Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2025 Examination
Information Bulletin
Brief Description
The National Testing Agency (NTA), on behalf of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has released the notification for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET Examination for December 2025. This national-level test determines the eligibility of Indian nationals for the 'award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and for appointment as Assistant Professor', 'appointment as Assistant Professor and for admission to Ph.D.', and 'for admission to Ph.D. only' in various science subjects. The examination will be conducted in a Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
Important Dates
Application Fee
Payment Mode:
- The fee can be paid online through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI via the payment gateway of SBI or ICICI bank.
Age Limit (as on December 2025)
The age limits vary depending on the fellowship/position applied for.
- For JRF: Maximum 30 years. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories.
- For Assistant Professor: No upper age limit.
- For Admission to PhD: No upper age limit.
Subjects of the Test
The examination will be conducted in the following five subjects in the field of Science & Technology.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have a Master's Degree or equivalent with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories).
- Candidates with a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 75% marks (70% for reserved categories) are also eligible.
- Candidates who are currently pursuing their Master's or final year/semester of their Bachelor's degree can also apply.
Exam Pattern
Structure of Question Paper
- The test will consist of three parts: Part 'A', Part 'B', and Part 'C'.
- Part 'A' is common to all subjects and will contain questions on General Aptitude.
- Part 'B' will contain subject-related conventional Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Part 'C' will contain higher-order questions that test scientific concepts and their application.
- Negative marking is applicable in all parts for most subjects.
Fellowship Stipend
How to Apply
- Candidates must apply online through the official NTA website: https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/.
- The application process is online, including uploading of scanned images and payment of fees.
- Fill the registration form, note down the system-generated application number, and complete the application.
- Upload scanned images of your photograph and signature as per the specifications.
- Pay the examination fee online.
- Submit the final application form before the deadline of 24/10/2025.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the different eligibility categories I can qualify for?
You can qualify in one of three categories: (1) For both JRF and Assistant Professor, (2) For Assistant Professor and Ph.D. Admission only, or (3) For Ph.D. Admission only.
2. I am in a 4-year B.Tech program. Can I become an Assistant Professor through this exam?
No. If you qualify for NET based on a 4-year undergraduate degree, you will be eligible for the award of JRF and for admission to a Ph.D. program, but you will not be eligible for appointment as an Assistant Professor.
3. Is there negative marking in the exam?
Yes, there is negative marking. For most parts and subjects, a penalty of 25% of the question's marks is deducted for a wrong answer. However, there are some variations, such as no negative marking in Part C of Mathematical Sciences.
4. My final Master's degree result is awaited. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can apply provisionally. However, you must complete your Master's degree with the required percentage within two years from the date of the NET result to be considered eligible for JRF/Assistant Professor.
5. What is the age limit for applying for Assistant Professor only?
There is no upper age limit for applying for the eligibility of Assistant Professor.
6. Can I correct my application form after submission?
Yes, a correction window will be available from 27th October to 29th October 2025. During this period, you can make changes to the particulars in your application form online.