Difference Between UGC NET and CSIR NET: Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Career Scope

UGC NET and CSIR NET are two different national-level exams that are conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and to determine the eligibility of candidates as lecturers. Read further to know the major differences and similarities between UGC NET and CSIR NET exams.

UGC NET and CSIR NET Differences & Similarities

UGC NET and CSIR NET exams are conducted every year allowing aspirants to gain eligibility for lecturership in Indian universities and colleges. Both exams are conducted at the national level and are organised by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Though the motive behind conducting both UGC NET and CSIR NET exams is the same, there are some differences between the two. In this article, we have listed all the major differences and similarities between UGC NET and CSIR NET in order to help candidates gain a complete understanding of both exams. Go through the details below and apply accordingly for the exam.

The UGC NET for the December cycle is expected to be conducted in the month of December and the notification will be released in the month of September/October 2023. However, the NTA will release the UGC NET notification soon on the official website-ugcnet.nta.nic.in 

Similarities between UGC NET & CSIR NET

Before going through the differences between the two exams, let us check the major similarities between UGC NET and CSIR NET below:

• Exam purpose: Both exams are conducted to shortlist candidates for the post of Assistant Professor and JRF
• Frequency of exams: Both exams are conducted twice a year in the months of July and December
• Level of exams: Both exams are conducted at the national level in multiple states and cities across India
• Conducting body: Both exams are conducted by the NTA itself
• Assessment: In both exams, candidates are assessed on their general aptitude as well as subject-knowledge
• Qualifying criteria: In both exams, the top six per cent of qualifying candidates are declared eligible for lectureship, and about two to three per cent of candidates are shortlisted for both JRF and lectureship

How to Distinguish between UGC NET and CSIR NET: 

The UGC NET and CSIR UGC NET exams are different in terms of applicability, exam subjects, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and other aspects. Check these differences in detail below.

UGC NET Vs CSIR NET: Exam Subjects

The UGC NET exam is conducted for a total of 83 subjects from various streams. On the other hand, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test (CSIR NET) is conducted in the subject areas falling under the faculty of Science & Technology only. Have a look at the details below:

UGC NET Vs CSIR NET: Eligibility Criteria

The basic difference between the UGC NET and CSIR NET eligibility is mentioned below:

Also Read:

• UGC NET Eligibility – Educational Qualification, Age Criteria, Reservations & More
• CSIR NET Eligibility – Check Educational Qualification, Age Limit, Reservations & More

UGC NET Vs CSIR NET: Exam Pattern

The exam pattern for UGC NET and CSIR NET exams is different as mentioned below:

UGC NET exam pattern: UGC NET is an online exam that consists of two papers containing objective-type questions. Paper 1 contains 50 questions of 100 marks and paper 2 contains 100 questions of 200 marks. Both the papers are conducted in a single duration of three hours.  

Also Read:

UGC NET exam pattern

UGC NET syllabus

CSIR NET exam pattern: CSIR NET is an online exam containing objective-type questions of 200 marks. The question paper is divided into three parts – A, B and C. Each part contains a different number of questions. The total number of questions in the CSIR UGC NET exam also varies depending on the subject for which the candidate is appearing. The total duration to complete the exam is three hours.

Also Read:

CSIR NET exam pattern

CSIR NET syllabus

UGC NET Vs CSIR NET: Number of Test Takers

The number of candidates appearing in UGC NET exam is much larger than the number of aspirants giving the CSIR NET exam every year. Have a look at the number of applicants and test-takers below:

UGC NET Vs CSIR NET: Career Scope

Candidates qualifying the UGC NET exam are eligible to work with UGC coordinating institutes. On the other hand, aspirants qualifying the CSIR NET exam are eligible to work with CSIR Research Laboratories.

Read More:

• UGC NET Normalisation of Marks 2023: Result Preparation Criteria
• CSIR NET Normalisation of Marks 2023: Percentile Calculator & Result Preparation
• What is the difference between NET and SET?
• Teaching Exams for Government Jobs in India- NET, SET & TET