CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme & Negative Marking
CSIR NET December 2026 is a 3-hour computer-based test carrying 200 marks across Part A, Part B, and Part C. Marking rules and question attempt limits vary by subject, while Part C in Mathematical Sciences carries no negative marking.
Dr. Kar13 Oct, 2026
The CSIR NET December 2026 exam pattern includes a 3-hour Computer-Based Test (CBT) carrying 200 marks. The question paper is divided into Part A, Part B and Part C, with subject-wise differences in the total questions, maximum attempts and marking scheme. The examination covers five subject codes, including the newly combined Life Sciences and Bio-Technology (LS-BT) discipline.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the Joint CSIR-UGC NET to determine candidates' eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor positions and PhD admission, as applicable. Candidates preparing for the December 2026 session should understand the question distribution, marks per correct answer and negative marking rules before planning their exam strategy.
The official CSIR NET December 2026 Information Bulletin provides the subject-wise examination scheme and marking details.
CSIR NET 2026 Exam Structure Overview
The CSIR NET exam is conducted as a single-paper Computer-Based Test (CBT) lasting 3 hours (180 minutes). The entire test carries a maximum of 200 marks and contains objective-type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
| Parameter | Exam Specification |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT), Online |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Total Marks | 200 Marks |
| Total Papers | Single Paper (Divided into Part A, Part B, and Part C) |
| Number of Subjects | 5 Subjects |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Medium of Examination | Bilingual (Hindi and English) |
| Negative Marking | Applicable according to the subject-wise marking scheme |
Structure of Sections: Part A, Part B and Part C
The CSIR NET question paper has three parts. Each part assesses a different area of a candidate's aptitude and subject knowledge.
Part A: General Aptitude
Part A is common to all five subject codes. It assesses general aptitude, including logical reasoning, graphical analysis, analytical and numerical ability, quantitative comparison, series formation and puzzles.
Part B: Subject Knowledge
Part B contains conventional subject-related MCQs that generally cover the topics included in the relevant CSIR NET syllabus.
Part C: Higher-Order Scientific Concepts
Part C tests the application of scientific concepts and analytical problem-solving. Questions may require candidates to apply their subject knowledge to solve scientific problems.
Candidates should follow the maximum attempt limit prescribed for each part. If more than the permitted number of questions is answered, only the first specified number of questions in that part is considered for evaluation.
Subject-Wise CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026
The total number of questions, maximum attempts and marks per question differ across the five CSIR NET subject codes. The examination carries 200 marks for every subject, but candidates should check their subject-specific marking rules carefully.
CSIR NET Life Sciences and Bio-Technology Exam Pattern 2026 (Subject Code: 703)
For the CSIR NET December 2026 session, the subject is listed as Life Sciences and Bio-Technology (LS-BT). Candidates should refer to the updated syllabus and examination scheme for this combined discipline.
| Section | Total Questions | Max Questions to Attempt | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marking | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0.50 (25%) | 30 |
| Part B | 50 | 35 | 2 | 0.50 (25%) | 70 |
| Part C | 75 | 25 | 4 | 1.00 (25%) | 100 |
| Total | 145 | 75 | -- | -- | 200 |
CSIR NET Chemical Sciences Pattern (Subject Code: 701)
The Chemical Sciences paper covers questions from the prescribed syllabus, including Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry.
| Section | Total Questions | Max Questions to Attempt | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marking | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0.50 (25%) | 30 |
| Part B | 40 | 35 | 2 | 0.50 (25%) | 70 |
| Part C | 60 | 25 | 4 | 1.00 (25%) | 100 |
| Total | 120 | 75 | -- | -- | 200 |
CSIR NET Physical Sciences Pattern (Subject Code: 705)
The Physical Sciences paper contains 75 questions across Parts A, B and C. Candidates can attempt a maximum of 55 questions. Part B and Part C carry different marks per correct answer, so candidates should account for both the marking scheme and negative marking while managing their time.
