Introduction
For science postgraduates in India, the Joint CSIR-UGC NET is the main route to a Junior Research Fellowship, a PhD seat or eligibility for Assistant Professor posts. The June 2026 session is over, with results out in late August, and the National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened registration for the December 2026 session.
This guide brings together everything you need about the CSIR NET exam date 2026: the full December schedule, a look back at the June session, fees, eligibility, the exam pattern for each subject and nine steps to apply. Always confirm details on the official website, csirnet.nta.nic.in, as dates can change.
- December 2026 exam dates: 19, 22 and 27 December.
- Last date to apply: 5 November 2026.
- Subjects: five science subjects, one paper with Parts A, B and C.
What Is the CSIR NET Exam Date 2026?
There are two CSIR NET sessions each year, so there are two CSIR NET exam date 2026 windows. For 2026, the June session was held on 17 and 18 July 2026, and the December session is scheduled for 19, 22 and 27 December 2026. Your exact date and shift will depend on your subject and will appear on your city slip and admit card.
The exam is conducted in computer-based mode in two shifts: 9 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 6 pm. Candidates are asked to report two hours before their shift begins.
- Conducting body: National Testing Agency (NTA).
- Exam mode: computer-based test, 180 minutes.
- Official site: csirnet.nta.nic.in.
How Does the CSIR NET Exam Date 2026 Schedule Work?
Here is the December 2026 timeline as announced by NTA:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | 7 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply and pay fee | 5 November 2026 (11:50 pm) |
| Late fee window | 6 to 9 November 2026 |
| Correction window | 10 to 12 November 2026 |
| City slip and admit card | To be announced |
| Exam dates | 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 |
Along with the CSIR NET exam date 2026 itself, mark the correction window in your calendar. It is your only chance to fix mistakes in the form after submission.
1. Check Your Eligibility
You need a master’s degree (or an equivalent qualification listed in the information bulletin) with at least 55 percent marks for General and EWS candidates, or 50 percent for OBC (NCL), SC, ST and PwD candidates. Students in the final year of their master’s, or awaiting results, can also apply. Read the bulletin for other routes, such as integrated courses, and confirm you will meet the rules well before the CSIR NET exam date 2026.
2. Check the JRF Age Limit
For JRF, the upper age limit is 30 years, with relaxation for reserved categories and women as set out in the bulletin. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor (Lecturer) eligibility.
3. Choose Your Subject
Before the CSIR NET exam date 2026 arrives, you must pick one of the five subjects: Chemical Sciences; Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences; Life Sciences; Mathematical Sciences; or Physical Sciences. Choose the one that matches your master’s degree.
4. Prepare Your Documents
Keep a recent photograph, your signature, category and PwD certificates if applicable, your marks details and a valid ID ready. Scan them in the format the bulletin asks for.
5. Register on csirnet.nta.nic.in
Open the December 2026 registration link, enter your basic details and verify your email and mobile number. Save the application number and password you receive.
6. Complete the Application Form
Log in and fill in your personal, academic and exam details, including your subject, the post you are applying for (JRF, Assistant Professor or both) and your preferred exam cities.
7. Pay the Application Fee
Pay online well before the deadline and make sure the payment is marked as successful. Download the receipt.
8. Download the Confirmation Page
Save the confirmation page as a PDF and keep a printed copy. You may need it for later steps or if a problem arises.
9. Use the Correction Window if Needed
If you find an error, fix it between 10 and 12 November 2026. After that, changes are usually not allowed.
CSIR NET December 2026 Application Fee
The fee depends on your category:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹1,150 |
| General-EWS / OBC (NCL) | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / Third Gender | ₹325 |
Check the information bulletin for PwD fee rules and any bank charges.
