The CSIR NET 2026 Physical Science examination will be conducted on July 17 and July 18, 2026, in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Reviewing previous year papers is one of the most effective ways to understand the examination pattern, identify high-weightage topics, and recognize concepts that appear repeatedly.
This analysis is based on six CSIR NET Physical Science papers conducted between June 2023 and December 2025, covering around 450 questions. It highlights unit-wise weightage, chapter-wise trends, recurring question types, and preparation priorities to help candidates focus on the topics that matter most.
The previous six papers reveal that the overall structure of the examination has remained consistent. Every paper consists of General Aptitude questions followed by subject-specific Physics questions. While the numerical values change, the core concepts remain largely unchanged.
The paper generally includes:
| Section | Approximate Questions | Major Focus Areas |
| General Aptitude | 19–21 | Logical reasoning, ratio, probability, data interpretation, series, blood relations |
| Mathematical Physics | 6–7 | Complex analysis, matrices, differential equations, probability |
| Classical Mechanics | 6–7 | Lagrangian, Hamiltonian, central force, canonical transformations |
| Electromagnetic Theory | 6–7 | Boundary value problems, electromagnetic waves, Poynting vector |
| Quantum Mechanics | 8–10 | Perturbation theory, angular momentum, harmonic oscillator |
| Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics | 7–9 | Partition function, Bose-Einstein statistics, Fermi gas |
| Electronics & Experimental Methods | 5–6 | Op-amps, transistor circuits, logic gates, error analysis |
| Atomic & Molecular Physics | 5–6 | Zeeman effect, spectroscopy, diffraction |
| Condensed Matter Physics | 4–5 | Crystal structure, density of states, phonons |
| Nuclear & Particle Physics | 4–5 | Binding energy, decay, selection rules |
One key observation from the previous six papers is that General Aptitude contributes nearly one-fourth of the paper, making it an important scoring section.
The analysis of six recent papers (June 2023 to December 2025) shows that several question types have appeared repeatedly. Candidates should prioritise these topics because they have consistently appeared across multiple sessions.
| Question Type | Papers |
| H(x,p) with square-root/exponential form → find L | June 2025, December 2023, June 2024 |
| L with cross-terms (coupled coordinates) → find conserved momentum | December 2023, December 2025 |
| Hamiltonian p₁p₂ + q₁q₂ → find L | June 2023 |
| Given L, find dL/dt using the Hamiltonian identity | December 2025 |
| Canonical transformation generating function → new (P,Q) | December 2023, June 2025, December 2024 |
Why it matters: Nearly every paper contains one or two direct Lagrangian-Hamiltonian conversion questions. Most problems follow the standard relation L=px˙−HL = p\dot{x} - HL=px˙−H after expressing momentum in terms of velocity.
| Question Type | Papers |
| Infinite well + perturbation ε cos(πx/L) → first-order ground-state shift | June 2023, December 2024 |
| Infinite well + linear field E₀x perturbation → ground-state shift | December 2025 |
| Sudden change in oscillator frequency ω → 2ω | December 2025 |
| QHO superposition state → probability density after time t | December 2025 |
| Two-electron/two-fermion system in a box | December 2024 |
Why it matters: Although the perturbing potential changes, the solution method remains the same. Candidates who understand first-order perturbation theory can solve several variations.
| Dispersion Relation | Result | Papers |
| ε(k) ∝ k (3D phonons) | Cv ∝ T³ | December 2025, December 2024 |
| ε(k) ∝ √k (2D bosons) | Cv ∝ T² | June 2023 |
| ε(k) ∝ k² (3D magnons/bosons) | Cv ∝ T³⁄² | December 2025 |
| ρ(E) ∝ E² | Cv ∝ T⁴ | December 2024 |
| Hypercubic Fermi gas in 4D | Scaling with εF | December 2024 |
Why it matters: These questions are based on one common scaling approach. Once the derivation is understood, different dispersion relations become easier to handle.
| Question Type | Papers |
| Classical ideal gas vs free Fermi gas vs free Bose gas at the same temperature and number density → pressure ordering (PFermi > PClassical > PBose) | December 2025 |
| Fermi energy scaling with number density: εF ∝ n^(2/d) for quadratic dispersion and εF ∝ n^(1/d) for linear dispersion | June 2023, December 2024 |
| Ground-state energy per particle as a fraction of εF in different dimensions | December 2024 |
Why it matters: These questions repeatedly test statistical comparisons between ideal gases and require familiarity with standard scaling relations.
| Question Type | Papers |
| Integrator circuit with sinusoidal input → output waveform | December 2025 |
| Op-amp with square-wave input under RC time constant conditions → output waveform | June 2024 |
| Nonlinear device I = aV + bV² mixing two frequencies → output frequency components | June 2025 |
| Diode-capacitor voltage multiplier → steady-state DC output | June 2023 |
Why it matters: These questions mainly test recognition of standard circuit configurations. Once the circuit type is identified, the output waveform follows directly.
