CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus 2025 (Part A, B, C), Check Subject-wise Syllabus

The CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus 2025 has been released by the Human Resource Development Group (HRDG). The syllabus is structured into three sections: A, B, and C, covering all essential topics for the exam. To get the complete details, download the CSIR NET Life Science PDF syllabus below.

Table of Contents

The CSIR NET Life Science 2025 exam tests your knowledge of biology – from tiny cells to big ecosystems. To prepare well, you need to know exactly what topics will be covered in the exam. Here, we’ll explain the complete CSIR NET Life Science syllabus in simple terms. We’ll list all the important topics you need to study, making it easier for you to plan your preparation. Whether you’re starting early or revising last minute, this guide will help you understand what to focus on for the June 2025 exam.

CSIR NET Syllabus Life Science

The CSIR NET Syllabus for the Life Science subject includes a comprehensive list of topics that are covered in the CSIR NET Exam. Key topics in the Life Science syllabus, such as Cell Organization, System Physiology of Plants and Animals, Applied Biology, and Ecological Principles, are outlined in this article. To enhance their chances of success, all candidates should be well-acquainted with the detailed Life Science syllabus for CSIR NET, which is provided here.

Molecules and Their Interaction Relevant to Biology.
Cellular Organization.
Fundamental Processes.
Cell Communication & Cell Signaling.
Development Biology.
System Physiology-Plant.
System Physiology-Animal.
Inheritance Biology.
Diversity of Life Forms.
Ecological Principles.
Evolution & Behavior.
Applied Biology.
Methods in Biology.

CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus Unit-wise

The CSIR NET Life Science syllabus, issued by CSIR’s HRD Group and conducted by NTA, determines eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship/Assistant Professor positions across India. Candidates must thoroughly study all units, as questions test both conceptual understanding and application-based knowledge. The syllabus emphasizes interdisciplinary connections, requiring integrated preparation across cellular processes, organismal biology, and ecological principles to succeed in this competitive exam.

CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus for General Aptitude

The CSIR NET syllabus of Part A of all five subjects is the same. CSIR NET Exam Part A contains questions related to General Science, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analysis and Research Aptitude.

Numerical Ability- Number and Simplification; Average; Quadratic Equations; Sequence and Series; Surd and Indices; Logarithms; Percentage; Profit and Loss; Simple Interest & Compound Interest; Partnership; LCM and HCF; Probability; Mensuration.
Reasoning- Series Formation; Ranking and Arrangement; Puzzles; Coding-Decoding; Distance and Directions; Calendar and Clock.
Data Interpretation, and Graphical Analysis – Mean, Median & Mode; Measures of Dispersion; Graphical Analysis: Bar Graph, Line Graph; Pie-Chart; Tabulation.

CSIR NET Life Syllabus for Part B & Part C

The CSIR NET Life Sciences syllabus for Part B (Subject-Specific MCQs) and Part C (Advanced Application-Based Questions) covers 13 core units, testing candidates’ in-depth knowledge of biological concepts and their ability to apply them in research scenarios. Part B focuses on fundamental principles, while Part C evaluates analytical skills through complex problem-solving.

Unit	Core Topics	Key Concepts
1. Molecules & Interactions	Biomolecules, Enzymes, Metabolism	Protein/Nucleic Acid structure, Enzyme kinetics, Glycolysis, TCA cycle
2. Cellular Organization	Membranes, Organelles, and Cell Cycle	Membrane transport, Mitochondria/Chloroplast function, Mitosis/Meiosis
3. Fundamental Processes	DNA/RNA/Protein Synthesis	Replication, Transcription, Translation, Gene regulation
4. Cell Signaling	Hormones, Immune System, Cancer	GPCR signaling, Oncogenes, MHC, Antibody diversity
5. Developmental Biology	Embryogenesis, Plant/Animal Development	Stem cells, Morphogenesis, Apoptosis, Floral development
6. Plant Physiology	Photosynthesis, Stress Response	C3/C4 pathways, Phytohormones, Water transport
7. Animal Physiology	Nervous, Circulatory, Endocrine Systems	ECG, Neurotransmission, Hormone action, Homeostasis
8. Inheritance Biology	Mendelian Genetics, Human Disorders	Linkage mapping, Pedigree analysis, Chromosomal mutations
9. Diversity of Life	Taxonomy, Conservation	Classification, Endangered species, Pathogens
10. Ecology	Ecosystems, Biogeography	Biodiversity, Succession, Pollution, Climate change
11. Evolution	Molecular Evolution, Speciation	Hardy-Weinberg, Phylogenetics, Sexual selection
12. Applied Biology	Biotechnology, Genomics	GMOs, Vaccines, Gene therapy, Biosensors
13. Methods in Biology	Lab Techniques, Biophysics	PCR, Microscopy, ELISA, NMR, Statistics

CSIR NET Life Science Exam Pattern

The pattern for the Life Sciences Paper MCQ test is given below. The CSIR NET Syllabus 2025 & Exam Pattern is explained in detail for Life Sciences.

1. Paper Type: MCQ test paper
2. Total Marks: 200 marks.
3. Exam time: 3 hours.
4. The question paper shall be divided into three parts
5. Negative Marking – 25% for each wrong answer.

Part	Detailed Syllabus	Total Questions	Required to Answer	Each Question Mark	Total Marks
Part A	General Science, Quantitative Reasoning & Analysis, and Research Aptitude	20	15	2	30
Part B	Subject Concerned	50	35	2	70
Part C	Based on scientific concepts and/or the application of scientific concepts.	75	25	4	100
Total			75		200

CSIR NET Life Science Marking Scheme

In the CSIR NET Life Sciences paper, candidates need to attempt a total of 75 MCQs combinedly from Parts A, B, and C. Each question in Parts A and B carries two marks, and each question in Part C carries four marks. There is a negative marking of 25 percent in Parts A, B, and C for each incorrect answer.

Subject	Total Weightage	Negative Marking	Marking Scheme
CSIR NET Life Science	200	Part A:- -0.5	Part A: +2
		Part B: -0.5	Part B: +2
		Part C: -1	Part C: +4

CSIR NET Syllabus Life Science PDF

The candidate may download the CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus PDF from the article below. Just go through the detailed syllabus provided below by downloading the CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus PDF. The complete knowledge of the Life Science syllabus will assist the candidate in formulating an effective study plan of action and vision to attempt the exam.

Download CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus PDF

CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus 2025: FAQs

What is the CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus 2025?

CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus is released by HRDG. CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus topics covered are cell organization, system physiology of plant and animal, applied biology, ecological principles, cell communication, cell signaling, etc.

Does the CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus change every year?

No, CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus does not change every year.

Who sets the CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus 2025?

The CSIR NET syllabus for Life Science is prescribed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research's Human Resource Development Group (HRDG).

How to download CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus PDF?

Aspirants must download the CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus PDF from the official website of CSIR or NTA or above mentioned link.

What are the subjects for CSIR NET exam?

The CSIR NET exam is conducted for a total of five subjects -
Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
Chemical Sciences
Life Sciences
Mathematical Sciences
Physical Sciences

Is CSIR NET very difficult?

To gauge the difficulty level of this examination, candidates should review the CSIR NET exam analysis. Typically, the exam is of moderate difficulty, ensuring that candidates of all levels can attempt the minimum required number of questions.

What is a good CSIR NET score?

To qualify for the exam, candidates must secure a minimum of 33% marks for General, EWS, and OBC categories, while SC, ST, and PwD categories require at least 25% for both Fellowship and Assistant Professor. Keep reading to explore the complete details of the CSIR NET Cut-Off marks, including the steps to check the cut-off and key determining factors.