Introduction
NTA will continue to conduct the Joint CSIR-UGC NET examination twice a year in 2025, for Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Mathematical Sciences, etc.; the June and December 2024 cycles were merged into Joint CSIR NET Exam 2025 which was conducted from 6th to 8th June 2025. Qualifying candidates will be given the opportunity to apply for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and lectureship to teach on a university level.
- The age limit is listed as 28 years as of the last date of application for JRF (relaxing for government-defined standards for reserved categories).
- The JRF once selected will receive a stipend of ₹37000 per month for the first two years plus HRA depending on the location (HRA may be either 8%, 16% or 24%).
Wherever applicable, the fellow will also receive a ₹20000 per annum contingency grant to the host institution. After two years, if the fellow registers for PhD and has carried out their work to the satisfaction of their supervisor, their fellowship will change to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) and the stipend will increase to ₹42000 per month plus HRA (with the same provisions for extension to maximum of three more years). The selection procedure is to take a computer-based test in their subject (chosen from the five) and all qualifiers who score above the cut-off will be eligible for JRF and /or lectureship positions.
What Is the CSIR NET JRF Exam? - Overview & Purpose
The CSIR UGC NET JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) exam is a national exam to test the eligibility of citizens of India for the Junior Research Fellowship and Lectureship positions. The exam is conducted jointly by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) for eligibility of research positions in various fields of science.
The exam gives candidates the ability to conduct detailed research under advisory status of appointing physics, engineering, and STEM on subjects important to these universities and other facilities.
The fellowship gives candidates the opportunity to perform advanced level research with highly trained and qualified faculty or other laboratory personnel in all these noted professional institutions.
- Indian Universities and Post Graduate Colleges
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT)
- Government Research Establishments and CSIR Labs,
- Research & Development for certain identified public & private sector companies, and
- Scientific research institutes designated in science and technology.
CSIR NET JRF Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the CSIR UGC NET Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), one has to satisfy the eligibility criteria with respect to educational qualifications, and age limit. Below are the detailed eligibility criteria:
Educational Qualifications for CSIR NET JRF
Candidates must have obtained or be enrolled in any of the following degrees mentioned below with the specified minimum marks:
- M.Sc. or an equivalent degree, Integrated BS-MS, BS (4 years), BE, B.Tech, B.Pharma, MBBS
- Minimum qualifying marks:
- 55% for General (UR) and General-EWS, OBC categories.
- 50% for SC, ST, Third Gender, and Persons with Disability (PwD) candidates.
Candidates who are enrolled in M.Sc. or have passed the equivalent qualifying (10+2+3 years) examination before the application deadline are eligible in the Result Awaited (RA) category, subject to terms and conditions.
- B.Sc. (Hons.) degree holders or enrolled in an Integrated MS-PhD program are acceptable with:
- 55% marks for General (UR)/General-EWS/OBC candidates
- 50% marks for SC/ST/Third Gender/PwD candidates
- Candidates with only a Bachelor's degree are eligible to apply and only for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and must have registered/enrolled in Ph.D. or Integrated Ph.D. program with in two years to avail
Age Limit Criteria for CSIR NET JRF Eligibility
Aspirants must adhere to the followin age criteria for the CSIR NET Junior
Research Fellowship (JRF):
- Maximum age : 28 Years (As prescribed for each exam cycle)
- Relaxation in Age Limit
- Candidates belonging to reserved categories are entitled to the following
- benefit in age limit:
- SC/ST/Third Gender/PwD/Female candidates: 5 years
- OBC-NCL candidates: 3 years
Important points
- Candidates who exceed the age limit for JRF will automatically be treated as only a Lectureship/Assistant Professor (NET) candidate.
- If candidates have eligibility for both JRF and Lectureship, they will be considered for both JRF and Lectureship.
- Candidates are encouraged to always check the official CSIR NET Notification for comprehensive and latest eligibility regarding age.
CSIR NET JRF Fellowship salary details
A CSIR NET JRF award receives a stipend of INR 31,000 monthly for a period of two years with the CSIR NET JRF fellowship. The hosting university or institution also receives an annual contingent grant of INR 20,000 per fellow.
After the first two years, if the fellow has registered for a Ph.D. program and the progress is judged positively, the fellow will be upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) with a monthly stipend of INR 35,000 from the third year.
If the candidate is neither upgraded nor enrolled in a Ph.D. program, then the candidate will either continue to receive INR 31,000 monthly for his/her third year or may have the fellowship terminated based on the committee's recommendations. Progress is reviewed by an expert committee prior to an upgrade or recommendation for termination.
How to Apply for the CSIR NET JRF online
Candidates can only apply for CSIR NET Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) online through a common application form for both JRF or Lectureship (LS). Candidates will not receive separate forms.
How to apply online:
- Registration: provide personal information to receive an application number and create a password.
- Application Form: detail your contact information, educational qualifications, work experience, and apply for respective position(s).
- Exam and Centre selection: the candidate can apply for JRF, Lectureship or both.
- Document Upload: upload all necessary scanned images and relevant documents.
- Payment: payment of application fee will complete and submit the application.
CSIR NET JRF Syllabus: An Overview 2023
The official syllabus for the CSIR NET 2023 examination is available on the CSIR HRDG website and is applicable to Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) as well as Lectureship examinations. Candidates can access the complete subject wise syllabus and ensure comprehensive preparation and success.
The subject-wise CSIR NET JRF syllabus consists of:
- CSIR NET Part A Syllabus (General Aptitude)
- CSIR NET Chemical Sciences syllabus
- CSIR NET Earth Sciences syllabus
- CSIR NET Life Sciences syllabus
- CSIR NET Mathematical Sciences syllabus
- CSIR NET Physical Sciences syllabus
CSIR NET JRF Exam Pattern
CSIR NET Junior Research Fellowship is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) of 3 hours (180 minutes) duration which comprises three parts - Part A (applicable to all subjects), Part B, and Part C - for a total of 200 marks. The number of questions and sectional marks vary by subject. The test is available in English and Hindi.
CSIR NET JRF Cut Off, Result & Qualifying Marks 2025
In the below overview we have provided an updated 2025 view of CSIR NET JRF cut off marks, result aspects, and minimum qualifying marks for all categories
CSIR NET JRF Selection Process
The CSIR NET Junior Research Fellowship selection process has the following main steps:
Application Submission: Applicants are required to fill out the CSIR NET application form online. The form should be filled out accurately.
Examination: The CSIR NET examination is held online for all eligible applicants.
Result Announcement: The JRF qualification merit list is released first followed by the lectureship qualifier merit list.
Interview: Successful candidates appear for a personal interview.
Selection: To be awarded the fellowship, candidates must register for a Ph.D. program within 2 years.
CSIR NET JRF Admit Card
After acceptance of the application fee for successful candidates, they will receive an admit card describing the exam venue, exam time and exam instructions usually 7-15 days before the examination date.
CSIR NET JRF Certificate
Successful candidates will receive an e-certificate (valid for two years) that can be downloaded from the NTA website when the CSIR issues certificates for the JRF related opportunities.
Career Option After CSIR NET JRF
Candidates who successfully qualify JRF can register for a Ph.D. program in India or abroad, research operations in a private company or apply for career opportunities such as a scientist and scientific officer.
Difference Between CSIR NET JRF and Lectureship (LS)
Below we show a direct comparison of the key differences between CSIR NET Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship (LS).
