CSIR UGC NET 2021 Application, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Admit Card & Cutoff
Updated On -
Apr 8, 2021
The CSIR UGC NET is a national level test, which is held by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for recruiting the candidates for only Assistant Professor or both for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor in the Indian Colleges and Universities. The candidates, who will qualify the CSIR UGC NET exam, will join as a lecturer of Science and Technology only.
Latest Update:
- April 07, 2021: CSIR UGC NET E-Certificate 2020 is released by NTA. Check Details Here
- 29 December: NTA CSIR NET 2020 final result and an answer key have been out. Read more
CSIR UGC NET 2021 Highlights
| Name of the Exam | Joint CSIR UGC NET |
| Conducted by | NTA (National Testing Agency) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Posts offered | Junior Research Fellowship and Lectureship |
| Mode of exam | Online |
| Periodicity | Twice – June and December |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Mode of Exam |
Online |
| Helpdesk No. | 0120-6895200 |
| Official Website | csirnet.nta.nic.in |
Download CSIR NET Practice Papers
CSIR UGC NET 2021 Eligibility
Candidates must check CSIR UGC NET 2021 Eligibility Criteria before filling the application form. If found ineligible, their candidature will be cancelled with immediate effect.
CSIR NET Educational Qualification Requirements
- Candidates must have a M.Sc or an equivalent degree / Integrated BS-MS / BS - 4 years / BE / B. Tech / B. Pharma / MBBS.
- For General/ EWS and OBC-NCL candidates, minimum of 55% marks and for SC/ ST/ physically and visually handicapped candidates, a minimum of 50% marks is required in this degree.
- Those enrolled for M.Sc or those who have completed 10+2+3 years of the above qualifying examination are also eligible to apply.
- B.Sc (Hons) or equivalent degree holders or candidates enrolled in the Integrated MS-PhD program can apply as well.
- Such applicants need a minimum 55% marks (for general and OBC-NCL) and 50% marks for SC / ST, physically and visually handicapped candidates.
- Those with a bachelor’s degree must be registered/enrolled for Ph.D./ Integrated Ph.D. program to be eligible for CSIR.
- Ph.D. degree holders, who have passed Master’s degree before September 19, 1991, with minimum 50% marks, are eligible to apply for the only Lectureship.
CSIR NET Age Limit and Relaxation
- For Junior Research Fellowship: Candidates should not have attained 28 years of age as on July 1, 2021.
- Lectureship: There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professorship.
- The upper age limit can be relaxed up to 5 years for SC/ ST/ Physically or Visually handicapped and female candidates and 3 years for OBC-Non Creamy Layer candidates
CSIR NET Application Form
How to Apply for CSIR UGC NET 2021?
As per the latest official notice released by CSIR, there is no need to upload the documents like Category Certificate, Result awaited attestation form and other documents while submitting the online application form. However, uploading the scanned copy of photograph and signature is still mandatory and without that application form will be considered incomplete.
The step by step instructions to apply online for CSIR UGC NET 2021 are explained below:
Step1: Complete the CSIR UGC NET Online Registration process
Step 2: Upload Photograph & Signature
Step 3: Fill CSIR UGC NET Application Form
Step 4: Pay Online Application Fees
To know more, Check CSIR UGC NET 2021 Application Form
CSIR UGC NET 2021 Admit Card
Candidates will be issued CSIR UGC NET 2021 Admit Card once the dates are announced. Follow the steps given below to download the admit card for the exam:
- Visit the official website of CSIR.
- Click on the link – “Download Admit Card”.
- Provide your roll number and date of birth.
- There may be a security code that candidates will need to enter.
- Click on the “Submit” button to log into the system
- View and download your admit card.
To know more details about the CSIR UGC NET Admit Card, click here.
CSIR UGC NET 2021 Exam Centers
The aspirants will be able to select the CSIR UGC NET exam centres across 225 cities of India. The candidates can select 4 exam city as per their preference while they will fill the application form. The candidates will be given the liberty to modify and re-select exam centres from the online application form. Candidates will also have the scope to modify their uploaded photographs and signature along with the exam centre. The changes will only be accepted through the application form and through no other means. The decision of allotting the exam centre is made on a first-come-first-serve basis and will be full and final.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern
CSIR UGC NET 2021 Exam Pattern
The key points regarding CSIR UGC NET 2021 Exam Pattern are highlighted below:
| Particulars | Description |
|---|---|
| Mode of exam | Computer based test |
| Format of exam | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Medium of Exam | English and Hindi |
| Total marks | 200 |
| Total Question |
Section A: 20 Section B: 40 Section C: 60 |
| Negative Marking | Yes |
CSIR NET 2021 Answer Keys
Answer keys for Joint CSIR-UGC NET Exam 2021 will be released at the official website- csirnet.nta.nic.in.
