CSIR NET EXAM 2018: TIPS TO QUALIFY

CSIR-NET Life Science Exam is one of the most popular examinations which is conducted by Council of Scientific and

Industrial Research (CSIR) each year. After clearing this exam, one can be eligible for the fellowships at pre-doctoral

level. Recently UGC had revised guidelines regarding recruitment of Assistant Professors in University system. In addition

to the PhD, now each aspirant will have to clear the National Eligibility Test or an accredited test (state level eligibility

test) or other similar exams. Hence if you aspire to become an aspirant Professor, CSIR-NET is a minimum eligibility and

you MUST clear this reputed exam.

OVERVIEW OF CSIR-NET LS PAPER

CSIR-NET is an offline exam. Each question paper contains multiple choice based questions. The question paper carry a

maximum of 200 marks and generally divided in three parts.

Sections Max. Max Total Marks Marks of Each Negative

EXAM Time
(Compulsory) Question Attempt (200) Question Marking

A 20 15 30 2 0.5
General Aptitude

LS B 50 35 70 2 0.5 3h
Conceptual Questions

C 75 25 100 4 1
Analytical Questions

SECTION – A
Remember Part 'A' shall be common to all subjects and often regarded as backup of other two sections. Marks lost in

other two sections, can be compensated by attempting correct questions from this part. As expected, questions from

this domain will not restricted to only biological domain. Students are tempted to make assumption that this section

requires extensive knowledge of mathematics and statistics. If Mathematics is not in your strong zone, then CSIR-NET

cannot be cracked. It is total misconception and has no logical explanation. Just due to pre-mindset students hesitate to

attempt even simple questions. Some of the examples of such questions are discussed below:
Q A postman walked 20m straight from his office, turned right and

walked 10 m. After turning left he walked 10 m and after turning right

walked 20 m. he again turned right and walked 70 m. how far he is

from his office?

a) 60 m b) 20 m c) 50 m d) 40 m

Solution: You can easily solve this question by

making route chart. Once it is done, question is

almost solved. Just place the formula of triangle

and we can get the value of hypotenuse of a

triangle. Answer is 50 m.

Q B The bar chart above shows number of seats won by four

political parties A, B, C and D. Which party won the largest

proportion of seat it contested?

a) A b) B c) C d) D

Solution: It is one of the simplest questions. Calculate the Won % in comparison of seat contested. As per our

calculation, Part B has high won %.

Political Party Seat contested Seat won Winning %

A 150 100 66.7
B 69 57 82.6
C 100 72 72
D 40 20 50

So student just relax, it’s no more hardcore mathematics. This section encompasses questions based on Logical

Reasoning, Graphical Analysis, Analytical and Numerical Ability, Quantitative Comparisons, Series Formation and Puzzles,

will be asked. Questions pertaining to geometry (area, volume, distance and height), banking interest or profit/loss, train

problems are routinely asked. So maintain right blend of attitude, analytical approach and positive mindset while

attempting these problems. One immediate piece of advice is do not give more than 30-45 minutes to solve these
questions. Devoting half an hour to attempt 15 question is good enough, as it is not hard core Mathematics or Statistical

Calculations.

SECTION - B
Part 'B' contains subject-related conventional direct MCQs. The maximum number of questions to be

attempted shall be in the range of 20-35. If we look it this way that you need to attempt just 50% correct

questions (ample choice). These are direct conceptual questions, which makes Part B as most scoring section.

Unfortunately students generally get tempted due to easy questions and loose valuable time. One has to keep

in mind, you either know the answer or you don’t know (All or None). Do not get trapped here and only

devote maximum of 30-45 minutes in this section. Topic wise analysis of last year CSIR NET exam is presented
below.

JUNE 2017 DEC 2017

SECTION - C
Part 'C' shall contain higher value questions that may test the candidate's knowledge of scientific concepts and/or

application of the scientific concepts. The questions shall be of analytical nature where a candidate is expected to apply

the critical analysis to arrive at the solution to the given scientific problem. Sometimes knowledge of multiple domains

are required to attempt certain experimental questions. The total marks allocated to this section shall be 100 out of 200

(largest share of marks distribution). Student need to attempt 25 questions but should understand that solving such

questions demands most of your available time. Some of the important topics from this section are:
 1. Biochemistry

2. Cell Biology (including Cancer Biology, Stem cell, Cellular communication)

3. Molecular biology

4. Evolution and Behaviour

5. Ecology and Environmental Science

6. Genetics (especially questions on linkage maps and population genetics)

7. RDT, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques

8. Development Biology (sea urchin, Xenopus, Drosophila, Cleavage pattern)

9. Animal Physiology (Nervous, Circulatory, Excretory, Respiratory)

10. Plant Structure and Physiology

11. Immunology

If you have grasp on 6-7 above said topics, still you may secure JRF. Trend Analysis of section C is presented as pie chart.

JUNE 2017 DEC 2017

HOW TO QUALIFY FOR JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

The mind of a life science student is cluttered with lot of doubts regarding CSIR-NET exam. As time passes, their doubts

becomes believes. Some of the questions immediately arises regarding CSIR-NET is,

SNo MISCONCEPTIONS ACTUAL FACTS

 It is one of the toughest Indeed it is. But by adopting smart methods of preparation and right approach
1 exams and cannot be cleared you may crack it in very first attempt. At Grassroots, students (even at BSc
in first attempt. level ) has proved us right.

It require in-depth knowledge It is always desired to have a grasp on entire syllabus. But it is rare.
2. of entire syllabus Interestingly, if you have grasp on even 5-6 Units, still you have bright chances
to earn JRF (see analysis).

There is no trend in CSIR-NET Even through questions are rarely repeated, still one may figure out trends for
3. exam. Each question paper is certain domains (Trend Analysis of different domains have been posted earlier
different. on Grassroots Blog).

June is more of Classical while Difficult to conclude. Yes certain domains have been preferred over others in
4. Dec is more of Applied. some exams. Still not advised to make such assumptions.

Every section of the question Not necessarily, overall score should match the cut-off range. Considering their
5 paper needs to be passed. strong zones, one may plan-up their studies. [SMART PREPARATIONS]

• To summarize, one should remember you are the biggest competitor of yourself in way of earning JRF. Smart

and steady movers always won the race. If you see the past year cutoff, it is apparent that if someone attempt

40-50 correct questions, one can easily secure JRF (see table for clarification).

CSIR-NET LS CUTOFF (2011-2017)

JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (NET) LECTURERSHIP (NET)

Exam
UR OBC SC ST PwD UR OBC SC ST PwD
Dec-17 50.5 41 34.75 30 25 45.45 36.9 31.28 27 25
Jun-17 55 45 37 31.5 25 49.5 40.5 33.3 28.35 25
Dec-16 56 46.25 39.5 33.5 26.25 50.4 41.63 35.55 30.15 25
Jun-16 59 49.25 42.25 37.5 28.75 53.1 44.33 38.03 33.75 25.88
Dec-15 59.75 51.5 44 38.5 32 53.78 46.35 39.6 34.65 28.8
Jun-15 53 45.25 37.5 33.5 26 47.7 40.73 33.75 30.15 25
Dec-14 54 48.6 43.2 43.2 43.2 48.6 43.74 38.88 38.88 38.88
Jun-14 51.5 51.5 41.5 41.5 x 46.5 46.5 36.5 36.5 x
Dec-13 51 51 41 41 x 46 46 36 36 x
Dec-12 48 48 38 38 x 43 43 33 33 x
Jun-12 47 47 37 37 x 42 42 32 32 x
Dec-11 48 48 38 38 x 35 35 25 25 x