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ShareThe CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Eligibility Test) for Life Sciences is a prestigious national-level examination in India, conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and for appointment as Assistant Professors in universities and colleges. It is organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of CSIR. Successful candidates can pursue research opportunities in various scientific institutions or embark on a teaching career in higher education. The CSIR NET for Life Sciences is highly competitive and is a gateway to career advancement in research and academia.
| Number of tests | Twice in a year (June and December) |
| Fellowship duration | Five years |
| Fellowship amount |
JRF : Rs. 37,000/- + HRA p.m for the first two years. SRF : Rs. 42,000/- + HRA p.m for the 3rd and subsequent years. Annual contingent grant of Rs. 20,000/- |
| Organized by | NTA |
| Medium of examination | Hindi and English |
| Mode of examination | Computer based test (CBT) |
| Time duration | 3 hours |
| Maximum marks | 200 |
| Nature of questions | MCQs |
| Number of questions | 145 |
| Pattern |
Part-A (20 questions of General Aptitude) : Answer any 15 questions | 2 Marks each Part-B (50 questions of Life Sciences) : Answer any 35 questions | 2 Marks each Part-C (75 questions of Life Sciences) : Answer any 25 questions | 4 Marks each Negative marking 25% for each wrong answer |
| Eligibility |
M.Sc. / Integrated BS-MS/ BS-4 years/ BE/ B. Tech/ B. Pharma/ MBBS For General (UR)/General-EWS with at least 55% marks For OBC-NCL,SC/ST, Third gender and Persons with Disability (PwD) candidates with at least 50% marks |
| Age limit |
There is no Age Limit for NET For JRF 30 years, Relaxation up to 5 years to OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PH, female and Third gender applicants. Age relaxation is also applicable for candidates having research experience in relevant subject after PG degree (maximum up to 5 years). |
| Syllabus | Click Here |
| Previous year's question papers | Click Here |
| Relevant website |
The CSIR-NET Life Sciences exam is one of the most important examinations for Biotechnology and Life Sciences students in India. It provides candidates with numerous career opportunities. However, the increasing competition and the growing number of applicants each year make it essential to prepare strategically. Below are some effective preparation tips and strategies to crack the CSIR-NET Life Sciences exam:
When to Start: Begin your preparation early, ideally during your postgraduate studies, to ensure ample time for thorough revision and practice. Understand the Exam Pattern: Learn the structure of the exam, including the number of questions, types of questions, and the marking scheme. Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the detailed syllabus for CSIR-NET Life Sciences. Analyze Previous Years' Papers (PYQs): Reviewing past question papers helps identify important topics and understand the exam's difficulty level and pattern. Selection of Units: Out of 13 units, select 9 or 10 units based on your subject background, basic knowledge, and interest. Break these units into manageable topics and prioritize them based on their weightage. Prepare from Authentic Books and Materials: Rely on standard textbooks and reference materials rather than unverified class notes or random online resources. Quality study materials ensure clarity of concepts. For focused preparation, select a minimum number of books or study materials since you do not need to solve all 75 questions in Part C (only 25) or all 50 questions in Part B (only 35). Sources of Information: Nowadays, the internet is flooded with lecture videos and study materials. However, much of this information is incorrect, unverified, and misleading. Refrain from relying on such content. Diversity of Books or Study Materials: It is unnecessary to consult different books for related exams, such as GATE LIFE SCIENCES, ICMR, or BET. This approach wastes time and money. Consulting entirely different books for each of these exams is not effective. A few standard, well-recognized books can provide comprehensive preparation for multiple exams. Practice Questions: Regularly solve practice problems from each topic. This not only enhances your learning but also helps identify weak areas. Revise Regularly: Dedicate sufficient time to revision to ensure the retention of important concepts, formulas, and problem-solving techniques. Develop Examination Temperament: Take mock tests and time-bound practice sessions to build exam-taking skills, including speed and accuracy. Simulating the real exam environment helps manage stress and improves time management. Success in the CSIR-NET Life Sciences exam requires a combination of consistent preparation, practice, and strategic planning. Focus on understanding core concepts, solving problems, and revising regularly while staying disciplined throughout the preparation journey
The CSIR NET Life Sciences test is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). One of the fundamental resources for preparation is the CSIR NET Life Science Books. Here, candidates will find a comprehensive list of books to help them prepare effectively. To achieve the cutoff score and qualify for Junior Research Fellow (JRF), thorough preparation using these standard books is essential. The CSIR NET Life Science Books are indispensable for building and strengthening foundational knowledge in the subject. Parts B and C of the CSIR NET Life Sciences paper include subject-specific questions, making these books a vital tool for success.
List of Best CSIR NET Life Science Books (Unit-Wise):
Unit 1: Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry by Nelson and Cox Unit 2: Molecular Biology of the Cell by Bruce Alberts Unit 3: Molecular Biology of the Gene by James D. Watson Unit 4: Molecular Biology of the Cell by Bruce Alberts and Immunology by Kuby Unit 5: Developmental Biology by Scott F. Gilbert Unit 6: Plant Physiology by Taiz and Zeiger Unit 7: Animal Physiology by Guyton Unit 8: Principles of Genetics by Klug and Cummings Unit 9: Life Sciences: Fundamental and Practice by Pranav Kumar (Pathfinder) and Microbiology by Prescott Unit 10: Ecology and Environment by Pranav Kumar (Pathfinder) and Elements of Ecology by Smith and Smith Unit 11: Life Sciences: Fundamental and Practice by Pranav Kumar (Pathfinder) and evolution by Mark Ridley Units 12 and 13: Principles of Gene Manipulation and Genomics by S.B. Primrose and R.M. Twyman, and Biophysics & Molecular Biology by Pranav Kumar (Pathfinder) Questions practice: MCQs, Life Sciences and biotechnology by Pranav Kumar (Pathfinder) and previous year’s questions for CSIR-NET by Pranav Kumar (Pathfinder)
Pathfinder Academy offers highly success orientated offline classes for CSIR NET Life Sciences. The duration of the offline classroom program is six months (January–June and July–December). The fees for the offline classroom program are Rs. 45,000 (inclusive of GST, study material, and test series).
