CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024, Subject-wise Pattern, Negative Marking
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024 is crucial for students who want to thrive in the fields of research and teaching. Understanding the examination structure is critical because it sets the format, marking scheme, and subject-wise distribution of questions. We go into the entire CSIR NET 2024 exam pattern in this post so as to present you with a clear roadmap for your preparation and success in this renowned examination. The exam pattern for all the five subjects to be tested on is explained in detail in the post for thorough understanding of the candidate.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024
The CSIR NET 2024 exam pattern consists of five papers. The exam is conducted to assess the eligibility of candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and lectureship in various science disciplines. Below is the general exam pattern:
| Subjects | Number of questions asked |
| Life Sciences | 145 |
| Physical Sciences | 75 |
| Chemical Sciences | 120 |
| Mathematical Sciences | 120 |
| Earth Sciences | 150 |
The CSIR NET 2024 exam is held in a computer-based test (CBT) mode. Candidates must select one of the five subjects (Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Earth Sciences) during the application process, based on their academic background and expertise.The exam is of a total of 200 marks and is of 3 hours. Each question carries 2 marks. Negative marking applies with 1/4 mark being deducted for each incorrect response.
The question paper will be divided into three sections:
Section A: This section will be common to all subjects and will consist of a maximum of 20 General Aptitude questions. Candidates must answer any 15 of these questions, each carrying two marks. The total marks for this section will be 30 out of 200.
Section B: This part will contain subject-specific multiple-choice questions (MCQs). It will contribute 70 marks out of the total 200 marks. The number of questions to be attempted in this section will vary between 20 and 35.
Section C: In this section, candidates will encounter higher value questions that may assess their understanding of scientific concepts and their ability to apply these concepts analytically to solve scientific problems. This section will be worth 100 marks out of 200.
CSIR NET 2024 Exam Pattern for Life Sciences
The candidate must answer a maximum of 15, 35, and 25 questions from Parts A, B, and C, respectively. If more than the requisite number of questions are answered, only the first 15, 35, and 25 questions in Part A, Part B, and Part C will be evaluated. Four possibilities or responses are provided for each question in Parts A, B, and C.
The following is the Exam Pattern for Life Sciences:-
| CSIR NET Life Science Exam Pattern | ||||
| Sections | Total Questions | Questions to attempt | Marks Allotted | Negative marking |
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0.5 |
| Part B | 50 | 35 | 2 | 0.5 |
| Part C | 75 | 25 | 4 | 1 |
| Total | 145 | 75 | 200 | – |
CSIR NET 2024 Exam Pattern for Physical Sciences
The candidate must answer a maximum of 15, 20, and 20 questions from Parts A, B, and C, respectively. If more than the requisite number of questions are answered, just the top 15, 20, and 20 questions in Part A, Part Band, and Part C will be evaluated. Four possibilities or responses are provided for each question in Parts A, B, and C. Only one of these options is the “correct” answer to the question.
The following is the Exam Pattern for Physical Sciences:-
| CSIR NET Paper Pattern for Physical Science | ||||
| Section | Total Questions | Max No of Questions to attempt | Marks for each correct answer | Negative marking |
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0.5 |
| Part B | 25 | 20 | 3.5 | 0.875 |
| Part C | 30 | 20 | 5 | 1.25 |
| Total | 75 | 55 | 200 | – |
CSIR NET 2024 Exam Pattern for Chemical Sciences
The candidate must answer a maximum of 15, 35, and 25 questions from Parts A, B, and C, respectively. If more than the requisite number of questions are answered, only the first 15, 35, and 25 questions in Part A, Part B, and Part C will be evaluated. Four possibilities or responses are provided for each question in Parts A, B, and C. Only one of these options is the “correct” answer to the question. The candidate must find the correct or best solution to each question.
