CSIR NET exam 2025 on December 18: Complete exam structure and marking scheme explained here

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 Complete exam structure and marking scheme explained here

CSIR NET exam 2025 on December 18

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the CSIR‑UGC NET December 2025 on December 18, giving aspiring researchers and lecturers a chance to qualify for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship/Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and research institutes.

The agency has already released the city intimation slip, confirming exam centres for candidates, and is expected to issue the admit card soon. The examination covers five science disciplines — Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences — and will be held in computer-based mode, carrying a total of 200 marks over three hours.

CSIR NET exam structure: One paper, three parts

The NET features a single paper divided into three sections:

  • Part A – General Aptitude: This section is common to all candidates and tests logical reasoning, quantitative ability, data interpretation, and research methodology. Candidates typically see 20 questions but must attempt 15. Each correct answer carries 2 marks, and 25% negative marking applies to incorrect answers.
  • Part B – Subject Knowledge: Focused on the candidate’s chosen science discipline, this section tests foundational knowledge. Depending on the subject, candidates must attempt 25–35 questions, with marks per question ranging from 2 to 3.5. Negative marking is applicable.
  • Part C – Analytical and High-Order Thinking: This section assesses deeper understanding, problem-solving, and application of concepts. Questions carry the highest marks, often 4–5 per question, and negative marking varies by subject. Candidates must carefully select which questions to attempt from the larger pool.

Subject-wise marking scheme

The CSIR NET examination is held for five subjects. Check subject-wise marking scheme explained below:

  • Chemical Sciences: Part A has 20 questions (attempt 15) at 2 marks each. Part B has 40 questions (attempt 35) at 2 marks each. Part C contains 60 questions (attempt 25) at 4 marks each. Negative marking of 25% applies across all sections.
  • Life Sciences: Part A involves 20 questions (attempt 15) at 2 marks each. Part B has 50 questions (attempt 35) at 2 marks each. Part C consists of 75 questions (attempt 25), each carrying 4 marks. Negative marking is 25% in all parts.
  • Earth Sciences: Part A follows the same pattern: 20 questions, attempt 15, 2 marks each. Part B has 50 questions (attempt 35), 2 marks each. Part C has 80 questions, attempt 25, 4 marks each. Negative marking is 25% for Parts A and B and approximately 33% for Part C.
  • Mathematical Sciences: Part A has 20 questions (attempt 15) at 2 marks each. Part B includes 40 questions (attempt 25) at 3 marks each. Part C contains 60 questions (attempt 20) at 4.75 marks each. Negative marking applies to Parts A and B at 25%, but Part C has no negative marking, allowing candidates to attempt questions more freely.
  • Physical Sciences: Part A consists of 20 questions (attempt 15) at 2 marks each. Part B has 25 questions (attempt 20) at 3.5 marks each. Part C contains 30 questions (attempt 20), each worth 5 marks. Negative marking of 25% applies across all parts.

Admit card expected soon

The NTA has released the city intimation slip for the CSIR‑UGC NET December 2025 exam, confirming exam centres for all candidates. The admit card is expected to be issued shortly. Candidates are advised to download it as soon as it becomes available to verify exam centre details, timings, and other important instructions for the exam day.

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