The CSIR NET December 2026 Application Form has officially been released by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Online registration for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 examination started on October 7, 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications until November 5, 2026 (11:50 PM) without a late fee.
The CSIR NET December 2026 examination is scheduled for December 19, 22 and 27, 2026, in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
The examination determines eligibility for
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- Assistant Professor appointments
- PhD admission
under the applicable eligibility categories.
In this blog explains the CSIR NET December 2026 registration dates, examination schedule, eligibility criteria, application process, and important instructions for aspirants.
CSIR NET December 2026 – Important Dates
The examination determines eligibility for
| Event | Date |
| Notification / Registration Starts | 7 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 5 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Regular Fee Payment | 5 November 2026, 11:50 PM |
| Late Fee Registration Window | 6–9 November 2026 (will additional charges be added) |
| Last Date for Late Fee Payment | 9 November 2026, 11:50 PM |
| Application Correction Window | 10–12 November 2026 |
| CSIR NET December 2026 Exam Dates | 19, 22 & 27 December 2026 |
| Exam Shifts | Shift 1: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Shift 2: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Examination City Intimation | To be announced |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
Candidates are advised to complete the registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical difficulties.
Planning to attempt UGC NET too? See our UGC NET & CSIR NET December 2026 exam dates andcalendar post.
2. One Exam, Three Opportunities: JRF, Assistant Professor & Ph.D.
The Joint CSIR-UGC NET is conducted by NTA on behalf of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR). Depending on your performance, you can qualify under one of three categories:
Category | Eligible For | JRF | Asst. Prof | Ph.D. |
Category 1 | JRF + Assistant Professor + Ph.D. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Category 2 | Assistant Professor + Ph.D. | No | Yes | Yes |
Category 3 | Ph.D. Admission Only | No | No | Yes |
3. Eligibility Criteria for CSIR NET December 2026
3.1.1 Educational Qualification
Category | Minimum Marks in Master’s Degree (or equivalent) |
General / Unreserved / General-EWS | 55% (without rounding off) |
OBC-NCL / SC / ST / PwD / PwBD / Third Gender | 50% (without rounding off) |
Key points to remember:
- Final-year and result-awaited students can apply. They are admitted provisionally and are treated as eligible only after passing the Master's degree with the required percentage.
- Deadline to complete your Master's: within two years of the CSIR NET result for JRF and Assistant Professor qualifiers. If you qualify for Ph.D. admission only, you must complete it within one year. Otherwise you are disqualified.
- Ph.D. holders whose Master's level exam was completed by 19 September 1991 get a 5% relaxation (55% to 50%).
- Third Gender candidates get the same fee, age and eligibility relaxations as SC / ST / PwD / PwBD. Their subject-wise cut-off is the lowest among SC / ST / PwD / PwBD / OBC-NCL / General-EWS in that subject.
- Foreign qualifications: Get equivalence certificate from the University Grants Commission (UGC). For a Post-Graduate Diploma from an Indian institute, check equivalence with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
3.1.2 Four-Year Bachelor's Degree Holders
Candidates with a 4-year / 8-semester Bachelor’s degree can also apply, with these conditions:
- Minimum marks: 75% in aggregate (or equivalent grade). A 5% relaxation is available for SC / ST / OBC-NCL / PwBD / EWS and other categories as per UGC decisions.
- Final-year students of a 4-year programme can apply provisionally , must meet the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022 within two years (JRF) or one year (Ph.D. only) of the result.
3.2 Age Limit
Post | Upper Age Limit |
JRF | 30 years as on 1 December 2026 |
Assistant Professor | No upper age limit |
Admission to Ph.D. only | No upper age limit |
Age relaxation for JRF:
- Up to 5 years for OBC-NCL / SC / ST / PwD / PwBD / Third Gender candidates and women applicants.
- Up to 5 years for armed forces personnel, limited to their length of service up to 1 December 2026.
- Total relaxation on all grounds cannot exceed 5 years.
4. Subjects Covered in CSIR NET December 2026 - Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
The test is a Computer Based Test (CBT) of 180 minutes (3 hours), held in two shifts. The paper has three parts, and all questions are objective-type multiple choice. There is no break between papers. Every subject carries 200 marks.
