CSIR NET Syllabus 2026 (Part A, B, C), Download Subject-Wise Syllabus PDF

CSIR UGC NET Syllabus: Part A, Part B & Part C

CSIR UGC NET Syllabus comprehensively covers Part A (General Aptitude), Part B (core subject knowledge with CSIR NET Part B topics), and Part C (analytical applications via Part C numericals) across 5 subjects: Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. Check Detailed Syllabus in article below.

PART-A (General Aptitude)

• Logical Reasoning
• Graphical Analysis
• Analytical Ability
• Numerical Ability
• Quantitative Comparisons
• Series Formation
• Puzzles
• Data Interpretation
• Coding-Decoding
• Syllogisms
• Number Series
• Alphabet Series
• Blood Relations
• Directions
• Seating Arrangements
• Data Sufficiency
• Analogies
• Classifications
• Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Percentage & Profit-Loss
• Ratio & Proportion
• Time, Work, Distance
• Simple/Compound Interest
• Averages & Mixtures
• HCF/LCM
• Mensuration
• Bar Graphs
• Pie Charts
• Line Graphs
• Histograms

PART B and C: Chemical Science

CSIR UGC NET Chemical Sciences (Part B and C) syllabus focuses on core concepts from Physical, Inorganic, Organic, and Analytical Chemistry at postgraduate level. Part B tests factual knowledge (35/40 questions, 2 marks each), while Part C evaluates analytical/application skills (25/60 questions, 4 marks each) with negative marking of 25%.
Part B: Main Topics
Part B covers short-answer style MCQs on fundamental concepts:
Physical Chemistry
• Atomic structure and quantum theory
• Chemical thermodynamics
• Chemical and phase equilibria
• Electrochemistry
• Chemical kinetics
• Surface phenomena and catalysis
• Adsorption
• Solid state chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
• Periodic table and chemical bonding
• Main group elements (s/p block)
• Transition elements (d/f block)
• Coordination chemistry
• Organometallic compounds
• Nuclear chemistry
• Bioinorganic chemistry
Organic Chemistry
• Basic concepts and stereochemistry
• Organic reaction mechanisms
• Aromaticity and reactions
• Organic synthesis
• Pericyclic reactions
• Heterocyclic chemistry
Interdisciplinary
• Common analytical techniques (spectroscopy, chromatography)
Part C: Main Topics
Part C involves higher-order questions on problem-solving, data interpretation, and applications:
Physical Chemistry (Advanced)
• Quantum chemistry (molecular orbital theory)
• Statistical thermodynamics
• Reaction dynamics
• Photochemistry
• Non-equilibrium thermodynamics
• Spectroscopy (IR, Raman, UV-Vis, NMR)
Inorganic Chemistry (Advanced)
• Metal-ligand equilibria
• Organomettalic reaction mechanisms
• Bioinorganic systems (metalloproteins)
• Solid state structures (X-ray diffraction)
• Magnetochemistry
Organic Chemistry (Advanced)
• Asymmetric synthesis
• Protecting groups
• Natural products
• Polymer chemistry
• Supramolecular chemistry
• Reactive intermediates (carbenes, nitrenes)
Analytical & Applied Chemistry
• Instrumental methods (MS, AAS, ICP)
• Thermal methods (TGA, DTA)
• Electroanalytical techniques
• Green chemistry principles
Topic Weightage Table
Section Part B Weightage Part C Weightage
Physical 30-35% 25-30%
Inorganic 25-30% 25-30%
Organic 30-35% 30-35%
Analytical 10% 10-15%

In Conclusion
Parameter Part A Part B Part C Total
Questions Available 20 40 60 120
Questions to Attempt 15 (first 15 evaluated if more) 35 (first 35 evaluated if more) 25 (first 25 evaluated if more) 75
Marks per Question 2 2 4 –
Total Marks 30 70 100 200
Negative Marking 25% per wrong answer 25% per wrong answer 25% per wrong answer –
Question Type MCQs (4 options, 1 correct) MCQs (conceptual recall) MCQs (analytical/application) All MCQs
Time Allocation (Suggested) 15-20 min 40-50 min 60-70 min 180 min

