CSIR JRF Exams | CSIR JRF Exam Eligibility | CSIR JRF Exam Syllabus | CSIR JRF Exam Pattern | CSIR JRF Exam PYQ | CSIR JRF Exam Mock Test | Previous Year Question Papers CSIR JRF Exam

Given below is a content on CSIR JRF Exams written in clear, professional English. The CSIR JRF Exam, officially known as the CSIR UGC National Eligibility Test (NET), is one of the most prestigious national-level examinations in India for science graduates and postgraduates.

The exam is conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), this exam determines eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship/Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities, colleges, and research institutions.

Every year, thousands of aspirants appear for the CSIR JRF exam to pursue a career in research, academia, and scientific innovation. Due to its competitive nature and high academic standards, proper planning and in-depth understanding of the exam are essential for success.

In this detailed guide, we will cover everything about the CSIR JRF Exam 2025, including exam overview, eligibility criteria, subject-wise syllabus, exam pattern, preparation strategy, books, career opportunities, and frequently asked questions.

Likh Padh online free Mock Papers, PYQ, Previous Year Question Papers for CSIR JRF exams is completely designed and developed on the above examination pattern which helps the students to prepare before they appear for the CSIR JRF Examination.

What is CSIR JRF Exam?

The CSIR JRF exam (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – Junior Research Fellowship) is a national exam which is conducted by NTA for Indian science graduates. Once you qualify this exam after then you are eligible to apply for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF), Assistant Professorship (LS), or PhD admission in Indian universities.

The CSIR JRF exams covers life science, mathematical, chemical science, earth science and physical science. The exam is held twice in a year that is June and December. The exam duration is of 3 hour and is a computer based test (CBT).

The CSIR JRF Exam is a national-level eligibility test conducted twice a year (generally in June and December) to select candidates for:

1. Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
2. Lectureship (LS) / Assistant Professor

Candidates qualifying for JRF receive a monthly fellowship and can pursue PhD or research programs in top institutions such as IITs, IISc, NITs, CSIR Labs, and Central Universities.

CSIR JRF Exams Conducting Authority

• Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of CSIR
• Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Frequency: Twice a year
• Medium: English and Hindi (except Mathematical Sciences)

CSIR JRF Subjects List

The CSIR NET exam is conducted for the following five science subjects:

1. Chemical Sciences
2. Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
3. Life Sciences
4. Mathematical Sciences
5. Physical Sciences

Candidates must choose only one subject based on their postgraduate specialization.

CSIR JRF Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

To be eligible for CSIR JRF, candidates must have:

• M.Sc / BS-MS / Integrated MSc / B.Tech / BE / B.Pharm / MBBS
• Minimum marks:
  • General/OBC/EWS: 55%
  • SC/ST/PwD: 50%

Final-year postgraduate students can also apply.

Age Limit

• For JRF: Maximum age is 28 years
  • Age relaxation:
    • SC/ST/PwD/Female: 5 years
    • OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
• For Lectureship (NET): No upper age limit

CSIR JRF Exams Pattern

The CSIR JRF exam consists of three parts with negative marking.

General Exam Structure

• Total Marks: 200
• Duration: 3 hours
• Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Part-wise Distribution

Part A (General Aptitude)

• Common for all subjects
• Logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical skills
• Total questions: 15 (attempt any 10)
• Marks: 30

Part B (Subject-based – Conceptual)

• Core subject knowledge
• Marks vary by subject

Part C (Subject-based – Analytical & Application-based)

• Higher-order thinking and problem-solving
• Marks vary by subject

Negative Marking

• Negative marking applies in all three parts
• Usually 25% to 33% depending on subject

CSIR JRF Exams Syllabus (Subject-wise Overview)

Life Sciences

• Molecules and their Interaction
• Cell Organization
• Developmental Biology
• Genetics and Evolution
• Ecology and Environment
• Biotechnology
• Immunology
• Systems Biology

Chemical Sciences

• Organic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Reaction Mechanisms

Physical Sciences

• Classical Mechanics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Electromagnetic Theory
• Statistical Mechanics
• Solid State Physics
• Nuclear and Particle Physics

Mathematical Sciences

• Linear Algebra
• Real Analysis
• Complex Analysis
• Differential Equations
• Probability & Statistics
• Numerical Analysis
• Topology

Earth Sciences

• Geology
• Meteorology
• Oceanography
• Atmospheric Sciences
• Environmental Earth Sciences

CSIR JRF Exams Cut-Off Marks

The cut-off varies every year depending on:

• Difficulty level of the exam
• Number of candidates
• Subject-wise performance

Typical Cut-Off Range (Approximate)

• JRF: 55% – 65%
• Lectureship (NET): 45% – 55%

CSIR JRF Exams Fellowship Details

Candidates qualifying for JRF receive a monthly fellowship:

• First 2 years (JRF): ₹31,000 + HRA
• After upgradation to SRF: ₹35,000 + HRA

Other benefits include contingency grants and research allowances.

