NTA Merges DBT-BET with CSIR-UGC NET Life Sciences Exam from December 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the Joint CSIR-UGC NET examination to determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor positions, and PhD admissions, as applicable.

A major update for the December 2026 examination cycle is the merger of the Department of Biotechnology Eligibility Test (DBT-BET) with CSIR-UGC NET Life Sciences. The combined examination introduces a new discipline, Life Sciences and Biotechnology (LS-BT), bringing relevant Life Sciences and Biotechnology candidates under a unified examination framework.

Candidates preparing for the upcoming examination should review the merger details, revised subject syllabus, application schedule, and examination guidelines. For the latest updates, candidates can refer to the CSIR NET December 2026 notification and examination details.

Key Details of the DBT-BET and CSIR-UGC NET Merger

The merger brings DBT-BET and CSIR-UGC NET Life Sciences under a common examination framework. It is particularly relevant for candidates preparing for research fellowships in Life Sciences and Biotechnology.

The key details are provided below.

What Does the DBT-BET and CSIR-UGC NET Merger Mean for Candidates?

The merger changes the examination route for candidates previously preparing for DBT-BET and CSIR-UGC NET Life Sciences separately. The new Life Sciences and Biotechnology discipline is intended to provide a unified examination framework for relevant candidates.

Candidates should review the applicable syllabus carefully instead of assuming that the previous DBT-BET or CSIR NET Life Sciences examination pattern will remain unchanged.

The following details should be checked in the official information bulletin:

• Revised Life Sciences and Biotechnology syllabus

• Question paper structure and marking scheme

• Number of questions and permitted attempts

• Examination duration and eligibility requirements

• Fellowship and result-related provisions

Candidates can also explore the CSIR NET syllabus 2026 to understand the subject-wise topics and the syllabus applicable to the December examination.

Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 Exam Schedule

The December 2026 examination is scheduled to take place on December 19, 22, and 27, 2026. The examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test mode.

Candidates should check the official schedule for the subject-wise examination date, shift allocation, and reporting instructions.

For registration instructions and the latest application updates, candidates can refer to the CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 Apply Online guide.

CSIR NET June 2026 Application Form: Dates and Fees

Candidates searching for the CSIR NET June 2026 application form should note that the June session registration window has closed. This information is relevant for candidates checking the previous session's schedule and application requirements.

The June 2026 application process began on May 27, 2026, and the last date to submit the application form was June 19, 2026. The fee payment deadline was June 20, 2026.

Candidates can check the CSIR NET June 2026 application form and examination updates for further details.

CSIR NET June 2026 Application Form Fees

The application fees for the June 2026 session were as follows:

These are the June 2026 session fees. Candidates applying for the December 2026 examination should check the applicable fee and payment instructions in the current information bulletin.

For additional application-related information, read the CSIR NET application form 2026 guide.

CSIR NET 2026 Admit Card and Syllabus

CSIR NET 2026 Admit Card

The CSIR NET admit card contains important details such as the candidate's examination date, centre, reporting time, and examination-day instructions. Candidates appearing in the December 2026 session should download their admit cards when NTA releases them.

The December session admit card release date has not yet been announced. Candidates should check the official examination portal for the download link and instructions.

CSIR NET 2026 Syllabus

The CSIR NET syllabus covers five broad subject areas: Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.

Candidates preparing for the new Life Sciences and Biotechnology discipline should use the applicable syllabus and examination scheme rather than relying exclusively on older Life Sciences or DBT-BET materials.

The CSIR NET syllabus 2026 provides subject-wise syllabus information for candidates planning their preparation.

Important Instructions and Guidelines

Candidates must rely only on the official NTA portal at csirnet.nta.nic.in for official notifications, registration details, exam city intimation slips, and admit card release updates. Information regarding the examination city and admit cards will be published separately on the official website.

You can also review the CSIR NET eligibility criteria before submitting their application.