CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus: Get the CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus for 2025 with detailed topics, exam patterns, preparation tips, and key CSIR NET Life Sciences dates such as exam day, application deadlines, and more. Prepare smartly for CSIR Life Science NET Syllabus success.
CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus – Overall Structure
The CSIR NET Life Science syllabus is divided into multiple units, covering almost all major branches of biology.
Unit-wise CSIR Life Science NET Syllabus
1. Molecules and Their Interaction Relevant to Biology
This unit builds the chemical foundation of life.
- Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids
- Enzymes and enzyme kinetics
- Weak bonds and molecular interactions
2. Cellular Organization
This is pure cell biology.
- Cell structure and organelles
- Membrane transport
- Cytoskeleton
- Cell cycle and cell division
👉 Very high-weight unit. Almost unavoidable.
3. Fundamental Processes
This unit focuses on how cells function internally.
- Replication, transcription, translation
- DNA repair mechanisms
- Regulation of gene expression
👉 Many Part C questions come from here.
4. Cell Communication and Cell Signaling
Here CSIR checks whether you understand how cells talk to each other.
- Receptors
- Signal transduction pathways
- Second messengers
👉 Concept-based, diagram-oriented questions are common.
5. Developmental Biology
This unit explains how one cell becomes a complete organism.
- Gametogenesis
- Fertilisation
- Differentiation
- Developmental models
👉 Often asked in analytical form.
6. System Physiology – Plant
Plant physiology covers:
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Transpiration
- Plant hormones
7. System Physiology – Animal
This is about how animal body systems work together.
- Nervous system
- Endocrine system
- Reproduction
- Homeostasis
👉 Questions are often statement-based.
8. Inheritance Biology
Genetics.
- Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance
- Chromosomal theory
- Population genetics
9. Diversity of Life Forms
- Classification
- Taxonomy
- Structural diversity across organisms
10. Ecology
- Population ecology
- Community ecology
- Ecosystems
- Environmental issues
11. Evolution
Evolution checks:
- Darwinian principles
- Molecular evolution
- Speciation
👉 Conceptual questions dominate.
12. Applied Biology
- Immunology
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
13. Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
- Biological databases
- Sequence alignment
- Computational tools
CSIR NET Life Science Exam Pattern
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total Marks: 200
Part A – General Aptitude
- Logical reasoning
- Numerical ability
- Graph analysis
Part B – Life Science Basics
- Conceptual questions from syllabus
Part C – Advanced Life Science
- Analytical & application-based
Section-Wise Weightage of Life Science CSIR NET Syllabus
| Particulars | Part A | Part B | Part C | Total |
| Total Questions | 20 | 50 | 75 | 145 |
| Maximum questions to be attempted | 15 | 35 | 25 | 75 |
| Marks for each correct answer | +2 | +2 | +4 | – |
| Maximum Marks | 30 | 70 | 100 | 200 |
| Marks for each incorrect answer | -0.5 | -0.5 | -1 | – |
Important Dates – CSIR NET & UGC NET 2025
- Notification: September 2025
- Application Start: September 2025
- Last Date to Apply: October 2025
- Admit Card: December 2025
- Exam Date: December 2025
UGC NET 2025 (December Session)
- Exam Window: 31 December 2025 – 7 January 2026
Note: Always check the official NTA website for final confirmation.
Also check: UGC NET Paper 1 Syllabus 2025 (PDF)
How to Prepare CSIR NET Life Sciences (Real Advice)
You cannot study everything equally.
- Focus more on Cell Biology, molecular biology, and genetics.
- Solve previous year’s questions regularly
- Revise diagrams and pathways repeatedly
- Practice Part C style thinking, not memorisation
Download the PDF of CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus
| Download PDF of CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus | Download PDF |
FAQs – CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus
Is CSIR NET Life Sciences tough?
Yes, but it becomes manageable with concept-based preparation and regular practice of previous year questions.
Which units are most important in CSIR NET Life Sciences?
Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Physiology carry the highest weightage.
Is there negative marking in the CSIR NET Life Science exam?
Yes, incorrect answers attract negative marking, so question selection is important.
Can I clear the CSIR NET Life Sciences in first attempt?
Yes. Many candidates clear it in their first attempt with disciplined, syllabus-oriented preparation.
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