Latest Update: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the CSIR UGC NET Answer Key 2025 on April 20, 2025. Candidates who appeared for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET Examination for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship (LS), which was conducted on April 5-7, 2025, can now check and download the provisional answer key from the official NTA website. The answer keys have been released for all five subjects – Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
More About Answer
Important: Candidates can challenge the provisional answer key if they find any discrepancy. The objection window is open from April 20, 2025 to April 25, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM). All objections should be submitted online along with supporting documents and a fee of Rs. 200 per question challenged.
| Exam Name | Joint CSIR-UGC NET Examination |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Date | April 5-7, 2025 |
| Answer Key Release Date | April 20, 2025 |
| Objection Window | April 20 – April 25, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Result Declaration | Expected by May 15, 2025 |
| Official Website | csirnet.nta.nic.in |
How to Download CSIR UGC NET Answer Key 2025
Follow these simple steps to download the CSIR UGC NET Answer Key 2025:
- Visit the official NTA CSIR UGC NET website at csirnet.nta.nic.in
- Click on the “Download Answer Key” or “CSIR UGC NET Answer Key 2025” link displayed on the homepage
- Login using your Application Number and Date of Birth/Password
- Enter the security captcha code
- Click on the “Submit” button
- The answer key for your subject will be displayed on the screen
- Download and save the answer key PDF for future reference
- Cross-check your answers with the provisional key to calculate your probable score
CSIR UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025
The CSIR UGC NET examination consists of a single paper with three parts. The exam pattern for CSIR UGC NET 2025 is as follows:
| Part | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | General Aptitude | 20 | 30 |
| Part B | Subject Related | 40 | 70 |
| Part C | Subject Related Higher Level | 60 | 100 |
| Total | 120 | 200 | |
Note: The CSIR UGC NET examination has negative marking. For Part A, 0.5 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer. For Part B, 0.875 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer. For Part C, 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer (for multiple-choice questions only).
How to Calculate Your Probable Score
Follow these steps to calculate your probable score based on the CSIR UGC NET Answer Key 2025:
For Part A (General Aptitude):
- Each correct answer: +1.5 marks
- Each incorrect answer: -0.5 marks
- Unattempted questions: 0 marks
For Part B (Subject Related):
- Each correct answer: +1.75 marks
- Each incorrect answer: -0.875 marks
- Unattempted questions: 0 marks
For Part C (Subject Related Higher Level):
- For MCQs:
- Each correct answer: +1.66 marks
- Each incorrect answer: -0.25 marks
- Unattempted questions: 0 marks
- For Numerical Value Questions (NVQs):
- Each correct answer: +1.66 marks
- Each incorrect answer: No negative marking
- Unattempted questions: 0 marks
How to Challenge CSIR UGC NET Answer Key 2025
If you find any discrepancy in the provisional answer key, you can challenge it by following these steps:
- Visit the official NTA CSIR UGC NET website at csirnet.nta.nic.in
- Log in using your Application Number and Date of Birth/Password
- Click on the “Challenge Answer Key” link
- Select the question(s) you want to challenge
- Select the correct option according to your understanding
- Upload supporting documents/references for each challenged question
- Pay the processing fee of Rs. 200 per challenged question via online payment methods
- Submit your challenges before the deadline (April 25, 2025, up to 11:50 PM)
- Take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference
Important Dates for CSIR UGC NET 2025
| Notification Release Date | January 20, 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | January 25, 2025 |
| Online Application End Date | February 24, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release Date | March 25, 2025 |
| Examination Date | April 5-7, 2025 |
| Answer Key Release Date | April 20, 2025 |
| Answer Key Challenge Window | April 20 – April 25, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Result Declaration | Expected by May 15, 2025 |
| E-certificate Issuance | To be announced after result declaration |
Subject-wise CSIR UGC NET 2025 Expected Cutoff
Based on previous trends, the expected cutoff percentages for CSIR UGC NET 2025 are as follows:
| Subject | JRF (NET) Expected Cutoff (%) | LS (NET) Expected Cutoff (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Sciences | 59-62 | 54-57 |
| Earth Sciences | 56-59 | 51-54 |
| Life Sciences | 60-63 | 55-58 |
| Mathematical Sciences | 58-61 | 53-56 |
| Physical Sciences | 59-62 | 54-57 |
Note: These are estimated cutoffs based on previous trends and the actual cutoffs may vary based on factors like the difficulty level of the examination, number of candidates appeared, and the overall performance of candidates.
Category-wise CSIR UGC NET Cutoff Criteria
The qualifying criteria for different categories in CSIR UGC NET examination are as follows:
| Category | JRF (NET) Qualifying Criteria | LS (NET) Qualifying Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| General/EWS | Minimum 40% aggregate in all three parts | Minimum 35% aggregate in all three parts |
| OBC (NCL) | Minimum 35% aggregate in all three parts | Minimum 30% aggregate in all three parts |
| SC/ST/PwD | Minimum 30% aggregate in all three parts | Minimum 25% aggregate in all three parts |
Benefits of CSIR UGC NET Qualification
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Selected candidates under JRF category receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 31,000 for the first two years and Rs. 35,000 for the remaining tenure, along with HRA as per rules.
- Lectureship (LS): Qualification makes candidates eligible for Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges.
- Research Opportunities: Opens doors for research in prestigious national laboratories and institutions.
- Educational Advancement: Provides better prospects for pursuing PhD at top institutions.
- International Recognition: The certificate is recognized globally for research and academic positions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there negative marking in CSIR UGC NET examination?
How can I challenge the CSIR UGC NET Answer Key 2025?
What is the validity of CSIR NET JRF certificate?
When will the CSIR UGC NET 2025 result be declared?
How many times is CSIR UGC NET conducted in a year?
Is the answer key challenge fee refundable?
Contact Details
For any queries related to CSIR UGC NET Answer Key 2025 or the challenge process, candidates can contact:
- NTA Help Desk: 0120-6895200
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: csirnet.nta.nic.in
Conclusion: Candidates who appeared for the CSIR UGC NET 2025 examination should download the provisional answer key and calculate their probable scores. If you find any discrepancy in the answer key, make sure to challenge it within the specified time frame with proper evidence. Keep checking the official NTA website for further updates on the result declaration. The CSIR UGC NET qualification opens doors to prestigious research opportunities and academic positions across the country. Best of luck for your result!
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