CSIR NET Question Paper 2025: Download PDFs With Solutions

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test 2026 ( CSIR NET )

Shikha Goyal
Updated on Jan 11, 2026 11:19 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

CSIR UGC NET Question Papers 2025: The National Testing Agency released the Provisional Answer Key along with the Question Papers with recorded responses on the official portal at csirnet.nta.nic.in. The answer key challenge window was opened from December 12 to January 1, 2026. The last date for fee payment was January 1, 2026. The CSIR NET December session exam was conducted on December 18, 2025 in CBT Mode across India for 2,12,552 candidates. Here we have provided the Previous year question papers also. It is important for the candidates to practice the question papers and boost their performance for the CSIR NET exam

With the help of previous year papers. candidates can imporve their speed, come to know the topics asked in the exam and the CSIR NET Exam Pattern. Scroll down to know the benefits of solving the CSIR NET question papers 2025 along with important FAQs.

 

Table of contents
  • CSIR NET Previous Year's Question Papers
  • CSIR NET Questions Papers 2019
  • CSIR NET Question Papers 2018
  • Benefits of Practising CSIR NET Question Papers
  • How to Download CSIR NET Question Papers 2025?
  • CSIR NET Prep Tips 2025
  • CSIR NET Sample Papers FAQs 2025
View More
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CSIR NET Previous Year's Question Papers

CSIR NET Previous Year's Question Papers help candidates in their preparation for the CSIR NET exam. CSIR NET Previous Year's Question Papers have been provided in this article below. Candidates can download the Previous Year's Question Papers here.. The CSIR NET Previous Question Papers have been provided below in the PDF format.

CSIR NET 2024 December Question Paper and Answer Key PDF

Candidates can check below the CSIR NET 2024 December Session Question Papers and Answer Key PDFs.

Subject Question Paper PDF Answer Key PDF
Mathematical Sciences Download Here Download Here
Chemical Sciences Download Here Download Here
Physical Sciences Download Here Download Here

Life Sciences 1

Download Here Download Here
Life Sciences 2 Download Here Download Here
Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences  Download Here Download Here
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is the CSIR NET 2025 Answer Key OUT?
A: 

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.

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. 

Download previous year CSIR NET question papers and sample papers. Use them for practice and improve your speed and accuracy. You can download CSIR NET previous year question papers and the preparation guides for free.

CSIR NET Questions Papers 2019

CSIR NET June 2019 Chemical Sciences Actual Question Paper (Set-A)
CSIR NET June 2019 Chemical Sciences Actual Question Paper (Set-B)
CSIR NET June 2019 Chemical Sciences Actual Question Paper (Set-C)
CSIR NET June 2019 Earth Sciences Actual Question Paper (Set-A)
CSIR NET June 2019 Earth Sciences Actual Question Paper (Set-B)
CSIR NET June 2019 Earth Sciences Actual Question Paper (Set-C)
CSIR NET June 2019 Life Sciences Actual Question Paper (Set-A)
CSIR NET June 2019 Life Sciences Actual Question Paper (Set-B)
CSIR NET June 2019 Life Sciences Actual Question Paper (Set-C)
CSIR NET June 2019 Mathematical Sciences Actual Question Paper (Set-A)
CSIR NET June 2019 Mathematical Sciences Actual Question Paper (Set-B)
CSIR NET June 2019 Mathematical Sciences Actual Question Paper (Set-C)
CSIR NET June 2019 Physical Sciences Actual Question Paper (Set-A)
CSIR NET June 2019 Physical Sciences Actual Question Paper (Set-B)
CSIR NET June 2019 Physical Sciences Actual Question Paper (Set-C)

CSIR NET Question Papers 2018

CSIR NET Chemical Science Question Paper 2018 for June Session
CSIR NET Chemical Science Question Paper 2018 for December Session
CSIR NET Earth Science Question Paper 2018 for June Session
CSIR NET Earth Science Question Paper 2018 for December Session
CSIR NET Life Science Question Paper 2018 for June Session
CSIR NET Life Science Question Paper 2018 for December Session
CSIR NET Mathematical Science Question Paper 2018 for June Session
CSIR NET Mathematical Science Question Paper 2018 for December Session
CSIR NET Physical Science Question Paper 2018 for June Session
CSIR NET Physical Science Question Paper 2018 for December Session
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Benefits of Practising CSIR NET Question Papers

Candidates who are appearing in the upcoming CSIR NET December exam should solve the previous year question papers to get acquainted with the pattern of an exam and prepare accordingly for the exam. Have a look at the benefits of solving CSIR NET question papers below.

