UGC NET vs CSIR NET – Differences and Career Scope

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Author at PW

June 02, 2025

UGC NET vs CSIR NET are prominent National Eligibility Tests administered by the National Testing Agency to determine the eligibility of applicants for JRF (Junior Research Fellow) and Assistant Professor & Lecturer positions. Both of these tests are conducted twice a year, primarily in June and December cycles. However, several elements distinguish them from one another.

For example, the courses covered in the UGC NET test are mostly from the Arts and Commerce disciplines. However, the CSIR NET only includes five courses from Science and Technology backgrounds. In this article, we have explored the important distinctions between the UGC NET and the CSIR NET, as well as the fundamental similarities between the two tests.

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UGC NET vs CSIR NET Exam 2025

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts yearly national-level tests known as the UGC NET and CSIR NET to qualify applicants for lectureships in Indian universities and colleges. Despite having the same aim, these tests differ significantly. This article seeks to provide a full understanding of both tests by identifying their differences and similarities. Prospective applicants should evaluate the information provided below and apply accordingly. For updates, aspirants should check the official website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in, where the NTA will shortly issue the UGC NET notice.

Also Check, PW CSIR - NET Books!

Difference Between UGC NET and CSIR NET

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts two national-level tests, UGC NET and CSIR NET, to grant Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and establish individuals' eligibility as lecturers. Read on to learn about the main distinctions and similarities between the UGC NET and CSIR NET tests.

Let's look at the fundamental differences between the UGC NET and the CSIR NET. Exams:

UGC NET vs CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria

The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers two distinct national-level tests, UGC NET and CSIR NET, to assess students' eligibility as lecturers and to grant Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs). Here are some eligibility criteria given below:

UGC NET vs CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria
Factors	UGC NET Eligibility Criteria	CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria
Age limit	JRF: The upper age limit is 30 years Assistant Professor: No Age limit	JRF: The upper age limit is 28 years Assistant Professor: No Age limit
Educational Qualification	Candidates should have completed their Post-graduation in the chosen subject with at least 55 percent aggregate marks.	Candidate should have qualified for the B.Tech/BE/ B.Pharma/MBBS/BS (4 years)/Integrated BS-MS/MSc with a minimum 55 percent aggregate marks.

UGC NET vs CSIR NET Number of Subjects

The number of subjects asked in the UGC NET and CSIR NET examinations differs significantly. For example, the UGC NET test covers around 83 subjects, whereas the CSIR NET exam covers only five.

There will be 85 topics in the UGC NET 2025. From the list of topics, candidates may choose one. Home science, public administration, population studies, economics, political science, philosophy, psychology, sociology, history, anthropology, commerce, education, social work, defense & strategic studies, and music are among the topics covered. The CSIR NET exam contains five scientific subjects: chemical sciences, earth sciences, life sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences.

Must Buy, 66 UGC NET Paper 1 Previous Year Solved Papers with Complete Chapter Notes

UGC NET vs CSIR NET Exam Pattern

The test format is one of the key characteristics that distinguishes the UGC NET from the CSIR NET. The complete test format for both examinations is provided below.

UGC NET Exam Pattern

The National Testing Agency (NTA) prescribes the UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025. There are two papers in the UGC NET 2025 exam: Paper 1 and Paper 2.

UGC NET Exam Pattern
Paper	Subjects	Total Questions	Total Marks	Exam Duration
I	Paper I will have questions from the Teaching/ Research aptitude, Reasoning Ability, Reading Comprehension, Divergent thinking, and General Awareness	50	100	03 hours without any break.
II	Questions in paper 2 are to be chosen by the candidate and used to judge the overall knowledge based on that subject.	100	200	03 hours without any break.
Total		150	300	3 hours

Note:

The UGC NET examination is a computer-based test with questions from two papers, papers 1 and 2
The questions in the UGC NET June 2025 exam shall be objective type. Candidates have to choose the correct answer from the options available
The UGC NET June 2025 exam is going to be held in English and Hindi
There is no negative marking for the incorrect answer marked. However, 2 marks will be awarded for the correct answer.

Check Out - CTET Books

CSIR NET Exam Pattern

A total of five subjects are asked in the CSIR NET examination. The exam pattern and marking scheme are the same for each of the subjects. However, the number of questions in each section varies.

CSIR UGC NET Exam Pattern
CHEMICAL SCIENCES	PART A	PART B	PART C	TOTAL
Total questions	20	40	60	120
Max Number of Questions to attempt	15	35	25	75
Marks for each correct answer	2	2	4	200
Marks for each incorrect answer (Negative marking)	0.5	0.5	1	-
EARTH, ATMOSPHERE, OCEAN, AND PLANETARY SCIENCES	PART A	PART B	PART C	TOTAL
Total questions	20	50	80	150
Max Number of Questions to attempt	15	35	25	75
Marks for each correct answer	2	2	4	200
Marks for each incorrect answer (Negative marking)	0.5	0.5	1.32	-
LIFE SCIENCES	PART A	PART B	PART C	TOTAL
Total questions	20	50	75	145
Max Number of Questions to attempt	15	35	25	75
Marks for each correct answer	2	2	4	200
Marks for each incorrect answer (Negative marking)	0.5	0.5	1	-
MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES	PART A	PART B	PART C	TOTAL
Total questions	20	40	60	120
Max Number of Questions to attempt	15	25	20	60
Marks for each correct answer	2	3	4.75	200
Marks for each incorrect answer (Negative marking in Part A & B; no negative marking in Part C)	0.5	0.75	0	-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES	PART A	PART B	PART C	TOTAL
Total questions	20	25	30	75
Max Number of Questions to attempt	15	20	20	55
Marks for each correct answer	2	3.5	5	200
Marks for each incorrect answer (Negative marking)	0.5	0.875	1.25	-

