CSIR UGC NET December 2025: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened the online registration for the Joint CSIR UGC NET December 2025 examination. This highly competitive national-level test serves as a gateway for candidates aspiring to secure a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), qualify for an Assistant Professorship, or gain admission to PhD programmes in science and related disciplines. Eligible applicants can now visit the official website – csirnet.nta.nic.in – to fill out their application forms before the deadline.
The CSIR UGC NET is conducted twice every year on behalf of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the University Grants Commission (UGC). It aims to assess the eligibility of Indian nationals for research and teaching careers in various branches of science, technology, and engineering.
Key Dates for CSIR UGC NET December 2025
Candidates planning to appear for the upcoming session should carefully note all important dates to avoid last-minute issues. Below is the complete schedule released by NTA:
| Event | Important Date |
|---|---|
| Last date to submit application form | October 24, 2025 |
| Last date to pay application fee | October 25, 2025 |
| Application correction window | Up to October 29, 2025 |
| CSIR UGC NET December Exam | December 18, 2025 |
| Exam Shift 1 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 Noon |
| Exam Shift 2 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
The admit card and city intimation slip will be made available on the official website a few days before the examination date. The test will be conducted in two shifts on a single day, with each paper lasting 180 minutes.
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Overview of the CSIR UGC NET Examination
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (CSIR UGC NET) is one of India’s most prestigious science eligibility exams. Held twice every year, this test determines whether candidates are qualified for:
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) – for those wishing to pursue advanced research in their chosen scientific discipline.
- Assistant Professorship – for individuals aiming to teach in Indian universities and colleges.
- PhD Admissions – for candidates seeking admission to doctoral programmes in recognized institutions.
The exam covers a wide range of science subjects, including:
- Physical Sciences (Physics)
- Chemical Sciences (Chemistry)
- Mathematical Sciences (Mathematics/Statistics)
- Life Sciences (Biology/Biotechnology)
- Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences (Geology/Environmental Science)
Eligibility Criteria for CSIR UGC NET December 2025
Before applying, candidates must carefully review the eligibility requirements set by NTA to avoid disqualification. Below are the key conditions:
- Educational Qualification
- Applicants should possess a Master’s degree in a science-related subject with at least 55 percent aggregate marks (50 percent for reserved categories such as SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD).
- Candidates who are currently in the final year of their postgraduate programme are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of qualification within the specified time after the result.
- Age Limit
- For Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): The upper age limit is 30 years as of the closing date of the application.
- For Assistant Professorship/PhD admissions: There is no upper age limit, allowing candidates of any age to apply.
- Number of Attempts
- There is no restriction on the number of attempts for candidates applying for Assistant Professorship. However, the age limit applies for those seeking the JRF award.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online
Applying for the CSIR UGC NET December 2025 exam is a completely online process. Candidates must ensure that all details are accurate and documents are ready before starting the application. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to csirnet.nta.nic.in, the official portal for CSIR UGC NET.
Step 2: New Registration
Click on “New Registration” and carefully read the instructions provided. Accept the declaration and proceed to create your profile.
Step 3: Fill in Personal Details
Enter your name, date of birth, gender, category, contact details, and create a strong password. Choose a security question and answer for future logins.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Log in with your credentials and access the CSIR UGC NET application form. Provide your academic details, select the subject you wish to appear for, and choose your preferred examination cities.
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-sized photograph and signature in the prescribed format and size. Make sure the images are clear and meet the given specifications.
Step 6: Pay the Application Fee
Make the payment online using a Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. The fee varies depending on the candidate’s category, so check the official information bulletin for exact details.
Step 7: Confirmation Page
After a successful payment, download and print the confirmation page. Keep this document safe for future reference.
Important Note: According to NTA guidelines, each candidate can apply for only one subject listed in the official information bulletin. Submitting multiple applications may lead to cancellation of candidature.
Application Correction Window
Applicants who make errors in their forms will get a chance to fix them during the correction window, which remains open until October 29, 2025. This facility allows candidates to edit specific details such as academic records, exam city preferences, or uploaded documents. No changes will be permitted after the deadline, so double-check every entry carefully.
Exam Pattern and Duration
The CSIR UGC NET December 2025 will be held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Key highlights include:
- Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes) for each shift.
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Shifts: Two (Morning and Afternoon).
- Marking Scheme: Each subject has a unique pattern, but there is typically negative marking for incorrect answers.
Candidates should review the subject-wise syllabus and marking scheme available in the information bulletin to plan their preparation effectively.
Why CSIR UGC NET Matters for Your Career
Clearing the CSIR UGC NET is not just a qualification—it is a career milestone. Successful candidates can:
- Secure Junior Research Fellowships with attractive stipends for advanced research in reputed institutions.
- Become Assistant Professors in universities and colleges across India.
- Gain direct entry into PhD programmes, often with additional funding opportunities.
This exam opens doors to prestigious research careers, postdoctoral opportunities, and academic roles in India and abroad.
Final Tips for Applicants
- Apply Early: Avoid last-minute rush to prevent technical glitches.
- Check Eligibility Twice: Ensure you meet all educational and age criteria before paying the fee.
- Prepare Strategically: Focus on the official syllabus and practice previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern.
- Keep Documents Handy: Maintain a folder with scanned copies of photographs, signatures, and academic certificates for easy upload.
Conclusion
The CSIR UGC NET December 2025 is a golden opportunity for science graduates aiming for a future in research and academia. With the registration process now live, aspiring candidates should complete their applications well before October 24, 2025, and start focused preparation for the December 18, 2025 examination. Staying updated through the official NTA website will ensure you don’t miss any critical announcements such as admit card releases or exam center details.