PART B and C: EARTH SCIENCES

CSIR UGC NET Earth Sciences Part B and C syllabus spans Geology, Geophysics, Meteorology, Ocean Sciences, and Environmental Sciences at postgraduate level. Part B (35/50 questions, 2 marks each) tests conceptual knowledge, while Part C (25/80 questions, 4 marks each) focuses on analytical, numerical, and application-based problems with 25% negative marking in Part B and 33% in Part C.
Part B: Core Topics
Part B emphasizes factual recall and basic applications across five main domains:
Geology & Geophysics
• Mineralogy and petrology
• Structural geology
• Geomorphology
• Paleontology
• Stratigraphy
• Gravity and magnetic methods
• Seismic exploration
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
• Atmospheric thermodynamics
• Radiation balance
• Cloud physics
• Weather systems
• Climatology
Ocean Sciences
• Physical oceanography
• Marine geology
• Ocean circulation
• Waves and tides
Environmental Earth Sciences
• Natural hazards
• Remote sensing
• Environmental geochemistry
Part C: Advanced Topics
Part C requires data interpretation, modeling, and problem-solving:
Geology (Advanced)
• Tectonics and plate boundaries
• Igneous/metamorphic processes
• Ore deposits
• Hydrogeology
• Geochronology
Geophysics (Advanced)
• Seismology (earthquake mechanics)
• Geomagnetism
• Geoelectricity
• Heat flow
• Well logging
Meteorology (Advanced)
• Numerical weather prediction
• Tropical cyclones
• Climate modeling
• Ozone dynamics
• Monsoon systems
Oceanography (Advanced)
• Thermohaline circulation
• Coastal processes
• Marine sediments
• Paleoceanography
Applied & Interdisciplinary
• GIS and remote sensing applications
• Natural resource exploration
• Climate change impacts
• Disaster management

In Conclusion
Parameter Part A Part B Part C Total
Questions Available 20 50 80 150
Questions to Attempt 15 (first 15 evaluated) 35 (first 35 evaluated) 25 (first 25 evaluated) 75
Marks per Question 2 2 4 –
Total Marks 30 70 100 200
Negative Marking 25% 25% 33% –

PART B and C: LIFE SCIENCES

CSIR UGC NET Life Sciences Part B and C covers 13 core modules with 145 MCQs total, emphasizing conceptual recall in Part B (35/50 questions, 2 marks each) and analytical/application skills in Part C (25/75 questions, 4 marks each), with 25% negative marking across all.
Part B: Core Topics
Part B focuses on factual knowledge and basic applications:
Molecules & Interactions
• Structure of atoms, molecules, chemical bonds
• Biomolecular structure and stability
Cellular Organization
• Membrane structure, transport, cell signaling
• Cell cycle, division, motility
Fundamental Processes
• DNA replication, repair, recombination
• RNA synthesis, processing, gene regulation
Cell Communication & Signaling
• Host-parasite interactions, innate/adaptive immunity
• Cancer biology basics
Developmental Biology
• Basic processes, gametogenesis, fertilization
Part C: Advanced Topics
Part C tests problem-solving, data interpretation, and experimental design:
Methods & Techniques
• Advanced spectroscopy, centrifugation, chromatography
• Microscopy (light, electron, confocal)
• Molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, sequencing)
Applied Life Sciences
• Microbial growth, pathogenesis
• Applied biotechnology (transgenics, IPR)
• Advanced immunology (vaccines, antibodies)
Systems Biology
• Metabolic pathways integration
• Developmental genetics (model organisms)
• Neurobiology signaling

In Conclusion
Parameter Part A Part B Part C Total
Questions Available 20 50 75 145
Questions to Attempt 15 (first 15 evaluated) 35 (first 35 evaluated) 25 (first 25 evaluated) 75
Marks per Question 2 2 4 –
Total Marks 30 70 100 200
Negative Marking 25% 25% 25% –

