CSIR NET Preparation Tips 2024: The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the CSIR UGC NET exam 2024 from July 25 to July 27, 2024. The examination was earlier scheduled for June 25 to June 27, 2024, however, it was rescheduled due to “unavoidable circumstances and logistic issues”, as stated by the NTA.
CSIR UGC NET exam is conducted in chemical sciences, earth sciences, life sciences, mathematical sciences, and physical science. With only a few days left in the examination, it is advisable for candidates to attempt mock tests and previous years’ test papers for better preparation. Check subject wise CSIR NET preparation tips provided in the article below.
Subject wise CSIR NET preparation tips 2024
The CSIR NET exam 2024 will be conducted in CBT mode (Computer Based Test mode). The paper is divided into three parts: A, B, and C. While part A is common for all subjects, part B and C are subject oriented. Candidates appearing can check subject wise preparation tips and marking scheme provided below.
CSIR NET Chemical Sciences Preparation
To prepare for chemical sciences, candidates should go through the CSIR NET syllabus carefully. The syllabus for chemical sciences is divided into three parts. Check below:
| Particulars | Details |
| Inorganic chemistry | This includes chemical periodicity, structure and bonding in molecules, concept of acids and bases, transition elements and coordination compounds, analytical chemistry, and nuclear chemistry |
| Organic chemistry | This includes, IUPAC nomenclature of organic molecules, principles of stereochemistry, organic reactive intermediates, reaction mechanisms & transformations, concepts in organic synthesis, chemistry of natural products |
| Physical chemistry | This includes quantum mechanics, atomic structure and spectroscopy, chemical bonding in diatomics, chemical applications of group theory, molecular spectroscopy, chemical and statistical thermodynamics,chemical kinetics |
| Interdisciplinary topics | Chemistry in nanoscience and technology Catalysis and green chemistry Medicinal chemistrySupramolecular chemistryEnvironmental chemistry. |
To prepare well, candidates must solve previous years’ question papers and focus on topics with high weightage. Candidates can take reference from the following books:
-Trueman’s UGC-CSIR JRF / NET Chemical Sciences (Chemistry) by M Gagan
-Joint CSIR-UGC NET Chemical Sciences by Narender Sharma
CSIR NET Earth Sciences Preparation
Check CSIR NET syllabus for earth sciences for Part B and Part C in the table below:
| Part B | Part C |
| The Earth and the Solar System | This unit includes topics from geology such as Mineralogy & Petrology, Structural geology and geotectonics, Paleontology & its applications, Sedimentology & Stratigraphy, Marine geology & paleoceanography |
| Earth Materials, Surface Features, and Processes | This includes subjects from Applied geology such as Remote sensing and GIS, Engineering geology, Mineral exploration, Hydrogeology |
| Interior of the Earth, Deformation and Tectonics | Topics from Physical Geography including Geomorphology, Climatology, Biogeography, Environmental geography |
| Oceans and Atmosphere | Geophysics topics such as Numerical analysis and inversion, Gravity and magnetic fields of the earth, Plate tectonics & geodynamics, Seismology elastic theory |
| Environmental Earth Sciences | Meteorology topics including Climatology, Physical meteorology, Atmospheric electricity, Cloud physics, General circulation and climate modelling, Synoptic, Aviation and Satellite meteorology |
| – | Ocean Sciences including Physical, Chemical, Geological and Biological oceanography |
Candidates appearing for Earth Sciences paper are advised to take reference from the following books:
- CSIR-UGC NET/JRF Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences Exam Guide by Surendra Kumar
- Climatology and Oceanography by DS Lal
CSIR NET Life Sciences Preparation
Check detailed units and topics for CSIR NET life sciences preparation below:
| Particulars | Details |
| Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology | This unit includes structure of atoms, molecules and chemical bonds, stabilising interactions, principles of biophysical chemistry, principles of catalysis, enzymes and enzyme kinetics, conformation of proteins and nucleic acids |
| Cellular Organization | This includes membrane structure and function, structural organisation and function of intracellular organelles, organisation of genes and chromosomes, cell division and cell cycle |
| Fundamental Processes | DNA replication, repair and recombinationRNA synthesis and processingProtein synthesis and processing Control of gene expression at transcription and translation level |
| Cell Communication and Cell Signalling | This includes host parasite interaction, cell signalling, cellular communication, cancer, innate and adaptive immune system |
| Developmental Biology | Basic concepts of developmentGametogenesis, fertilisation and early developmentMorphogenesis and organogenesis in animalsMorphogenesis and organogenesis in plantsProgrammed cell death, ageing and senescence |
