The CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test) is a national-level examination conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship/Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges. About CSIR The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), known for its cutting edge R&D knowledge base in diverse S&T areas, is a contemporary R&D organization. CSIR covers a wide spectrum of science and technology – from oceanography, geophysics, chemicals, drugs, genomics, biotechnology and nanotechnology to mining, aeronautics, instrumentation, environmental engineering and information technology. It provides significant technological intervention in many areas concerning societal efforts, which include environment, health, drinking water, food, housing, energy, farm and non-farm sectors. Further, CSIR’s role in S&T human resource development is noteworthy. CSIR and University Grants Commission (UGC) provide Research Fellowships for training in methods of research under expert guidance of faculty members/scientists working in University Department/ National Laboratories and Institutions in various fields of Science. UGC NET Vs JOINT CSIR UGC NET exam The main difference is that the UGC NET is conducted in Humanities including languages, Social Sciences, Forensic Science, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Applications and Electronic Science and JOINT CSIR UGC NET is for other science subjects such as Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Earth Atmospheric Ocean and Planetary Sciences jointly with UGC. CSIR-UGC NET Fellowship Joint CSIR-UGC NET Fellowship programme is aimed at National Science & Technology Human Resource Development. A large number of Junior Research Fellowshipa (JRFs) are awarded each year by CSIR to candidates after qualifying the Test conducted by it. Joint CSIR UGC NET is a test being conducted to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D in Indian universities and colleges subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria laid down by UGC. Generally, it is conducted twice a year in June and December. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been entrusted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), with the task of conducting the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2024 Examination in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. Benefits to the students The stipend of a JRF selected through CSIR- National Eligibility Test (NET) will be Rs. 37,000/- per month for the first two years. In addition, annual contingent grant of Rs. 20,000/- is reimbursed directly to the fellow. The Fellowship will be governed by terms and conditions of CSIR, UGC or Research Scheme, as applicable. On Completion of two years as JRF and if the Fellow is registered for Ph.D., the Fellowship will be upgraded to SRF (NET) and the stipend will be increased to Rs. 42,000/- per month for the 3rd and subsequent years, on the basis of assessment of Fellows’ research progress/ achievements through interview by an Expert Committee. In the event of the Committee not recommending up-gradation or the fellow has not registered for Ph.D., the candidate will continue as JRF with a stipend of Rs. 37,000/- per month for the 3rd year or his/her fellowship may be terminated depending upon the recommendation of the Committee Eligibility Criteria To apply for the CSIR NET exam, candidates should have an Integrated BS-MS, BS-4 years, BE/B-Tech, B-Pharma, or MBBS degree with at least 55% marks. The Other Backward Classes (OBC)belonging to Non-Creamy Layer/Scheduled Caste (SC)/ Scheduled Tribe (ST)/ Persons with Disability (PwD)/ Third gender category candidates who have secured at least 50% marks (without rounding off) in Master’s degree or equivalent examination are eligible for this Test. Candidates whose results are awaited can also apply, provided their results are declared within the two-year validity period . Age limit JRF: Not more than 30 years as on the 1st day of the month in which the examination is concluded. A relaxation of upto 5 years is provided to the candidates belonging to OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/Third gender categories and to women applicants. Assistant Professor/PhD - There is no upper age limit in applying for Joint CSIR UGC-NET Application Process Online application to be filled in the JOINT CSIR-UGC NET portal. Documents required Copy of Board/ University Certificate for Candidate’s Name, Mother’s Name, Father’sName and Date of Birth Type of Identification – Bank A/c passbook with photograph/ Passport Number/ RationCard/ Aadhaar Card Number/Voter ID Card Number/ Other Govt ID Qualifying Degree Certificate or last semester marks sheet Category Certificate, if applicable Result Awaited Certificate, if applicable Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Certificate, if applicable Person with Disability (PwD) Certificate, if applicable Exam Schedule The CSIR NET exam is conducted twice a year, typically in June and December in 225 cities across the country. Exam Pattern The CSIR NET exam consists of three parts: Part A : General Aptitude, emphasizing quantitative comparison, logical reasoning, and analytical and numerical ability. Part B : Conventional MCQs, covering topics within the syllabus. Part C : Checking concepts of science and/or application of scientific concepts . Admit Card and Result The admit card for the CSIR NET exam can be downloaded from the official website. The result is declared as a merit list, and candidates can check their results using their roll number and date of birth . The validity of qualifying certificate of Assistant Professor is forever. Source : JOINT CSIR-UGC NET exam portal