CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2023, Subject-wise Pattern, Negative Marking

CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2023, Subject-wise Pattern, Negative Marking

BySnigdha Singh  |  Updated on: Dec 26, 2023
CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2023 for Chemical Science, Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Mathematical Science. Know subject-wise CSIR UGC NET paper pattern, Marking Scheme, negative marking, etc.

CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2023 will aid the aspirants who wish to apply for the exam understand the structure of the question paper and prepare efficiently. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research prescribes the official paper pattern for the national-level examination every year. Having a solid understanding of the CSIR NET paper pattern is the best way to carve an appropriate strategy to ace the exam.

Moreover, the paper pattern and marking scheme for different subjects under CSIR NET are different. Hence, candidates can check the subject-wise CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Mathematics, Chemical Science, Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science here and boost their preparation.

CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2023

Before taking any competitive exam, candidates need to be aware of the pattern, marking scheme, and qualifying marks to develop the best preparation strategy. Hence, they must refer to the CSIR NET Exam pattern. It will give them a comprehensive idea of what to expect in the exam. It will also help understand the subject-wise relevance of topics, which will consequently help you in preparation for CSIR NET 2023. According to the exam pattern, the question paper is divided into three sections.

In addition, the CSIR NET paper pattern is different for different subjects. The marking scheme also differs for the CSIR NET Mathematics exam pattern and the Life Science paper pattern. Hence, candidates must go through the detailed pattern for their chosen subject on this page. To build one's foundation and ace each exam stage, one needs to be well-versed in the exam pattern and marking scheme. Candidates must attentively review the CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2023 before beginning exam preparation.

CSIR NET Exam Analysis 2023:

CSIR NET Exam Pattern Highlights

Candidates should review the key components of the CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2023 while preparing for the exam. Before taking the mock test or attempting a question paper, they must gain a proper understanding of the paper pattern of the CSIR NET exam to make a good strategy for the paper. The table illustrated below will illuminate the candidates on the particulars of the examination.

ParticularsDetails
Name of the ExamCouncil of Scientific Research National Eligibility Test
Exam LevelNational Level
Mode of ExamOnline
Number of SubjectsFive
SubjectsLife Science
Mathematical Science
Chemical Science
Physical Science
Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
Total QuestionsLife Science - 75
Mathematical Science - 60
Chemical Science - 75
Physical Science - 55
Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences - 75
Total Marks

200 marks

CSIR NET Memory-Based Question Papers 2023:

CSIR NET Life Science Exam Pattern

Candidates for the Life Sciences paper must attempt a total of 75 multiple-choice questions from Parts A, B, and C. Parts A and B questions each carry two marks, while Part C questions each carry four. In Parts A, B, and C, there is a negative marking of 25% for each incorrect response. This section assesses the candidate's subject knowledge and conceptual understanding. Candidates can check the CSIR NET Life Science exam pattern in detail below.

CSIR NET Life Science Exam Pattern
SectionsTotal QuestionsQuestions to attemptMarks Allotted
Negative marking
Part A201520.5
Part B503520.5
Part C752541
Total14575200

Section 'A':

  • According to the CSIR NET Exam Pattern, this section consists of 20 questions on General Aptitude topics. The questions are analytical and from the topics like- Quantitative comparison, Data interpretation, Graphical analysis, Numerical ability, Puzzles, etc.
  • Out of the 20 questions, only 15 must be answered. This section assigned 30 marks out of 200.
  • +2 marks will be awarded for every correct answer, and 0.5 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer. This means there will be a negative marking of 25%.

Section 'B':

  • This section is designed to check memory-based knowledge and understanding of the CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus. The questions are generally asked directly.
  • This section shall consist of 50 questions, and one can attempt a maximum of 35 questions. 
  • Each question carries 2 marks, and this section is assigned 70 marks out of 200. Negative marking of 25% for the wrong answers.

Selection 'C':

  • There are 75 questions present, and you must attempt any 25 questions for +4 marks as given in the latest CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Life Science.
  • There will be a negative marking of 25% for each incorrect answer.
  • The main objective of designing this section is to check the candidates' research ability, analytical aptitude, and technical skills. This requires the knowledge and clarity of scientific concepts and applications.

CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Mathematics

Candidates must attempt 60 of the 120 Multiple - choice questions as per the CSIR NET Mathematics Exam Pattern. The exam must be finished in three hours by the candidates. Each question in Part A carries 2 marks, each question in Part B carries 3 marks and each question in Part C carries 4.75 marks. There is a negative marking of 25 percent in Part A and B for each incorrect answer and there is no negative marking in Part C. Candidates can check the CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Mathematical Science below.

CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Mathematical Science
SectionsTotal QuestionsQuestions to attemptMarks Allotted
Negative marking
Part A201520.5
Part B402530.75
Part C60204.750
Total12060200

Part 'A' :

  • This part consists of 20 questions on General Science, Quantitative Reasoning, and Research Aptitude. This section also aims to check a candidate's Analytical and Logical Thinking Skills. The questions are analytical and from the topics like Data Interpretation, Graphical Analysis, Numerical Ability, Puzzles, etc.
  • Candidates have to answer 15 questions out of 20 in this section. Each question shall have +2 marks, and the total marks assigned to this part shall be 30 out of 200.
  • +2 marks will be awarded for every correct answer, and -0.5 marks deducted for every wrong answer. This means there will be a negative marking of 25%.

Part 'B':

  • This section as per the CSIR NET paper pattern, carries 40 multiple-choice questions, out of which candidates have to attempt only 25 questions.
  • Each question of this section carries three marks, meaning this section is assigned 75 marks out of 200.
  • There will be a negative marking of 25% for each wrong answer.
  • This section covers the whole CSIR NET Mathematics syllabus, and most questions are asked from topics given in the syllabus. 

Part 'C':

  • This part of the CSIR NET Exam Pattern of Mathematical Science has 60 questions designed to test a candidate's knowledge of Scientific Concepts, Research Aptitude, and Applications of the Research Tools.
  • The questions from Part C demand logical thinking and concept clarity. A candidate is expected to apply scientific knowledge to solve a given problem. The candidates will only receive credit scores if they identify all the correct options. No credit will be given to the question if the candidate marks any incorrect option as the correct answer.  A candidate shall have to attempt only 20 questions out of 60. In this section, +4.75 marks will be given for every correct answer. The total marks assigned to this section are 95 out of 200.
  • There will be no mark deduction for wrong answers means there will be no negative marking for section C.

CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Chemical Science

Candidates must study the CSIR NET Chemistry Syllabus thoroughly and adhere to the CSIR NET paper pattern for the Chemical Sciences paper. Each question in Parts A and B carries two marks weightage and each question in Part C carries four marks. There is a negative marking of 25 percent for wrong answers. Candidates can check the CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Chemical Science below.

CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Chemical Science
SectionTotal QuestionsQuestions to AttemptMarks AllocatedNegative marking
Part A201520.5
Part B403520.5
Part C602541

Part 'A':

  • This section carries the questions of General Science and Research Aptitude. This part covers general topics like Series Formation, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, etc.
  • In this part, 20 questions are given, and you must attempt any 15, which will carry 30 marks.
  • +2 marks will be awarded for every correct answer, and -0.5 marks deducted for every wrong answer. This means there will be a negative marking of 25%.

Part 'B':

  • This part of the CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2023 for Chemical Science is designed to check the memory-based knowledge of candidates, covers the entire syllabus, and questions are generally from the topics given in the syllabus.
  • This section carries 40 questions, out of which one has to attempt only 35 questions. Every question has +2 marks and 25% marks are deducted for every wrong answer.
  • This section assigned 70 marks out of 200.

Part 'C':

  • There are 60 questions in this section, and candidates must attempt any 25. Each question carries +4 marks.
  • There will be a negative marking of -1 mark for each incorrect answer.
  • The analytical questions in this section demand logical reasoning and concept clarity. To resolve a particular issue, a candidate must use scientific knowledge.

CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2023 for Physical Science

Candidates must attempt 55 out of the 75 questions in the CSIR NET Physical Sciences exam. Each question in Part A is worth two marks, whereas the weighted averages for questions in Parts B and C are 3.5 and five marks, respectively. In Parts A, B, and C, there is a negative marking of 25%. Candidates can check the CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Physical Science below.

