CSIR NET Preparation Tips 2025: Know How to Prepare for Dec CSIR UGC NET

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test 2025 ( CSIR NET )

Shikha Goyal
Updated on Dec 3, 2025 12:14 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

CSIR NET Preparation 2025: The National Testing Agency conducted the CSIR NET 2025 exam on December 18. Few days are left. Candidates must focus on revision and practice mock tests. It is a prestigious examination conducted at national level for the program of Junior Research Fellowships (JRF), PhD programs, and Assistant Professor positions across India. Candidates should study first high weightage topics and solve previous years papers. Candidates can check below the CSIR NET 2025 preparation strategy. Lakhs of candidates appeared for the CSIR NET exam. 

Candidates need to give their best in order to crack the CSIR NET exam and become eligible to secure a job in universities and colleges in India. Shiksha brings to you the best CSIR NET Preparation Tips 2025 that candidates should follow to crack the exam with flying colours. However, before talking about the preparation tips, candidates should have an idea about the CSIR NET Exam Pattern.

Table of contents
  • How to Prepare for CSIR NET 2025?
  • CSIR NET Preparation Tips 2025
  • CSIR NET Preparation 2025: Syllabus & Exam Pattern
  • CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025
  • CSIR NET Preparation FAQs 2025
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How to Prepare for CSIR NET 2025?

See below how to prepare :

Best Books 

With a number of preparation books available in the market, it often gets difficult to choose the right ones. Check out some of the points to be considered while choosing the best books for preparation:

  • Opt for books  by renowned authors or reputed publishing houses only
  • Always check the year of publication and edition of the book
  • Choose books with lots of CSIR NET previous years’ question papers and sample papers

Have a look at the Paper-wise Books below:

Chemical Sciences

Joint CSIR-UGC NET Chemical Science (Paper-II & III) by Narender Sharma

CSIR-UGC NET/JRF/SET Chemical Sciences by Dr Hemant Kulshrestha and Dr Ajay Taneja

Trueman's UGC-CSIR JRF / NET Chemical Sciences (Chemistry) by M Gagan

Modern Methods of Organic Synthesis by William Carruthers

Physical Sciences

CSIR-UGC NET/JRF/SET Physical Sciences by Dr Surekha Tomar

Mathematical Physics by HK Dass and Rama Verma

Classical Mechanics by JC Upadhya

Modern Physics and Solid State Physics by SO Pillai

Mathematical Sciences

CSIR-UGC NET/JRF/SET Mathematical Sciences by Alok Kumar (Upkar)

Real Analysis by HL Royden

Complex Variables and Applications by Ruel Churchill and James Brown

Contemporary Abstract Algebra by Joseph A Gallian

Life Sciences

Biochemistry by Lubert Stryer and Jeremy M Berg

Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant by Bernard J Glick, Jack J Pasternak and Cheryl L Patten

Plant Physiology by Ross and Salisbury

Kuby Immunology by Thomas J Kindt 

Earth Sciences

CSIR-UGC NET/JRF Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences Exam Guide by Surendra Kumar

An Objective Earth Sciences by S Ahmad

Earth Science: The Physical Setting by Jeffrey C Callister 

Climatology and Oceanography by DS Lal

CSIR NET Question Papers & Mock Tests

One of the most important aspects of CSIR UGC NET preparation is practising previous years’ question papers and sample papers and attempting mock tests. Practising CSIR NET question papers not only helps in improving the time management skills of candidates but also helps them analyse their weak areas for the exam.  

On the other hand, since CSIR UGC NET is conducted by NTA in online mode, attempting mock tests gives the real look and feel of the paper to candidates. This helps them increase their confidence for the exam and avoid making mistakes during the paper.  

CSIR NET Exam Analysis

Previous years' CSIR NET exam analysis is one of the best ways to prepare for the exam. By going through the exam analysis and review, candidates get to know the difficulty level of the CSIR NET question paper. Have a look at the previous year's exam analysis below: 

CSIR NET Topper Tips

Go through topper interviews for the CSIR NET preparation.  

CSIR UGC NET Toppers

Preparation Strategy and How They Cracked It

Bhanu Pratap Singh

Subject: Physical Science

  • Followed a proper routine
  • Focused on clearing basics for each topic
  • Attempted a series of practice/ mock tests

Bilal Ahmed

Subject: Life Science

  • Kept pace with both Paper 1 and Paper 2
  • Prepared from multiple books containing facts  
  • Revised each topic multiple times
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the date for CSIR NET Dec 2025 exam?
A: 

The December session exam of CSIR NET 2025 was conducted on December 18 in two shifts. The whole exam schedule was released by the authority. It was released at csirnet.nta.nic.in. 

