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PhD / research eligibility · science fellowship & lectureship · National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of CSIR

CSIR NET Mock Tests, Syllabus & Complete Exam Guide

CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (Part A — General Aptitude). Practise 35 full-length mock tests on the official pattern, drill every topic, and get the eligibility, syllabus, cut-off, rank and college details you need — all in one place.

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CSIR NET at a glance

Paper
Single 3-hour CBT · 200 marks
Part A
General Aptitude · 20 questions · common to all
Marking (Part A)
+2 correct · −0.5 wrong
Qualifies for
JRF · Assistant Professor · PhD entry
ModeOnline (computer-based test) · single 3-hour paper
FrequencyTwice a year
LanguagesEnglish & Hindi
By the ExamguruX Editorial TeamReviewed for pattern accuracy against National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of CSIRLast updated 18 August 2026

CSIR NET full-length mock tests

Attempt 35 full-length CSIR NET mock tests built on the official Single 3-hour CBT · 200 marks-question, 200-mark pattern. The first few are free — every test comes with instant results and a step-by-step solution for each question.

CSIR NET Part A Full Mock Test 01

Free
52 Qs · 104 marks60 min11.6K attemptsModerate
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CSIR NET Part A Full Mock Test 02

Free
52 Qs · 104 marks60 min15.2K attemptsHard
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CSIR NET Part A Full Mock Test 03

Free
52 Qs · 104 marks60 min18.9K attemptsModerate
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CSIR NET Part A Full Mock Test 04

52 Qs · 104 marks60 min22.5K attemptsHard
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CSIR NET Part A Full Mock Test 05

52 Qs · 104 marks60 min26.1K attemptsEasy
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CSIR NET Part A Full Mock Test 06

52 Qs · 104 marks60 min29.7K attemptsHard
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CSIR NET Part A Full Mock Test 07

52 Qs · 104 marks60 min33.3K attemptsEasy
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CSIR NET Part A Full Mock Test 08

52 Qs · 104 marks60 min36.9K attemptsModerate
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CSIR NET Part A Full Mock Test 09

52 Qs · 104 marks60 min40.6K attemptsEasy
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Unlock all CSIR NET tests

The first tests in each section are free to try. Get the complete CSIR NET mock library, every topic test and all available languages for 3 months — a one-time ₹199 / 3 months.

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CSIR NET — free for everyone

Every CSIR NET mock and topic test is completely free until 15 September 2026 — no payment, no account needed to start.

  • Every full-length mock test
  • All topic-wise tests, every subject
  • All available languages
  • Step-by-step solution for every question
  • Indicative marks-to-rank & cut-offs
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Normally ₹199 / 3 months per exam · free during the launch offer

CSIR NET topic-wise tests & syllabus

120 topic tests across 4 subjects — a focused set of 15 tests for every topic in the CSIR NET syllabus, tagged with approximate exam weightage so you practise where the marks are.

120 topic-wise tests · 15 per topic across 4 subjects. Pick a subject, expand a topic, and start drilling.

Series, Coding & Puzzles — Test 01

Free
12 Qs · 24 marks11 min94.8K attemptsModerate
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Series, Coding & Puzzles — Test 02

Free
12 Qs · 24 marks11 min120K attemptsEasy
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Series, Coding & Puzzles — Test 03

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min145K attemptsHard
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Series, Coding & Puzzles — Test 04

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min171K attemptsModerate
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Series, Coding & Puzzles — Test 05

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min16.1K attemptsEasy
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Series, Coding & Puzzles — Test 06

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min41.4K attemptsHard
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Series, Coding & Puzzles — Test 07

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min66.7K attemptsModerate
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Series, Coding & Puzzles — Test 08

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min92.0K attemptsEasy
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Series, Coding & Puzzles — Test 09

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min117K attemptsHard
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Series, Coding & Puzzles — Test 10

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min143K attemptsModerate
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Series, Coding & Puzzles — Test 11

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min168K attemptsEasy
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Series, Coding & Puzzles — Test 12

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min13.3K attemptsHard
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Series, Coding & Puzzles — Test 13

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min38.6K attemptsModerate
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Series, Coding & Puzzles — Test 14

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min64.0K attemptsEasy
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Series, Coding & Puzzles — Test 15

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min89.3K attemptsHard
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CSIR NET sample questions

A few real CSIR NET questions with answers and step-by-step solutions, in the exact style of the full mock tests.