CSIR NET Paper Pattern for Physical Science
SectionTotal QuestionsMax No of Questions to attemptMarks for each correct answer
Negative marking
Part A201520.5
Part B25203.50.875
Part C302051.25
Total7555200

Section 'A':

  • This section of the CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2023 of Physical Science consists of 20 questions from the General Aptitude section. The questions are analytical in nature and cover subjects like Numerical Aptitude, Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Graphic Analysis, Quantitative Comparison, and Puzzles, among others.
  • One has to attempt only 15 questions out of 20. This section assigned 30 marks out of 200.
  • +2 marks will be awarded for every correct answer, and -0.5 marks deducted for every wrong answer. This means there will be a negative marking of 25%.

Section 'B':

  • This section will consist of 25 multiple-choice questions, which generally cover the topic specified in Part 'A' ( CORE) of the CSIR NET Physics Syllabus.
  • Each question is assigned +3.5 marks. Candidates have to attempt any 20 questions out of 25. A total of 70 marks is assigned to this section out of 200.
  • There will be a negative marking of 25%.

Section 'C':

  • This section of the CSIR NET Exam Pattern carries 30 questions from Part B (Advanced) and Part A (Core).
  • The purpose of designing the questions in this section is to check the Analytical Skills, Research Ability, concept clarity, and deep understanding of the subject.
  • The questions are analytical and logical, and a candidate is expected to apply scientific methods and knowledge to achieve the best solutions to a specific scientific problem.
  • The candidates have to attempt any 20 questions out of 30. Each question carries +5 marks. The total marks assigned to this section shall be 100 out of 200.
  • There will be a negative marking of 25%.

CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Earth Sciences

Candidates for the CSIR NET Earth Sciences paper must attempt a total of 75 MCQs from Parts A, B, and C. CSIR NET Earth Sciences paper consists of questions on Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences. Each question in Parts A and B carries two marks and each question in Part C carries four marks. There is a negative marking of 25 percent in Part A and B and 33 percent in Part C for each incorrect answer. Candidates can check the CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Science below.

CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Earth Sciences
SectionsTotal QuestionsQuestions to AttemptMarks Allotted
Negative marking
Part A201520.5
Part B503520.5
Part C802541.32
Total15075200

Section 'A':

  • The first objective of this part is to check the candidate's Analytical and Logical thinking. This section covers the questions from the area of General aptitude such as General Science, Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis, and Research Aptitude.
  • The weightage of marks given to this section is 30 out of 100. This section consists of a total of 20 questions, out of which you have to answer 15 questions.
  • For each wrong answer, 25% marks will be deducted.

Section 'B':

  • According to the latest CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Earth Science, this section carries 50 questions, out of which one has to attempt only 35 questions. Each question of this section also carries +2 marks, which means this section carries 70 marks out of 200.
  • There will be a negative marking of 25% for each incorrect answer.
  • This section covers the whole syllabus, and most questions are asked from topics given in the CSIR NET Earth Science Syllabus. The objective of this section is to check the memory-based knowledge of candidates.

Section 'C':

  • This section contains 80 questions, of which you must attempt only 25 questions. Each question carries +4 marks. And there will be a negative marking of 33% for each wrong answer.
  • The section assigned 100 marks out of 200.
  • This part requires the knowledge and clarity of scientific concepts and applications. The questions shall be of an analytical nature.

CSIR NET Marking Scheme

Along with the CSIR NET Exam Pattern, candidates must be cognizant of the marking scheme to prepare well for the CSIR NET exam The weightage for each part is different. Therefore, candidates should examine the weightage for each area and make a study plan accordingly.

Subjects

Total Weightage

Negative Marking

Marking Scheme

Chemical Science

200

Part A: -0.5

Part A: +2

Part B: -0.5

Part B: +2

Part C: -1

Part C: +4

Earth Science

200

Part A: -0.5

Part A: +2

Part B: -0.5

Part B: +2

Part C: -1

Part C: +4

Life Science

200

Part A: -0.5

Part A: +2

Part B: -0.5

Part B: +2

Part C: -1

Part C: +4

Mathematical Science

200

Part A: -0.5

Part A: +2

Part B: -0.75

Part B: +3

Part C: No Negative Marking

Part C: +4.75

Physical Science

200

Part A: -0.5

Part A: +2

Part B: -0.875

Part B: +3.5

Part C: -1.75

Part C: +5

CSIR NET Subject wise Previous Year Question Papers

Important Points About CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2023

Candidates can understand and get detailed knowledge about the CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2023 below.

