The CSIR NET December 2024 exam is an excellent opportunity for students aspiring for Junior Research Fellowship or eligibility for Lectureship. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation strategies for the Mathematical Sciences paper. With nearly 238,451 registered candidates and 174,785 test-takers, competition is intense, requiring strategic preparation and effective time management.
This guide provides a breakdown of the exam structure, scoring, and step-by-step tips to help you excel and meet the cut-off goals confidently. Whether you're targeting upcoming sessions or refining your study approach, this guide has everything you need to know.
Source - https://csirhrdg.res.in/
MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES Paper Details
CSIR-UGC (NET) Exam for Award of Junior Research Fellowship and Eligibility for Lecturership shall be a Single Paper Test having Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). The question paper shall be divided in three parts.
Part 'A'
This part shall carry 20 questions pertaining to General Science, Quantitative Reasoning & Analysis and Research Aptitude. The candidates shall be required to answer any 15 questions. Each question shall be of two marks. The total marks allocated to this section shall be 30 out of 200.
Part 'B'
This part shall contain 40 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) generally covering the topics given in the CSIR NET Syllabus. A candidate shall be required to answer any 25 questions. Each question shall be of three marks. The total marks allocated to this section shall be 75 out of 200.
Part 'C'
This part shall contain 60 questions that are designed to test a candidate's knowledge of scientific concepts and/or application of the scientific concepts. The questions shall be of analytical nature where a candidate is expected to apply the scientific knowledge to arrive at the solution to the given scientific problem. The questions in this part shall have multiple correct options. Credit in a question shall be given only on identification of ALL the correct options. No credit shall be allowed in a question if any incorrect option is marked as correct answer. No partial credit is allowed. A candidate shall be required to answer any 20 questions. Each question shall be of 4.75 marks. The total marks allocated to this section shall be 95 out of 200.
Source - https://csirhrdg.res.in/
Part A: General Aptitude
• Questions: 20
• Attempt: Answer any 15 questions.
• Marks per Question: 2 marks.
• Total Marks: 30 out of 200.
• Topics Covered:
• General Science
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Research Aptitude
• Negative Marking: 25% for incorrect answers.
Part B: Subject Knowledge
• Questions: 40
• Attempt: Answer any 25 questions.
• Marks per Question: 3 marks.
• Total Marks: 75 out of 200.
• Topics Covered:
• Linear Algebra
• Real Analysis
• Statistics
• Other syllabus topics
• Negative Marking: 25% for incorrect answers.
Part C: Analytical and Conceptual Questions
• Questions: 60
• Attempt: Answer any 20 questions.
• Marks per Question: 4.75 marks.
• Total Marks: 95 out of 200.
• Special Features:
• Questions test scientific concepts and applications.
• Multiple correct options must be marked correctly to receive credit.
• No Negative Marking.
Scoring and Cut-Off
Aim to attempt around 200 marks worth of questions.
• Target Score: 120+ marks to comfortably clear the expected CSIR NET cut off (115–120 marks).
• Strategy: Attempt up to 150 marks worth of questions to account for minor errors.
Syllabus Breakdown
1. Unit 1: Linear Algebra and Real Analysis.
2. Unit 2: Integral Equations and related topics.
3. Unit 4: Statistics and Operations Research (OR).
Step-by-Step Strategy for Success
Step 1: Understand the Question Distribution
• Part A: Focus on General Aptitude topics. These are straightforward and scoring.
• Part B: Prioritize questions from your strong areas in the syllabus, such as Linear Algebra and Real Analysis.
• Part C: Select questions that align with your conceptual understanding and avoid guessing.
Step 2: Time Management
• Allocate time wisely for each section during practice and the exam:
• Part A: 45 minutes
• Part B: 1 hour
• Part C: 1 hour 15 minutes
Step 3: Focus on Strong Topics
• Cover essential topics like Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, and Statistics thoroughly.
• Solve CSIR NET Previous Year Questions (PYQs) for 2024, 2023, and earlier years to identify patterns and question styles.
Step 4: Practice for Accuracy
• Avoid guessing answers, especially in Part C, where partial credit is not allowed.
• Focus on solving questions accurately and efficiently.
Step 5: Prepare for Cut-Off Goals
• Ensure that you attempt at least 120 marks worth of correct answers.
• Practice mock tests and track your scores to improve precision.
Preparation Tips
1. Create a study plan based on strong and weak topics.
2. Solve PYQs and attend doubt-solving classes regularly.
3. Use your remaining preparation time to revise key concepts.
4. Focus on scoring topics like General Aptitude and Linear Algebra.
Final Reminder
• Prepare for 200 marks worth of questions.
• Aim for 120+ marks to comfortably clear the cutoff.
• Practice consistently and adopt a strategic approach during the exam.
Conclusion
To succeed in the CSIR NET June 2025 and Dec 2025 exam for Mathematical Sciences, preparation should be focused and systematic. By understanding the exam structure, prioritizing strong topics like Linear Algebra and Real Analysis, and practicing extensively, you can aim for scores that comfortably exceed the cut-off. Consistency, discipline, and smart strategies will be key to your success.
Looking for expert guidance to accelerate your preparation? DIPS Academy, led by renowned mathematician and mentor Mr. Rajendra Dubey Sir, is the perfect place to start your journey. With 20 years of experience and a proven track record of helping over 40,000 students excel, DIPS Academy offers comprehensive training and resources for CSIR NET and other competitive math exams. Join today at www.dipsacademy.com and take your preparation to the next level!
