The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the notification for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2024 examination. This national-level test is conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for:
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- Lectureship/Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges.
If you aspire to become a researcher or academic professional, this exam is a golden opportunity. This detailed guide will provide everything you need to know – from eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, and application process to preparation strategies, key dates, and FAQs.
Table of Contents
- Overview of CSIR-UGC NET December 2024
- Important Dates
- Eligibility Criteria
- Category-Wise Fee Details
- Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
- Subject-Wise Syllabus
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Preparation Strategy: 4-Week Study Plan
- Book Recommendations for All Subjects
- Admit Card and Exam Day Instructions
- FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
1. Overview of CSIR-UGC NET December 2024
The CSIR-UGC NET is conducted to select candidates for JRF and Assistant Professorship in the fields of science and research. Here’s an overview of the examination:
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | CSIR-UGC NET December 2024 |
| Purpose | JRF, Assistant Professor, Ph.D. Admission |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 minutes) |
| Question Type | Objective (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Official Website | csirnet.nta.ac.in |
2. Important Dates
Mark these crucial dates for the CSIR-UGC NET December 2024:
| Events | Dates |
| Start of Online Applications | December 9, 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 30, 2024 |
| Correction Window | January 1–2, 2025 |
| City Intimation Slip | To be announced |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| Exam Dates | February 16–28, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
3. Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the CSIR-UGC NET, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
A. Educational Qualification
| Category | Minimum Marks |
| General/EWS | 55% in Master’s Degree |
| SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/Third Gender | 50% in Master’s Degree |
- Candidates pursuing final-year Master’s Degree can apply provisionally.
- Candidates with a 4-Year Bachelor’s Degree and 75% marks are eligible for JRF and Ph.D. admissions.
B. Age Limit
| Category | Age Limit |
| Junior Research Fellowship | Up to 30 years (as of Feb 2025) |
| Assistant Professor | No upper age limit |
Age Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/Women/PwD candidates.
4. Category-Wise Fee Details
The application fee is categorized as follows:
| Category | Application Fee |
| General | Rs. 1150/- |
| General-EWS/OBC-NCL | Rs. 600/- |
| SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender | Rs. 325/- |
Payment Mode: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
5. Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The CSIR-UGC NET exam comprises three parts:
A. Exam Format
| Section | Type of Questions | Marks |
| Part A | General Aptitude | 30 |
| Part B | Subject-Specific (MCQs) | Varies |
| Part C | Analytical and Higher-Order Questions | Varies |
Total Duration: 3 Hours | Mode: Computer-Based Test
B. Subject-Wise Exam Details
| Subject | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total Marks |
| Chemical Sciences | 15 Qs | 35 Qs | 25 Qs | 200 |
| Life Sciences | 15 Qs | 35 Qs | 25 Qs | 200 |
| Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean Sciences | 15 Qs | 35 Qs | 25 Qs | 200 |
Negative Marking: 25% marks deducted for incorrect answers in Part A and B.
6. Subject-Wise Syllabus
A. General Aptitude (Part A)
- Logical Reasoning
- Numerical Ability
- Graphical Analysis
- Series Completion
- Data Interpretation
B. Subject-Specific Topics
The syllabus for subjects like Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, and others can be downloaded from the official website: CSIR HRDG.
7. Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to complete your application:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to csirnet.nta.ac.in.
- Register: Use your valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill the Application Form: Enter personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload Documents:
- Photograph (10–200 KB)
- Signature (4–30 KB)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Pay the Application Fee: Use Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking.
- Submit: Review all details before final submission.
- Print Confirmation Page: Save a copy for future reference.
8. Preparation Strategy: 4-Week Study Plan
Week 1:
- Focus on General Aptitude (Part A).
- Start basic concepts in your subject-specific syllabus.
Week 2:
- Solve MCQs for Part B.
- Practice speed and accuracy.
Week 3:
- Tackle higher-order questions (Part C).
- Solve previous years’ question papers.
Week 4:
- Take mock tests daily.
- Revise weak areas and key topics.
9. Book Recommendations for All Subjects
| Subject | Book Recommendation |
| General Aptitude | CSIR NET General Aptitude by H.B. Khan |
| Life Sciences | Trueman’s CSIR NET Life Sciences |
| Chemical Sciences | CSIR UGC NET Chemical Sciences – Arihant |
| Physical Sciences | CSIR NET Physical Sciences by R. Gupta |
10. Admit Card and Exam Day Instructions
Admit Card
- Admit cards will be available on the official website.
- Carry a printout of the Admit Card and a valid Photo ID.
Exam Day Guidelines
- Report to the exam center at least 1 hour early.
- Do not carry electronic items or prohibited materials.
- Follow all instructions given by the invigilators.
11.Here are 10 FAQs about the CSIR-UGC NET December 2024 exam:
- What is the CSIR-UGC NET exam?
The CSIR-UGC NET is a national-level examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professorship in various science-related subjects at universities and colleges across India. - Who conducts the CSIR-UGC NET exam?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the CSIR-UGC NET exam under the supervision of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). - What is the purpose of the CSIR-UGC NET exam?
The exam aims to select candidates for:
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- Assistant Professorship
It also serves as a qualifying exam for candidates seeking Ph.D. admission in various universities and research institutes. - What is the exam pattern for CSIR-UGC NET December 2024?
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- Question Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Sections: Part A (General Aptitude), Part B (Subject-specific), Part C (Advanced Questions in the chosen subject)
- What subjects are included in the CSIR-UGC NET exam?
The exam is conducted for the following subjects:
- Chemical Sciences
- Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- What is the eligibility criteria for the CSIR-UGC NET December 2024?
Candidates must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field with a minimum percentage (usually 55% for General candidates and 50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates). They should also meet the age criteria:
- JRF: Must be below 28 years of age (relaxation available for reserved categories).
- Assistant Professor: No upper age limit.
- How can I apply for the CSIR-UGC NET December 2024?
Candidates can apply online through the official NTA website:
- Visit csirnet.nta.ac.in
- Fill in the application form, upload documents, and pay the application fee
- Submit the form before the deadline
- What is the application fee for the CSIR-UGC NET exam?
The application fee is as follows:
- General Category: ₹1,000
- OBC-NCL: ₹500
- SC/ST/PwD/Transgender: ₹250 The fee can be paid via online banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI.
- What is the selection process for CSIR-UGC NET December 2024?
The selection process involves:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT): Conducted for all subjects
- Result Announcement: Candidates who qualify the exam will be eligible for JRF or Assistant Professor posts based on their rank and eligibility.
- What are the benefits of qualifying the CSIR-UGC NET exam?
- JRF holders receive financial assistance for pursuing a Ph.D. in Indian universities and research institutes.
- Assistant Professor eligibility allows candidates to apply for teaching positions in universities and colleges across India.
- Successful candidates are also eligible for various research fellowships and can gain recognition in the scientific community.
For more detailed information, candidates should refer to the official CSIR-UGC NET December 2024 notification on the NTA website.
12. Conclusion
The CSIR-UGC NET December 2024 is a crucial opportunity for research aspirants and teaching professionals. Start your preparation early, use the recommended books, and follow the strategies outlined here.
For updates and details, visit the official website: csirnet.nta.ac.in.
Best of Luck with Your Preparation!
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