CSIR NET exam pattern: Parts A, B and C and negative marking by subject
Every CSIR NET subject is a 3-hour, 200-mark paper in three parts, but the number of questions, how many you may attempt and the negative marking all differ by subject. Here is the full table from the December 2026 bulletin.
This page is based on section 3.2 of the CSIR NET December 2026 Information Bulletin. NTA can change the pattern between cycles, so check the bulletin for the cycle you sit.
What is the CSIR NET exam pattern?
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-based test, objective MCQs |
| Language | Hindi and English |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Total marks | 200 in every subject |
| Structure | Part A, Part B, Part C |
| Shifts | 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon, and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
What is in each part?
- Part A is General Aptitude, common to all five subjects. It covers logical reasoning, graphical analysis, analytical and numerical ability, quantitative comparison, series and puzzles.
- Part B has subject MCQs.
- Part C has higher-order questions that test analytical application of the subject.
How many questions, and how many can I attempt?
Each part has more questions than you are allowed to attempt. The figures are given as Part A / Part B / Part C.
| Subject | Questions in paper | Maximum to attempt | Marks per correct answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Sciences | 20 / 40 / 60 = 120 | 15 / 35 / 25 = 75 | 2 / 2 / 4 |
| Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences | 20 / 50 / 80 = 150 | 15 / 35 / 25 = 75 | 2 / 2 / 4 |
| Life Sciences and Bio-Technology | 20 / 50 / 75 = 145 | 15 / 35 / 25 = 75 | 2 / 2 / 4 |
| Mathematical Sciences | 20 / 40 / 60 = 120 | 15 / 25 / 20 = 60 | 2 / 3 / 4.75 |
| Physical Sciences | 20 / 25 / 30 = 75 | 15 / 20 / 20 = 55 | 2 / 3.5 / 5 |
If you answer more than the limit in a part, only your first answers up to the limit are evaluated. The rest are ignored, even if they are correct.
Is there negative marking in CSIR NET?
Yes, in most parts. The deduction per wrong answer, given as Part A / Part B / Part C:
| Subject | Negative marks per wrong answer | As a share of the marks |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Sciences | 0.5 / 0.5 / 1 | 25% in all parts |
| Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences | 0.5 / 0.5 / 1.32 | 25% in A and B; 33% in C |
| Life Sciences and Bio-Technology | 0.5 / 0.5 / 1 | 25% in all parts |
| Mathematical Sciences | 0.5 / 0.75 / 0 | 25% in A and B; none in C |
| Physical Sciences | 0.5 / 0.875 / 1.25 | 25% in all parts |
Mathematical Sciences Part C works differently
Part C questions in Mathematical Sciences may have one or more correct options. You get credit only if you mark all the correct options. There is no negative marking in this part.
Where are the 200 marks?
Multiplying the attempt limit by the marks per question shows where the marks sit in each subject:
| Subject | Part A | Part B | Part C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical, Earth, Life Sciences | 30 | 70 | 100 |
| Mathematical Sciences | 30 | 75 | 95 |
| Physical Sciences | 30 | 70 | 100 |
In every subject, Part C carries roughly half the paper. The preparation strategy page covers what that means for your time. For how the total turns into a result, see the cutoff page.
Where TestGuru fits
TestGuru’s CSIR NET mock tests are not open yet. When they are, they will follow this pattern, attempt limits included, and the report will show which ideas are behind your wrong answers, not just your score.