The following is the Exam Pattern for Chemical Sciences:-
| CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Chemical Science | ||||
| Section | Total Questions | Questions to Attempt | Marks Allocated | Negative marking |
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0.5 |
| Part B | 40 | 35 | 2 | 0.5 |
| Part C | 60 | 25 | 4 | 1 |
CSIR NET 2024 Exam Pattern for Mathematical Sciences
The candidate must answer a maximum of 15, 25, and 20 questions from Parts A, B, and C, respectively. If more than the required number of questions are answered, only the first 15, 25, and 20 questions in Parts A, B, and C will be evaluated. Four possibilities or responses are provided for each question in Part A and Part B. Only one of these options is the “correct” answer to the question. For each question, the candidate must find the correct or best solution. Part C questions may have “ONE” or “MORE” correct answers. Credit for a question will be provided only if “ALL” of the right alternatives in Part C are identified.
The following is the Exam Pattern for Mathematical Sciences:-
| CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Mathematical Science | ||||
| Sections | Total Questions | Questions to attempt | Marks Allotted | Negative marking |
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0.5 |
| Part B | 40 | 25 | 3 | 0.75 |
| Part C | 60 | 20 | 4.75 | 0 |
| Total | 120 | 60 | 200 | – |
CSIR NET 2024 Exam Pattern for Earth Sciences
The candidate must answer a maximum of 15, 35, and 25 questions from Parts A, B, and C, respectively. If more than the requisite number of questions are answered, only the first 15, 35, and 25 questions in Part A, Part B, and Part C will be evaluated. Four possibilities or responses are provided for each question in Parts A, B, and C. Only one of these options is the “correct” answer to the question. For each question, the candidate must find the correct or best solution.
The following is the Exam Pattern for Earth Sciences:-
| CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Earth Sciences | ||||
| Sections | Total Questions | Questions to Attempt | Marks Allotted | Negative marking |
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0.5 |
| Part B | 50 | 35 | 2 | 0.5 |
| Part C | 80 | 25 | 4 | 1.32 |
| Total | 150 | 75 | 200 | – |
CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers
CSIR NET previous year question papers are invaluable study materials for candidates preparing for this competitive examination. These papers offer firsthand insights into the exam’s format, question types, and difficulty levels. By solving these papers, candidates can gauge their readiness, identify areas that need improvement, and refine their time-management skills. Moreover, since the CSIR NET 2024 syllabus is extensive, practicing with past papers helps candidates prioritize their study efforts based on the recurring topics.
The CSIR NET Previous Year Question Papers can be found online. For the ease of the candidates we are providing the PDF links to the CSIR NET 2022 Question Papers:-
| Question Paper | PDF Link |
| Life Sciences Shift-1 | Life Sciences 1.pdf |
| Life Sciences Shift-2 | Life Sciences 2.pdf |
| Physical Sciences | Physical Sciences.pdf |
| Chemical Sciences | Chemical Sciences.pdf |
| Mathematical Sciences | Mathematical Sciences.pdf |
| Earth Sciences | CSIR Earth Atmospheric Ocean N Planetary Science.pdf |
In addition to this, the official HRDG website (https://csirhrdg.res.in/Home/Index/1/Default/2725/79) also provides the candidates with model question papers for all the subjects, the links for which are given below:-
| Subjects | Model Question Paper |
| Life Sciences | https://csirhrdg.res.in/SiteContent/ManagedContent/ContentFiles/20181024144315511ls_mp.pdf |
| Physical Sciences | https://csirhrdg.res.in/SiteContent/ManagedContent/ContentFiles/20181024144421166ps_mp.pdf |
| Chemical Sciences | https://csirhrdg.res.in/SiteContent/ManagedContent/ContentFiles/20181024112334010cs_mp.pdf |
| Mathematical Sciences | https://csirhrdg.res.in/SiteContent/ManagedContent/ContentFiles/20181024144348431ms_mp.pdf |
| Earth Sciences | https://csirhrdg.res.in/SiteContent/ManagedContent/ContentFiles/20181024144215653es_mp.pdf |
Recommended CSIR NET Books 2024
Students can check out the below mentioned list of books for CSIR NET Preparation:-
| Book Name | Publisher/Author | Section Covered |
| Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry | Nelson and Cox | Life Science |
