The CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Eligibility Test) is a prestigious national-level examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of CSIR and UGC. It is held twice a year — typically in June and December — to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor (Lectureship) positions in science and technology fields. Explore the complete CSIR NET subject list, including Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Earth Sciences. Understand subject codes, exam eligibility, and specialization areas to choose the right discipline for your CSIR NET preparation and research career.

What is CSIR NET?

The CSIR National Eligibility Test (CSIR NET) assesses a candidate’s subject-specific knowledge, research aptitude, and analytical reasoning. The exam consists of three sections — Part A (General Aptitude), Part B (Subject-specific), and Part C (Analytical & Application-based questions).

Part A is common to all subjects, while Parts B and C differ depending on the chosen subject.

CSIR NET Exam Overview 

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Eligibility Test)
Conducting Body	Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
Exam Purpose	Eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor
Exam Level	National
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Frequency	Twice a year (Tentatively)
Expected Exam Month	December 2026
Subjects Covered	Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences
Question Type	Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions)
Exam Duration	3 Hours
Medium of Exam	English and Hindi
Total Marks	200
Negative Marking	Yes (Varies by subject and section)
Official Website	csirnet.nta.ac.in

All Subjects of CSIR NET Exam

The CSIR NET Subject List 2026 includes five core science disciplines, each corresponding to major scientific research areas:

1. Chemical Sciences
2. Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
3. Life Sciences
4. Mathematical Sciences
5. Physical Sciences

Each subject has a unique subject code and an individual syllabus, marking scheme, and paper pattern.

CSIR NET Subject List 2026 with Codes

Code	Subject Name
701	Chemical Sciences
702	Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
703	Life Sciences
704	Mathematical Sciences
705	Physical Sciences

These subjects form the complete CSIR NET subject list, catering exclusively to science stream candidates. Candidates must choose one subject at the time of application, preferably matching their postgraduate qualification.

CSIR NET Subject List 2026 – Detailed Breakdown

1. Chemical Sciences

Subject Code: 701
Eligibility: M.Sc. in Chemistry or related fields
Exam Pattern Overview:

Part	Questions	To Attempt	Marks/Question	Negative Marking
B	40	35	+2	-0.5
C	60	25	+4	-1
Key Topics:

• Physical Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Interdisciplinary & Green Chemistry

2. Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences

Subject Code: 702
Eligibility: M.Sc. in Geology, Geophysics, Meteorology, Oceanography, or related fields
Exam Pattern Overview:

Part	Questions	To Attempt	Marks/Question	Negative Marking
B	50	35	+2	-0.5
C	80	25	+4	-1.32
Important Topics:

• Geology & Applied Geology
• Meteorology & Atmospheric Science
• Oceanography
• Geophysics & Planetary Science

3. Life Sciences

Subject Code: 703
Eligibility: M.Sc. in Biology, Biotechnology, Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, or related fields
Exam Pattern Overview:

Part	Questions	To Attempt	Marks/Question	Negative Marking
B	50	35	+2	-0.5
C	75	25	+4	-1
Major Topics:

• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Ecology and Evolution
• Genetics and Inheritance
• Plant and Animal Physiology
• Applied Biology

4. Mathematical Sciences

Subject Code: 704
Eligibility: M.Sc. in Mathematics, Statistics, or Applied Mathematics
Exam Pattern Overview:

Part	Questions	To Attempt	Marks/Question	Negative Marking
B	40	25	+3	-0.75
C	60	20	+4.75	None
Important Areas:

• Algebra & Linear Algebra
• Differential and Integral Equations
• Classical Mechanics
• Complex Analysis & Topology
• Numerical Analysis and Statistics

5. Physical Sciences

Subject Code: 705
Eligibility: M.Sc. in Physics or related fields
Exam Pattern Overview:

Part	Questions	To Attempt	Marks/Question	Negative Marking
B	25	20	+3.5	-0.875
C	30	20	+5	-1.25
Core Topics:

• Classical Mechanics & Quantum Physics
• Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics
• Electromagnetism
• Electronics
• Mathematical Physics
• Condensed Matter & Particle Physics

What Are the Subjects in CSIR NET 2026?

The CSIR NET 2026 exam will be conducted for the following five major subjects:

• Life Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Chemical Sciences
• Mathematical Sciences
• Earth Sciences

These subjects represent key domains in natural and mathematical sciences, offering candidates the opportunity to qualify for JRF or Lectureship roles in research and academia.

How to Choose the Right Subject for CSIR NET 2026?

Choosing the correct subject is vital for effective preparation and success.

Tips for Selecting the Right Subject:

1. Choose the subject aligned with your postgraduate degree.
2. Review the CSIR NET syllabus for that subject carefully.
3. Consider your academic strengths and research interests.
4. Evaluate the availability of books, coaching, and study material.

Example: If you have an M.Sc. in Biotechnology, choose Life Sciences; if you hold an M.Sc. in Physics, opt for Physical Sciences.

Conclusion

Understanding the CSIR NET Subject List 2026 is the first step toward targeted preparation. With only five subjects available, aspirants must make an informed choice based on their qualifications, interest, and career goals.

The CSIR NET exam opens doors to a career in research and higher education. Selecting the right subject — and preparing systematically — significantly boosts your chances of qualifying for JRF or Lectureship.

CSIR NET Subject List 2026 FAQs

Q1. What are the subjects in CSIR NET 2026?
The CSIR NET includes five subjects — Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Earth Sciences.

Q2. Can I apply for more than one subject in the CSIR NET exam?
No, candidates can apply for only one subject per attempt as per CSIR NET guidelines.

Q3. Is Life Science the same as Biology in CSIR NET?
Life Sciences covers broader biological disciplines including Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, and Physiology — not just general biology.

Q4. Which CSIR NET subject is easiest?
It depends on your background — Life Sciences is preferred by biology students, while mathematics majors often find Mathematical Sciences more manageable.

Q5. Can engineering graduates apply for CSIR NET?
Generally, CSIR NET is for science postgraduates, but some engineering backgrounds may apply if their specialization aligns with Mathematical or Earth Sciences.