CSIR NET Exam Analysis 2026: June Exam Review, Student's Reaction & Difficulty Level
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test 2026 ( CSIR NET )
CSIR NET 2026 June Exam date
17 Jul '26 - 18 Jul '26
CSIR NET 2026 Analysis: The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the CSIR NET June session exam on July 17 and 18, 2026 at various centres across the country. After the completion of each shift, we will provide the CSIR NET Exam Analysis 2026 based on the feedback received from the candidates. The analysis help candidates to know about the topics asked in the examination, type of questions asked, overall difficulty level of an exam, good attempts, etc. Candidates should read the Analysis carefully in order to know about the overall as well as the section-wise difficulty level of the NTA CSIR NET Question Paper.
The CSIR NET exam is conducted twice every year to determine the eligibility of candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or Lectureship (LS)/ Assistant Professor in subjects related to the field of Science and Technology.
- CSIR NET June Exam Analysis 2026
- CSIR NET June & Dec Exam Analysis 2025
- CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026
- Previous Years' CSIR NET Exam Analysis & Review
- CSIR NET Exam Analysis FAQs 2026
CSIR NET June Exam Analysis 2026
One of the important aspects of the preparation strategy is CSIR NET Exam Analysis. CSIR UGC NET Exam Analysis 2026 for June session will be shared here after the conduction of an exam. It will help the candidates to prepare well for their upcoming days' exams. The Joint CSIR UGC NET Syllabus consists of the important topics required for the preparation of an exam. Joint CSIR UGC NET Syllabus for all five subjects, namely Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
Commonly asked questions
Yes. Candidates clear the CSIR UGC NET exam in three months. But to pass the exam proper strategy is required. They make study plans, do revisions, solve question papers, practice tests, etc. If a candidate study properly then nothing is impossible to crack.
Candidates can check below the list of Life Science books that will help in the preparation:
- Life Science by Ashish Nagesh, Quaisher J. Hossain
- Life Sciences Books (Vol 1) by Dr. Poonam Sharma
- Plant Physiology by Taiz and Zeiger
- CSIR UGC NET Life Sciences by Trueman’s Publication
- Microbiology by Prescott
- Life Sciences Fundamentals and Practice Part 1 & 2 by Pranav Kumar
- Fundamentals of Life Sciences Volume I and Volume II by Rupendra Singh
Yes, the CSIR NET June session application form released at csirnet.nta.nic.in. Candidates are advised to read the instructions for payment carefully before paying the application fee and also read the eligibility criteria before applying for the exam.
CSIR NET June & Dec Exam Analysis 2025
Scroll down to know the CSIR NET exam analysis for 2025 year for both the sessions.
CSIR NET 2025 Dec Exam Analysis Shift 1 OUT
As per the students' the Life Science exam overall difficulty is Moderate to Tough. Development Biology and Ecology was easy. Plant Physiology was tough.
- Geological Time Scale: Easy
- Stress Physiology
- Nest Limb Development
- Also, as per some students, section B was easy.
- General Knowledge questions were also asked in Part A. It was better than last year.
- Eco evolution asked more
- Bio chemistry
- Neucloacid question was asked
-
Nitrogen cycle
-
Coding Decoding
-
Diagram based short day plant
-
Simple Interest, etc.
CSIR NET 2025 ex Life Science Analysis: About Part A, B and C
- Majority of the Part C questions were asked from Plant Physiology and Development Biology around 10 to 12 Questions. It is Botany dominant paper.
- Questions were not asked from Cell Signaling and Molecular Biology
- Especially in Part B and C, Techniques and Evolution were present in decent volume
- Part A as per students was easy and questions were predictable in reasoning and quant-based
- Part C was most difficult with conceptual application as per some students.