Pathfinder Academy offers both short and long-term online programs for CSIR-NET Life Sciences, including a one-year-long recorded program, a six-month-long both live and recorded program, and a three-month very short-term recorded program. The online courses are designed to cover the CSIR NET syllabus and patterns. This program is supplemented with comprehensive study material, regular doubt-session and Test Series.
The program is suitable for candidates who have completed their post-graduation in Life Sciences or related disciplines and are aspiring to qualify for the CSIR NET Life Sciences exam.
The CSIR NET Life Sciences test is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). One of the fundamental resources for preparation is the CSIR NET Life Science Books. Here, candidates will find a comprehensive list of books to help them prepare effectively. To achieve the cutoff score and qualify for Junior Research Fellow (JRF), thorough preparation using these standard books is essential.
The CSIR NET Life Science Books are indispensable for building and strengthening foundational knowledge in the subject. Parts B and C of the CSIR NET Life Sciences paper include subject-specific questions, making these books a vital tool for success.
List of Best CSIR NET Life Science Books (Unit-Wise):
By thoroughly studying these books, candidates can ensure a strong understanding of the subject, enabling them to excel in the examination.
Some crucial topics include:
Without a doubt, Pathfinder Academy stands out as an excellent choice! It offers:
Pathfinder books are specifically designed to assist students in preparing for competitive exams, including the CSIR NET in Life Sciences. However, whether they are sufficient on their own depends on several factors:
Conclusion: Pathfinder books is undoubtedly a comprehensive and valuable resource for CSIR NET preparation in Life Sciences. However, for a well-rounded preparation, it is advisable to supplement it with additional standard books and dedicate time to consistent practice and revision. This combined approach will enhance your chances of clearing the exam with confidence.
The CSIR NET certificate is valid for two years from the date specified on the certificate.
The difficulty level of the CSIR NET exam varies depending on the candidate's academic background, preparation strategy, and time devoted to study. With the right approach, the exam is manageable.
The CSIR-NET Life Sciences exam is one of the most important examinations for Biotechnology and Life Sciences students in India. It provides candidates with numerous career opportunities. However, the increasing competition and the growing number of applicants each year make it essential to prepare strategically. Below are some effective preparation tips and strategies to crack the CSIR-NET Life Sciences exam:
Success in the CSIR-NET Life Sciences exam requires a combination of consistent preparation, practice, and strategic planning. Focus on understanding core concepts, solving problems, and revising regularly while staying disciplined throughout the preparation journey
The most important feature is the faculty members, such as Pranav Kumar and Neeraj Tiwari, who have a strong background in Life Sciences. Other features include the coverage of the entire CSIR NET Life Sciences syllabus in a structured manner. These sessions incorporate lectures, problem-solving sessions, regular tests, and interactive discussions to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the topics.
Pathfinder Academy is an educational institute providing quality education to those brains who aspire for a distinguished career in the field of Biotechnology and Life Sciences. Academy offers quality and result-oriented online and offline classes for CSIR NET / GATE / DBT / ICMR / CUET - PG / IIT-JAM and other exams related to Life Sciences and biotech. Pathfinder Academy under publication unit - Pathfinder Publication - is also publishing scientific books and educational materials in the field of Life Sciences / Biotechnology for graduate and postgraduate students and lifelong learners.
Yes, participants receive comprehensive study materials, including textbooks, reference materials, and practice sets, as part of the program. These materials are curated to align with the CSIR NET Life Sciences exam pattern.
Yes, in addition to in-person support, there is usually an online platform where students can post their doubts, and faculty members provide timely responses. This ensures that students have continuous support even outside of classroom hours.
Yes, the program includes regular practice tests and mock exams to help students assess their preparation levels. These exams are designed to simulate the actual CSIR NET Life Sciences exam environment.
The duration of the program varies, but it typically spans five to six months, covering the entire syllabus with sufficient time for revision and practice sessions.
Yes, Pathfinder Academy offers scholarships of up to 90% for their CSIR NET Life Sciences batches. These scholarships are available for both Offline and Live-Online batches.
The success rate varies (30% to 42%) and it is influenced by factors such as individual dedication, study habits, and the effectiveness of the coaching program.
Yes, Pathfinder Academy offers classes along with support from recorded lectures."
Pathfinder Academy provides a success-orientated CSIR NET Life Sciences online program, incorporating a blend of classes, problem-solving sessions, and doubt-clearing sessions. The academy's educators are dynamic team of skilled and passionate educators who stimulate, motivate, guide, direct, test and evaluate the learning of students.
The CSIR NET Life Sciences exam consists of three parts: Part A, Part B, and Part C. Part A is common to all subjects and assesses candidates' general aptitude. All three parts are extensively covered at Pathfinder Academy.
Student progress is monitored through regular classroom tests and mock tests, facilitating the identification of areas for improvement and enabling personalized guidance and support.
The main difference is that the UGC NET is conducted in humanities, including languages, social sciences, forensic science, environmental science, computer science, and applications. On the other hand, the JOINT CSIR UGC NET is conducted in science subjects such as life sciences, physical sciences, chemical sciences, mathematical sciences, and earth atmospheric, ocean, and planetary sciences.