CSIR, in collaboration with the University Grants Commission (UGC), offers Research Fellowships for training under the guidance of expert faculty members and scientists in various university departments, national laboratories, and institutions across different science fields.
The Joint CSIR-UGC NET Fellowship program aims to develop human resources in science and technology at the national level. Each year, CSIR awards a large number of Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs) to candidates who qualify through the test conducted by the organization.
The Joint CSIR-UGC NET is an exam to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship (LS)/Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges, subject to the eligibility criteria set by the UGC. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is responsible for conducting the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2024/June 2025 Examination in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
Candidates are advised to refer the below Information Bulletin for more detailed information on CSIR NET Life Science 2024 – Exam Dates, Eligibility, Pattern, Registration.
Highlights of CSIR NET Life Science
| Aspects | Detail’s |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CSIR UGC NET for Life Sciences |
| Conducting Body | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Subjects Offered | Life Sciences (including topics like Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Physiology, Ecology, Evolution, etc.) |
| Eligibility | Master’s degree in Life Sciences or equivalent with minimum 55% marks for General/OBC category and 50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates |
| Exam Type | National Level Eligibility Test |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Question Format | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test |
| Negative Marking | YES there is negative marking |
| Exam Frequency | Conducted biannually (usually in June and December) |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF); for lectureship, maximum age limit varies as per UGC norms |
| No. of Section | – Part A – Part B – Part C |
| No. of Questions | 145 (Only 75 questions to be attempted) |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Official Website | https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/ |
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CSIR NET Life Science Exam Dates
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced new dates for the CSIR NET 2024 exam. It was postponed earlier but now will be held from July 25th to 27th, 2024, as a computer-based test. It it postponed due to unavoidable circumstances, but now the dates are finalized. Several other NTA exams have new dates too.
You should regularly check the official NTA website for the latest details and instructions. The CSIR NET exam is conducted twice a year, in June and December. For 2024, the June cycle exam is from July 25th to 27th. The official notification on the CSIR NET 2024 website outlines all the significant dates and details. You can refer to the table provided there for a clear schedule. Here below we have given complete information about CSIR NET 2024 Life Science Exam Dates.
| CSIR NET 2024 Life Science Exam Dates | |
|---|---|
| Events | Dates |
| CSIR NET Notification 2024 | 1 May 2024 |
| Application Form Start Date | 1 May 2024 |
| Last date of Application Form Submission | 21 May 2024 |
| Deadline for online Application Fee Payment | 22 May 2024 to 23 May 2024 (upto 11:50 PM) |
| Application Form Online Correction Window | 25 May 2024 to 27 May 2024 |
| City Intimation Slip Release Date | To be notified |
| Admit Card Release Date | To be notified |
| CSIR NET Exam Date 2024 | 25, 26 & 27th June, 2024 |
| Provisional Answer Key Release Date | To be notified |
| Final Answer Key Release Date | To be notified |
| CSIR NET Result Date 2024 | To be notified |
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Age Limit Criteria for CSIR NET Life Science
The CSIR NET Life Science National Eligibility Test, is a prestigious and popular exam for life science Aspirants. It’s essential for aspirants those dreaming for a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or a lectureship. It’s conducted by the National Testing Agency, also known as NTA. First, you need to meet the CSIR NET eligibility criteria set by the NTA. These criteria focus on your educational qualifications and age.
For the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), you must be under 28 years old as of July 1, 2024. However, if you belong to certain categories like SC, ST, OBC, female applicants, or PwD, you get a relaxation of five years. OBC (non-creamy layer) applicants get a three-year relaxation. There’s no upper age limit for becoming a lecturer or assistant professor. Here below we have given complete table for CSIR NET Life Science Age Limit Criteria.
| Category | Age Limit | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| General | Minimum 28 years | No relaxation |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | Minimum 28 years | Up to 3 years (31 years maximum) for JRF |
| SC/ST/PwD | Minimum 28 years | Up to 5 years (33 years maximum) for JRF |
| Women candidates | Minimum 28 years | Up to 5 years (33 years maximum) for JRF |
| Transgender candidates | Minimum 28 years | Up to 5 years (33 years maximum) for JRF |
| For Lectureship (LS) | No Age Limit | As per UGC norms and guidelines |
Read: Dr. BAMU PET 2024 – Direct Link, Eligibility, Exam Dates, Pattern, Syllabus
Exam Fees CSIR NET Life Science
| Category | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹1100 |
| EWS/OBC-non creamy layer | ₹600 |
| SC/ST & Third Gender | ₹325 |
| PwD | NIL |
CSIR NET Life Science Application/Registration Procedure
The CSIR NET Life Science Application application process is entirely online. Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/
- Access the Application Form: Click on the tab for the application form.
- Generate Login Credentials: Create an application number and password. Enter your personal information such as name and contact details, and set a password.
- Fill Out the Application Form: Log in using your credentials and complete the application form with accurate information. Upload scanned copies of the required documents.
- Pay the Application Fee: Use net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI to pay the application fee. Offline payment options are also available.
- Confirmation Page: After payment, a confirmation page will appear. Print this page for future reference.