Best Books for CSIR JRF Exams Preparation

Life Sciences

• Lehninger – Principles of Biochemistry
• Alberts – Molecular Biology of the Cell
• CSIR NET Life Sciences by Upkar / Arihant
• Trueman’s Biology

Physical Sciences

• H.C. Verma
• Griffiths – Electrodynamics
• Sakurai – Quantum Mechanics
• CSIR NET Physics by Arihant

Chemical Sciences

• Morrison & Boyd
• Atkins – Physical Chemistry
• Clayden – Organic Chemistry
• CSIR NET Chemical Sciences by Wiley

Mathematical Sciences

• Rudin – Principles of Mathematical Analysis
• Linear Algebra by Hoffman & Kunze
• CSIR NET Maths by Arihant

CSIR JRF Preparation Strategy

Step 1: Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly

Download the official syllabus and divide it into manageable sections.

Step 2: Build Strong Concepts

CSIR JRF focuses more on conceptual clarity than rote learning.

Step 3: Practice Previous Year Questions

Solving last 10–15 years’ papers is crucial.

Step 4: Focus on Part C

Part C is the key to clearing JRF cut-off.

Step 5: Time Management

Practice mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.

Step 6: Revision & Short Notes

Revise formulas, diagrams, and key concepts regularly.

Career Opportunities After CSIR JRF Exams

Qualifying CSIR JRF opens multiple career paths:

• PhD Scholar in IITs, IISc, IISERs, Central Universities
• Scientist in CSIR Labs, DRDO, ISRO, BARC
• Assistant Professor / Lecturer
• Research Associate
• Postdoctoral Fellow (India & Abroad)
• Industry R&D Scientist

CSIR JRF vs UGC NET

Why CSIR JRF Exams is Highly Prestigious?

• Recognized across India
• Strong research orientation
• High fellowship amount
• Gateway to top research institutes
• Excellent academic credibility

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many attempts are allowed for CSIR JRF?

There is no limit on attempts until the age limit is crossed.

Q2. Can B.Tech students apply for CSIR JRF?

Yes, B.Tech/BE students can apply for Life Sciences and Chemical Sciences under specific conditions.

Q3. Is CSIR JRF tougher than GATE?

Both are competitive, but CSIR JRF emphasizes theoretical and analytical depth, whereas GATE focuses on engineering concepts.

Conclusion: CSIR JRF Exams

The CSIR JRF Exam is a golden opportunity for students passionate about science, research, and academics. With a well-structured preparation plan, strong conceptual clarity, and consistent practice, cracking CSIR JRF is achievable. It not only provides financial support through fellowship but also opens doors to prestigious research and teaching careers in India and abroad.

If your goal is to become a scientist, professor, or researcher, CSIR JRF should be a top priority in your academic journey.

Likh Padh online test App have the entire coverage of all the topics and sub topics along with PYQ, mock test, Previous Year Solved Papers of CSIR JRF examination. The free Mock test papers also have All India Ranking System along with detailed explanation and solution which help the aspirants in understanding their weaknesses and strengths.

CSIR JRF exams subject wise free online mock test, PYQ, questions bank, sample papers & previous year question papers bank in details –

• Are you looking for CSIR NET Chemical Science exam papers? Explore our concise page with comprehensive PYQ, previous year question papers and mock papers to perfect for your preparation needs.

• Are you looking for CSIR NET Life Science exam papers? Explore our concise page with comprehensive PYQ, previous year question papers and mock papers to perfect for your preparation needs.

• Are you looking for CSIR NET Earth Science exam papers? Explore our concise page with comprehensive PYQ, previous year question papers and mock papers to perfect for your preparation needs.

• Are you looking for CSIR NET Physical Science exam papers? Explore our concise page with comprehensive PYQ, previous year question papers and mock papers to perfect for your preparation needs.

• Are you looking for CSIR NET Mathematical Science exam papers? Explore our concise page with comprehensive PYQ, previous year question papers and mock papers to perfect for your preparation needs.