CSIR NET Life Science Books 2025: Check Unit-Wise Booklist for Life Sciences
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test 2025 ( CSIR NET )
Registration - 25 Sep '25 - 24 Oct '25
The Life Science exam for the CSIR NET 2025 June session will be conducted on July 28, 2025. Books plays a crucial role in the preparation of any competitive exam. Here we have curated the list of CSIR NET best books that will help in studying and revision for the June session. Scroll down for more details.
CSIR NET Life Sciences Books 2025
The NTA CSIR NET 2025 June session exam will be held in s asingle day as per the revised exam dates. It will be conducted on July 28, 2025. The notification was released on June 3, 2025. Few days are left for the exam, candidates can check below the list of important CSIR NET Life Science books. It is one of the most important subjects in CSIR NET. During the preparation for CSIR NET 2025 exam, CSIR NET Life Science books play a significant part in the candidate’s preparation. CSIR NET Life Science exam pattern consists of three parts in which 75 questions are needed to be attempt out of 145 questions. The exam is of 200 marks and candidates will get three hours to complete the exam. Read here to check the best books for the preparation of CSIR NET 2025.
CSIR NET is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Candidates clearing the CSIR NET exam can become lecturers in the subject areas falling under the faculty of Science & Technology only.
- CSIR NET Life Science Exam Pattern 2025
- CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus 2025
- Best Books for CSIR NET Life Science 2025
- CSIR NET Life Science Prep Tips 2025
- CSIR NET Life Science Books FAQs 2025
CSIR NET Life Science Exam Pattern 2025
Though the CSIR NET exam pattern 2025 differs as per the subject chosen by the candidate, given below is the CSIR NET Exam Pattern valid for only those candidates who have chosen Life Science as their subject in Part B and C.
Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates
6 Oct '25 - 7 Oct '25
12 Oct '25
26 Sep '25 - 16 Oct '25
UGC NET
27 Oct '25 - 31 Oct '25
15 Nov '25 - 16 Nov '25
4 Oct '25 - 6 Oct '25
| Particulars |
CSIR NET Life Science Exam Pattern Highlights |
|---|---|
| Exam mode |
Online |
| Exam duration |
180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Number of sections/parts |
Three |
| Total Number of Questions |
145 |
| Questions need to be attempted |
75 |
| Pattern |
|
| Total marks |
200 |
| Negative marking |
Yes; 25% deduction for the wrong answer |
| Language of paper |
English and Hindi |
Also Read: CSIR NET Important Dates 2025
CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus 2025
The CSIR NET Syllabus of Life Science is divided into 13 parts and each part contributes an equal share in the exam.
- Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology
- Cellular Organization
- Fundamental Processes
- Cell Communication and Cell Signaling
- Developmental Biology
- System Physiology – Plant
- System Physiology – Animal
- Inheritance Biology
- Diversity of Life Forms
- Ecological Principles
- Evolution and Behavior
- Applied Biology
- Methods in Biology
Best Books for CSIR NET Life Science 2025
Candidates need to follow the best CSIR NET Life Science Book available to get a good score in the exam. Unit-wise best books for life science preparation are given below.
| Unit Name |
Book Name |
|---|---|
| Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology |
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry- Nelson, and Cox |
| International Edition of Biochemistry Written by Stryer, Berg and Tymoczko |
|
| Principles of Biochemistry by Voet |
|
| Cellular Organization |
Molecular Cell Biology- Lodish |
| Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments by Gerald Karp |
|
| The Cell: A Molecular Approach by Geoffrey M Cooper, and Robert E Hausman |
|
| Cell Signaling |
Kuby Immunology- Owen, Punt, Stanford,7th Ed |
| Immunology (Schaum’s series) By Pinchuk |
|
| Microbiology |
Microbiology by Prescott |
| Brock Biology of Microorganisms by Madigan |
|
| Developmental Biology |
Developmental Biology - Scott F. Gilbert |
| Molecular Cell Biology- Lodish |
|
| System Physiology – Plant |
Plant Physiology - Taiz and Zeiger |
| Introductory Plant Biology by Stern |
|
| System Physiology – Animal |
Human Anatomy and Physiology by Graaff |
| Animal Biology (Instant Notes) by Jurd |
|
| Inheritance Biology |
Principles of Genetics- D. Peter Snustad, Michael J. Simmons |
| Principles of Genetics- Robert H. Tamrin |
|
| Genetics: A Conceptual Approach by Benjamin A. Pierce |
|
| Bioinformatics |
Bioinformatics by Baevanis & Oullette |
| Bioinformatics (Instant Notes) by Hodgman |
|
| Ecological Principles |
Elements of Ecology By Smith & Smith |
| Evolution and Behavior |
The Evolution Handbook by Vance Ferrell |
| Theory of Evolution by Dawkins & Maynard |
|
| Applied Biology |
Genomes 3 by T.A. Brown |
| Industrial Microbiology by Casida |
|
| Methods in Biology |
Principles of Gene Manipulation and Genomics-S.B. Primrose and R.M. Twyman |
CSIR NET Life Science Prep Tips 2025
Candidates can prepare for the CSIR NET Life Science exam by following the tips given below:
- 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 need to prepare a routine involving more focus on the Candidate’s weak topics and lesser on the strong 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 check the questions that have been asked more.
- Look for the study material that suits you the most from the list of Books given above. No need to read all the books for the preparation.
Read More:
CSIR NET Life Science Books FAQs 2025
Q. How many questions will be asked from the Life Science section in CSIR NET exam?
A. According to the CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2025, there are 75 questions asked in the Life Science section.
Q. Which are the best books to prepare for Bio-Chemistry in Life Science?
A. The best books to prepare for Bio-Chemistry are as follows:
- Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry- Nelson, and Cox
- International Edition of Biochemistry Written by Stryer, Berg and Tymoczko
- Principles of Biochemistry by Voet
Q. What tips can a candidate preparing for CSIR NET Life Science use to make their preparation easy and smart?
A. Effective study plan, solving CSIR NET Previous Year's Question papers, being aware of the complete syllabus, and clearing doubts with your teachers are a few tips that the candidates can apply to make their preparation smart and easy and prepare themselves to crack the exam.
Q. What are some of the best books of CSIR NET Life Science for the preparation of Micro-Biology?
A. The best books to prepare for Micro-Biology are as follows:
- Microbiology by Prescott
- Brock Biology of Microorganisms by Madigan
Q. Is there any Negative Marking in the CSIR NET 2025 exam?
A. Yes, 25% of marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
Q. How long does it take to prepare for the CSIR NET exam?
A. It is advisable that candidates should at least devote five to six months to prepare for the CSIR NET exam in order to score high in the exam.
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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 2 months 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