  • Candidates get familiar with the topics which they need to cover for the exam
  • Candidates get to know their strong and weak areas
  • It helps in managing time for answering questions during the exam 
  • Candidates can analyse the already attempted papers to know their mistakes and hence, can work for improvement

Also Read: CSIR NET Syllabus 

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. 

 

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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How to Download CSIR NET Question Papers 2025?

The NTA will release the CSIR NET Question Papers along with the provisional answer key and marked responses. Candidates can download the question paper by following manner:

  • Visit csirnet.nta.nic.in
  • Click on the answer key & question paper link
  • Login using the required details
  • Download the question paper PDF

Also Read: CSIR NET Exam Pattern

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. 

Q:   What is the marking scheme of CSIR NET Chemical Science subject?
A: 

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

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CSIR NET Prep Tips 2025

Candidates should go through the CSIR NET Syllabus and Exam pattern properly to ace in the preparation. Candidates can check below some of the preparation tips including the topics to revise, focus on revision, formulas, prioritize the areas to revise, focus on concepts, etc. See below preparation tips for CSIR NET:

  • Before starting preparation, solve mock test for CSIR NET.
  • Focus more on topics in which you are weak.
  • First start with basic topics and then move to advanced ones.
  • Create notes to refer during revision
  • Solve previous year papers

Read More:

CSIR NET Exam Dates 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the full form of CSIR NET?
A: 

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.

Q:   What information is provided on the CSIR NET answer key?
A: 

The authority will release the CSIR NET answer key at csirnet.nta.nic.in. It contains correct answers for all the questions asked in the exam. Check below for more details:

Exam name

Exam date

Exam shift

Exam subject name

Exam subject code

Question IDs

Correct option IDs

-

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CSIR NET Sample Papers FAQs 2025

Candidates can check below CSIR NET Sample Papers FAQs 2025.

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 released 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.

Q:   What are the important topics covered in CSIR NET Physical Science Paper?
A: 

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
Q:   What are the important topics covered in CSIR NET Mathematical Science Paper?
A: 

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
Q:   What are the topics to revise in the CSIR NET Chemical Science?
A: 

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.

Q:   Which books are useful for life science preparation?
A: 

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
Q:   What is the upper age limit to apply for the CSIR NET exam?
A: 

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/PwD/PwBD/Third gender categories and to women applicants.

Q:   Where is the CSIR NET Syllabus available?
A: 

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. 

Q:   What are the topics covered in Life Science for CSIR NET exam?
A: 

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
  • Evolution and Behavior
  • Inheritance Biology
  • Diversity of Life Forms
  • Applied Biology
  • Methods in Biology, etc.

Q:   What will be the impact on the CSIR NET 2026 cutoff if the difficulty level of the exam is significantly higher than previous years?
A: 

If the difficulty level of the CSIR NET exam is higher than the last year question papers then there is a chance that the cut off will be decreased. Also, some of the candidates will gain high marks and so to maintain it the authority adjust the cutoff.

 

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CSIR NET Exam

Student Forum

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

Answered 4 days ago

The CSIR NET 2026 Notification for the June session will be released in the form of PDF at csirnet.nta.nic.in. It conists of the important information related to the exam like important dates, syllabus, pattern, etc.

M

Manisha Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 days ago

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Eligibility Test exam is conducted twice in a year, mainly in the months of June and December. It will be held for five subjects that is Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Earth Sciences.

S

Satyendra Garg

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

The authority released the CSIR NET 2025 December session result on the official website at csirnet.nta.nic.in. It has been released in the form of PDF. It also consists of the roll numbers and rank of candidates who qualified the exam. 

V

Virajita Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month 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 a month 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 a month 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 a month 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 a month 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 month 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

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month 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

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