Reasoning & SeriesSample 1

Find the next term: 1, 2, 6, 24, 120, ?

  • A.720
  • B.600
  • C.240
  • D.360

Solution: Each term is multiplied by successive integers (x2, x3, x4, x5); the next is 120 x 6 = 720.

Numerical AbilitySample 2

A sample loses 15% of its mass on drying and then a further 20% of the remaining mass. What percent of the original mass is left?

  • A.65%
  • B.68%
  • C.70%
  • D.72%

Solution: After the first loss 85% remains; 80% of that is 0.85 x 0.80 = 0.68, i.e. 68%.

Data Interpretation & GraphsSample 3

A lab records papers published over 4 years: 2020 -> 30, 2021 -> 45, 2022 -> 60, 2023 -> 75. What is the average number published per year?

  • A.50.5
  • B.52.5
  • C.55
  • D.60

Solution: Total = 30 + 45 + 60 + 75 = 210; average = 210 / 4 = 52.5.

General Science & Research AptitudeSample 4

Which of the following is an SI base unit?

  • A.Newton
  • B.Joule
  • C.Mole
  • D.Watt

Solution: The mole is an SI base unit (amount of substance); newton, joule and watt are derived units.

About the CSIR NET exam

A national eligibility test that determines eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and for Assistant Professor / Lectureship in Indian universities and colleges, across the science subjects — Chemical, Earth, Life, Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

What is the CSIR NET (Part A)?

The CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), determines eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and for appointment as Assistant Professor / Lecturer in Indian universities and colleges, in the science subjects — Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Physical Sciences. It is the gateway most science postgraduates use to enter a funded PhD.

The exam is a single computer-based objective paper of 200 marks taken over 3 hours, in three parts. Part A is a General Aptitude section that is common to every science subject — it tests reasoning and series, numerical ability, data interpretation and graphs, and general science and research aptitude. Parts B and C then test the candidate's chosen subject in depth. This ExamguruX bank focuses on Part A, the section every candidate faces regardless of discipline, where each correct answer is worth 2 marks and a wrong answer costs 0.5.

How to clear CSIR NET Part A

Part A is scoreable and predictable, so treat it as a source of secure marks rather than an afterthought. The reasoning, numerical and data-interpretation questions reward speed and calculation discipline — practise series, percentages, ratios, probability, and reading values off bar charts, pie charts and tables until they are quick and automatic. The general science and research-aptitude questions reward basic scientific literacy and an understanding of the scientific method, units, statistics, and research ethics.

Because Part A carries negative marking of 0.5 per wrong answer and you attempt 15 of 20, disciplined selection matters: pick the 15 you are most confident on and avoid blind guesses. Full-length timed mocks build the pacing to finish Part A quickly and leave maximum time for the heavier subject-specific Parts B and C, and reviewing the worked solution for every miss turns Part A into a reliable base score.

CSIR NET eligibility & exam pattern

Check whether you meet the CSIR NET eligibility criteria and understand exactly how the paper is structured and marked before you plan your preparation.

Eligibility criteria

Qualification
Master's degree (or equivalent) in a science subject — Chemical, Earth, Life, Mathematical or Physical Sciences — with the minimum marks specified by CSIR (with relaxation for reserved categories).
Appearing candidates
Candidates in the final year of their qualifying master's may apply provisionally, subject to completing the degree within the stipulated time.
Subjects
Chemical Sciences, Earth/Atmospheric/Ocean & Planetary Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Physical Sciences.
Age (JRF)
Generally up to 28 years for the Junior Research Fellowship, with age relaxation for reserved categories, women and other eligible groups.
Age (Lectureship/AP)
No upper age limit for Assistant Professor / Lectureship eligibility.
Attempts
No fixed limit on the number of attempts, subject to age and qualification criteria.