CSIR NET Exam Pattern by Subject
Every subject has one paper with three parts. Part A tests general aptitude and is common to all subjects. Parts B and C test your subject, with Part C asking deeper, analytical questions. Each subject paper carries 200 marks.
| Subject | Total Questions | Max to Attempt | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Sciences | 120 | 75 | 25% in all parts |
| Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences | 150 | 75 | 25% in A and B, 33% in C |
| Life Sciences | 145 | 75 | 25% in all parts |
| Mathematical Sciences | 120 | 60 | 25% in A and B, none in C |
| Physical Sciences | 75 | 55 | 25% in all parts |
Unlike UGC NET, CSIR NET has negative marking, so guessing can cost you marks. Attempt only questions you are reasonably sure about, especially in Part C.
A Look Back at the June 2026 Session
The June 2026 session was held on 17 and 18 July 2026 across 224 cities. According to NTA figures, 1,87,739 candidates registered and 1,50,057 appeared. Life Sciences was by far the largest subject, with over 83,000 registrations, followed by Chemical Sciences and Mathematical Sciences. Results were declared in late August 2026 on csirnet.nta.nic.in.
If you appeared in June and did not qualify, the December CSIR NET exam date 2026 gives you a second chance this year, and your scorecard is a useful guide. Look at which parts cost you the most marks and focus your December preparation there.
CSIR NET Syllabus and Preparation Tips
The CSIR NET syllabus for each subject is available on the official website. Part A covers general aptitude, such as logical reasoning, graphical analysis, numerical ability and basic science. Parts B and C follow the core of your master’s subject.
With about two months between registration and the CSIR NET exam date 2026, focus on solving previous year papers, practising Part A daily and revising high-scoring topics in Part C. Take full timed mock tests in the final three weeks, and practise choosing which questions to attempt, since the paper gives you more questions than you need to answer.
After the CSIR NET Exam Date 2026: Answer Key and Result
A few weeks after the exam, NTA usually releases provisional answer keys along with candidates’ recorded responses. You can challenge an answer you believe is wrong by paying a fee per question within the given window. Experts review the challenges, and the final answer key is used to prepare results.
For the June 2026 session, provisional keys were shown from 16 to 18 August 2026 and results followed at the end of August. A similar gap is likely for December, which would place results in late January or February 2027, but wait for the official notice.
JRF vs Assistant Professor: What You Can Qualify For
When you apply, you choose whether you want to be considered for JRF, Assistant Professor (Lecturer) or both. JRF has a higher cut-off and comes with a monthly fellowship for PhD research, along with the age limit. Assistant Professor eligibility has no upper age limit and allows you to apply for teaching posts in colleges and universities. Many candidates apply for both and are considered for whichever cut-off they clear.
Common Mistakes With CSIR NET
These mistakes cost candidates marks and opportunities:
- Applying late and missing the deadline.
- Choosing the wrong post (JRF vs Assistant Professor).
- Ignoring Part A, which is common and scoring.
- Guessing too much despite negative marking.
- Attempting more than the maximum allowed questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CSIR NET exam date 2026 for December?
The CSIR NET exam date 2026 for the December session is scheduled for 19, 22 and 27 December 2026.
What is the last date to apply for CSIR NET December 2026?
The last date to apply is 5 November 2026, with a late fee window from 6 to 9 November.
When was the CSIR NET June 2026 exam held?
It was held on 17 and 18 July 2026, and results were declared in late August 2026.
Is there negative marking in CSIR NET?
Yes. It is 25 percent in most parts, with some differences by subject. Mathematical Sciences has no negative marking in Part C.
What is the age limit for CSIR NET JRF?
The maximum age for JRF is 30 years, with relaxation for certain categories. There is no upper age limit for Assistant Professor eligibility.
Where can I download the CSIR NET syllabus?
From the official website, csirnet.nta.nic.in, which lists the syllabus for each of the five subjects.
Conclusion
The CSIR NET exam date 2026 for the December session is 19, 22 and 27 December, and registration closes on 5 November. Check your eligibility, apply early and use the correction window if needed.
Then focus on smart preparation: Part A practice, previous year papers and careful attempts in Part C. If you are also considering the humanities route, read our NET exam date 2026 and UGC NET syllabus guides.