- Part A: General Aptitude
- Part B: Core Subject
- Part C: Advanced Application
i) Chemical Sciences (701)
CHEMICAL SCIENCES (701) | PART A | PART B | PART C | TOTAL |
Total questions | 20 | 40 | 60 | 120 |
Max no. of questions to attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
Marks for each incorrect answer (negative marking @ 25% in Parts A, B & C) | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 | – |
ii) Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences (702)
EARTH, ATMOSPHERIC, OCEAN & PLANETARY SCIENCES (702) | PART A | PART B | PART C | TOTAL |
Total questions | 20 | 50 | 80 | 150 |
Max no. of questions to attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
Marks for each incorrect answer (negative marking @ 25% in Parts A & B, @ 33% in Part C) | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.32 | – |
iii) Life Sciences and Bio-Technology (703)
LIFE SCIENCES AND BIO-TECHNOLOGY (703) | PART A | PART B | PART C | TOTAL |
Total questions | 20 | 50 | 75 | 145 |
Max no. of questions to attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
Marks for each incorrect answer (negative marking @ 25% in Parts A, B & C) | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 | – |
iv) Mathematical Sciences (704)
MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES (704) | PART A | PART B | PART C | TOTAL |
Total questions | 20 | 40 | 60 | 120 |
Max no. of questions to attempt | 15 | 25 | 20 | 60 |
Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 3 | 4.75 | 200 |
Marks for each incorrect answer (negative marking @ 25% in Parts A & B; no negative marking in Part C) | 0.5 | 0.75 | 0 | – |
V) Physical Sciences (705)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES (705) | PART A | PART B | PART C | TOTAL |
Total questions | 20 | 25 | 30 | 75 |
Max no. of questions to attempt | 15 | 20 | 20 | 55 |
Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 3.5 | 5 | 200 |
Marks for each incorrect answer (negative marking @ 25% in Parts A, B & C) | 0.5 | 0.875 | 1.25 | – |
6. Important Tips Before You Submit
- Apply early. Don't wait for 5 November, when the website slows down.
- Double-check your name, date of birth and category before final submission.
- Use only your own email ID and mobile number. They can't be changed later.
- Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. NTA does not verify them at registration, but ineligibility found later cancels your candidature.
- Keep your confirmation page, fee receipt and uploaded photo safe.
- Use the correction window (10–12 November) only for genuine errors. Not all fields can be edited.
- Keep checking csirnet.nta.nic.in for admit card and city intimation updates.
7. Preparation Strategy: Start Now!
i) Decode the pattern and syllabus
- Part A: Logical reasoning and basic quantitative aptitude.
- Part B: Direct, concept-based questions.
- Part B: Direct, concept-based questions.
- Action : Download the syllabus and sort topics into strong, moderate and weak.
ii) Concepts, practice, revision
- Skip rote learning. CSIR NET tests scientific reasoning and numerical problem-solving.
- Solve the last 10 years of previous year papers to understand patterns and repeated concepts.
- Practise Part C problems daily to build stamina for the toughest section.
iii) Build a lean routine
- Four hours of focused study daily beats an occasional 12-hour marathon.
- Take timed mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Keep short notes and formula sheets for a weekly revision cycle.
The CSIR NET December 2026 exam is one of the best chances for science postgraduates to secure a research fellowship, a teaching career or Ph.D. admission. The window is open, the deadline is 5 November, and the clock is ticking. Check your eligibility, register early and start focused preparation today.
Start Your CSIR NET December 2026 Journey with Professor Academy!
Last Date to Apply: 5 November 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (CSIR NET December 2026)
Is the CSIR NET December 2026 application form open?
Yes. Applications opened on 7 October 2026, and the last date to apply is 5 November 2026 (11:50 PM).
What is the CSIR NET December 2026 exam date?
The exam is scheduled for 19, 22 & 27 December 2026 in CBT mode.
What is the age limit for CSIR NET December 2026 JRF?
The maximum age is 30 years as on 1 December 2026. Up to 5 years of relaxation is available for OBC-NCL / SC / ST / PwD / PwBD / Third Gender candidates, women, candidates with research experience and ex-servicemen. There is no age limit for Assistant Professor or Ph.D. admission only.
What is the minimum percentage required for CSIR NET?
You need 55% in your Master’s degree if you are General / EWS, and 50% if you are OBC-NCL / SC / ST / PwD / PwBD / Third Gender.
Can final-year Master's students apply?
Yes. You are admitted provisionally and must complete your degree within two years of the result (one year for Ph.D.-only qualifiers).
Can 4-year B.Sc. / B.Tech graduates apply for CSIR NET?
Yes, with at least 75% marks (5% relaxation for reserved categories). They are eligible for JRF and Ph.D. admission but not for Assistant Professor.
Do I need to send documents to NTA after applying?
No. You don’t need to send any certificate or printout. Your candidature is provisional until eligibility is confirmed.
Is there negative marking in CSIR NET?
Yes, 25% for wrong answers in most parts. Earth Sciences Part C has 33%, and Mathematical Sciences Part C has none.
