CSIR NET Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Last verified 07 Oct 2026
The CSIR NET exam pattern is set out below. Yes, and it varies by subject and by part. Most parts deduct 25% of the marks for that question. Earth Sciences Part C deducts 33%. Mathematical Sciences Part C carries no negative marking at all.
Every subject paper totals 200 marks over three hours, but the number of questions, the marks per question and the negative marking all differ by subject.
| Subject | Questions (A / B / C) | May attempt (A / B / C) | Marks each (A / B / C) | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Sciences (701) | 20 / 40 / 60 | 15 / 35 / 25 | 2 / 2 / 4 | 25% in all parts |
| Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences (702) | 20 / 50 / 80 | 15 / 35 / 25 | 2 / 2 / 4 | 25% in A and B, 33% in C |
| Life Sciences (703) | 20 / 50 / 75 | 15 / 35 / 25 | 2 / 2 / 4 | 25% in all parts |
| Mathematical Sciences (704) | 20 / 40 / 60 | 15 / 25 / 20 | 2 / 3 / 4.75 | 25% in A and B, none in C |
| Physical Sciences (705) | 20 / 25 / 30 | 15 / 20 / 20 | 2 / 3.5 / 5 | 25% in all parts |
All questions are objective multiple choice. Yes, and it varies by subject and by part. Most parts deduct 25% of the marks for that question. Earth Sciences Part C deducts 33%. Mathematical Sciences Part C carries no negative marking at all.
Standard of the questions
Part A is common to all subjects and tests general aptitude — logical reasoning, graphical analysis, analytical and numerical ability, quantitative comparison, series formation and puzzles.
Part B contains subject-related multiple choice questions. Part C contains higher-value questions that test the candidate’s knowledge of scientific concepts and their application.
Medium of the question paper
The question paper is bilingual, in English and Hindi.
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