CSIR UGC NET December 2025: Online Application Form Released! Apply Now
What is CSIR‑UGC NET?
The Joint CSIR‑UGC NET exam (conducted by the National Testing Agency, NTA) determines eligibility for:
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- Lectureship / Assistant Professor
- Admission to Ph.D. programmes in Indian universities/colleges in science & technology fields.
It covers five science subjects: Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean & Planetary Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
Key Dates (December 2025 Cycle)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 25 September 2025 |
| Registration Last Date | 24 October 2025 (11:50 PM IST) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 25 October 2025 |
| Correction Window | 27–29 October 2025 |
| Exam Date | 18 December 2025 |
| Admit Card / Exam City Intimation | To be notified later on official website |
Note: These dates are as per the official notification released by NTA.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Master’s degree or equivalent with 55% marks (General / EWS / OBC‑NCL) and 50% marks for SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender. |
| Result‑Awaited Candidates | Those pursuing final year/ awaiting result may apply, but must fulfill the above percentage requirement within a stipulated period. |
| Age Limit for JRF | Maximum 30 years as on 1 December 2025. Relaxable by up to 5 years for OBC‑NCL / SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender candidates. |
| Age Limit for Lectureship / Ph.D only | No upper age limit for these categories. |
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 1150 |
| OBC‑NCL | 600 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | 325 |
Fee payment methods: Online via Debit / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI.
Exam Pattern & Scheme
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Parts | Three sections: Part A (General Aptitude), Part B (Subject MCQs), Part C (Higher Order / Analytical) |
| Subjects Offered | Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth (Atmospheric, Ocean & Planetary) Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences |
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
Negative Marking & Language
- Negative marking applies for incorrect answers. Exact penalty varies by subject & part.
- The exam paper will be bilingual: English and Hindi.
Syllabus Highlights
Some key areas in the syllabus (for example, Life Sciences) include:
- Structure & function of biomolecules
- Cell organization, communication & signaling
- Developmental Biology
- Inheritance, evolution, ecology
- Bioinformatics & computational biology
For other subjects (Chemical, Physical, Earth, Mathematical), the syllabus is similarly detailed and includes core + applied topics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I apply while final year result is awaited? | Yes, but you must secure required marks (55%/50%) within a stipulated time to validate your eligibility. |
| Is the exam valid for PhD admission only? | Yes, there is a category “Admission to PhD only” alongside JRF and Lectureship categories. |
| Can a candidate submit more than one application for same subject? | No, multiple submissions for the same candidate will lead to cancellation. |
| What happens if the confirmation page fails after fee payment? | If confirmation page is not generated, transaction may be cancelled and amount refunded. Candidate should reinitiate payment. |
Expert Tips to Apply Smartly
- Fill out the application early — don’t wait until the last day to avoid system load issues.
- Keep your documents scanned and ready: photo, signature, category certificate, PwD certificate (if applicable).
- Use a stable internet connection for fee payment step.
- Retain copies of confirmation page & fee receipt.
- Read the information bulletin thoroughly to understand subject‑wise negative marking & details.
- Choose exam city preferences carefully; once allotted and after correction window closes, changes are not typically allowed.
The CSIR‑UGC NET December 2025 cycle presents a vital opportunity for science graduates aiming for research, teaching, or a PhD. The notification is out; dates are firm. Preparation + accurate application = your chance to move ahead. If you want, I can draft this in “for candidates” checklist format or prepare a graphic you can share.
