to every question. 
  • Questions in Part-A, B, and C contain 2, 2, and 4 marks, respectively.
  • There’s a negative marking of 25%. 

Mathematical Sciences CSIR NET Exam Pattern

Candidates have to attempt 15, 25, and 20 questions out of 20, 40, and 60 questions in  Part-A, Part-B, and Part-C, respectively. 

Exam Pattern: 

  • Each question will have 4 alternatives. Part A and B will have only one correct answer, but Part-C may have one or more correct answers. 
  • Full marks for Part C questions will be given only when all the correct answers are marked.
  • There’s a negative marking of 25% in Part A and Part B. Part C has no negative marking. 

Physical Sciences CSIR NET Exam Pattern

Candidates will have to answer 15, 20, and 20 questions out of 20, 25, and 30 questions. 

Exam Pattern: 

  • There will be four alternatives in every question.
  • 25% negative marking would be applicable in all the parts.

Popular Questions about CSIR NET exam:

  1. When will the notification for CSIR NET 2021 be released?

A. It is expected to be released anytime on the official website.

  1. When will the application process for CSIR NET 2021 begin?

A. The application process will begin as soon as the notification is released. 

  1. What is the application fee for the CSIR NET 2021?

A: The application fee is 1,000 INR for the General category candidates, 500 INR for the OBC, and 250 INR for the SC/ST category candidates. PWD candidates are exempted from fees. 

  1.  Are there any age criteria for the CSIR NET 2021 exam?

A: There is indeed an age limit to apply for the CSIR NET 2021 exam. However, this is only applicable to candidates who are applying for JRF. Candidates should be not more than 28 years of age. 

  1. How many times is CSIR UGC NET conducted in a year?

A:  CSIR NET is conducted twice a year in June and December. However, due to the pandemic, the frequency of the conduct of the NET exam has been impacted.

  1. How many  CSIR NET attempts are allowed?

A: There is no limit on the number of attempts. You can attempt the exam as many times as you want. However, preparing well for the exam is necessary, and for this process you can use planners for students.

  1. In how many languages is the CSIR NET question paper available?

A: The CSIR NET question paper is available only in two languages: English and Hindi.

  1. How much stipend is given to candidates who manage to qualify for JRF?

A: For the first two years, the qualifying candidates are given a stipend of Rs 31,000 per month. It is subsequently increased to Rs 35,000 if the fellow is registered for a PhD.

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