- Candidates can submit their representation against the answer key in respect of all the subjects.
- Representation(s) must be sent through email only. Any representation submitted by post or in person will not be entertained.
- The representation must have documentary/textual support.
- Any representation received after the specified time will not be accepted.
CSIR NET 2021 Result
CSIR UGC NET Result will be released at the official website. The result will be published in a PDF format consisting of the roll number of successfully qualified candidates of JRF NET 2021.
The steps to download CSIR UGC NET 2021 Result are explained below:
- Visit the CSIR website and click on the link pertaining to the relevant exam.
- Enter your roll number, date of birth and security code.
- Click on the “Submit” button.
- View the result and take multiple printouts for future use.
CSIR UGC NET Merit List
- Two separate merit lists will be made for candidates qualifying for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF-NET) and Lectureship (LS-NET).
- The merit list will specify details such as Roll Number of the candidate, Rank obtained and Marks secured.
- The preparation of the merit list will be on the basis of performance of candidates in the entrance test.
- Candidates qualifying for JRF will also be eligible for lectureship if fulfill eligibility criteria.
- Candidates qualifying for Lectureship will be eligible to be considered for recruitment as Junior Research Fellowship if suitable. Though they will not be eligible for regular JRF-NET Fellowship.
- Candidates qualifying for JRF (NET) will receive fellowship either from CSIR or UGC as per their associated assignment.
CSIR NET Cutoff 2021
Candidates can check CSIR NET Cutoff at the official website that is csirnet.nta.nic.in. CSIR will publish the cut off of five different subjecrs under separate category. However, the cut off of both the Junior Research Fellowship and the Lecturership will be varied.
CSIR NET Cutoff is the minimum marks on which selection of candidates for JRF and Lectureship will be based. The minimum benchmark to qualify CSIR NET exam is 33% for General, EWS and OBC category and 25% for SC, ST and PwD candidates. CSIR UGC NET has 3 parts – Part-A, Part-B, and Part-C. However, there is no sectional cutoffs, marks obtained in all the parts are taken together while deciding the cutoff.
To know more about the previous years’ Cut off to get an idea, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
CSIR UGC NET 2021 FAQS
Ques. Where can I see the examination notification?
Ans. NTA, New Delhi publishes information related to the CSIR UGC NET examination on its official website csirnet.nta.nic.in.
Ques. After submitting the application, I realized there has been some mistake in the form, will I be able to rectify the same?
Ans. In case of any incorrect information, NTA will reject the application. Once the final submission is done, no more changes can be made to the application form.
Ques. How can I get the application form for CSIR UGC NET Examination?
Ans. Candidates can get the application form online, from the CSIR official website csirnet.nta.nic.in.
Ques. What payment modes are available for CSIR UGC NET Examination?
Ans. The payment for the CSIR UGC NET examination can be made online using a credit card, debit card, or net banking.
Ques. Do we have to upload any documents while submitting the application form?
Ans. Yes, candidates have to upload the following documents:
- Scanned copies of the photograph and signature
- Qualifying degree certificate
- Category certificate
- PwD certificate, etc.
Ques. What should be the size of the photograph that needs to be attached in the application form?
Ans. File size of the photograph should be less than 200 KB. The scanned photograph should be in JPEG/JPG format, with its dimension ranging from 130 x 160 to 260 x 360.
Ques. Is it necessary to have an email id to submit the application form?
Ans. Yes. Candidates have to enter their email address while registering for the exam and submitting the application form as all the required important examination details will be sent over the email.
Ques. What preferences do I have to select while applying for the examination?
Ans. In the application form, you can give your preference either for JRF (Junior Research Fellowship), for LS (Lectureship) or for both.
Ques. What is the required educational qualification for appearing the CSIR UGC NET Exam?
Ans. Candidates having the following degrees are eligible to appear for the examination:
M.Sc, Integrated BS-MS, BS- 4 years, BE/B-Tech, B-Pharma, MBBS, or an equivalent degree. Candidates whose results are awaited can also apply in the condition that their results should be provided within the validity period of two years to avail the fellowship.
Ques. I have completed my B. Sc in Biotechnology. Can I submit my registration for the exam?
Ans. No. Candidates with only B.Sc / Bachelor’s degree are not eligible. However, after completing the Bachelor's degree if you enroll for a Ph.D. or Integrated Ph.D. program within 2 years, you will be eligible.
Ques. Is there any age limit criteria applicable for CSIR UGC NET Examination?
Ans. Yes. For JRF, the maximum age limit is 28 years. It is relaxed up to 5 years for SC/ST/Persons with Disability/female applicants. For OBC applicants, it is relaxed for 3 years.