CSIR NET 2025 Dec Life Science Analysis: Questions Asked
- A hand pump fills a tank in 45 minutes, B in 120 minutes. How much time will they take together to fill the tank? (Work and Time Questions)
- Cube of 0.99 is closed to? (Numerical Approximation)
- Ecology-Sequence of Proterozoic, Archeozoic, Phanerozoic Eras
- Genetics- Difference between Bacteria and Archaebacteria
- Arrange in correct order: DNA Gyrase, DNA Helicase, DNA Primase, DNA Pol 3, DNA Pol 1, DNA Ligase, etc.
Topics and Questions asked
- Plant Physiology: High Weightage (10-12 Questions) asked in part C
- Cell Biology few questions asked from GLUT 5, Ribosome attached ER, Spindle Assembly-gamma tubulin
- Development Biology Multiple Questions asked from Drosophila, Asymmetric Division-Plants, Leaf Development
- Evolution moderate weightage and questions were asked from Era-based classification, K & r Selection, mass Extinction Order
- Techniques is of high relevance and questions asked from TAL Effector, CDK-2, Ramachandran Plot
- Genetics few questions were asked from Poll 2 in Lagging Strand, difference between bacteria and Archaebacteria
- Immunology/ Virology question from HPV Virus
- Classification & taxonomy moderate in difficulty level and questions asked from animal classification, Annelida vs Platyhelminthes Symmetry, etc.
CSIR NET 2025 June Exam Analysis
Candidates can check below the exam analysis for CSIR NET 2025 June session.
CSIR NET 2025 Exam Analysis (June, Shift 2)
According to the students responses, Physical Science exam is Moderate in overall difficulty. Part C was a bit tough. Whole paper was lengthy.
As per the students, Mathematics exam was Moderate to Difficult.
As per the students, Chemical Science exam was Difficulty in overall diffiuclty level.
CSIR NET Life Science Exam Analysis 2025 (Shift 1)
As per the students, the overall difficulty level is Moderate.
- 10 to 12 questions are from Plant Physiology
- No questions from Cell Signaling & molecular biology
- Developmental Biology & techniques 10 to 12 Q
- Part C was very difficult as compared to the exam conducted earlier
Topics asked in Life Science are:
- GLUT 5
- Tight junction
- CdK-2
- Ramachandran Plot
- Non Photochemical Quenching
- HPV (Cancer causing virus)
- Leaf Development (Phytohormone)
- TAL effector
- Biosynthesis of phytohormones (question from Plant)
- Asymmetric cell division in plant
- K & r selected
- Unbranched GAGs, etc.
CSIR NET 2025 June Exam Students Reactions Video
Commonly asked questions
Candidates can check the CSIR NET 2025 Mathematical Science Analysis for Dec session in the table below based on the students' review.
Part Name | Total MCQs | Total MCQs to be Attempted | Good Attempts | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Part A | 20 | 15 | Moderate | 11-14 |
Part B | 40 | 25 | Difficult | 19-22 |
Part C | 60 | 20 | Difficult | 12-15 |
Total | 120 | 60 | Moderate to Difficult | 42-26 |
Candidates can check the CSIR NET 2025 Chemical Science section-wise difficulty level and good attempts for the Dec session in the table below based on the students' review.
Part Name | Total MCQs | Total MCQs to be Attempted | Good Attempts | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Part A | 20 | 15 | Moderate | 12-14 |
Part B | 40 | 35 | Moderate | 16-22 |
Part C | 60 | 25 | Moderate | 15-21 |
Total | 120 | 75 | Moderate | 44-51 |
The CSIR NET stands for the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test. It determines the eligibility of Indian nationals for the 'award of Junior Research Fellowship and appointment as Assistant Professor.' Also, appointment as 'Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D.' and 'admission to Ph.D. only' in several Indian universities and colleges.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026
The questions in the CSIR NET exam are framed as per the pattern prescribed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Human Resource Development Group (HRDG). Have a look at the highlights of the CSIR NET Exam Pattern below.
| Particulars |
CSIR Exam Pattern Highlights |
|---|---|
| Exam mode |
Online |
| Exam duration |
3 hours |
| Number of subjects |
5 |
| Name of subjects |
|
| Total questions to attempt |
|
| Type of questions |
MCQs; 4 options with only 1 correct option |
| Total marks |
200 |
| Marking scheme |
|
| Language of paper |
English and Hindi |
Commonly asked questions
The June session exam dates for the CSIR NET 2026 exam are July 17 and 18, 2026 . It will be conducted in two shifts. The whole exam schedule will be released by the authority. It will be announced at csirnet.nta.nic.in.
