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CSIR Junior Research Fellowship — Life Sciences

NTA on behalf of CSIR · Online (CBT) · Twice a year (June & December)

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CSIR JRF Life Exam Pattern

Complete exam pattern with subject-wise breakdown, marking scheme, and duration.

SubjectQuestionsMarks
Part A (General Aptitude)4867
Part B (Core Life Sciences)4867
Part C (Advanced Life Sciences)4867
Total145200
Duration180 minutes
ModeOnline (CBT)
Marking SchemePart A: +2/-0.5; Part B: +3.5/-1; Part C: +5/-1.75
Conducting BodyNTA on behalf of CSIR

About CSIR Junior Research Fellowship — Life Sciences (CSIR JRF Life) 2027

The CSIR Junior Research Fellowship — Life Sciences (CSIR JRF Life) is one of the most competitive entrance exams, conducted by the NTA on behalf of CSIR. Preparing for the CSIR JRF Life requires systematic practice, conceptual clarity, and regular self-evaluation. Our platform offers dynamic mock tests, previous years' resolved papers, and AI-enabled analysis to help you secure a top rank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CSIR Life Sciences exam pattern?

CSIR Life Sciences has Part A (20 aptitude Qs), Part B (50 Qs, attempt 35), and Part C (75 Qs, attempt 25). Total marks: 200. Duration: 3 hours.

Is CSIR Life Sciences harder than UGC NET?

Yes, CSIR Life Sciences is considerably harder — Part C questions require research-level understanding of mechanisms, experiments, and analysis rather than factual recall.

How to Prepare for CSIR JRF Life

1

Part C is the differentiator — requires PhD-level experimental reasoning

2

Focus on Molecular Biology mechanisms, Cell signaling, and Genetics deeply

3

Alberts, Lodish, and Lewin are essential references

4

Attempt fewer Part C questions with confidence rather than all with guesswork

Key Dates

Next ExamJune 2027
RegistrationMarch 2027
ModeOnline (CBT)
EligibilityMSc in Life Sciences with 55% marks (age 28 for JRF)
AttemptsNo limit (JRF: age limit applies)
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