  • Part-A questions are the same for all disciplines. This section includes questions on topics and subjects such as Quantitative Comparison, Series Formation, Logical Reasoning, Graphic Analysis, Analytical and Numerical Abilities, etc.
  • Multiple-choice questions pertaining to the subjects are found in Part B of the CSIR NET exam. The topics mentioned in the syllabus are generally covered by the questions in this section.
  • Questions in Part C examine the candidate's knowledge of scientific concepts and/or application of the scientific concepts. The questions are analytical in nature in which candidates are required to apply scientific knowledge to arrive at the solution to the given problem. 
  • If a candidate attempts more than the required number of questions, only the first set of the required questions is considered for scoring.

CSIR NET Related Links

CSIR NET Mock Test

CSIR NET Online Coaching

CSIR NET Answer Key

CSIR NET Selection Process

CSIR NET Result

CSIR NET Eligibility

 

FAQs on CSIR NET Exam Pattern

  • The CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2023 is now made available on official website by NTA along with the notification for the december cycle. The pattern is divided into three parts. Part "A" aims to evaluate candidates' general ability by emphasizing logical thinking and other skills. Traditional subject-related and higher-order questions are included in Parts B and C.

  • The CSIR NET marking scheme varies for different subjects and papers. However, in general, the exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and a 25% negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers. Candidates are advised to go through the detailed marking scheme and CSIR NET paper pattern provided in the official notification and syllabus of their respective subjects before attempting the exam.

  • As per CSIR NET Exam Pattern, there is a negative marking of 25 percent in the CSIR NET exam for each wrong answer. Also, there is a negative marking of 33 percent in Part C of the Earth Sciences paper. To learn about the paper pattern in detail, go through this page carefully.

  • According to CSIR NET Mathematics Exam Pattern, the parts have 20, 40, and 60 questions, applicants will only have to attempt 15, 25, and 20 questions in Parts A, B, and C, respectively. Each question will have four options; questions in Parts A and B will only have one correct answer, whereas questions in Part C may have one or more valid answers. In Part A and Part B, there will be a 25% negative marking. Part C, on the other hand, does not allow negative marking.

  • The exam is conducted for 200 marks. The marks are divided into three sections. Each subject has a different marking scheme depending on the subject. Candidates must understand CSIR NET paper pattern and complete the syllabus before starting the exam preparation.

  • The CSIR NET Exam Pattern has been recently revised, and the number of questions has been changed for each subject. The Earth Science section will have 150 questions, Physical Science will have 75 questions, Mathematical Science will have 120 questions, Life Science will have 145 questions, and Chemical Science will have total number of 60 questions.

  • Yes, the National Testing Agency has recently changed the exam pattern of the CSIR NET Exam. The major change in the CSIR NET Exam pattern is the number of questions that have been changed for each subject. Hence, candidates must refer to the exam pattern to learn how to prepare for their chosen subject.

  • The CSIR NET exam is conducted in two languages, i.e., English and Hindi. Candidates can select any language to attempt the paper, which they must select before the exam. It is also essential for candidates to be familiar with scientific and technical terminology in English or Hindi.

  • According to the latest CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2023, the paper is divided into three parts. Part A examines the General Aptitude of the candidates, whereas Part B and Part C test the subject-specific knowledge. Moreover, the marking scheme differs for each part and every subject offered by CSIR.

  • According to CSIR NET Exam Pattern for Chemistry, there will be 120 MCQs in this with candidates having to attempt only 75 of them. Parts A, B, and C will comprise 20, 40, and 60 questions, with applicants having to answer 15, 35, and 25 questions. Parts A, B, and C will be worth +2, +2, and +4 marks, respectively. For each incorrect answer, one-fourth of a point is deducted.

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