| System Physiology – Plant | This unit includes photosynthesis, respiration and photorespiration, plant hormones, sensory photobiology, solute transport and photoassimilate translocation |
| System Physiology – Animal | This includes blood and circulation, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, nervous system, sense organs, excretory system, stress and adaptation, endocrinology and reproduction |
| Inheritance Biology | This unit includes mendelian principles, concept of gene, gene mapping methods, extra chromosomal inheritance, human genetics, mutation, structural and numerical alterations of chromosomes |
| Diversity of Life Forms | This unit includes topics such as concepts of species, biological nomenclature, unicellular and multicellular forms, organisation of tissues, classification of plants, animals and microorganisms, parasite & pathogens, endangered species and conservation strategies. |
| Ecological Principles | This unit includes topics about ecology, biogeography, environmental studies, and conservation/management strategy. |
| Evolution and Behavior | This unit contains topics about concepts of Darwin, origin of cells and cell evolution, molecular evolution, study of behaviour, and population genetics. |
| Applied Biology | This includes topics such as Microbial fermentation, Genomics and its application to health and agriculture, Breeding in plants and animals, Transgenic animals and plants, and Tissue and cell culture methods for plants and animals |
| Methods in Biology | This includes Molecular Biology and Recombinant DNA methods, Histochemical and Immunotechniques, biophysical and statistical methods, microscopic techniques, electrophysiological methods, and sampling methods. |
Candidates appearing for CSIR NET Life Sciences exam can use the following books for better preparation:
- Plant Physiology by Ross and Salisbury
- Biochemistry by Lubert Stryer and Jeremy M Berg
CSIR NET Mathematical Sciences Preparation
Check unit wise topics for CSIR NET mathematical sciences below:
| Unit | Details |
| Unit 1 | Analysis Linear Algebra |
| Unit 2 | Complex analysis Algebra Topology |
| Unit 3 | Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) Numerical Analysis Calculus of Variations Linear Integral Equations Classical Mechanics |
| Unit 4 | Descriptive statistics, exploratory data analysis Sample space, discrete probability, independent events Methods of estimation Standard discrete and continuous univariate distributions Gauss-Markov models Multivariate normal distribution |
Candidates appearing for Mathematical sciences can use the following books for exam preparation:
- Complex Variables and Applications by Ruel Churchill and James Brown
- CSIR-UGC NET/JRF/SET Mathematical Sciences by Alok Kumar
CSIR NET Physical Science Preparation
The physical science paper is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B. Check important topics below:
| Part A (Core) | Part B (Advanced) |
| Mathematical Methods of Physics (Dimensional analysis. Vector algebra and vector calculus. Linear algebra, matrices, Cayley-Hamilton Theorem) | Mathematical Methods of Physics (Green’s function. Partial differential equations) |
| Classical Mechanics (Newton’s laws. Dynamical systems, Phase space dynamics, stability analysis) | Classical Mechanics (Dynamical systems, Phase space dynamics, stability analysis) |
| Electromagnetic Theory (Electrostatics: Gauss’s law and its applications) | Electromagnetic Theory (Dispersion relations in plasma. Lorentz invariance of Maxwell’s equation) |
| Quantum Mechanics (Wave-particle duality. Schrödinger equation) | Quantum Mechanics (Spin-orbit coupling, fine structure. WKB approximation. Elementary theory of scattering) |
| Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics (Laws of thermodynamics and their consequences. Thermodynamic potentials, Maxwell relations, chemical potential) | Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics (First- and second-order phase transitions, Ising model, Bose-Einstein condensation) |
| Electronics and Experimental Methods (Semiconductor devices, device structure, device characteristics, frequency dependence and applications) | Electronics and Experimental Methods (Linear and nonlinear curve fitting, chi-square test) |
| – | Atomic & Molecular Physics |
| – | Condensed Matter Physics |
| – | Nuclear and Particle Physics |
Candidates preparing for Physical science can check book recommendations below:
- CSIR-UGC NET/JRF/SET Physical Sciences by Dr Surekha Tomar
- Mathematical Physics by HK Dass and Rama Verma
CSIR NET Exam 2024: General Preparation Tips
While subject wise preparation is important, candidates should keep the following general tips in mind for a smooth exam preparation:
- Follow a routine for studying every day. Divide your time equally for each topic in your subject.
- Try to solve as many questions and mock test papers as possible. This is advisable for each candidate, irrespective of their choice of subject.
- Give yourself some time to engage in physical activities such as running, walking, sports, or yoga. This ensures that you stay stress free during the exam preparation.
- Do not get disheartened before the exam. Try to talk about your stress and anxiety to someone you trust including family and friends.
