The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) conducts the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) to identify qualified candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship in various science disciplines. This comprehensive guide explores the key components of the CSIR UGC NET, eligibility criteria, application process, and essential details for aspiring candidates.
Understanding CSIR UGC NET:
Eligibility Criteria:
Before delving into the exam details, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria for CSIR UGC NET. The criteria may vary based on the specific subject, but here are the general requirements:
| CSIR UGC NET Subjects | CSIR UGC NET Educational Qualification |
| Chemical Sciences | M.Sc. or equivalent degree in Chemistry with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST candidates). |
| Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences | M.Sc. or equivalent degree in the relevant field with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST candidates). |
| Life Sciences | M.Sc. or equivalent degree in the relevant field with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST candidates). |
| Mathematical Sciences | M.Sc. or equivalent degree in Mathematics with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST candidates). |
| Physical Sciences | M.Sc. or equivalent degree in Physics with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST candidates). |
Candidates can find the detailed overview of CSIR NET 2023 eligibility below in the table.
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of the Exam | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year |
| Exam Level | National |
| Age Limit | General: 28 years OBC: 31 years SC/ST/PWD/Female: 33 years |
| Educational Qualification | BS-MS/BS-4 years B.Tech/B.Pharma/ MBBS |
CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit
Candidates can find the detailed age limit for Junior Research Fellowship, Assistant Professor/Lecturer Post here:
- Candidates applying for the post of Assistant Professorship have no limit for the age.
- Those applying for Junior Research Fellowship can apply till the maximum age of 28 years.
CSIR NET Age Relaxation
CSIR NET 2023 prescribes 28 years as the maximum age as of July 01, 2023, for aspirants. However, candidates can find age relaxation based on the different categories below in the table.
| Category | Age Relaxation (In Years) |
| General | NA |
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC/ST/PWD/Females/Transgender | 5 years |
Educational Qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in the relevant subject with the specified percentage is required.
- Candidates pursuing or completing the final year of the qualifying examination are eligible.
Eligibility Criteria: Nationality
The Nationality of the candidates is important in the CSIR NET 2023 Exam. Candidates must go through the eligibility requirements carefully. If candidates do not meet the eligibility requirements at any stage of the exam, they have to face rejection of their application.
- Candidates must have citizenship in India. No other nationality is entertained, or candidates with NRI Status are not allowed to apply.
- Candidates who are immigrants from Pakistan/Nepal/Burma/South African Countries and other Tier-2 countries are not allowed to apply for CSIR NET 2023.
- Candidates must have all the necessary documents to prove their nationality in the document verification process.
CSIR UGC NET Application Fee:
Candidates are required to pay an application fee based on their category. The fee can be paid online using net banking or debit/credit cards.
| Category | Amount / Fee |
| General | Rs. 1000/- |
| OBC-NCL | Rs. 500/- |
| SC/ST/PwD | Rs. 250/- |
Key Components:
The CSIR UGC NET exam consists of a single paper with multiple-choice questions. The exam pattern includes:
- Part A: General Aptitude
- Part B: Subject-specific questions (Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences)
Candidates can choose their subject based on their educational background. The exam is conducted twice a year, usually in June and December.
Qualifying Criteria:
To qualify for JRF or Lectureship, candidates need to secure the minimum qualifying marks in both Part A and Part B. The cutoff marks are determined based on the number of slots available.
Reservation Criteria: PwD Candidates
Candidates who fall under the PwD category have separate eligibility under the CSIR NET 2023 examination. Candidates can find detailed criteria for PWD candidates below.
- Candidates with benchmark disabilities have an age relaxation of 5 years, i.e. candidates with an age of 33 years as of January 1, 2023, are eligible to apply for CSIR NET.
- Candidates who have benchmark disability in the upper limbs, a visual impairment, cerebral palsy, or any severe physical limitation can opt for the scribe.
- Candidates with disabilities can bring the scribe on their own or ask the NTA by mentioning the need in the application form.
- A person with a disability will get 60 minutes extra in the total duration of the 3-hour exam.
CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria: Disabilities Allowed
Candidates with benchmark disabilities are entitled to apply for the CSIR NET 2023 Exam. Under Section 34 of “The Right of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities Act 2016” candidates with the following disabilities are allowed to appear in the CSIR NET 2023 exam.
- Blindness and Low Vision
- Dead and Hard of Hearing
- Locomotor Disabilities including Cerebral Palsy, Leprosy Cured, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victims, Muscular Dystrophy
- (BA/BL/OL/OA/OLA/LC/DW/AAM/MDy)
- Autism, Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disability, Mental Illness with Disability (MI/MD)
CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria: Documents Required for Eligibility Verification
Candidates need to ensure the availability of the listed documents for the CSIR NET 2023 Exam. Candidates must note that the documents should be updated, and if a correction is required, they must rectify it quickly for a smooth DV process.
- Active contact details
- Secondary, Higher-Secondary, Under-Graduation, and Post-Graduation Marksheets
- Scanned passport-size photo
- Banking details
- Identity Proof (AADHAR Card/ PAN Card/ Electricity Bill)
- Date of Birth Certificate
- Caste Certificate
JRF and Lectureship:
Candidates qualifying for JRF are eligible for a monthly stipend for research. Those opting for a Lectureship can pursue a career as an Assistant Professor.
Salary Structure:
- For JRF, the stipend is approximately Rs. 31,000 per month.
- For the Lectureship, the salary is as per the UGC pay scale.
CSIR UGC NET is a gateway for individuals aspiring to contribute to scientific research and pursue teaching careers. Understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing strategically for the exam components, and exploring the research and teaching opportunities are essential steps for success. Aspirants with a passion for scientific inquiry and dedication to their chosen field stand a chance to excel in the CSIR UGC NET examination.