Exam pattern & marking

SubjectQuestionsMarks
Part A — General Aptitude (this bank)Reasoning, numerical ability, data interpretation, science & research aptitude — common to all subjects; answer 152040
Part B — Subject-specific (MCQ)Conventional MCQs from the chosen science subjectVaries by subject~70
Part C — Subject-specific (analytical)Higher-order, application and analytical questionsVaries by subject~90
TotalSingle objective paper of 3 hours; five subjects: Chemical, Earth, Life, Mathematical, Physical Sciences—200
TotalNaN200

CSIR NET is a single objective paper of 200 marks to be answered in 3 hours, divided into three parts. Part A is a General Aptitude section common to all five science subjects (Chemical, Earth, Life, Mathematical and Physical Sciences); Part B and Part C are specific to the subject you choose. In Part A there are 20 questions, of which a candidate is expected to attempt any 15; each correct answer carries 2 marks and each wrong answer carries a negative penalty of 0.5 marks. Parts B and C follow their own subject-specific marking. This ExamguruX bank covers the common Part A — the general aptitude that every CSIR NET candidate must clear regardless of subject — with reasoning and series, numerical ability, data interpretation and graphs, and general science and research aptitude. On ExamguruX, each Part A question is scored +2 with a 0.5 penalty for a wrong answer, mirroring the real marking, and every question has a worked solution.

Duration: 3 hours.

How to prepare for CSIR NET

A proven, focused CSIR NET preparation method — from building strong fundamentals to peaking with full-length mocks.

  1. 1

    Bank the reasoning and numerical marks

    Series, coding, directions, percentages, ratios, averages, probability and progressions are fast, familiar marks. Drill them until they are automatic so Part A costs you little time.

  2. 2

    Master data interpretation

    Practise reading bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs and tables, and computing averages, percentages and ratios from them quickly and accurately — DI is pure calculation once you can read the chart.

  3. 3

    Build scientific and research literacy

    Revise SI units, the scientific method, basic physics/chemistry/biology facts, statistics (accuracy vs precision, p-values) and research ethics such as plagiarism and peer review.

  4. 4

    Respect the negative marking

    Part A penalises wrong answers 0.5 each and you attempt 15 of 20. Choose your strongest 15 and skip anything you cannot reason to a confident answer.

  5. 5

    Pace Part A to protect Parts B and C

    Part A is common and quick; finish it efficiently so the bulk of the 3 hours goes to the subject-specific analytical questions that decide your rank.

  6. 6

    Practise with full timed mocks

    Take full timed Part A mocks to lock in speed and accuracy, and review the worked solution for every question you miss so the same trap never costs you twice.

CSIR NET qualifying bands

CSIR NET is a single 3-hour objective paper of 200 marks in three parts. Part A (General Aptitude, common to all subjects) has 20 questions; Parts B and C are subject-specific. Merit is decided on the aggregate, and separate cut-offs certify JRF and Assistant Professor / Lectureship eligibility. The bands below are indicative — actual cut-offs shift each session with candidates and difficulty.

CSIR NET marks vs. rank

Score rangeCategoryWhat it takes
JRF cut-off bandJRFTop scorers qualify for the Junior Research Fellowship with a stipend
Assistant Professor bandLectureshipQualify for Assistant Professor / Lectureship eligibility
Strong Part A baseAptitudeA secure Part A score frees time for Parts B and C
Balanced across partsOverallNo weak part; Part A + B + C aggregate decides merit
Steady mock scoresReadinessConsistent timed-mock performance predicts qualification

Indicative qualifying requirements

JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)Merit

Indicative marks: Highest qualifying band — carries a monthly fellowship

Assistant Professor / LectureshipEligibility

Indicative marks: Separate, usually lower, qualifying cut-off

Reserved categoriesRelaxed

Indicative marks: Lower qualifying cut-offs per government norms

Subject-wiseVaries

Indicative marks: Cut-offs differ across the five science subjects

Part A weightCommon

Indicative marks: Contributes to the aggregate for all subjects

This CSIR NET guide describes the common Part A (General Aptitude) section and the exam's overall structure — a single 3-hour, 200-mark objective paper in three parts with +2/−0.5 marking in Part A — reflecting the recently published pattern. Exact question counts for Parts B and C, subject-wise cut-offs, fellowship terms, session dates and eligibility specifics change with each cycle; always confirm current details in the official NTA/CSIR notification at csirnet.nta.ac.in.

