The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the Joint Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (CSIR UGC NET) December 2025 exam today in two shifts. Candidates must present their CSIR UGC NET 2025 admit card for entry.
Exam Overview
The CSIR UGC NET exam determines eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor appointments, and PhD admissions in science and interdisciplinary research fields.
Shift Timings and Subjects
The examination runs in two shifts:
- Morning Shift: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Exam centers open at 7:00 AM.
- Afternoon Shift: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Exam centers open at 1:00 PM.
Candidates for Life Sciences and Earth Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences appear in the morning shift. The afternoon shift includes candidates for Chemical Sciences , Mathematical Sciences , and Physical Sciences .
Question Paper Pattern and Marking Scheme
The exam pattern and marking scheme vary by subject. Each paper has three parts: Part A, Part B, and Part C. Part A is common, covering General Aptitude. Parts B and C focus on the specific subject. Negative marking at 25% applies to incorrect answers in Parts A, B, and C across most subjects.
Chemical Sciences (Code 701)
| Category | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 20 | 40 | 60 | 120 |
| Max Questions to Attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
| Marks per Incorrect Answer | 0.5 (25% Negative) | 0.5 (25% Negative) | 1 (25% Negative) | – |
Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences (Code 702)
| Category | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 20 | 50 | 80 | 150 |
| Max Questions to Attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
| Marks per Incorrect Answer | 0.5 (25% Negative) | 0.5 (25% Negative) | 1.32 (25% Negative) | – |
Life Sciences (Code 703)
| Category | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 20 | 50 | 75 | 145 |
| Max Questions to Attempt | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | 2 | 2 | 4 | 200 |
| Marks per Incorrect Answer | 0.5 (25% Negative) | 0.5 (25% Negative) | 1 (25% Negative) | – |
Mathematical Sciences (Code 704)
| Category | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 20 | 40 | 60 | 120 |
| Max Questions to Attempt | 15 | 25 | 20 | 60 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | 2 | 3 | 4.75 | 200 |
| Marks per Incorrect Answer | 0.5 (25% Negative) | 0.75 (25% Negative) | 0 (No Negative) | – |
Physical Sciences (Code 705)
| Category | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 20 | 25 | 30 | 75 |
| Max Questions to Attempt | 15 | 20 | 20 | 55 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | 2 | 3.5 | 5 | 200 |
| Marks per Incorrect Answer | 0.5 (25% Negative) | 0.875 (25% Negative) | 1.25 (25% Negative) | – |
Stipend Details
Qualified candidates for JRF receive a stipend of Rs 37,000 per month for the first two years, plus an annual contingent grant of Rs 20,000 . If registered for a PhD after two years, the fellowship upgrades to Senior Research Fellow (SRF NET), increasing the stipend to Rs 42,000 per month for the third and subsequent years.