Introduction
Candidates are evaluated for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship/Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges through the acclaimed CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test). For people who want to pursue a career in academia or research, especially in scientific fields like the life sciences, chemical sciences, earth sciences, mathematical sciences, and physical sciences, the exam is crucial.
The CSIR NET is expected to be slightly delayed for the December 2024 session. The exam, which was previously held in December, is now anticipated to be held in January 2025. Since the notice, which was previously expected to be released in October or November, is now expected to be released around December 15, 2024, this delay has caused considerable concern among candidates.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers the test, which consists of two primary qualifying categories: lectureship and JRF. The main requirement for eligibility is a master’s degree in the relevant field with at least 55% of the possible points (or 50% for reserved categories). Although there is no upper age limit for lectureships, candidates must also be within the specified age ranges, particularly for JRF.
Exam Structure
The CSIR NET consists of a single paper with multiple-choice questions. It is divided into three parts:
- Part A: General Aptitude (common across all disciplines).
- Part B: Subject-specific questions testing core concepts.
- Part C: Higher-order questions requiring analytical and application-based thinking.
The marking scheme includes negative marking in Parts A and B, emphasizing accuracy.
Expected Timeline for December 2024 Session
- Notification Release: Around 15th December 2024
- Application Period: Shortly after the notification
- Admit Card Availability: Approximately 10–15 days before the exam
- Exam Date: Likely in January 2025
Preparation Strategy
Given the extended timeline, candidates have additional time for preparation. This can be utilized for:
- Revisiting Concepts: Strengthening fundamental knowledge.
- Mock Tests: Practicing to enhance time management and accuracy.
- Updated Resources: Reviewing any changes in syllabus or question patterns.
Candidates should stay updated through the official website (csirnet.nta.ac.in) for announcements regarding the exact dates and instructions
Reaction of student on delay in announcement of CSIR NET 2024 exam date: (Source: X)
