GATE vs CSIR NET: How to Decide Best Path for Your Scientific Career
GATE vs CSIR NET: Both the exams are crucial for People who have studied in the science and engineering related fields and want to pursue a PG or PhD in it further from top colleges and universities.
Dr. Kar22 May, 2024
Share
GATE vs CSIR NET: Exams like GATE and CSIR NET are quite competitive exams and the main objective of these two exams is to judge the ability of candidates in the science field. CSIR NET and GATE are two national-level exams conducted for different purposes in science and technology. One can also prepare for both exams simultaneously to maximize their chances of achieving something in the science. This article will tell you about these exams and which is the right career path for you.
CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test) is conducted by CSIR, held to determine the eligibility of a science aspirant for a Lectureship and to award a Junior Research Fellowship and people who are done with their graduation or postgraduate studies in the science stream are eligible for this. Whereas, GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is an all-India entrance exam that is jointly conducted by 7 IITs and IISc. on behalf of MHRD, conducted to examine the ability of aspirants in various UG programs in Architecture / Engineering / Technology and provide them with PG-level programs in the same field.GATE vs CSIR NET Exam Overview
GATE and CSIR NET exams are some of the most appeared exams for students who have done their studies in the field of Science and Technology. Here is a brief overview of both exams:| GATE vs CSIR NET: Exam Overview | ||
| Criteria | GATE | CSIR NET |
| Full Form | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency | 7 IITS and IISc. |
| Mode of Exam | Online (CBT) | Computer Based-Test |
| Duration | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Purpose of Exam | Admission into M.E./M.Tech./Ph.D and PSU Recruitment | Awarding JRFs and recruitment as Assistant Professors in science and technology |
| Exam Frequency | Once a Year | Twice a year (June and December) |
| Total Questions | 65 | 55-75 (based on paper) |
| Marking Scheme | +1,-2 marks for correct answers; -0.33,-0.66 for every wrong answers | +2 for correct answer, -0.25 to -0.33 for wrong answers |
| Total Marks | 100 | 200 |
| Medium of Language | English | English and Hindi |
| Official Website | goaps .iisc.ac.in | csirnet.nta.ac.in |
GATE vs CSIR NET: Subject Comparison
GATE Exam Subjects
GATE has around 29 subjects to offer as subjects in the examination, some of which are stated below. Candidates can also choose papers in combination of two subjects or more together to give.| GATE Exam Subjects | |
| Subjects | Paper Codes |
| Aerospace Engineering | AE |
| Architecture and Planning | AR |
| Biomedical Engineering | BM |
| Biotechnology | BT |
| Civil Engineering | CE |
| Chemical Engineering | CH |
| Computer Science and Information Technology | CS |
| Electrical Engineering | EE |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | EC |
| Mechanical Engineering | ME |
| Petroleum Engineering | PE |
| Textile Engineering and Fibre Science | TF |
| Statistics | ST |
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | NM |
CSIR NET Exam Subjects
CSIR NET provides a wide range of subjects for aspirants and it is crucial to select the appropriate subject that aligns with your interests and academic background. These are not as vast as it is for GATE but these are highly prestigious.| CSIR NET Exam Subjects | |
| Subject | Codes |
| Chemical Sciences | 701 |
| Earth Sciences | 702 |
| Life Sciences | 703 |
| Mathematical Sciences | 704 |
| Physical Sciences | 705 |
GATE vs CSIR NET: Exam Pattern
GATE and CSIR NET have a distinctive Exam pattern and the marking scheme is quite similar but other than that both vary based on the number of sections, total marks, number of questions, and type of questions.| GATE vs CSIR NET: Exam Pattern | ||
| Criteria | GATE | CSIR NET |
| Sections | 2 sections | 3 sections |
| Total Questions | 65 Questions | 55-75 Questions (varies based on subject) |
| Marking scheme | +1,-2 marks for correct answers, -0.33,-0.66 for every wrong answer | +2 for correct answer, -0.25 to -0.33 for wrong answers |
| Total marks | 100 | 200 |
| Type of Questions |
|
MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) |
GATE vs CSIR NET: Eligibility Criteria
The Eligibility Criteria for GATE and CSIR NET are similar in terms of educational requirements as both are exams for the science field. Candidates are required to check the eligibility criteria for exams before applying to ensure that they can appear for the exam.| GATE vs CSIR NET: Eligibility Criteria | ||
| Criteria | GATE | CSIR NET |
| Age Limit | No age limit | 28 years max for JRF, No age limit for Lectureship |
| Educational Qualification | Obtained a UG/PG Degree in Engineering/Technology/ Architecture/ science or their Final year | Obtain a degree in M.Sc, Integrated BS-MS, 4-year BS, BE, B.Tech, B.Pharma or MBBS with 55% min for unreserved and 50% for reserved. |
| Nationality | Anyone | Indian |
| Number of Attempts | No limit to attempts | No limit to attempts |
GATE vs CSIR NET: Stipend
Candidates who clear either or both GATE and CSIR NET are eligible for a stipend. However, the stipend for CSIR NET-qualified candidates is more as compared to GATE-qualified candidates.- A stipend of JRF through CSIR NET is Rs.31,000 per month for the first 2 years and Rs.35,000 thereafter
- The stipend for GATE-qualified candidates is Rs.12,400 per month. The stipend for those doing PhD is Rs.25,000 for the first 2 years and Rs.28,000 thereafter.
GATE vs CSIR NET: Preparation Tips
Both these exams have their benefits and writing these together might be beneficial to grab maximum opportunities in the field of science and technology as it offers some of the best opportunities in terms of UG,PG, and getting JRF or Lectureship. When someone decides to prepare for both GATE and CSIR NET, they should keep in mind the following points in order to maximize their chances of cracking it: Understand the Syllabus: GATE focuses on engineering subjects and their applications, whereas, CSIR NET focuses on fundamental concepts of science like life sciences, chemical sciences, physical sciences, mathematical sciences, and earth sciences. Identify Common Topics: Identifying Common topics in both syllabi might help a lot as those topics can be given more time before moving to topics relevant to individual exams. This can help systemize your study process. Make a Study Plan: Daily schedules can be made allotting time to both exams and this will ensure you cover all subjects over a week. Setting weekly goals can help track progress and stay motivated Practice Regularly: Consistently practicing previous year questions and giving mock tests to practice can help candidates be familiar with the exam questions and pattern Stay Healthy and Positive: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can go a long way as it will induce positivity in your lifestyle during your preparation.GATE vs CSIR NET FAQs
Which is tougher, GATE or CSIR NET?
GATE has a more divided exam pattern with MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions. On the other hand, CSIR NET has only MCQs, which are relatively common and easier to attempt.
Can I prepare for GATE and CSIR NET together?
Yes, you can prepare for both exams with a smart study plan and an understanding of the tips given here.
Are GATE and CSIR NET JRF the same?
All JRFs are awarded through NETs, but not all NETs award JRFs, GATE offers JRFs but doesn't provide 'lectureship' as CSIR NET does.
What is the scope after clearing GATE or CSIR NET?
Candidates who clear GATE are eligible to pursue Postgraduate courses in the Science and engineering field whereas candidates who clear CSIR NET will be awarded JRF and can go for a Lectureship.
What's the difference between nationality as an eligibility criterion for GATE and CSIR NET?
Nationality is not an issue for GATE but you need to be Indian for CSIR NET.
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Check out these Related Articles
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.