The National Testing Agency has outlined the exam structure for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2026 examination, giving candidates a clear view of the paper pattern, marking scheme, subjects, duration and syllabus reference. The examination will be conducted to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for Junior Research Fellowship, appointment as Assistant Professor, appointment as Assistant Professor with PhD admission, and PhD admission only.
As per the information bulletin, the Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2026 exam will be held in Computer-Based Test mode. The test will include objective-type multiple-choice questions and will be conducted for five science subjects: Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Physical Sciences.
The exam is scheduled for July 17 and July 18, 2026. Each paper will be of 180 minutes, or three hours, without any break between the three parts. Candidates will appear in one of two shifts: Shift 1 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and Shift 2 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Table of Contents
Joint CSIR-UGC NET 2026 Exam Pattern
The CSIR-UGC NET question paper will have three parts: Part A, Part B and Part C. All three parts will contain objective-type multiple-choice questions. However, the number of questions, maximum attempts, marks per question and negative marking vary by subject.
Part A will be common for all subjects. It will test General Aptitude with questions based on logical reasoning, graphical analysis, analytical ability, numerical ability, quantitative comparison, series formation and puzzles.
Part B will contain subject-related conventional MCQs, generally based on topics mentioned in the syllabus. Part C will include higher-order analytical questions designed to test scientific concepts and their application.
Subject-Wise CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026
| Subject | Total Questions | Maximum Questions to Attempt | Total Marks | Key Marking Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Sciences | 120 | 75 | 200 | 25% negative marking in Parts A, B and C |
| Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences | 150 | 75 | 200 | 25% negative marking in Parts A and B; 33% in Part C |
| Life Sciences | 145 | 75 | 200 | 25% negative marking in Parts A, B and C |
| Mathematical Sciences | 120 | 60 | 200 | 25% negative marking in Parts A and B; no negative marking in Part C |
| Physical Sciences | 75 | 55 | 200 | 25% negative marking in Parts A, B and C |
The paper will be bilingual in Hindi and English. Candidates must answer in the medium selected while filling the application form. In case of any ambiguity due to translation, the English version will be treated as final.
CSIR-UGC NET Syllabus 2026
The CSIR-UGC NET June 2026 syllabus is one of the most important parts of preparation because the exam is not limited to direct theory-based questions. As per the information bulletin, Part A will be common for all subjects, while Part B and Part C will be based on the subject selected by the candidate. The official bulletin also states that the detailed syllabus and scheme of examination of the MCQ paper should be checked through the CSIR HRDG website.
Part A Syllabus: Common General Aptitude
Part A is common for all five subjects and generally includes questions from General Aptitude. This section tests logical reasoning, graphical analysis, analytical ability, numerical ability, quantitative comparison, series formation and puzzles.
Candidates should not ignore Part A because it can help improve the overall score. Regular practice of basic calculations, data interpretation, reasoning patterns and graph-based questions can make this section more scoring.
Chemical Sciences Syllabus
The Chemical Sciences syllabus broadly covers inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry. Candidates should revise chemical periodicity, structure and bonding, coordination chemistry, organometallic compounds, reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, spectroscopy, thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, electrochemistry and chemical kinetics.
For Part C, candidates should focus more on concept application, numerical problems, mechanism-based questions and spectroscopy-based analysis instead of only reading definitions.
Life Sciences Syllabus
The Life Sciences syllabus includes biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, plant physiology, animal physiology, ecology, evolution, developmental biology, immunology and biotechnology.
Candidates should prepare topics such as enzymes, metabolism, DNA replication, transcription, translation, gene regulation, cell signalling, inheritance, biodiversity, ecosystems and applied biology. Part C may include experimental, analytical and data-based questions, so diagram-based and concept-linked revision is important.
Mathematical Sciences Syllabus
The Mathematical Sciences paper covers areas such as real analysis, linear algebra, abstract algebra, complex analysis, ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, topology, numerical analysis, probability and statistics.
Candidates should be extra careful in Mathematical Sciences because Part C may have one or more correct options. Accuracy matters here, as full credit is given only when all correct options are identified correctly.
Physical Sciences Syllabus
The Physical Sciences syllabus includes mathematical physics, classical mechanics, electromagnetic theory, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, statistical physics, electronics, experimental methods, atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter physics, nuclear physics and particle physics.
Candidates should focus on formulas, derivations, numerical applications and concept-based problem solving. Topics such as Maxwell’s equations, Schrödinger equation, statistical ensembles, semiconductor devices and error analysis should be revised with practice questions.
Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences Syllabus
This subject has a wide interdisciplinary syllabus covering geology, geophysics, atmospheric sciences, oceanography and planetary sciences. Candidates should revise mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, paleontology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, geomorphology, seismology, weather systems, monsoon, ocean circulation, tides and planetary bodies.
Since Earth Sciences includes both theory and application-based areas, candidates should practise diagrams, maps, processes, numerical questions and concept-based problems. Accuracy is important because Part C has higher negative marking compared to several other papers.
Preparation Takeaway
Candidates should use the syllabus with the exam pattern, not separately. Part B generally checks subject knowledge, while Part C tests deeper understanding and application of scientific concepts.
The best approach is to complete the official syllabus first, revise high-weightage areas, practise previous year questions and take mock tests according to the subject-wise attempt limit. Since the paper carries negative marking, candidates should also work on question selection and accuracy before the final exam.
Subject-Wise Attempt Rules Candidates Must Note
For Chemical Sciences, candidates have to attempt a maximum of 15 questions from Part A, 35 from Part B and 25 from Part C. If a candidate answers more than the required number, only the first allowed number of responses will be evaluated.
For Earth Sciences and Life Sciences, the attempt structure remains 15 questions in Part A, 35 in Part B and 25 in Part C. However, the total number of available questions differs, and candidates should use the choice carefully.
For Mathematical Sciences, candidates can attempt a maximum of 15 questions from Part A, 25 from Part B and 20 from Part C. Part C in Mathematical Sciences may have one or more correct options, and credit will be given only when all correct options are identified.
For Physical Sciences, candidates can attempt 15 questions from Part A, 20 from Part B and 20 from Part C. The total number of questions in this paper is lower than other subjects, but the marking value per question is higher in Parts B and C.