| Question Type | Papers |
| Given |l,m⟩ or superposition of spherical harmonics → probability of measuring L² or Lz | June 2024, June 2025 |
| Spin-1/2 state in the Sz basis → probability of measuring Sx or Sy | June 2025, December 2024 |
| Two coupled angular momenta (l₁ = l₂ = 1) → Hamiltonian eigenvalues | December 2023 |
| Expectation values such as ⟨LxLy⟩ or ⟨L²x⟩ | December 2025, June 2023 |
Why it matters: Angular momentum remains one of the most consistent areas in Quantum Mechanics, with probability and expectation value questions appearing regularly.
| Question Type | Papers |
| Parent and daughter atomic masses → binding energy and Q-value of α or β decay | December 2024 |
| Stability criterion using surface and volume energy coefficients | December 2025 |
| Symmetric fission energy release using the binding energy per nucleon | June 2025 |
| Uranium isotope decay constants → estimation of the age of the solar system | December 2024 |
Common trap: Many candidates lose marks due to sign errors while calculating Q-values or by confusing binding energy per nucleon with total binding energy.
The paper trend shows that some units consistently carry higher weightage than others.
| Unit | Weightage Trend | Preparation Priority |
| Quantum Mechanics | Very High | Highest |
| Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics | Very High | Highest |
| Classical Mechanics | High | Very High |
| Mathematical Physics | High | Very High |
| Electromagnetic Theory | High | High |
| Electronics & Experimental Methods | Medium-High | High |
| Atomic & Molecular Physics | Medium-High | High |
| Condensed Matter Physics | Medium | Moderate |
| Nuclear & Particle Physics | Medium | Moderate |
The six-paper trend indicates that Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Physics, and Classical Mechanics together account for a significant share of the paper. These three units should receive the highest priority for preparation.
A chapter-wise review of the six papers highlights the most important areas from every unit.
High-priority chapters include:
Complex Analysis
Matrix Algebra
Cayley-Hamilton Theorem
Differential Equations
Probability
Important chapters include:
Lagrangian Mechanics
Hamiltonian Mechanics
Central Force Motion
Canonical Transformation
Noether's Theorem
Frequently tested chapters are:
Boundary Value Problems
Dielectrics
Electrostatics
Poynting Vector
Electromagnetic Waves
The most important chapters are:
Perturbation Theory
Angular Momentum
Harmonic Oscillator
Spin Systems
Variational Method
High-weightage chapters include:
Partition Function
Bose-Einstein Statistics
Fermi-Dirac Statistics
Density of States
Specific Heat
Important chapters include:
Operational Amplifiers
Error Analysis
Logic Gates
Semiconductor Devices
Experimental Measurements
Frequently asked chapters are:
Zeeman Effect
Rotational Spectra
Vibrational Spectra
Diffraction
Interference
Candidates should focus on:
Crystal Structure
Density of States
Phonons
Superconductivity
Band Theory
Important chapters include:
Binding Energy
Nuclear Decay
Selection Rules
Nuclear Reactions
Particle Properties
The six-paper review reveals several consistent trends from the CSIR NET Physical Science Last 6 Year Analysis.
Quantum Mechanics remains the highest-weightage unit.
Statistical Physics contributes multiple numerical questions every session.
Classical Mechanics almost always includes Hamiltonian and Lagrangian problems.
Mathematical Physics follows a method-based pattern instead of theoretical questions.
Electronics questions are largely based on standard circuit recognition.
General Aptitude consistently contributes around twenty questions.
Nuclear Physics generally includes direct formula-based calculations.
Atomic Physics regularly features spectroscopy and Zeeman effect.
Condensed Matter questions remain limited but highly predictable.
These observations show that many questions are repeated in concept even when the numerical values differ.
Candidates should begin preparation with the highest-weightage units. Solve previous year questions after completing each topic. Focus on understanding the solving method instead of memorizing answers.
Daily practice of General Aptitude questions.
Regular revision of Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics.
Numerical practice for Classical Mechanics.
Formula revision for Electromagnetic Theory.
Circuit-based practice for Electronics.
Short revision notes for Nuclear, Atomic, and Condensed Matter Physics.
Repeated revision of previous year questions helps improve speed and familiarity with the examination pattern.
The six-paper review shows that the CSIR NET Physical Science examination follows a consistent conceptual pattern across different sessions. While numerical values and problem statements may change, several topics continue to appear repeatedly, making previous year paper analysis an important part of preparation.
Candidates should allocate maximum preparation time to Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Physics, Classical Mechanics, and Mathematical Physics, while also giving regular practice to General Aptitude because of its consistent contribution to the paper. A preparation strategy based on previous year trends, combined with conceptual clarity and regular practice, can help candidates approach the examination with greater confidence.
