CSIR NET Preparation Tips 2025: Know How to Prepare for CSIR UGC NET
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test 2025 ( CSIR NET )
Registration - 25 Sep '25 - 24 Oct '25
CSIR NET Preparation 2025: The CSIR NET 2025 December session exam dates will be released on the official website. The June session exam was conducted on July 28, 2025. Candidates can check below the preparation strategy for the CSIR NET 2025 exam. Lakhs of candidates appeared for the CSIR NET exam. The NTA CSIR UGC NET exam is one of the most sought-after exams by candidates who want to obtain eligibility for a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship (LS)/Assistant Professorship in Indian universities and colleges. As the competition among candidates to crack the exam is huge, it is important to have the right CSIR NET Preparation Strategy 2025 to ensure success in the exam.
CSIR UGC NET is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Subjects in which candidates can pursue JRF or become lecturers through the CSIR NET exam are:
- Chemical Sciences
- Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
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.
- CSIR NET Preparation 2025: Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- How to Prepare for CSIR NET 2025?
- CSIR NET Preparation Tips 2025
CSIR NET Preparation 2025: Syllabus & Exam Pattern
The first and foremost step towards effective preparation for the exam is being well-versed with the CSIR NET Syllabus and exam pattern.
| Download CSIR NET Syllabus 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 |
|
| 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 |
How to Prepare for CSIR NET 2025?
Check out some important points given below for effective CSIR NET Preparation 2025:
CSIR NET Best Books 2025
With a number of CSIR NET 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 CSIR NET preparation:
- Opt for CSIR UGC NET books 2025 by renowned authors or reputed publishing houses only
- Always check the year of publication and edition of the book
- Choose books with lots of previous years’ CSIR NET question papers and sample papers
Have a look at the Paper-wise CSIR NET 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.
Also Read: How to crack CSIR NET Life Sciences 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 |
|---|---|
| Subject: Physical Science |
|
| Subject: Life Science |
|
CSIR NET Preparation Tips 2025
Some beneficial preparation tips for CSIR NET 2025 exam are as follows:
- Candidates are advised to go through the syllabus and exam pattern before commencing their preparation for the 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
Read More:
CSIR NET Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
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 a
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
No. The syllabus of CSIR NET is the same for JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) and Lectureship (Assistant Professor). The difference that lies is only in the cut-off marks and not in the syllabus.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
To pass the CSIR NET 2025 exam, candidates must score a minimum of 33 per cent in the General, EWS, and OBC categories and 25 per cent in the SC, ST, and PwD categories for both fellowship and Lectureship/Assistant Professor.
I
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 months ago
As per the official website, stipend of a JRF selected through CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) will be Rs 37,000/ p.m for the first two years. In addition, annual contingent grant of Rs. 20,000/- per fellow will also be provided to the fellow.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
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.
C
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
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.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
The CSIR NET 2025 June session city slip released on the official website at csirnet.nta.ac.in. The CSIR NET 2025 exam is conducted on July 28, 2025.
G
Contributor-Level 6
Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates
IBPS Clerk prelims admit card 24 Sep '25 - 5 Oct '25
Should a candidate rely on books or online resources for CSIR NET Preparation 2025?