| Molecular Cell Biology | Lodish | Life Science |
| Physical Chemistry | Thomas Engel & Philip Reid | Chemical Sciences |
| Concise Inorganic Chemistry | J. D. Lee | Chemical Sciences |
| Classical Mechanics | J C Upadhya | Physical Sciences |
| Solid State Physics | Neil W Ashcroft | Physical Sciences |
| CSIR-UGC NET/JRF/SET Mathematical Sciences | Alok Kumar (Upkar) | Mathematical Sciences |
| Real Analysis | H. L. Royden | Mathematical Sciences |
| Classical Mechanics | Herbert Goldstein | Mathematical Sciences |
| An Objective Earth Sciences | S Ahmad | Earth Sciences |
| Climatology and Oceanography | D.S Lal | Earth Sciences |
| Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences Exam Guide (Part B & C) | Surender. K | Earth Sciences |
CSIR NET 2024 Important Instructions
- Read the Official Notification: Carefully read the official CSIR NET 2024 notification available on the official website. This document contains critical information such as eligibility criteria, examination dates, syllabus, and application procedures.
- Eligibility Check: Ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria, including age limits, educational qualifications, and any other specific requirements, before applying for the exam.
- Application Process: Follow the application process outlined in the notification. Pay the application fee online as per the instructions provided. Keep copies of the application form and fee payment confirmation for reference.
- Admit Card: Download and print your admit card when it becomes available. The admit card contains essential details about your exam date, time, venue, and roll number. Carry a valid photo ID along with the admit card to the exam center.
- Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, including the format of the paper and marking scheme. Study the syllabus for your chosen subject thoroughly.
- Time Management: Create a study schedule that allows you to cover all the topics in the syllabus and allocate sufficient time for revision.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve previous year question papers and take mock tests to understand the exam pattern, manage your time effectively, and improve your problem-solving skills.
- Exam Day Essentials: On the day of the exam, ensure that you have your admit card, a valid photo ID (e.g., Aadhar card, passport, driver’s license), and any other required documents. Arrive at the exam center well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.
- Follow Instructions: Carefully read and follow all the instructions provided in the question paper and those given by the exam invigilators. Ensure that you fill out the OMR sheet or answer sheet correctly.
- Maintain Calm and Focus: Stay composed during the exam. Manage your time wisely and focus on answering questions to the best of your ability. Avoid getting stuck on challenging questions; you can return to them later if necessary.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2024 FAQs
Q What is the format of the CSIR NET 2024 exam?
Ans The CSIR NET 2024 exam typically consists of three parts: Part A (General Aptitude), Part B (Subject-related), and Part C (Subject-related). Part A is common for all subjects, while Parts B and C are specific to the chosen subject.
Q Is the CSIR NET 2024 exam conducted online or offline?
Ans The CSIR NET 2024 exam is conducted online.
Q What is the duration of the CSIR NET 2024 exam?
Ans the duration of the CSIR NET 2024 exam is 3 hours.
Q Is there negative marking in the CSIR NET 2024 exam?
Ans Yes, there is negative marking in the CSIR NET 2024 exam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, aspirants seeking to excel in the CSIR NET 2024 exam pattern must have a thorough understanding of the exam pattern. The three-part structure of the examination, with a concentration on General Aptitude (Part A) and subject-related knowledge (Parts B and C), presents a unique challenge to test-takers. While Part A is the same across all subjects, Parts B and C vary based on the subject, with different sorts of questions and marks assigned. Furthermore, candidates must be aware of negative marking in Part B. Maintaining current knowledge and following the specific exam pattern for the chosen subject are critical for efficient preparation and success in the CSIR NET 2024 examination.
Also See :
- CSIR NET 2024
- CSIR NET Application form
- CSIR NET 2024 Eligibility criteria
- CSIR NET Result
- CSIR NET Admit card 2024