For many CSIR NET aspirants, preparing for a competitive exam while managing a demanding master's programme is not easy. Each stage of preparation brings new challenges, from balancing academic studies to building strong concepts, practising questions, and staying consistent.
Deepak Sharma, an MSc Mathematics student at IIT Delhi, followed a focused preparation journey for CSIR NET June 2026. His earlier JAM preparation, learning with PW, regular question practice, and mock-test strategy helped him strengthen his preparation. His consistent efforts eventually helped him secure a JRF in CSIR NET June 2026.
Deepak Sharma comes from a small village in Jaipur district, Rajasthan. He completed his schooling in his village before pursuing a BSc from Maharaja College, an affiliated college of Rajasthan University. During his BSc final year, he appeared for JAM 2025 and secured Rank 60. He later joined IIT Delhi for his MSc in Mathematics and was in his third semester during the interview.
His academic journey also shaped the way he approached competitive examinations.
βTo sir main Rajasthan state ke Jaipur district ke ek chhote se village se rehne wala hoon. Meri schooling bhiβ¦.mere village mein wahan se complete hui hai.β
This background was followed by a transition to higher-level academic learning at IIT Delhi.
βPhir maine IIT Delhi join kiya meri Masters ke liye. Ab main yahan se meri MSc pursue kar raha hoon Mathematics mein. Currently main third semester mein hoon.β
His journey shows how his academic experiences gradually helped him build the foundation for competitive exam preparation.
While pursuing his MSc at IIT Delhi, Deepak also had to manage the preparation required for CSIR NET. He explained that his JAM preparation had already helped him develop a systematic approach to mathematical problem-solving.
He connected his previous preparation with the concepts required for CSIR NET.
βSir, basically maine matlab jo meri JAM ki preparation thi wo yahan bahut helpful rahi. Usse ek strategy aur ek method develop ho jata hai ki padhna kaise haiβ
He also explained how his earlier preparation helped him approach different mathematical areas.
βQuestion solve karna hai aur Real mein kaise concept ko, like metric space ko kaise samajh ke metric space based bahut saare questions aate hain. To metric space ke result ko use karke question solve karna.β
Deepak had joined a batch in July and secured JRF in December. He later joined the batch again with the aim of improving his rank and secured JRF again.
Deepak's preparation also included a major learning experience. He initially planned to complete the entire syllabus first and then focus on question practice. However, completing the syllabus around 15 July left him with limited time for practice.
He openly identified this as a mistake in his preparation.
βNahi sir ye meri mistake rahi thi. Meri approach ye thi ki main complete syllabus karun. Uske baad mein question practice karun.β
He further explained how the lack of practice affected his performance in applied topics.
βMaine PD padhi thi but wahan exam pressure mein mere se PD ke question hi solve nahi ho rahe the. OD ke mujhe bahut saare result yaad the. But un result ko kaise use karna hai kyunki maine question practice kari nahi thi.β
This experience made question practice an important part of his advice to other aspirants. He highlighted that knowing results and concepts is not enough unless students also practise applying them to questions.
Deepak's MSc at IIT Delhi gave him a subject-focused and research-oriented academic approach, while he needed an objective approach for a competitive examination. He said PW helped bridge this gap through its preparation approach.
He described the difference between the two approaches.
βAur phir competitive exam ke liye humein objective approach chahiye thi. To objective approach ke liye aapse mil hi gayi thi.β
He specifically connected PW with developing this objective preparation approach.
βMatlab PW ke maine Sodh Pro join kiya tha. Wahan se mujhe objective approach mil hi gayi thi.β
According to Deepak, having both subjective and objective approaches helped him prepare more effectively for JRF.
After learning from his earlier preparation approach, Deepak emphasised planning, question practice, analysis and revision. He advised aspirants to first set a target examination and then prepare a rough timeline covering the syllabus, question practice, revision and formula booklet preparation.
His first recommendation was to create a clear examination target.
βSabse pehle to main ye bolna chahunga ki ek kisi bhi ek exam ko target kar lo. Like mujhe December mein JRF nikalna hai ya agle June mein nikalna hai target kar lo.β
He also highlighted that simply solving questions is not enough. Students should analyse the methods and approaches used in them.
βBut unko analysis karna hai ki usmein approach kaise develop ho rahi hai. Kaun se method ka use ho raha hai kisi bhi OD ko solve karne ke liye.β
Deepak also highlighted the importance of mock tests for understanding time management and question selection. He recommended attempting at least five full-length online mock tests with complete timing.
Deepak Sharmaβs preparation journey highlights the importance of understanding the exam pattern and planning preparation according to the requirements of different sections. Instead of focusing only on completing the syllabus, aspirants should identify important topics, analyse previous-year questions, and give enough time to question practice.
Regular revision, short notes, and mock tests can help students strengthen their concepts and improve their preparation. The interview also highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency and managing time carefully during the examination.
Deepak Sharma's journey provides a practical perspective on CSIR NET preparation: set a target, plan the syllabus, practise questions, analyse PYQs and mocks, revise consistently, and develop the ability to select and solve questions during the examination.