The CSIR NET exam consists of five subjects some of them are Maths, Physical Science, Chemical Science, etc. Part A in the exam is common for all candidates and Part B and C is subject-specific. Candidates need to select one subject and prepare well to clear the examination.
Previous Years' CSIR NET Exam Analysis & Review
Have a look at the CSIR NET exam analysis and review of the previous years below. Shiksha reached out to candidates to know their reaction to the exam with respect to the leve of difficulty, pattern, types of questions asked etc. The Previous year's exam analysis will help candidates know abou the level of difficulty of the exam and how to prepare for it.
CSIR NET Exam Analysis 2023 (December Session)
Candidates can check CSIR NET Life Science Section-wise Analysis 2023 in the table below.
| Life Science Paper | Topics Covered | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Part-A | General Aptitude - Speed, Distance and Time; Profit and Loss; Geometry; Syllogism; Mixture & Alligation | Moderate to Difficult |
| Part-B | Cell and Molecular Biology, Digestion of protein, Organelles and functions, Ecology, Evolution, Animal Physiology, Fundamental Processes | Easy to Moderate |
| Part-C |
Hardy Weinberg, Developmental Biology, Limb Development, Population Ecology, Calvin Benson Cycle |
Easy to Moderate |
CSIR NET Life Science Topic-Wise Weightage (Shift 1) for Part A
Part A of the Life Science Paper consists of questions based on the candidate's General Aptitude. The candidates can check the table given below to analyze the number of questions asked in the CSIR NET Life Science Exam (shift 1). Part A of the CSIR NET Life Science exam consists of the following questions:
| Topics |
Weightage |
|---|---|
| Blood relation | 1-2 |
| Order & Ranking | 2 |
| DI (Bar Graph) | 1-2 |
| Profit & Loss | 2 |
| Speed Distance | 3 |
| Ratio & Proportion | 2 |
| Geometry | 2 |
| Algebra | 1-2 |
| Probability | 1 |
CSIR NET Exam Analysis June 2023
Candidates can read the CSIR NET Exam Analysis & Exam Review by the candidates below.
- Mayank said, "Part A & B was easy, Part C is a little bit difficult. Majorly questions were asked from Bio-chemistry & Ecology subjects."
- Sanchi said, "Part C was totally conceptual based & difficult. Part A has most mathematics in it. Overall, the exam was moderate".
- Rahul said, "Major questions were asked from Botany, Biochemistry, Ecology, and Molecular Biology. There were rare questions from Fundamental Science. Part C was moderate."
- Narendra said, "The exam was tough compared to the previous year. Evolution topic was mostly asked in the exam. Part A was easy, Part B & C was Moderate."
Also Read: CSIR NET Life Science Exam Analysis
CSIR NET Section-Wise Analysis (Physical Science)
Candidates can check the CSIR NET Physical Science Analysis in the table below.
| Part Name |
Total MCQs |
Total MCQs to be Attempted |
Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A |
20 |
16 |
Easy to Moderate |
| Part B |
25 |
22 |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Part C |
30 |
27 |
Easy |
| Total |
75 |
75 |
Moderate |
Also Read: CSIR NET Physical Science Exam Analysis
CSIR NET Section-Wise Analysis (Chemical Science)
Candidates can check the CSIR NET Chemical Science Section-wise Analysis in the table below.
