IIT JAM Vs CSIR NET

Kamayani Meghawal

Updated On: December 30, 2025 05:54 PM

Are you thinking of preparing for IIT JAM or CSIR NET? If yes, then this article is for you. Know everything about the exams, the difference between IIT JAM vs CSIR NET, and so much more!
 
IIT JAM Vs CSIR NET

IIT JAM vs CSIR NET: While preparing for entrance examinations, students often find themselves confused between IIT JAM and CSIR NET. Many aspirants assume that both exams are similar; however, there are several key differences. IIT JAM vs CSIR NET: which exam is tougher? There are many important aspects of IIT JAM vs CSIR NET that candidates must be aware of. This article discusses all major differences between IIT JAM vs CSIR NET, including eligibility criteria, syllabus, and more. Read the complete article to understand all the differences between CSIR UGC NET and IIT JAM. IIT JAM 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on February 15, 2026.

IIT JAM vs CSIR NET: Highlights

The list of differences between IIT JAM and CSIR NET is quite long. The table below highlights the significant differences between IIT JAM vs CSIR NET exams.

Particulars

IIT JAM

CSIR NET

Conducting Body

IIT Delhi

National Test Agency

Frequency of the Exam

Once a year

Twice a year

Exam Level

National Level Exam

National Level Exam

Mode of Exam

Online - CBT (Computer-Based Test)

Online - CBT (Computer-Based Test)

Age Limit

There is no age restriction

Below 28 years of age and 5 years for SC / ST / OBC-NCL / Physically or Visually handicapped and female candidates

Duration

3 hours

3 hours

Language

English

English and Hindi

IIT JAM vs CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria is an important step in determining the difference between IIT JAM vs CSIR NET. Here's a breakdown of the differences between IIT JAM and CSIR NET eligibility criteria.

Particulars IIT JAM Eligibility Criteria CSIR NET Eligibility Criteria
Nationality Indian citizens and foreign citizens are eligible to apply for IIT JAM 2026 exam Students must be Indian citizens to fill out CSIR NET 2026 application form
Age limit There is no age restriction to apply for IIT JAM 2026 entrance exam. Candidates who must be below 28 years of age can apply for CSIR NET exam. Students from reserved categories and female candidates get 5 years of age relaxation.
Educational Qualification All the candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Science. Candidates must have the subjects Geology, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Physics, and Chemistry as compulsory subjects. Candidates must have a graduation degree such as M. Sc, Integrated BS-MS, B Tech, or MBBS with a minimum of 55% marks can apply for CSIR NET examination.

IIT JAM vs CSIR NET Syllabus

IIT JAM syllabus and CSIR NET syllabus details are mentioned below.

IIT JAM Syllabus

IIT JAM 2026 Syllabus is mentioned below in the table.

Subject

Topics

Biotechnology (BT)

Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics

Chemistry (CY)

Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry

Geology (GG)

Planet Earth, Geomorphology, Structural Geology, Palaeontology, Stratigraphy, Mineralogy, Petrology, Economic Geology, Applied Geology

Mathematics (MA)

Sequences and Series of Real Numbers, Functions of Two Real Variables, Differential Equations, Vector Calculus, Group Theory, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis

Mathematical Statistics (MS)

Sequences and Series, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Matrices, Differential Equations, Statistics, Probability, Random Variables, Standard Distributions, Joint Distributions, Sampling distributions, Estimation, Testing of Hypotheses

Physics (PH)

Mathematical Methods, Mechanics and General Properties of Matter, Oscillations, Waves and Optics, Electricity and Magnetism, kinetic theory, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics, Solid State Physics, Devices and Electronics, Simple Oscillators

CSIR NET Syllabus

CSIR NET Syllabus 2026(Part A, B, C) is mentioned below in the table.

Subject

Topics

Earth Science

  • The Earth and the Solar System
  • Earth Materials, Surface Features and Processes
  • Interior of the Earth, Deformation and Tectonics
  • Oceans and Atmosphere
  • Environmental Earth Sciences

Geology

  • Mineralogy and Petrology
  • Structural Geology and Geotectonics
  • Paleontology and its Applications
  • Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
  • Marine Geology and Paleoceanography
  • Geochemistry
  • Economic Geology
  • Precambrian Geology and Crustal Evolution
  • Quaternary Geology
  • Applied Geology
  • Physical Geography
  • Geophysics
  • Meteorology
  • Ocean Sciences