PART B and C: MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

CSIR UGC NET Mathematical Sciences Part B and C emphasizes analysis, algebra, and applications with unique marking for Part C (multiple correct options). Part B (25/40 questions, 3 marks each) tests core concepts, while Part C (20/60 questions, 4.75 marks each) requires identifying all correct answers without partial credit.
Part B: Core Topics
Part B covers fundamental mathematical knowledge:
Analysis
• Real analysis (limits, continuity, differentiation, integration)
• Complex analysis (analytic functions, contour integrals)
• Functional analysis basics
Algebra
• Linear algebra (matrices, vector spaces, eigenvalues)
• Abstract algebra (groups, rings, fields)
• Linear transformations
Differential Equations
• Ordinary differential equations (existence, uniqueness)
• Partial differential equations (basics)
• Numerical methods
Topology & Geometry
• Metric spaces, topology basics
• Differential geometry (curves, surfaces)
Part C: Advanced Topics
Part C demands deep problem-solving and multiple-correct identification:
Advanced Analysis
• Measure theory and Lebesgue integration
• Harmonic analysis
• Functional equations
Advanced Algebra
• Galois theory
• Representation theory
• Commutative algebra
Applied Mathematics
• Numerical analysis (interpolation, quadrature)
• Mathematical modeling (PDEs, optimization)
• Probability and statistics (distributions, hypothesis testing)
Modern Topics
• Graph theory and combinatorics
• Operations research (linear programming)
• Cryptography basics

In Conclusion
Parameter Part A Part B Part C Total
Questions Available 20 40 60 120
Questions to Attempt 15 25 20 60
Marks per Question 2 3 4.75 –
Total Marks 30 75 95 200
Negative Marking 0.5 0.75 None specified –
Question Type Single correct (4 options) Single correct (4 options) Multiple correct (all must be right) MCQs

PART B and C: PHYSICAL SCIENCES

CSIR UGC NET Physical Sciences Part B and C syllabus covers core Physics topics at postgraduate level, divided into Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Thermodynamics, Electronics, Atomic & Molecular Physics, and Nuclear & Particle Physics. Part B (20/20 questions, 3.5 marks each) tests conceptual understanding, while Part C (20/25 questions: 10 compulsory + 10 chosen from 15, 5 marks each) focuses on analytical problems, derivations, and applications with 25% negative marking.
Part B: Core Topics
Part B emphasizes fundamental concepts and short derivations:
Classical Mechanics
• Newton’s laws, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations
• Central force motion, rigid body dynamics
• Special relativity basics
Mathematical Methods
• Vector analysis, tensors
• Differential equations (Bessel, Legendre functions)
• Complex variables, Fourier series/transforms
Electromagnetic Theory
• Electrostatics, magnetostatics
• Maxwell’s equations
• Electromagnetic waves, waveguides
Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics
• Laws of thermodynamics
• Kinetic theory, Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics
• Partition functions
Electronics & Experimental Physics
• Digital circuits, op-amps
• Error analysis, least squares fitting
Part C: Advanced Topics
Part C requires problem-solving, numericals, and experimental interpretation:
Quantum Mechanics (Advanced)
• Schrödinger equation solutions (hydrogen atom, harmonic oscillator)
• Angular momentum, spin
• Approximation methods (perturbation, variation)
• Scattering theory
Electromagnetic Theory (Advanced)
• Radiation, relativistic electrodynamics
• Plasma physics basics
• Gauge invariance
Statistical Mechanics (Advanced)
• Quantum statistics (Bose-Einstein, Fermi-Dirac)
• Phase transitions, Ising model
• Non-equilibrium thermodynamics
Atomic & Molecular Physics
• Spectra (fine/hyperfine structure)
• Zeeman/Stark effects
• Molecular rotations/vibrations
Nuclear & Particle Physics
• Nuclear models, radioactivity
• Particle detectors, accelerators
• Standard model basics, Feynman diagrams
Condensed Matter Physics
• Crystal structure, band theory
• Superconductivity, magnetism
• Semiconductors

In Conclusion
Parameter Part A Part B Part C Total
Questions Available 20 20 25 (10 compulsory + 15 choose 10) 65
Questions to Attempt 15 (first 15 evaluated) 20 (first 20 evaluated) 20 (first 10+10 evaluated) 55
Marks per Question 2 3.5 5 –
Total Marks 30 70 100 200
Negative Marking 25% 25% 25% –

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