CSIR NET Subject List 2025: Important Topics & Its Weightage

Those who wish to work as lecturers or conduct research in the fields of science and technology in India must take the CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test). It covers topics from a variety of scientific fields, including earth sciences, life sciences, chemical sciences, physical sciences, and mathematical sciences. These topics aid in evaluating the candidate's expertise and capacity for conducting research in their field of choice.

CSIR NET Subject List 2025

Five fundamental science subjects are covered in the CSIR NET 2025 exam. Three components are used to evaluate candidates' proficiency in each subject: two subject-specific sections (Parts B and C) and a common General Aptitude section (Part A). These courses are intended to assess candidates' research skills and knowledge in preparation for Assistant Professor or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions in India's top universities.

The core subject list for CSIR NET has been stated below.

1. Chemical Sciences
2. Earth Sciences
3. Life Sciences
4. Mathematical Sciences
5. Physical Science

Chemical Sciences Subject Details

Candidates with the relevant qualifications in Chemical Sciences can apply. Some other aspects of Chemical Sciences are-

• In Part B, 40 multiple-choice questions will be asked, out of which only 35 should be answered. 
  • Marks awarded for each correct answer- 2
  • Marks deducted for each wrong answer- 0.5
  • Total Marks- 70
• In Part C, 60 multiple-choice questions will be asked, out of which only 25 should be answered.
  • Marks awarded for each correct answer- 4
  • Marks deducted for each wrong answer- 1
  • Total Marks- 100

Important topics of CSIR NET Chemical Science are- 

• Physical Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Interdisciplinary topics of Chemistry

Important Links For Preparation-

Life Sciences Subject Details

Candidates with the eligible qualifications in Life Sciences for the CSIR NET examination can apply for this. Before preparing for the examination, candidates should look at the following-

• In Part B, 5o multiple choice questions will be given, and only 35 need to be answered.
  • Marks for each correct answer- 2
  • Marks deducted for each wrong answer- 0.5
  • Total Marks- 70
• In Part C, 75 multiple-choice questions will be asked, and only 25 need to be answered.
  • Marks awarded for each right answer- 4
  • Marks deducted for each wrong answer- 1
  • Total Marks- 100

Important topics for CSIR NET Life Sciences are-

• Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology 
• Cellular Organization 
• Fundamental Processes 
• Cell Communication and Cell Signaling 
• Developmental Biology 
• System Physiology – Plant 
• System Physiology – Animal
• Inheritance Biology 
• Diversity of Life Forms 
• Ecological Principles 
• Evolution and Behavior 
• Applied Biology 
• Methods in Biology

Important Links For Preparation-

Mathematical Sciences Subject Details

Candidates possessing the required CSIR NET Mathematical Sciences eligibility criteria can apply for this examination. A candidate must have sound knowledge of the following before preparing-

• In Part B, 40 multiple choice questions will be asked, out of which only 25 need to be answered.
  • Marks awarded for each correct answer- 3
  • Marks deducted for each wrong answer- 0.75
  • Total Marks- 75
• In Part C, 60 multiple-choice questions will be given, out of which only 20 need to be answered.
  • Marks awarded for each correct answer- 4.75
  • Marks deducted for each wrong answer- 0
  • Total Marks- 95

Important topics for CSIR NET Mathematical Sciences are-

• Linear Algebra
• Complex Analysis
• Ordinary Differential Equations
• Partial Differential Equations
• Classical Mechanics 
• Descriptive statistics, exploratory data analysis
• Linear Integral Equations
• Calculus of Variations
• Topology

Important Links For Preparation

Physical Sciences Subject Details

Candidates who satisfy the eligibility criteria for CSIR NET Physical Sciences can apply for this examination. The following points are essential for the candidates-

• In Part B, 25 multiple choice questions will be asked, out of which only 20 need to be answered.
  • Marks given for each correct answer- 3.5
  • Marks deducted for each wrong answer- 0.875
  • Total Marks- 70
• In Part C, 30 multiple choice questions will be given, and only 20 need to be answered, here as well.
  • Marks given for each correct answer- 5
  • Marks deducted for each wrong answer- 1.25
  • Total Marks- 100

Important topics for CSIR NET Physical Sciences are-

• Mathematical Methods of Physics
• Classical Mechanics
• Electromagnetic Theory
• Quantum Mechanics
• Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics
• Electronics and Experimental Methods
• Atomic & Molecular Physics
• Condensed Matter Physics 
• Nuclear and Particle Physics

Important Links For Preparation-

Earth Sciences Subject Details

Candidates who fulfil the eligibility criteria for Earth Sciences, can apply for this examination. Let us know some of the essential points regarding the CSIR NET Earth Sciences examination-

• In Part B, 50 multiple-choice questions will be asked, out of which only 35 need to be answered.
  • Marks given for each correct answer- 2
  • Marks lost for each wrong answer- 0.5
  • Total Marks- 70
• In Part C, 80 multiple-choice questions will be given, out of which only 25 need to be answered.
  • Marks given for each correct answer- 4
  • Marks deducted for each wrong answer- 1.32
  • Total Marks- 100

Important topics of CSIR NET Earth Science are-

• Geology
• Applied Geology
• Physical Geography
• Geophysics
• Meteorology
• Ocean Sciences 

Important Links For Preparation-