Physical Science

  • Mathematical Methods of Physics
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Electromagnetic Theory
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics
  • Electronics and Experimental Methods

Chemical Science

  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Chemistry in nanoscience and technology
  • Catalysis and Green Chemistry
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Supramolecular Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry

Life Science

  • Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology
  • Cellular Organization
  • Fundamental Processes
  • Cell Communication and Cell Signaling
  • Developmental Biology
  • System Physiology – Plant
  • System Physiology – Animal
  • Inheritance Biology
  • Diversity of Life Forms
  • Ecological Principles
  • Evolution and Behavior
  • Applied Biology
  • Methods in Biology

Mathematical Science

  • Analysis
  • Linear Algebra
  • Complex Analysis
  • Algebra
  • Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs)
  • Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Calculus of Variations
  • Linear Integral Equations
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Descriptive Statistics, Exploratory Data Analysis

CSIR UGC NET vs IIT JAM Exam Pattern

IIT JAM and CSIR NET exam patterns are different, as shown below.

Exam Name

IIT JAM

CSIR NET

Exam Mode

Online CBT mode

Online - CBT (Computer-Based Test)

Paper Language

English

English and Hindi

Paper subjects

  • Biotechnology
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics Statics
  • Geology
  • Chemical Sciences
  • Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences
  • Life Sciences
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Physical Sciences

Duration

3 hours

3 hours

Total Questions

60 questions

150 MCQs for each paper

Type of Questions

  • MCQs (multiple choice)
  • MSQs (multiple select)
  • NATs (numerical answer)

MCQs questions

Total number of Questions

60 questions

150 questions

Negative Marking

  • 1/3 mark for 1-mark questions
  • 2/3 mark for 2 marks questions
  • No negative marking in Section B & C.
  • 0.5 for Part A and Part B
  • 1 for Part C

Read More: IIT JAM 2026 Exam Pattern

Knowing the difference between IIT JAM and CSIR NET is advantageous when deciding on a career path. Students can choose between IIT JAM and CSIR NET based on differences in eligibility, exam pattern, and other factors. Based on our observations of IIT JAM vs CSIR NET, we can conclude that both exams are equally difficult.

Hope, this article on IIT JAM vs CSIR NET exam will help you. If you want to know more, stay tuned with CollegeDekho !

/articles/iit-jam-vs-csir-net/
View All Questions

Related Questions

Placement in lpu m Pharmacy program in pharmaceutics

-Mehak SharmaUpdated on January 21, 2026 04:04 PM
  • 138 Answers
Vidushi Sharma, Student / Alumni

Placements for M.Pharmacy (Pharmaceutics) at LPU are quite strong, offering students opportunities with reputed pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and healthcare organizations. The university further enhances career prospects through internships, industry-oriented projects, and comprehensive placement training, ensuring students are well prepared for professional roles.

READ MORE...

I want to apply for MSc Botany in your college. Is admission possible in your college?

-trisha beheraUpdated on January 22, 2026 12:38 PM
  • 2 Answers
Mansi arora, Student / Alumni

LPU offers an MSc Botany program with a smooth and student-friendly admission process. The curriculum is well-designed with practical labs, research exposure, and experienced faculty. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can easily apply and start your academic journey at LPU with confidence.

READ MORE...

What if the Date of Birth on Aadhaar Card is incorrect, and the DOB on Voter ID and birth certificate are matching to the marksheet, can the incorrect DOB on the Aadhar Card still create a problem during admission to the Master of Science (M.S.) programme at PMCH Patna?

-AnshulUpdated on January 19, 2026 06:29 PM
  • 1 Answer
Tiyasa Khanra, Content Team

Dear Student,

Your DOB will be verified by PMCH Patna primarily through Class 10 marksheet. The details on your Class 10 marksheet match your Voter ID and birth certificate, so even if there are discrepancies in Aadhaar, it typically does not lead to disqualification for M.S. At this institute, 10th standard certificate is taken into consideration for date of birth proof over Aadhaar. Birth certificate serves as a supporting document and Aadhaar is only one optional ID option alongside Voter ID/ Passport. However, you must update your DOB on Aadhaar separately via UIDAI after admission to avoid future hassles.

Thank …

READ MORE...

Do you have a question? Ask us.

  • Typical response between 24-48 hours

  • Get personalized response

  • Free of Cost

  • Access to community

Recent Articles

Subscribe to CollegeDekho News

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekho terms of use and privacy policy

Top 10 Science Colleges in India

View All
Top