Check Out: CSIR - NET Recap Life Sciences Chapterwise and Yearwise Previous Years Solved Papers (PYQ)

Career Scope

One of the most essential considerations when comparing UGC NET with CSIR NET is career possibilities. Candidates who pass the UGC NET test are entitled to work in UGC-coordinated institutes. Those who pass the CSIR NET test can only work at CSIR-controlled establishments.

Minimum Qualifying Marks

To be included in the final merit list, applicants must meet the cut-off marks for both UGC NET and CSIR NET. Paper 1 of the UGC NET requires a minimum of qualifying marks. However, for paper 2, the authorities issue the category-specific cutoff list for all topics. The authorities have released the minimum qualifying scores for the CSIR NET test, however the ultimate selection is dependent on the subject-specific cutoff marks for all courses.

UGC NET Minimum Qualifying Marks

The category-wise minimum qualifying marks for the UGC NET exam are:

UGC NET Minimum Qualifying Marks
Category	Paper-I & II
General/EWS	40%
ST/SC/PWD/OBC/Third Gender	35%

CSIR NET Minimum Qualifying Marks

The category-wise minimum qualifying marks for the CSIR UGC NET exam are:

CSIR NET Minimum Qualifying Marks
Category	Parts A, B, and C
General/ EWS/OBC	33%
ST/SC/PWD	25%

Popularity of Exams

CSIR NET is held for just five disciplines, but UGC NET is administered for 83. This is why the latter is more popular and attracts a larger number of applications. Each year, at least five times as many CSIR NET aspirants apply for the UGC NET test.

Category	UGC NET		CSIR NET
Category	2024	2023	2024	2023
Total Number of Applicants	11,21,225	15,84,941	2,25,335	4,93,173
Actual Attendance	9,08,580	11,58,072	1,63,529	3,75,245

Similarities between CSIR NET vs UGC NET.

The following are some of the main similarities between UGC NET and CSIR NET:

Common Objective

The goal of the CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test) and the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) are the same. They are carried out to find and hire applicants for the two main positions of assistant professorship and junior research fellowship (JRF). Because of this dual function, successful applicants may become assistant professors in academia or seek research careers.

Qualifications

There are significant similarities between the UGC NET and CSIR NET qualifying procedures. The highest scorers on both tests are selected according to their percentile rating. Generally, the top 2-3% of applicants are eligible for both Assistant Professor and JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) positions, whereas the top 6% of applicants are qualified for the Assistant Professor position. Only the most deserving applicants are selected for these prominent jobs due to this competitive procedure.

Biannual Examination

The CSIR NET and UGC NET tests are administered twice a year according to a biannual timetable. These tests are usually administered in June/July and November/December. This frequency gives candidates two chances yearly to try the exam and qualify for their preferred jobs.

Evaluation Criteria

Candidates' performance on the CSIR NET and UGC NET examinations is evaluated twice. CSIR NET examines applicants mostly on their topic-specific knowledge, while UGC NET bases its evaluation on candidates' subject knowledge and general aptitude competency. This set of evaluation techniques guarantees that applicants have the necessary general aptitude and reasoning abilities as well as being knowledgeable about the topics they have selected.

UGC NET vs CSIR NET FAQs

Q1 - What is the validity of the CSIR NET certificate?

Ans - The CSIR NET certificate is valid for two years from the date mentioned on the certificate.

Q2 - Are CSIR and UGC different?

Ans - CSIR NET is held at universities and colleges to choose candidates for the positions of professor and assistant professor. The National Testing Authority (NTA) administers the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET).

Q3 - What is the mode of examination for UGC NET and CSIR NET?

Ans - The CSIR NET is done in an offline, pen-and-paper style. On the contrary, UGC NET has transitioned from an offline method to an online computer-based test (CBT).

Q4 - Is the CSIR NET exam considered easy or difficult?

Ans - The NTA-CSIR NET test is regarded as one of the most difficult exams in India. This reputation is due to its wide syllabus, strong competition, high difficulty level, emphasis on effective time management, negative grading, and tough preparation requirements.

Q5 - Is the format of the UGC NET exam different from that of the CSIR NET?

Ans - UGC NET is an online test consisting of two objective question papers. The first exam has 50 questions and a total of 100 marks, while the second exam has 100 questions and a total of 200 marks.