CSIR UGC NET 2025 scheduled for December 18: Check Paper Format, Marks Distribution and Last Minute tips

The winter session exam of CSIR UGC NET is going to be held on December 18, 2025, as per the announcement made by the National Testing Agency. Approximately 3 lakh candidates will use the online computer-based mode to appear for the test, which is a means of assessing their eligibility for research and teaching positions in Indian universities.

The exam will last for 3 hours in total and will be conducted in two shifts from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on the same day.

CSIR NET unlike many other entrance exams, is not a single-format exam. The questions pattern, marking logic, and the number of attempts allowed are different for each subject area, thus the knowledge of the blueprint is far more essential than the ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌syllabus.

Breakdown of CSIR UGC NET Question Paper (Common Structure Across Subjects)

Although every discipline follows its own marking pattern, the test is always divided into three sections:

• Part A General aptitude Numerical, reasoning, and analytical ability
• Part B Subject-based fundamentals Direct conceptual MCQs
• Part C Advanced & application High-order problem-solving / research-type questions
• The total score for the entire paper is equal to 200 marks

CSIR UGC NET 2025 Subject-Wise Exam Format & Scoring Pattern

Chemical Sciences

• 120 questions displayed; candidates attempt 75
• Parts A & B: 2 marks each, Part C: 4 marks each
• Negative marking for Part A & B only

Earth Sciences

• Paper heavily emphasises Part C
• Parts A & B: 2 marks each, Part C: 4 marks each
• Highest deduction for wrong answers among all subjects

Life Sciences

• Total questions displayed: 145
• Attempts: 75 (15 from Part A + 35 from Part B + 25 from Part C)
• 25% deduction rule applies for incorrect answers across all sections

Mathematical Sciences

• Best scoring opportunity for Part C
• Marks per question: 2 (A), 3 (B), 4.75 (C)
• No negative marking in Part C

Physical Sciences

• Weighted marks for conceptual clarity
• Parts A, B, C carry 2, 3.5 and 5 marks respectively
• Negative marking in every section, highest in Part C

NOTE: The number of questions displayed on the screen is always more than what candidates are required to attempt. Selecting questions wisely has a greater impact than answering more.

CSIR UGC NET 2025 Strategy for December Attempt 

If you want to maximise marks rather than cover the entire syllabus, here is the prep logic toppers follow in the last month:

• Practice Part C daily. Biggest marks booster across subjects
• Make formula sheets. Saves time during calculation-based questions
• Solve last 10 papers. Repeating patterns are common
• Avoid guesswork where deduction is high. Reduces unnecessary negative marking
• Take full-length mock at actual time slot. Helps control stress and improves pacing

Final Pointers for CSIR UGC NET 2025 Exam Day

• Reach early as biometric check and seating take time
• Carry original ID, admit card, and transparent stationery only
• Section switching is not allowed, so time management inside each section is crucial
• Keep track of unanswered questions; do not attempt Part C blindly