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CSIR NET Preparation Tips 2025

Check below in detail the preparation tipcs of CSIR NET exam:

  • Candidates should try to solve a mock test for CSIR NET before starting preparation to check their level of preparation
  • Candidates should prepare a routing involving more focus on the Candidate’s weak topics and less on the strong topics
  • It is advisable to start with the basics and then move on to the advanced topics
  • Note-taking is also suggested for such topics which need constant revision
  • Revise each topic before starting a new one. It would enhance the retention capacity
  • Check out the previous year's papers for CSIR NET and the questions that have been asked
  • Look for the study material that suits you the most from a list of Books. No need to read all the books for the preparation

Therefore, we can say that CSIR NET preparation should be done via right approach and with a consistent determination. Thoroughly revise the syllabus and prioritize the important topics. Revise the core subjects and maintain a balanced preparation. Strengthen the frequently asked topics or subjects asked in the examination. Solve past papers that will help to know the difficulty level and also help in the time management. With the help of Mock test, candidate will improve speed and accuracy. 

Read More:

CSIR NET Application Form 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can I clear CSIR NET in 3 months?
A: 

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. 

 

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CSIR NET Preparation 2025: Syllabus & Exam Pattern

The first and foremost thing for effective preparation for the exam is being well-versed with the CSIR NET Syllabus and exam pattern.

Download CSIR NET Syllabus 2025

Click Here

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Should a candidate rely on books or online resources for CSIR NET Preparation 2025?
A: 

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. 

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CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025

Though CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025 differs as per the subject chosen by the candidate, given below are some pattern highlights valid for all candidates:

Particulars

CSIR NET Exam Pattern Highlights

Exam mode

Online

Exam duration

180 minutes (3 hours)

Number of sections/parts

3

Total questions to be attempted

  • Chemical Sciences: 75
  • Earth Sciences: 75
  • Life Sciences: 75
  • Mathematical Sciences: 60
  • Physical Sciences: 55

Type of questions

MCQs; 4 options with only 1 correct option

Total marks

200 for each paper

Negative marking

Yes

Language of paper

English and Hindi

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are CSIR NET subjects?
A: 

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.

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CSIR NET Preparation FAQs 2025

Candidates can check below the CSIR NET Preparation FAQs.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the valid period of the qualifying certificate of Assistant Professor?
A: 

As per the information bulletin, there is no end period for the validity of the qualifying certificate of Assistant Professor. 

Q:   Where will the CSIR NET 2025 December session result be released?
A: 

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 eligibility certificate and JRF Award Letter.

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CSIR NET Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 4 days ago

List of some the books that are helpful for the CSIR NET Earth Science preparation are mentioned below:

  • Environmental Geology by Edward A Keller
  • Structural Geology by Haakon Fossen
  • Sedimentology and Stratigraphy by Gary Nichols
  • Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy by Sam Boggs Jr.
  • Vertebrate Pale

...Read more

N

Nitesh Pruthi

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 days ago

The list of some of the important topics of Mathematical Science paper is mentioned below:

  • Analysis
  • Numerical & Complex Analysis
  • Calculus of Variations
  • Linear Integral Equations
  • Algebra
  • Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs)
  • Descriptive Statistics, Exploratory Data 
  • Classical Mechanics

S

Shikha Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 days ago

The CSIR NET Physical Science Paper consists of the important topics as mentioned below:

  • Mathematical Methods of Physics
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics
  • Electromagnetic Theory
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Electronics and Experimental Methods

M

Manisha Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 days ago

Topics that are covered in the CSIR NET Life Science exam are listed below:

  • Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology
  • Cellular Organization
  • Cell Communication and Cell Signaling
  • Developmental Biology
  • System Physiology – Plant
  • System Physiology – Animal
  • Fundamental Processes
  • Ecological Principles
  • Ev

...Read more

C

Chanchal Shekhar

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 days ago

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. 

I

Ishita Kaur

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

Yes, the NTA released the CSIR NET 2025 Answer Key on its portal. The candidates were required to login with their credentials to download their subject answer key. The last date to send objections was January 1, 2026.

M

Manori Malhotra

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes. The NTA has released the CSIR UGC NET 2025 Provisional Answer Key for the December session. Candidates can download it by visiting the official portal or via a direct link provided on this page. They required login credentials to check the answer key.

I

Ishita Kaur

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

The CSIR NET 2025 exam was conducted on December 18 in two shifts. As per the schedule released, the Mathematical Science exam was held from 3 pm to 6 pm on Dec 18. 

I

Ishita Kaur

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

The CSIR NET 2025 Notification was released on September 25 in the form of PDF at csirnet.nta.nic.in. The notification conists if the important information related to the exam like exam dates, syllabus, pattern of an exam, etc.

G

Gunjan Majumder

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

The National Testing Agency declare the CSIR NET Cut off. It will be released subject and category-wise. The cut off is prepared on the basis of several factors including difficulty of the exam, reservation norms, number of candidates, etc.

K

Kritika Sharma

Contributor-Level 6

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