CSIR NET December 2026 Exam Date Announced, Check Latest Updates
The CSIR NET examination determines candidates' eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), appointment as an Assistant Professor (where applicable), and admission to Ph.D. programmes. The examination covers five science subjects, including Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
Candidates preparing for the December 2026 session should check the official notifications regularly for updates regarding the examination city intimation slip, admit card and exam-day instructions.
CSIR NET December 2026 Exam Date: Latest Update
The CSIR NET December 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted on three dates: 19 December, 22 December and 27 December 2026. The examination will take place in CBT mode at designated examination centres.
Candidates should note that the examination date assigned to each subject and the candidate's shift must be confirmed through the official schedule and admit card.
CSIR NET December 2026 Exam Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Session | December 2026 |
| Exam Dates | 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 |
| Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Subjects | Five science subjects |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Exam Shifts | As specified in the official schedule |
| Exam City Intimation Slip | To be announced |
| Admit Card | To be released |
| Official Website | csirnet.nta.nic.in |
CSIR NET December 2026 Exam Schedule
The CSIR NET December 2026 examination will be conducted across the announced dates. Candidates must check the official subject-wise schedule to confirm when their examination will take place.
| Exam Event | Date/Details |
|---|---|
| CSIR NET December 2026 Examination | 19, 22 and 27 December 2026 |
| Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Subject-wise Schedule | Refer to the official notification |
| Candidate's Shift | As mentioned on the admit card |
Download the CSIR NET Information Bulletin: Visit the official NTA CSIR NET website to access the information bulletin and examination-related notices. Candidates should rely on the latest official PDF for confirmed subject-wise dates and timings.
CSIR NET December 2026 Exam Timings and Shifts
The examination timing and reporting instructions should be checked against the official notification and the candidate's admit card. Candidates must arrive at their examination centre within the reporting window mentioned on their hall ticket.
| Shift | Exam Timing | Reporting Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 | As specified by NTA | As mentioned on the admit card | 3 hours |
| Shift 2 | As specified by NTA | As mentioned on the admit card | 3 hours |
Candidates should not assume that every subject will be conducted in both shifts. The applicable date, shift and reporting time must be verified from the official schedule.
How to Check the CSIR NET December 2026 Exam Date?
Candidates can follow these steps to check the CSIR NET examination schedule:
Visit the official website at csirnet.nta.nic.in.
Open the latest public notices or examination-related announcements section.
Look for the notification concerning the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 examination schedule.
Click the relevant notification or PDF link.
Check the examination dates, subject-wise schedule and other instructions.
Download the PDF and save it for future reference.
Candidates should check the website periodically for any changes to the announced schedule.
CSIR NET December 2026 Exam: What Happens Next?
After checking the examination dates, candidates should prepare for the upcoming examination-related activities.
1. Advance City Intimation Slip: NTA will provide information about the allotted examination city through the city intimation slip when it is released. This slip is intended to help candidates plan their travel.
2. Admit Card Download: Candidates should download their admit cards once released. The admit card contains important details such as the examination centre, date, shift and reporting time.
3. Revision and Mock Tests: Candidates should revise the prescribed syllabus, practise previous years' question papers and attempt mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
4. Exam-Day Preparation: Read the instructions mentioned on the admit card and arrange all required documents before the examination day.
CSIR NET December 2026 Exam Centres
The CSIR NET examination will be conducted at designated centres across India. The examination city allotted to a candidate will be communicated through the city intimation slip, while the exact examination centre and address will be mentioned on the admit card.
Candidates should keep the following points in mind:
Check the examination city as soon as the city intimation slip becomes available.
Verify the complete centre address on the admit card.
Plan travel in advance, especially if the centre is in another city.
Reach the centre within the reporting time specified by NTA.
Follow the instructions regarding entry, verification and prohibited items.
CSIR NET December 2026 Exam Pattern
The Joint CSIR-UGC NET examination consists of a single paper divided into Parts A, B and C. It contains objective-type multiple-choice questions, and the question distribution and marking scheme vary by subject.
| Subject | Subject Code | Total Questions | Maximum Questions to Attempt | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Sciences | 701 | 120 | 75 | 200 |
| Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences | 702 | 150 | 75 | 200 |
| Life Sciences and Biotechnology | 703 | 145 | 75 | 200 |
| Mathematical Sciences | 704 | 120 | 60 | 200 |
| Physical Sciences | 705 | 75 | 55 | 200 |
The number of questions to be attempted, marks per question and negative-marking rules differ by subject and section. Candidates should consult the latest official information bulletin for the applicable marking scheme.
Also Check: CSIR NET Exam Pattern 2026
CSIR NET December 2026 Exam-Day Guidelines
Candidates must follow the examination instructions issued by NTA to avoid difficulties on the day of the test.
Reporting Time: Reach the examination centre according to the reporting time printed on the admit card.
Admit Card: Carry a printed copy of the valid admit card and any undertaking or declaration required by the official instructions.
Photo ID: Bring an accepted original photo identity document, as specified by NTA.
Photographs: Carry additional passport-size photographs if required by the admit card instructions.
PwD/PwBD Facilities: Candidates claiming a scribe or compensatory time must carry the applicable documents and certificates.
Prohibited Items: Do not carry mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, written materials or other prohibited items into the examination hall.
Centre Instructions: Follow the directions of the examination staff and comply with the verification and security procedures.
Candidates should carefully read the latest admit card instructions because the permitted documents and entry requirements are determined by the official examination guidelines.
Prepare for CSIR NET December 2026 with IFAS
Candidates preparing for the CSIR NET December 2026 examination should focus on syllabus completion, concept revision, previous years' questions and regular mock-test practice. A structured study plan can help candidates identify weak areas and improve their examination performance.
Explore IFAS CSIR NET Online Coaching for subject-wise preparation, practice questions, mock tests and exam-focused learning resources.
Start your CSIR NET preparation today and make the most of the time remaining before the December 2026 examination.