The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the CSIR NET Question Papers 2026 for the June examination session, which took place across July 17 and July 18, 2026. Alongside the question papers, candidates can access their recorded responses and provisional answer keys. Administered twice a year by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), the Joint CSIR-UGC NET is conducted in an online mode for five major science subjects.
For assistance or official queries, candidates can reach out via the CSIR helpline numbers at 011-40759000 or 011-69227700.
CSIR NET June 2026 Overview
Review the essential highlights regarding the examination details, conducting organization, and response links:
| CSIR NET Exam |
| • Exam Name: CSIR NET (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research National Eligibility Test) • Organization: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) • Conducted by: NTA-National Testing Agency • Frequency: Twice a year (June and December) • Exam Mode: Online • UGC NET Exam Date 2026: 17 July 2026 – 18 July 2026 • Subject: 5 • Answer Key-Click here • CSIR NET Official Website: csirnet.nta.nic.in • CSIR Helpline no.: 011-40759000, 011-69227700 |
Exam Schedule and Shift Details
The online examinations were distributed across specific dates and shifts for all five subjects. The tracking table below outlines the schedules and availability of the question papers:
| Exam Date | Subject Name | Shift-1 | Shift-2 | Question Paper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17.07.2026 | Life Sciences | 09:00 AM to 12:00 | —–—– | Released |
| 17.07.2026 | Mathematical Sciences | —–—– | 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Released |
| 17.07.2026 | Physical Sciences | —–—– | 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Released |
| 18.07.2026 | Chemical Sciences | 09:00 AM to 12:00 | —–—– | Released |
| 18.07.2026 | Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences | 09:00 AM to 12:00 | —–—– | Released |
How to Download the CSIR NET Question Papers 2026?
Candidates can acquire their specific exam question papers and recorded answers by following these systematic instructions:
- Visit the official NTA website and open the CSIR NET June 2026 section.
- Click on the link for the Provisional Answer Key/Recorded Response.
- Enter your required login credentials, such as Application Number and Password/Date of Birth.
- Submit the details to access your candidate dashboard.
- Click on the option to view the Question Paper and Recorded Responses.
- Check the questions and responses displayed on the screen.
- Download or save the question paper and recorded responses for future reference and score analysis.
Details Mentioned on the CSIR NET Question Paper
Once you download the files, make sure to cross-verify the following metadata parameters:
- Exam Name and Year
- Subject Name and Paper Number
- Exam Date and Shift (Morning or Afternoon)
- Total Questions and Maximum Marks
- Exam Duration
Subject-Wise Marking Scheme
Understanding the evaluation criteria is critical for accurate score estimation. The subject-specific breakdown of marks and negative marking provisions are detailed below:
| Subject | Part A (General Aptitude) | Part B (Subject Knowledge) | Part C (Advanced Subject Knowledge) | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life Sciences | 2 Marks/Q (30 Marks) | 2 Marks/Q (70 Marks) | 4.75 Marks/Q (100 Marks) | 25% marks deducted for each wrong answer |
| Chemical Sciences | 2 Marks/Q (30 Marks) | 2 Marks/Q (70 Marks) | 4.75 Marks/Q (100 Marks) | 25% marks deducted for each wrong answer |
| Physical Sciences | 2 Marks/Q (30 Marks) | 3.5 Marks/Q (70 Marks) | 5 Marks/Q (100 Marks) | 25% marks deducted for each wrong answer |
| Earth Sciences | 2 Marks/Q (30 Marks) | 2 Marks/Q (70 Marks) | 4.75 Marks/Q (100 Marks) | 25% marks deducted for each wrong answer |
| Mathematical Sciences | 2 Marks/Q (30 Marks) | 3 Marks/Q (75 Marks) | 4.75 Marks/Q (95 Marks) | 25% deduction in Part A & B, No negative marking in Part C |
Benefits of Analysing CSIR NET Question Paper 2026
Engaging in a thorough analysis of your test paper yields multiple advantages:
- Helps match answers with the official CSIR NET Answer Key 2026 once it is released by NTA.
- Provides a clear understanding of the difficulty level of subjects.
- Helps candidates analyze the type of questions, important topics, and subject-wise weightage asked in the examination.
- Allows candidates to estimate their expected score and understand their chances of qualifying before the result announcement.
- Helps future CSIR NET aspirants identify high-weightage topics and prepare an effective strategy based on the latest exam trends.
Next Steps: After downloading your question paper and comparing your answers against the provisional keys, calculate your potential aggregate score keeping negative marking rules in mind. If you find discrepancies in the provisional key, make sure to submit timely challenges through the portal before the window closes.