| Part Name |
Total MCQs |
Total MCQs to be Attempted |
Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A |
20 |
15 |
Easy to Moderate |
| Part B |
40 |
35 |
Moderate |
| Part C |
60 |
25 |
Easy |
| Total |
120 |
75 |
Moderate |
CSIR NET Section-Wise Exam Analysis 2023 (Life Science)
Candidates can check the CSIR NET Life Science Section-wise Analysis in the table below.
| Part Name |
Total MCQs |
Total MCQs to be Attempted |
Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A |
20 |
15 |
Easy |
| Part B |
50 |
35 |
Easy to Moderate |
| Part C |
75 |
25 |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Total |
145 |
75 |
Moderate |
Also Read: CSIR NET Life Science Exam Analysis (June Session)
CSIR NET Exam Analysis 2022
CSIR NET exam analysis 2022 is provided here based on students' reactions. The exam analysis will help candidates to know the topic-wise distribution of questions, weightage of topics, number of good attempts, etc.
CSIR NET Exam Analysis for Earth Sciences
Check the detailed CSIR NET exam analysis 2022 for the Earth Sciences paper below:
- Stuti stated, “The CSIR NET 2022 exam was moderate in terms of difficulty level. Part-A was easy to attempt.”
- Amisha stated, “The CSIR NET exam was easy to moderate in terms of difficulty level.”
CSIR NET Exam Analysis for Physical Sciences
Check the detailed CSIR NET exam analysis 2022 for the Physical Sciences paper below:
- Mitali stated, “The difficulty level of CSIR NET 2022 was easy. The reasoning was easy as well. If the basic concepts are clear, candidates can attempt the paper easily. Most of the questions were from Quantum Physics.”
- Ekta stated, “CSIR NET 2022 exam was easier in comparison to the previous year’s. The CSIR NET cut-off 2022 would be higher. Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation & Graphical Analysis sections were moderate.”
- Mohit stated, “Overall paper was easy. The questions were from Quantum Physics, etc. The CSIR NET cut-off 2022 will be high this year.”
CSIR NET Exam Review 2022: Section-Wise
The CSIR NET 2022 exam review and analysis have been shared below for Part-A sections - Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation & Graphical Analysis based on the feedback shared by candidates. Have a look:
| Section |
Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| Reasoning |
Easy to Moderate |
| Quantitative Aptitude |
Easy to Moderate |
| Data Interpretation & Graphical Analysis |
Moderate |
CSIR NET Exam Analysis 2021
The paper-wise exam analysis and review are shared below:
CSIR NET Mathematical Sciences Exam Analysis 2021
Here's the detailed analysis of the CSIR NET Mathematical Sciences paper of the CSIR NET 2021 exam based on the student's reactions.
| Part Name |
Total MCQs |
Total MCQs to be Attempted |
Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A |
20 |
15 |
Moderate |
| Part B |
40 |
25 |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Part C |
60 |
20 |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Total |
120 |
60 |
Moderate to Difficult |
CSIR NET Physical Sciences Exam Analysis 2021
The CSIR NET Physical Sciences 2021 exam was conducted online on February 15, 2022, from 3.00 to 6.00 pm. As per the student's reaction, the overall paper was moderate to difficult. Candidates found the Physical Sciences question paper 2021 a bit hard compared to the previous year paper. Have a look at the section-wise analysis and review below.
