CSIR NET Exam Analysis 2025: Dec Exam Review, Student's Reaction & Difficulty Level
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test 2025 ( CSIR NET )
Exam On - 18 Dec '25
CSIR NET 2025 Analysis: The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the CSIR NET Exam on December 18, 2025 in a single day across the country. After the conclusion of an exam, we will provide the CSIR NET Exam Analysis 2025 based on the responses received from the candidates. The CSIR NET analysis will help candidates to know the about the level of diffculty of the exam, questions and topics asked in the 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 Dec Exam Analysis 2025
- CSIR NET June Exam Analysis 2025
- CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025
- Previous Years' CSIR NET Exam Analysis & Review
- CSIR NET Exam Analysis 2023 (June Session)
- CSIR NET Exam Analysis 2022
- CSIR NET Exam Analysis 2021
- CSIR NET Exam Analysis FAQs 2025
CSIR NET Dec Exam Analysis 2025
One of the important aspects of the preparation strategy is CSIR NET Exam Analysis. CSIR NET Exam Analysis 2025 for December session will be shared here after the conduction of an exam. It will help the candidates to prepare well for their upcoming days' exams. In this article, we are providing you with the CSIR UGC NET Exam Analysis to help the candidates know the good attempts for the exam and know the difficulty level.
Commonly asked questions
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. Several candidates have cleared the CSIR NET examination in three months by following a proper study plan, focusing on the important topics, frequent revision, mock test practice, previous year questions, etc.
CSIR NET June Exam Analysis 2025
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 June 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 | 10-12 | Easy to Moderate |
Part B | 40 | 25 | 14-18 | Moderate to Difficult |
Part C | 60 | 20 | 16-20 | Moderate to Difficult |
Total | 120 | 60 | 110-115+ Marks | Moderate to Difficult |
Candidates can check the CSIR NET 2025 Chemical Science section-wise difficulty level and good attempts for the June 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 | 8-12 | Moderate |
Part B | 40 | 35 | 14-18 (approx) | Moderate to Difficult |
Part C | 60 | 25 | 17-20 (approx) | Difficult |
Total | 120 | 75 | 105-110+ Marks | Moderate to Difficult |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025
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 CSIR UGC NET 2025 exam comprises subjects including Earth Science, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. It is crucial for a candidate to select one subject from the CSIR NET subject list 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 |
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
The NTA conducted the CSIR NET 2024 Mathematical Science Exam 2024 on July 25 in shift 2 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. As per the student reactions, the overall difficulty level of the CSIR NET 2024 Mathematical Science exam was moderate to difficult. Topics asked in the exam with high-weightage are:
- Sequence and Series
- Vector Space
- Limit and Continuity
- Matrices
- Vector Space
- Quadratic Form
- Homomorphism
- Analytic Functions
- Bilinear mapping
- Identity Theorem
- System of ODE
- Degree of Differential Equations
- Sympson one-third rule
- Trapezoidal rule
- Integrative method
CSIR NET Exam Analysis 2023 (June Session)
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)
Commonly asked questions
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. It also depends upon the candidate's feasibility and which method he or she is comfortable with for the preparation. Both books and online resources have their own importance. So, a balanced approach may benefit in the preparation.
As per the information bulletin, there is no end period for the validity of the qualifying certificate of Assistant Professor.
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 |
Commonly asked questions
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.
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 |
Commonly asked questions
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 |
CSIR NET Exam Analysis FAQs 2025
Commonly asked questions
The exam dates for the Dec session of the CSIR NET 2025 is December 18, 2025. The detailed schedule and exact timings of the examination will be released on the official website.
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.
CSIR NET Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
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 Dete
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The authority will release the CSIR NET 2025 result for the December session on the official website at csirnet.nta.nic.in. It will contain the name of a candidate, roll number, category, parents' name, Post applied (JRF and Assistant Professor or Assistant Professor Only), subject code, etc.
G
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
The authority will release the CSIR NET answer key on the official website at csirnet.nta.nic.in. It contains correct answers for all the questions asked in the exam. The answer key contains the following details as mentioned below:
Exam name | Exam date |
Exam shift | Exam subject name |
Exam subject code | Question IDs |
Correct option IDs | - |
V
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
The CSIR NET 2025 final answer key will be released on the official website at csirnet.nta.nic.in. After analysing the representations of the aspirants, the NTA will release the CSIR UGC NET final answer key for the Dec session. The answer key will be released in two phases- Provisional and Final.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
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 |
K
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
As per the information bulletin, the upper age limit for the CSIR NET exam should not be more than 30 years as on the first day of the month in which the examination is concluded. A relaxation of upto 5 years is provided to the candidates belonging to OBC-NCL (as per the Central list of OBC) /SC/ST/
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
The CSIR NET 2025 application form was released on September 25 at csirnet.nta.nic.in. The last date to apply was October 27, 2025. Candidates can fill out the application form by visiting the official website or through a direct link provided here on this page.
C
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates can check below the specifications required to upload the images in the CSIR NET application form:
| Documents | Format | Size in KB |
|---|---|---|
| Photograph | JPG | 10-200 |
| Signature | JPG | 10-50 |
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 weeks ago
The authority will release the CSIR NET 2025 result for the December session at csirnet.nta.nic.in. Candidates required an application number and date of birth to view their scorecard. After the CSIR NET result, the candidates who will be qualified for the exam will be provided with the CSIR NET eli
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 weeks ago
As per the information bulletin, there is no end period for the validity of the qualifying certificate of Assistant Professor.
S
Contributor-Level 6
LIC AAO Mains Admit Card 31 Oct '25 - 8 Nov '25
What are the topics to revise in the CSIR NET Chemical Science?