| Section | Total Questions | Max Questions to Attempt | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marking | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0.50 (25%) | 30 |
| Part B | 25 | 20 | 3.5 | 0.875 (25%) | 70 |
| Part C | 30 | 20 | 5 | 1.25 (25%) | 100 |
| Total | 75 | 55 | -- | -- | 200 |
CSIR NET Mathematical Sciences Pattern (Subject Code: 704)
Mathematical Sciences has a distinct marking scheme. Part C does not have negative marking, while Parts A and B carry a penalty for incorrect answers. In Part C, a question may have one or more correct options, and credit is awarded only when all correct options are identified.
| Section | Total Questions | Max Questions to Attempt | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marking | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0.50 (25%) | 30 |
| Part B | 40 | 25 | 3 | 0.75 (25%) | 75 |
| Part C | 60 | 20 | 4.75 | 0 (No Negative) | 95 |
| Total | 120 | 60 | -- | -- | 200 |
CSIR NET Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences Pattern (Subject Code: 702)
Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences has a different negative marking rate for Part C. Parts A and B carry a 25% penalty for incorrect answers, while Part C carries a 33% penalty.
| Section | Total Questions | Max Questions to Attempt | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marking | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | 20 | 15 | 2 | 0.50 (25%) | 30 |
| Part B | 50 | 35 | 2 | 0.50 (25%) | 70 |
| Part C | 80 | 25 | 4 | 1.32 (33%) | 100 |
| Total | 150 | 75 | -- | -- | 200 |
CSIR NET Negative Marking Scheme Summary
Negative marking applies to incorrect answers in most CSIR NET sections. The deduction depends on the subject and the marks assigned to each question. Mathematical Sciences is the exception for Part C, where there is no negative marking
| Subject | Part A Penalty | Part B Penalty | Part C Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Sciences | -0.50 (25%) | -0.50 (25%) | -1.00 (25%) |
| Chemical Sciences | -0.50 (25%) | -0.50 (25%) | -1.00 (25%) |
| Physical Sciences | -0.50 (25%) | -0.875 (25%) | -1.25 (25%) |
| Mathematical Sciences | -0.50 (25%) | -0.75 (25%) | No Negative Marking |
| Earth Sciences | -0.50 (25%) | -0.50 (25%) | -1.32 (33%) |
Unattempted questions receive zero marks and do not incur any penalty deduction. Aspiring candidates are advised to take note of the negative marking details specific to each subject when preparing for the CSIR NET examination.
CSIR NET Total Questions and Marks
The CSIR NET examination carries 200 marks for all five subject codes, but the number of questions and maximum permitted attempts differ by subject.
| Subject | Total Questions | Maximum Attempts | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Sciences | 120 | 75 | 200 |
| Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences | 150 | 75 | 200 |
| Life Sciences and Bio-Technology | 145 | 75 | 200 |
| Mathematical Sciences | 120 | 60 | 200 |
| Physical Sciences | 75 | 55 | 200 |
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026: Key Points to Remember
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The examination is conducted in CBT mode and lasts 3 hours.
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The question paper is divided into Part A, Part B and Part C.
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The maximum marks are 200 across all five subject codes.
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Part A tests general aptitude, Part B tests subject knowledge, and Part C assesses higher-order scientific reasoning and application.
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The maximum number of questions that can be attempted varies by subject and section.
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Negative marking varies by subject. Mathematical Sciences has no negative marking in Part C.
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For December 2026, Life Sciences and Bio-Technology (LS-BT) is the combined discipline listed under subject code 703.
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Candidates should verify the official bulletin and their subject-specific syllabus before beginning preparation.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
What is the exam pattern of CSIR NET December 2026?
How many marks is the CSIR NET exam worth?
Is there negative marking in CSIR NET 2026?
How many questions are there in CSIR NET Physical Sciences?
How many questions can a candidate attempt in CSIR NET?