For LS (NET), there is no upper age limit.
Ques. How many examination centers are available for this exam?
Ans. This examination will be held in 26 exam centers worldwide.
Ques. How much is the application fees?
Ans. Candidates need to make payment of Rs 1000 as the application fee. For SC/ST/PWD, it is Rs 250 and for OBC, it is Rs 500.
Ques. In which languages is the question paper available?
Ans. The question paper will be available in Hindi and English.
Ques. What are the total marks for this examination?
Ans. CSIR UGC NET Examination pattern is multiple choice-based questions carrying a total of 200 marks.
Ques. In which subjects is this examination held?
Ans. The test will be held under 5 subjects:
- Chemical Science
- Life Science
- Mathematical Science
- Physical Science
- Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
Ques. I am a Ph.D. holder. Am I eligible to apply for the CSIR UGC NET examination?
Ans. Yes. Ph.D. degree holders who completed a Master’s degree prior to September 19, 1991, with minimum 50 % marks are eligible for Lectureship only.
Ques. Can I write the answer sheet using an ink pen?
Ans. No, candidates need to use a black ballpoint pen only to record their responses in the OMR answer sheet.
Ques. What is the question paper pattern?
Ans. The question paper is divided into 3 sections:
Part A: Common to all subjects. This part contains 20 questions of General Aptitude. Marks allocated for this part is 30.
Part B: Subject related conventional multiple-choice questions. Around 20-35 questions need to be attempted here. Marks allocated for this part is 70.
Part C: Contains higher value questions to test the candidate’s knowledge and application of scientific concepts. Questions are analytical in nature and total marks allocated here is 100.
Ques. How much stipend is provided to JRF candidates?
Ans. A JRF selected through the CSIR UGC NET is eligible to get a stipend of 25000 per month for 2 years.
Ques. How can I get the admit card for the examination?
Ans. CSIR UGC NET admit card can be downloaded from the official website csirnet.nta.nic.in using the application form number and date of birth.
Ques. What information is available in the admit card?
Ans. It contains all the important information such as the candidate name, roll number, registration number, candidate category, examination time and venue, and a few important instructions related to the exam.
Ques. What are the cut-off marks for the CSIR UGC NET Examination?
Ans. The council releases the cut off marks on the official website www.csirnet.nta.nic.before the declaration of CSIR results. The cut-offs are decided based on several parameters such as:
- Number of candidates appeared for the exam
- number of available seats for the exam
- question paper difficulty level
- marking scheme for that year
- constitutional affirmative plans
Ques. How long will it take to declare the result after the examination and how can I get notified for the same?
Ans. After the exam completion, the results will be declared in 3 months. Candidates can check the results on the official website of the council by searching for their roll number in the online PDF document, which will only contain details of the qualified candidates. The marks statement needs to be downloaded from a separate link using the Roll Number, Date of Birth, and Security Code.
Ques. Does the CSIR examination authorities provide a certificate after completing the CSIR UGC NET exam?
Ans. Yes, apart from getting results, candidates can also send their documents to the CSIR official address to get the certificate.
Ques. How can I get the NET certificate?
Ans. Candidates can get the NET Certificate by sending the self-attested photocopies of the following documents for verification -
- 10th Marksheet / Birth Certificate
- Provisional Degree of Graduation or Post-Graduation Degree
- Final Marksheet with Required percentage of Marks
- Caste Certificate
- Copy of CSIR NET Results
Ques. Where should the documents be sent for verification to get the NET certificate?
Ans. To get the NET Certificate, the candidates need to send an attested copy of the required documents through Registered post or Speed Post to - The Section Officer, Certificate Section, HRD Group, CSIR Complex, Library Avenue Road, Pusa, New Delhi – 110012.
Ques. Who is eligible to get CSIR Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Fellowship?
Ans. This fellowship is provided to the toppers of the CSIR UGC JRF. This fellowship is provided in the memory of CSIR’s first Vice-President Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.
Ques. Can I get the answer keys after the CSIR UGC Net examination?
Ans. To check the answer keys, candidates need to visit the CSIR official website and click on the link for the answer keys for their subject.
Ques. Is there any negative marking in the exam?
Ans. Yes, as per the subject wise scheme, there will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
Ques. Do the JRF candidates need to pay any income tax for their fellowship?
Ans. No, candidates do not have to pay any income tax in their fellowship tenure.
Ques. Is there any merit list released by the Council after CSIR UGC NET examination?
Ans. Yes, 2 separate merit lists will be released based on the performance of the candidates.
- For JRF qualifying candidates
- For candidates qualifying for Lectureship (NET)
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.