The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with the National Testing Agency (NTA), has announced the syllabus for the CSIR NET June 2026 exam. Candidates interested in applying can do so online from June 2026 Notification The Life Sciences syllabus for 2026 covers essential fundamentals in the field, spread across three parts:
- Part A: Focuses on general aptitude including logical reasoning and numerical ability.
- Part B: Contains core subject questions.
- Part C: Presents higher-order analytical questions to test scientific understanding.
The detailed CSIR NET Life Sciences Syllabus PDF is available for download on the official NTA site. Key subjects include molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, physiology, developmental biology, ecology, evolution, biotechnology, and research methods. Both theoretical concepts and practical knowledge form the foundation of this exam, so candidates must prepare strategically to master the syllabus.
CSIR NET Life Sciences Syllabus 2026 Overview
| CSIR NET Life Sciences Syllabus 2026 Overview | |
|---|---|
| Events | Details |
| Exam Name | CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test) |
| Organized by | National Testing Agency |
| Medium of examination | Hindi and English |
| Mode of examination | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (June and December) |
| Time duration | 3 hours |
| Maximum marks | 200 |
| Number of questions | 145 |
| Negative marking | 25% for each wrong answer (Part A: 0.5, Part B: 0.5, Part C: 1) |
| Pattern |
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| Age limit (for JRF) |
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| Official website | csirnet.nta.nic.in |
CSIR NET Life Sciences Unit-wise Syllabus 2026
The 2026 syllabus covers crucial topics across 13 units, forming the foundation of Life Sciences.
| Unit Name | Topics |
|---|---|
| Cellular Organization | Membrane structure and function, organization of genes and chromosomes, microbial physiology, cell division and cycle, intracellular organelles structure and function |
| Molecules and their Interaction | Structure of atoms, chemical bonds and molecules, biophysical chemistry principles, bioenergetics, carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid metabolism, protein and nucleic acid composition and stability |
| Fundamental Processes | DNA replication, extrachromosomal replicons, homologous RNA synthesis, gene expression control, transcription, translation, protein synthesis |
| Cell Communication and Signaling | Innate and adaptive immune system, cell signaling, cancer biology, host-parasite interactions |
| Development Biology | Morphogenesis, basic development concepts, organogenesis in animals, gametogenesis, fertilization, early development stages |
| Inheritance Biology | Mendelian principles, human genetics, gene mapping, pleiotropy, quantitative genetics, mutations, microbial genetics |
| System Physiology: Plant | Plant hormones, photosynthesis, respiration, photoprotection, photorespiration, nitrogen metabolism |
| System Physiology: Animal | Blood and circulation, nervous system, cardiovascular system, heart, blood groups, sense organs, digestive and respiratory systems |
| Diversity of Life Forms | Taxonomy, classification of plants, animals and microbes, adaptive radiation, Indian subcontinent natural history, conservation |
| Evolution and Behavior | Paleontology, molecular evolution, Darwin's variation concepts, brain and behavior evolution |
| Applied Biology | Biosensors, plant and animal breeding, bioremediation, microbial fermentation, biodiversity uses |
| Ecological Principles | Environment, population ecology, conservation biology, ecological succession, ecosystems, species interactions |
| Methods in Biology | Statistical methods, immunotechniques, molecular biology techniques, recombinant DNA methods, fluorescence |
CSIR NET Life Sciences Exam Pattern 2026
| CSIR NET Life Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life Sciences | 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 (Total Marks) |
| Negative Marking | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 | – |
CSIR NET 2026 Application Fee
Applicants are required to pay the CSIR NET 2026 application fee online through various methods like Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or Paytm Gateway. The CSIR NET 2026 application fees for various categories are detailed below.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| For General Category candidates | INR 1150/- |
| For OBC-NCL Category candidates | INR 600/- |
| For SC/ST/ Physically Handicapped (PH) or Visually Handicapped (VH ) candidates | INR 325/- |
CSIR NET Life Sciences Syllabus And Exam Pattern
Life Sciences Syllabus 2026 Download PDF
CSIR NET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The CSIR NET eligibility criteria for the year 2026 will be established and detailed in the official notification released by the National Examinations Council. These criteria will cover age, nationality, and educational qualifications.
- Nationality: Applicants must be permanent citizens of India.
- Age: The minimum age required to apply is 30 years.
- Age Relaxation: The relaxation in age is applicable to all categories, excluding those who wish to compete in different categories.
- Lectureship (LS): There is no upper age limit for candidates applying for the Lectureship position.
CSIR NET 2026 Educational Qualification:
- Eligible candidates must possess a four-year BS program, BE/B.Tech/B.Pharma/Integrated BS-MS/MBBS/BSc (Hons)/M.Sc, or an equivalent degree.
- Students currently enrolled in the Integrated MS-PhD program or holding an Equivalent degree/B.Sc (Hons) are also eligible to apply.
- Candidates belonging to the General & OBC-NCL categories must have completed the qualifying examination with at least 55% marks. A minimum of 50% marks is required for SC/ST candidates, as well as Physically and Visually Handicapped candidates.
- Candidates who possess an M.Sc. or those who have just completed the 10+2+3 years of the aforementioned qualifying examination are eligible under the Result Awaited (RA) category.
- However, to benefit from their participation, the required percentage of marks in the eligible degree must be completed within two years.
- Candidates holding a degree in science, engineering, or any other discipline are eligible for the Ph.D./Integrated Ph.D. project within 2 years of the allocation.
CSIR NET June 2026: Application Form & How to Apply Online Step by Step
- isit the official website - csirnet.nta.nic.in.
- Click on the link "Fill online CSIR NET 2026 Application Form" located on the homepage.
- For new applicants, select the "Register New" option.
- On the new page, check the box and then click "Click Here to Continue."
- Fill in your details in the application form.
- Review the provided research papers and declarations. Click Final Submit.
- In the displayed dialog box, click Yes to confirm Registration.
- The application number is generated and will be displayed on the screen.
- Click on the "Complete Application" option.
- Verify your mobile number and email address.
- In the new tab, enter important details such as the post applied for, center choice, and subject choice.
- Enter the security key and click the Submit button.
- Once the final document has been submitted, upload the scanned signature and photograph in the prescribed format.
- The Application fees must be paid before the final submission.
- Take two or three printouts of the acceptance form, save them, and keep them with you.
- Click here for all details regarding the CSIR NET 2026 Application Form, including dates, eligibility requirements, and the steps and guidelines to fill the form.
CSIR NET Life Sciences Exam Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Get familiar with all topics; organize them into General Aptitude, Part B, and Part C sections.
- Focus on Important Topics: Give priority to high-weightage areas like Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Cell Biology and practice regularly.
- Time Management: Create and stick to a study plan allocating time to each subject efficiently.
- Practice Previous Papers: Solve past question papers to understand exam patterns and question types.
- Make Short Notes: Prepare concise notes to aid quick revision of complex concepts.
- Revise Regularly: Set aside frequent revision slots to retain knowledge effectively before the exam.
CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus FAQs
Q. Is the CSIR NET Life Science exam challenging?
A. The exam tests both fundamental and advanced topics, requiring focused preparation and understanding.
Q. Who qualifies for the NET Life Science exam?
A. Candidates meeting the educational and age criteria set by CSIR and NTA can sit for the exam.
Q. Is the NET Life Science exam considered easy?
A. The exam demands thorough knowledge and analytical skills, so it is considered moderately challenging.
Q. Is the NET exam more challenging than NEET?
A. NET focuses on specialized life sciences knowledge, while NEET targets medical entrance; both have distinct difficulty levels.