What qualifying CSIR NET opens up

CSIR NET does not admit you to a single institution — it certifies eligibility that you carry to universities, research institutes and colleges across India. Depending on your score band you qualify for the Junior Research Fellowship, for Assistant Professor / Lectureship, or both, and use that to enter a PhD programme. The outcomes below show what qualifying unlocks.

OutcomeWhere it appliesNatureWhat it opens
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)Universities & national labs (India-wide)Funded fellowshipTop qualifying band
Assistant Professor / LectureshipUniversities & colleges (India-wide)Teaching eligibilitySeparate qualifying cut-off
PhD admission — Chemical SciencesResearch institutes & universitiesDoctoral entryJRF/NET-qualified
PhD admission — Life SciencesResearch institutes & universitiesDoctoral entryJRF/NET-qualified
PhD admission — Physical SciencesResearch institutes & universitiesDoctoral entryJRF/NET-qualified
PhD admission — Mathematical SciencesResearch institutes & universitiesDoctoral entryJRF/NET-qualified
PhD admission — Earth SciencesResearch institutes & universitiesDoctoral entryJRF/NET-qualified
CSIR labs & national institutesCSIR system (India-wide)Research entryFellowship-linked

A representative set of institutes that admit through CSIR NET. Many more outcomes participate in the counselling process.

CSIR NET important dates

The typical CSIR NET timeline, from notification to counselling. Dates are tentative until the official notification is released.

  1. Notification & apply

    Twice a year (varies by session)

  2. Admit card

    A few weeks before the exam

  3. CBT exam

    Typically held in two cycles per year

  4. Provisional answer key

    Shortly after the exam

  5. Result & qualifying cut-offs

    A few weeks after the exam

  6. e-certificate

    After result declaration for qualified candidates

CSIR NET — frequently asked questions

Quick, reliable answers to the questions CSIR NET aspirants ask most.

What does qualifying CSIR NET give me?

Depending on your score, CSIR NET certifies eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), which carries a stipend for research, and/or for Assistant Professor / Lectureship in universities and colleges. Qualified candidates use this eligibility to enter a PhD in the science subjects.

What is the CSIR NET exam pattern?

It is a single computer-based objective paper of 200 marks over 3 hours, in three parts. Part A is General Aptitude common to all subjects; Parts B and C are specific to your chosen science subject (Chemical, Earth, Life, Mathematical or Physical Sciences).

What does Part A test and how is it marked?

Part A has 20 general-aptitude questions — reasoning and series, numerical ability, data interpretation and graphs, and general science and research aptitude — of which you attempt 15. Each correct answer earns 2 marks and each wrong answer carries a 0.5-mark penalty. This ExamguruX bank covers Part A.

Who is eligible for CSIR NET?

You need a master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science subject with the minimum marks specified by CSIR, with relaxation for reserved categories. Final-year master's students may apply provisionally. For the JRF there is an upper age limit with relaxations; there is no age limit for Lectureship eligibility.

How is CSIR NET different from CSIR JRF?

They are the same exam. Based on your score you may qualify in the JRF band (the higher cut-off, with a fellowship) or in the Assistant Professor / Lectureship band (a separate qualifying cut-off). JRF-qualified candidates are also eligible for Lectureship.

How should I use these Part A mock tests?

Take full-length timed Part A mocks to build the speed and accuracy that let you finish the common section quickly and protect time for Parts B and C. Use the topic tests to drill reasoning, numerical ability, data interpretation and science/research aptitude, and review the worked solution for every question.

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Devaseelan

Devaseelan

Cleared NEET