The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) conducts the National Eligibility Test (NET) for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship (LS) in the fields of Science and Technology. Here are the key details:
Educational Qualification:
JRF: Candidates must have a master's degree or equivalent with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD candidates) in a relevant science subject from a recognized university. Final-year students are also eligible to apply.
LS/NET: The same educational qualifications apply.
Age Limit:
JRF: The upper age limit is 28 years, with a relaxation of up to 5 years for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD and female candidates.
LS/NET: There is no upper age limit for lectureship eligibility.
Mode of Exam: The exam is conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) mode.
Duration: The exam lasts for 3 hours.
Papers: The exam consists of a single paper divided into three parts.
Part A: General Aptitude (common to all subjects)
Number of Questions: 20
Questions to Attempt: 15
Total Marks: 30
Syllabus: General science, quantitative reasoning, and analysis, research aptitude.
Part B: Subject-related conventional multiple-choice questions.
Number of Questions: Varies by subject
Questions to Attempt: Varies by subject
Total Marks: 70
Syllabus: Core subjects like Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences.
Part C: Higher value questions that test the candidate's knowledge of scientific concepts and/or application of the scientific concepts.
Number of Questions: Varies by subject
Questions to Attempt: Varies by subject
Total Marks: 100
Syllabus: Advanced topics in the chosen subject.
Marking Scheme:
Part A: Each question carries 2 marks. Negative marking of 0.5 marks for incorrect answers.
Part B: Each question carries 2 marks. Negative marking of 0.5 marks for incorrect answers.
Part C: Each question carries 4 marks. Negative marking of 1 mark for incorrect answers.
The syllabus for CSIR NET/JRF is extensive and subject-specific, covering the following fields:
Life Sciences
Physical Sciences
Chemical Sciences
Mathematical Sciences
Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences
Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, sections, and types of questions.
Study Material: Use standard textbooks, reference books, and study guides relevant to the subject.
Practice Papers: Regularly solve previous years' question papers and take mock tests to understand the exam pattern and improve speed and accuracy.
Time Management: Develop effective time management skills to handle different sections within the given time.
Revision: Regular revision is crucial to retain information and strengthen concepts.
Results: The results are declared in the form of a scorecard, which includes the candidate’s score and rank.
Cut-off Scores: Candidates must meet the cut-off scores set by the CSIR for NET and JRF.
Awarding of JRF: Candidates qualifying for JRF are eligible for a fellowship for research in their subject of post-graduation or in a related subject.
Preparation: A disciplined and focused preparation strategy is essential for success in CSIR NET/JRF.
Health and Well-being: Maintain a balanced lifestyle, including proper diet, exercise, and sufficient rest, to manage stress effectively during preparation.
Updates: Stay updated with any changes in the exam pattern, syllabus, or counselling process through official notifications and the CSIR website.