CSIR (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research)-NET

The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), known for its cutting edge R&D knowledge base in diverse S&T areas, is a contemporary R&D organization.

CSIR covers a wide spectrum of science and technology – from oceanography, geophysics, chemicals, drugs, genomics, biotechnology and nanotechnology to mining, aeronautics, instrumentation, environmental engineering and information technology. It provides significant technological intervention in many areas concerning societal efforts, which include environment, health, drinking water, food, housing, energy, farm and non-farm sectors. Further, CSIR’s role in S&T human resource development is noteworthy.

CSIR and UGC provide Research Fellowships for training in methods of research under expert guidance of faculty members/scientists working in University Department/ National Laboratories and Institutions in various fields of Science. Joint CSIR-UGC NET Fellowship programme is aimed at National Science & Technology Human Resource Development. A large number of JRFs are awarded each year by CSIR to candidates after qualifying the Test conducted by it.

Joint CSIR UGC NET is a test being conducted to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D. In Indian universities and colleges subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria laid down by UGC.

General information about CSIR NET exam

Pattern of examination

The Selection for award of JRF shall be made on the basis of a competitive written test called the National Eligibility Test (NET), conducted by CSIR at national level normally twice a year in the following areas

CSIR has introduced a Single MCQ (Multiple Choice Question) Paper based test comprising of three parts.

Part-A shall be common to all subjects comprising question on General Science and Research Aptitude.

Part-B shall contain subject-related conventional MCQ

Part-C shall contain higher value questions that may test the candidate’s knowledge of scientific concepts and/or application of the scientific concepts. Negative marking for wrong answers shall be done.

The Fellowship is awarded on receipt of necessary details of the qualifying degree examination, proposed place of research work, research topic, the name of supervisor and the concurrence of the Institution to provide all the necessary facilities.

The validity of the JRF-NET certificate is two years from the effective date of fellowship as mentioned in the JRF-NET certificate and will not be extendable.

Fellowship Details

Fellowship duration- 5 years

Fellowship amount- Rs.37000/- + HRA per month (For first 2 years)

Rs.42000/- + HRA per month (from 3 year onwards)

Contingency of Rs. 20000/- per year

PhD Registration and Termination of Fellowship

(a) JRF-NET qualified Graduate Candidates

Candidates with Bachelor’s degree, whether Science, Engineering or any other discipline, will be eligible for fellowship only after getting registered/enrolled for Ph.D/Integrated Ph.D. programme within the validity period of two years of JRF-NET Certificate from the effective date of fellowship as mentioned in the JRF-NET certificate.

(b) JRF-NET qualified Postgraduate Candidates

CSIR Junior Research Fellows should register for PhD within a period of two year from the date of joining their fellowship, failing which they will not be upgraded to SRF on completion of two years. However, CSIR may consider giving extension for an additional period of one year as JRF-NET or the fellowship can be terminated based on the recommendations of Three Member Assessment Committee.

The Committee may consist of the Guide, Head of the Department and External Member from outside the University/ Institution who is an expert in the relevant field, not below the rank of Professor/ Associate Professor. If prior to completion of third year, the fellow is not registered for PhD, the JRF-NET fellowship will be terminated on completion of third year.

(c) The Fellowship shall stand terminated from the date of PhD viva-voceor from the date the Fellow resigns and his/her resignation has been accepted by CSIR or on completion of tenure. The fellowship may also be terminated if the institution where it is tenable refuses to provide facilities to the fellow on disciplinary grounds and so informs CSIR.

CUTOFF marks for various disciplines

Minimum cut-off percentage for the award of Junior Research Fellowship/Lectureship/Assistant Professor in different disciplines in the Joint CSIR-UGC test for Junior Research Fellowship & Eligibility for Lectureship/Assistant Professor December-2022/June-2023 (merged cycle)

For CSIR NET-JRF (December-2022/June-2023)

For CSIR NET-JRF (December-2023)

For Assistant professor/Lectureship (December-2022/June-2023)

For Assistant professor/Lectureship (December-2023)

https://www.csirhrdg.res.in/SiteContent/ManagedContent/ContentFiles/20240226165025912CUT_OFF_CSIR_UGC_NET_Exam_Dec2023.pdf

NET is used as an entrance test for Ph.D. admission

As a part of implementation of national education policy (NEP)- 2020, the commission decided that from the academic session 2024-25 onwards, the NET score can be used for admission to Ph.D. programmes in place of entrance tests conducted by the different universities which will stand effective from 28^th march, 2024

From June 2023 onwards results will be declared in 3 different categories