CSIR NET Life Science Exam Pattern
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Total Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Question Types | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 145 (Only 75 questions to be attempted) |
| Sections | Three (A, B, and C) |
| Section A | General Aptitude ★ Total Questions: 20 ★ Marks per Question: 2 ★ Maximum Marks: 30 ★ Attempt Any 15 Questions ★ Negative Marking: 0.5 marks per wrong answer |
| Section B | Subject-related conventional questions ★ Total Questions: 50 ★ Marks per Question: 2 ★ Maximum Marks: 70 ★ Attempt Any 35 Questions ★ Negative Marking: 0.5 marks per wrong answer |
| Section C | Subject related questions ★ Total Questions: 75 ★ Marks per Question: 4 ★ Maximum Marks: 100 ★ Attempt Any 25 Questions ★ Negative Marking: 1 mark per wrong answer |
| Languages | English and Hindi |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (June and December) |
CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus Unitwise
| Unit No. | Unit Name | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology | 6-7 |
| 2 | Cellular Organization | 9-10 |
| 3 | Fundamental Processes | 8-9 |
| 4 | Cell Communication and Cell Signaling | 5-6 |
| 5 | Developmental Biology | 7-8 |
| 6 | System Physiology – Plant and Animal | 9-10 |
| 7 | Inheritance Biology | 8-9 |
| 8 | Diversity of Life Forms | 11-12 |
| 9 | Ecological Principles | 8-9 |
| 10 | Evolution and Behavior | 10-11 |
| 11 | Applied Biology | 8-9 |
| 12 | Methods in Biology | 3-4 |
| 13 | Emerging Areas in Biology | 6-7 |
CSIR NET Life Science Books
| Subject | Books |
|---|---|
| Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology | ★ Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry by Nelson and Michael ★ Biochemistry by Lubert Stryer ★ Biochemistry by Donald Voet and Judith G. Voet |
| Cellular Organization | ★ Molecular Biology of the Cell by Bruce Alberts ★ The Cell: A Molecular Approach by Geoffrey M. Cooper 3. Cell and Molecular Biology by Gerald Karp |
| Fundamental Processes | ★ Molecular Biology by Robert F. Weaver ★ Molecular Biology of the Gene by James D. Watson ★ Genes XI by Benjamin Lewin |
| Cell Communication and Cell Signaling | ★ Cell Signaling by Wendell Lim, Bruce Mayer, and Tony Pawson ★ Signal Transduction by Bastien D. Gomperts, Ijsbrand M. Kramer, and Peter E.R. Tatham ★ Receptor Signal Transduction Protocols by Gary B. Willars and R.A.J. Challiss |
| Developmental Biology | ★ Developmental Biology by Scott F. Gilbert ★ Principles of Development by Lewis Wolpert ★ Essentials of Developmental Biology by Jonathan M. W. Slack |
| System Physiology – Plant | ★ Plant Physiology by Lincoln Taiz and Eduardo Zeiger ★ Plant Physiology and Development by Lincoln Taiz ★ Physiology of Plants by Hans Mohr and Peter Schopfer |
| System Physiology – Animal | ★ Animal Physiology by Richard W. Hill, Gordon A. Wyse ★ Eckert Animal Physiology by David Randall |
| Inheritance Biology | ★ Genetics: Analysis of Genes and Genomes by Daniel L. Hartl and Elizabeth W. Jones ★ Principles of Genetics by Snustad and Simmons ★ Genetics: From Genes to Genomes by Leland Hartwell |
| Diversity of Life Forms | ★ Biology by Neil A. Campbell and Jane B. Reece ★ Biodiversity by John I. Spicer and Kevin J. Gaston |
| Ecological Principles | ★ Ecology: The Economy of Nature by Robert E. Ricklefs ★ Ecology by Michael L. Cain, William D. Bowman, ★ Elements of Ecology by Thomas M. Smith and Robert Leo Smith |
| Evolution and Behavior | ★ Evolutionary Biology by Douglas J. Futuyma ★ Evolution by Mark Ridley ★ Principles of Animal Behavior by Lee Alan Dugatkin |
| Applied Biology | ★ Biotechnology by John E. Smith ★ Principles of Gene Manipulation and Genomics by Primrose ★ Molecular Biotechnology by Bernard R. Glick |
| Methods in Biology | ★ Molecular Cloning by Michael R. Green and Sambrook ★ Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology by Wilson and Walker ★ Biochemical Calculations by Irwin H. Segel |
CSIR NET Life Science Admit Card
Steps to Download the CSIR NET Admit Card 2024:
- Visit the NTA official website at csirnet.nta.nic.in.
- On the homepage, find the “Public Notices” or “Latest News” section.
- Look for and click on the link titled “CSIR UGC Admit Card 2024”.
- A new page will open where you need to log in using your application number, date of birth, and captcha.
- After logging in, your admit card will appear on the screen.
- Download the admit card and print it out.
Candidates can download their Admit Cards for the CSIR NET Examination (subject-wise) from the NTA website csirnet.nta.nic.in using their Application Number and Date of Birth.
Candidates should note the following:
- The Admit Card is issued provisionally, subject to the fulfillment of eligibility conditions.
- Admit Cards will not be sent by post.
- Candidates must not mutilate the Admit Card or alter any entries on it.
- The issuance of the Admit Card does not necessarily confirm eligibility, which will be further verified in subsequent stages of the admission process.
- Candidates should preserve a copy of their Admit Card in good condition for future reference.
If any candidate encounters difficulty in downloading the Admit Card for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2022 – June 2023, they can contact the NTA Helpdesk at 011-40759000 or email csirnet@nta.ac.in. Candidates are advised to regularly check the NTA websites nta.ac.in and csirnet.nta.nic.in for the latest updates regarding the exam.
