CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria
Full pageCSIR NET eligibility is set by CSIR and published in Chapter 2 of the NTA Information Bulletin. The rules below are from the December 2026 bulletin. NTA does not verify eligibility at the application stage, so it is your responsibility to make sure you meet every condition — candidature found ineligible at any stage is cancelled.
Educational Qualification
Route | Minimum requirement | Eligible for |
|---|---|---|
Master’s degree or equivalent (e.g. M.Sc.) | 55% marks for General / Unreserved / General-EWS; 50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD and third gender — without rounding off | JRF, Assistant Professor and PhD admission |
Pursuing Master’s / result awaited | May apply provisionally; must pass with the required percentage within 2 years of the NET result (1 year if qualified for PhD only) | Subject to completing the degree in time |
4-year / 8-semester Bachelor’s degree | 75% aggregate or equivalent grade; 5% relaxation for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, PwBD, EWS and others as per UGC | JRF and PhD admission only — not Assistant Professor |
Final year of a 4-year Bachelor’s | May apply provisionally; must meet UGC PhD regulations within 2 years (JRF) or 1 year (PhD only) | JRF / PhD only |
PhD holders (Master’s completed by 19 September 1991) | 5% relaxation in aggregate marks (55% → 50%) | As per category |
Important Eligibility Rules
Nationality: Only Indian nationals can apply; Joint CSIR-UGC NET fellowships are tenable only in India.
No rounding off: 54.9% does not count as 55%.
Four-year degree holders can choose the subject in which they want to pursue a PhD, irrespective of the discipline of their bachelor’s degree.
Third gender candidates get the same relaxation in fee, age and eligibility as SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Foreign qualifications need equivalence from the UGC; PG diplomas from Indian institutes need Master’s equivalence from the AIU.
No documents are sent to NTA at the time of applying, but you must be able to prove eligibility later.
Which Subject Can You Choose?
Candidates choose one of five subjects: Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Life Sciences and Bio-Technology, Mathematical Sciences, or Physical Sciences. Choose the subject closest to your postgraduate specialisation and the research area you want to work in.
Key Takeaways
Master’s degree with 55% (50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwBD, third gender) is required.
Final-year students can apply provisionally.
4-year bachelor’s graduates with 75% are eligible for JRF and PhD, but not Assistant Professor.
Only Indian nationals are eligible.
Pro Tip: If your marks are close to 55% or 50%, check your final marksheet percentage exactly as calculated by your university. No rounding off is allowed.
Source: Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 Information Bulletin, Chapter 2 (Section 2.1.1), NTA / CSIR
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage is required for CSIR NET?
At least 55% in a Master’s degree or equivalent for General and EWS, and 50% for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD and third gender candidates, without rounding off.
Can final-year M.Sc. students apply for CSIR NET?
Yes, provisionally. They must complete the degree with the required marks within two years of the NET result (one year if qualified for PhD only).
Can I apply for CSIR NET after a 4-year B.Sc.?
Yes, with at least 75% marks (5% relaxation for reserved categories). You will be eligible for JRF and PhD admission, but not Assistant Professor.