| Part Name |
Total MCQs |
Total MCQs to be Attempted |
Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A |
20 |
15 |
Moderate |
| Part B |
25 |
20 |
Moderate to difficult |
| Part C |
30 |
20 |
Moderate to difficult |
| Total |
75 |
55 |
Moderate to difficult |
CSIR NET Earth Sciences Exam Analysis 2021
The CSIR NET 2021 exam was conducted online on January 29, 2022, for the Earth Sciences paper. The overall exam was moderate in terms of difficulty level. Candidates who appeared for the CSIR NET exam found Part A and B moderate and Part C moderate to difficult. There was no change in the structure of exam and pattern of the question paper. Shiksha visited one of the CSIR NET exam centres in Delhi to obtain feedback from students. Candidates can check below the section-wise and overall exam analysis for the Earth Sciences paper:
| Part Name (No. Of MCQs) |
Difficulty Level |
Questions to be Attempted |
|---|---|---|
| Part A (20 MCQs) |
Moderate |
15 |
| Part B (50 MCQs) |
Moderate |
35 |
| Part C (80 MCQs) |
Moderate to Difficult |
25 |
| Total (150 MCQs) |
Moderate |
75 |
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
Yes. Candidates clear the CSIR UGC NET exam in three months. But to pass the exam proper strategy is required. They make study plans, do revisions, solve question papers, practice tests, etc. If a candidate study properly then nothing is impossible to crack.
Some of the topics that a candidate can revise in the CSIR NET Chemical Science subject:
Organic Reactive Intermediates: Carbocation, Carbanions, Free Radicals, Benzynes
Stereochemistry: Stereogenicity, Stereoselectivity, Enantioselectivity
Organic Reaction Mechanisms
Pericyclic Reactions
Structure Determination of Organic Compounds
Asymmetric Synthesis, Determination of Enantiomeric and Diastereomeric Excess
IUPAC Nomenclature
Concepts in Organic Synthesis
Chemistry of Natural Products, etc.
CSIR NET Exam Analysis FAQs 2026
Candidates can check below the CSIR NET Exam Analysis FAQs 2026.
The June session exam dates for the CSIR NET 2026 exam are July 17 and 18, 2026 . It will be conducted in two shifts. The whole exam schedule will be released by the authority. It will be announced at csirnet.nta.nic.in.
Officially it is mentioned that CSIR Fellowships or Associateships are tenable in universities, IITs, postgraduate colleges, government research establishments including those of CSIR, R&D establishments of recognised public or private sector industrial firms, and other recognised institutions.
Candidates should follow a balanced approach. No doubt books help in conceptual clarity, and a candidate can study in detail. On the other hand, online platforms provide lectures through video, have updated notes, cover current affairs as well, etc.
As per the information bulletin, there is no end period for the validity of the qualifying certificate of Assistant Professor.
Yes, category affects the CSIR NET cutoff. The CSIR NET cutoff marks vary by category and subject. As per the official notification, candidates must score at least 33% in the General, EWS, and OBC categories and a minimum of 25% in the SC, ST, and PwD categories to qualify for both Fellowship and Lectureship/Assistant Professor.
Candidates can check below the list of Life Science books that will help in the preparation:
- Life Science by Ashish Nagesh, Quaisher J. Hossain
- Life Sciences Books (Vol 1) by Dr. Poonam Sharma
- Plant Physiology by Taiz and Zeiger
- CSIR UGC NET Life Sciences by Trueman’s Publication
- Microbiology by Prescott
- Life Sciences Fundamentals and Practice Part 1 & 2 by Pranav Kumar
- Fundamentals of Life Sciences Volume I and Volume II by Rupendra Singh
Candidates can calculate the CSIR NET Chemical Sciences scores through the answer key in the following manner.
CSIR NET Chemical Science Paper Parts | Marks Allotted for Each Question | Marks Deducted for Each Question |
|---|---|---|
A | +2 | -0.5 |
B | +2 | -0.5 |
C | +4 | -1 |
Officially, the CSIR NET Syllabus is available on the official portal at csirhrdg.res.in. It is available subject-wise in the form of PDF. Candidates can downlaod by visiting the official website. The CSIR NET syllabus is also available on this page itself.
If a candidate finds any discrepancies in the CSIR NET certificate, then he or she should download the certificate again from the official website. But if the same issue persists again, contact the examination authority for assistance.
CSIR NET merit list released on the official website at csirnet.nta.ac.in where candidate can access it via logging in with their credentials.
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