National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the notification for the Joint CSIR UGC NET December 2025 Examination. This exam is a crucial gateway for Indian nationals who wish to pursue careers in research and teaching through Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professorship, and Ph.D. admissions in Indian universities and colleges.
The CSIR UGC NET is jointly conducted on behalf of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and the University Grants Commission (UGC).
What is CSIR UGC NET?
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) is India’s largest research and development organization, working across multiple domains of science and technology.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is the apex body that regulates higher education and ensures quality teaching and research in Indian universities and colleges.
The Joint CSIR-UGC NET is conducted to:
- Award Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in science subjects.
- Determine eligibility for Assistant Professor in universities and colleges.
- Allow admission to Ph.D. programs in recognized institutes.
In simple terms, CSIR provides the subject expertise (science streams) and UGC provides the academic framework, while NTA conducts the exam. This collaboration ensures the selection of highly qualified candidates for India’s higher education and research ecosystem.
Important Dates – CSIR UGC NET December 2025 Examination
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 25-09-2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 25-09-2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 24-10-2025 (11:50PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 25-10-2025 (11:50PM) |
| Correction Window | 27 to 29 October 2025 |
| City of Examination Announcement | To be notified later |
| Admit Card Release | To be notified later |
| Examination Date | 18 December 2025 |
| Result Declaration | To be notified later |
CSIR UGC NET December 2025 Examination Highlights
- Exam Name: Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2025
- Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- On behalf of: CSIR & UGC
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 180 minutes (3 Hours)
- Shifts:
- Shift 1 – 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
- Shift 2 – 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Medium of Paper: English & Hindi
- Subjects Covered:
- Chemical Sciences
- Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean & Planetary Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
- Educational Qualification: Postgraduate degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in the relevant subject with prescribed marks (check official information bulletin).
- Age Limit:
- For JRF – Maximum age limit applies (relaxation as per rules).
- For Assistant Professor – No age limit.
| Before applying online, it’s important for interested candidates to carefully read through the entire notification. Vacancy Board |
Application Process – How to Apply
- Visit the official website – CSIR UGC NET Official Website
- Click on “Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2025 Registration”.
- Fill in personal, academic, and contact details.
- Upload scanned photo & signature.
- Pay the fee using Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- Download and save the confirmation page.
CSIR UGC NET December 2025 Exam Pattern
- Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Medium: English & Hindi
- Negative marking: As per subject-specific rules mentioned in the Information Bulletin.
Appy Now for CSIR UGC NET December 2025 Examination
- Appy Now for CSIR UGC NET December 2025 Examination
- CSIR UGC NET December 2025 Examination Notification PDF
- CSIR UGC NET Official Website
- National Testing Agency (NTA) Website
- CSIR Website
For queries, contact NTA Helpdesk: +91-11-40759000 or email at csirnet@nta.ac.in
Overview of CSIR UGC NET Examination
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test (CSIR NET), commonly known as CSIR UGC NET, is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of CSIR and UGC. This prestigious exam is exclusively meant for science disciplines, covering subjects such as Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean & Planetary Sciences.
- Life Sciences
- Chemical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences
CSIR NET is specifically designed for candidates who want to pursue research (JRF), Assistant Professorship, or Ph.D. in the science and technology domain.
Key Differences Between CSIR UGC NET and UGC NET
| Aspect | UGC NET | CSIR NET |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted By | NTA on behalf of UGC | NTA on behalf of CSIR & UGC |
| Subjects Covered | Humanities, Social Sciences, Commerce, Management, Education, Languages | Pure Sciences (Life, Chemical, Physical, Mathematical, Earth Sciences) |
| Purpose | JRF + Assistant Professor in non-science subjects | JRF + Assistant Professor in science subjects |
| Eligibility | Master’s degree in relevant subject with required percentage | M.Sc. or equivalent in science subjects with required marks |
| Exam Pattern | Paper 1 (General Aptitude) + Paper 2 (Subject-specific) | Subject-specific paper only (with General Aptitude included) |
| Career Path | Teaching & Research in arts, commerce, social sciences, languages | Teaching & Research in science & technology fields |
CSIR NET vs UGC NET – Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose UGC NET if your background is in Arts, Humanities, Commerce, Education, or Social Sciences.
- Choose CSIR NET if your background is in Science, Technology, or Research-focused fields.
Both exams are prestigious and open opportunities in:
- Assistant Professor roles in Indian universities and colleges.
- Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs) for research and Ph.D. programs.
Key Takeaways You Can’t Miss!
While both exams are conducted by the NTA and supported by the UGC, the primary difference lies in the subjects covered. CSIR NET caters exclusively to science students, while UGC NET caters to all other disciplines.
👉 Whether you’re aiming for advanced research or a teaching career, choosing the right exam—CSIR NET vs UGC NET—depends entirely on your academic background and career goals.
| All the best to all enthusiastic Aspirants vacancyboard Congratulations |
FAQs – CSIR UGC NET December 2025
Q1. Who conducts the CSIR UGC NET?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the exam on behalf of CSIR and UGC.
Q2. What is the difference between CSIR NET and UGC NET?
UGC NET covers all subjects (arts, commerce, humanities, social sciences, management, etc.).
CSIR NET is specifically for science subjects (Chemical, Life, Physical, Earth, and Mathematical Sciences).
Q3. What is the exam date for CSIR UGC NET December 2025?
The exam will be held on 18 December 2025.
Q4. Can I apply for both JRF and Assistant Professor?
Yes, candidates can apply for JRF + Assistant Professor or only for Assistant Professor.
Q5. What is the last date to apply online?
The last date for submission of applications is 24 October 2025.