Mains Syllabus of CSIR UGC NET Exam 2024
The CSIR UGC NET exam is a national-level test conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship/Assistant Professorship in various subjects. The exam is conducted twice a year, in June and December.
The syllabus for the CSIR UGC NET exam is vast and covers a wide range of topics. The syllabus is divided into three broad categories:
- General Aptitude (GA)
- Subject Specific (SS)
- Life Sciences (LS)
- Earth Sciences (ES)
- Chemical Sciences (CS)
- Physical Sciences (PS)
- Mathematical Sciences (MS)
This article will focus on the Mains Syllabus for the Subject Specific categories.
Subject Specific (SS)
The Subject Specific (SS) syllabus for the CSIR UGC NET exam is designed to test the candidate’s understanding of the fundamental concepts and advanced topics in their chosen subject. The syllabus is further divided into different units, each covering a specific area of the subject.
Note: The syllabus for each subject is subject to change and the latest syllabus should be referred to from the official CSIR UGC NET website.
Life Sciences (LS)
Unit 1: Molecules and their Interactions Relevant to Biology
- Structure of atoms, molecules and chemical bonds.
- Biophysical chemistry of water, pH and buffer.
- Thermodynamics, kinetics, and catalysis.
- Principles of bioenergetics.
- Methods of separation and purification of biomolecules.
- Spectroscopic techniques for studying biomolecules.
- Chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques.
- Immunochemical techniques.
Unit 2: Cellular Organization
- Cell structure and function.
- Biomembranes and membrane transport.
- Cellular organelles and their functions.
- Cell signaling and signal transduction.
- Cell cycle and cell division.
- Cellular differentiation and development.
- Cancer biology.
Unit 3: Genetic Principles and Processes
- Structure and function of nucleic acids.
- DNA replication, repair, and recombination.
- Transcription and translation.
- Gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
- Mutations and their molecular basis.
- Genetic code and protein synthesis.
- Recombinant DNA technology and its applications.
- Gene cloning and expression.
- Genome organization and analysis.
Unit 4: Diversity of Life
- Principles of classification and nomenclature.
- Origin and evolution of life.
- Biodiversity and its conservation.
- Prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms.
- Viruses and their classification.
- Plant diversity.
- Animal diversity.
- Ecology and ecosystems.
Unit 5: Physiological Processes
- Photosynthesis and respiration.
- Plant and animal physiology.
- Human physiology.
- Neurobiology and behavior.
- Endocrinology and reproduction.
- Immunology and immune system.
- Developmental biology.
Unit 6: Applied Biology
- Biotechnology and its applications.
- Genetic engineering and its applications.
- Bioinformatics and computational biology.
- Bioremediation and environmental biotechnology.
- Biomedical engineering and biomaterials.
- Drug discovery and development.
- Food technology and agriculture.
Unit 7: Methods in Biology
- Microscopy and imaging techniques.
- Molecular biology techniques.
- Biostatistics and data analysis.
- Experimental design and analysis.
- Ethical considerations in biological research.
Table 1: Life Sciences (LS) Syllabus Breakdown
| Unit | Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Molecules and their Interactions Relevant to Biology | Structure of atoms, molecules and chemical bonds, Biophysical chemistry of water, pH and buffer, Thermodynamics, kinetics, and catalysis, Principles of bioenergetics, Methods of separation and purification of biomolecules, Spectroscopic techniques for studying biomolecules, Chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques, Immunochemical techniques |
| 2 | Cellular Organization | Cell structure and function, Biomembranes and membrane transport, Cellular organelles and their functions, Cell signaling and signal transduction, Cell cycle and cell division, Cellular differentiation and development, Cancer biology |
| 3 | Genetic Principles and Processes | Structure and function of nucleic acids, DNA replication, repair, and recombination, Transcription and translation, Gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, Mutations and their molecular basis, Genetic code and protein synthesis, Recombinant DNA technology and its applications, Gene cloning and expression, Genome organization and analysis |
| 4 | Diversity of Life | Principles of classification and nomenclature, Origin and evolution of life, Biodiversity and its conservation, Prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, Viruses and their classification, Plant diversity, Animal diversity, Ecology and ecosystems |
| 5 | Physiological Processes | Photosynthesis and respiration, Plant and animal physiology, Human physiology, Neurobiology and behavior, Endocrinology and reproduction, Immunology and immune system, Developmental biology |
| 6 | Applied Biology | Biotechnology and its applications, Genetic engineering and its applications, Bioinformatics and computational biology, Bioremediation and environmental biotechnology, Biomedical engineering and biomaterials, Drug discovery and development, Food technology and agriculture |
| 7 | Methods in Biology | Microscopy and imaging techniques, Molecular biology techniques, Biostatistics and data analysis, Experimental design and analysis, Ethical considerations in biological research |
Earth Sciences (ES)
Unit 1: Geophysics and Geochemistry
- Earth’s interior and its structure.
- Geophysical methods: Seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical, and heat flow.
- Geochemistry of rocks, minerals, and fluids.
- Isotope geochemistry and geochronology.
- Trace element geochemistry and its applications.
- Environmental geochemistry.
Unit 2: Geology
- Mineralogy and petrology.
- Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
- Structural geology and tectonics.
- Geomorphology and landscape evolution.
- Geological mapping and interpretation.
- Economic geology and mineral resources.
- Hydrogeology and groundwater resources.
Unit 3: Oceanography
- Physical oceanography: Ocean currents, tides, waves, and sea level.
- Chemical oceanography: Salinity, temperature, and dissolved gases.
- Biological oceanography: Marine ecosystems, plankton, and fisheries.
- Geological oceanography: Marine sediments, seafloor topography, and plate tectonics.
- Marine pollution and environmental issues.
Unit 4: Atmospheric Sciences
- Composition and structure of the atmosphere.
- Atmospheric circulation and weather systems.
- Climate change and its impacts.
- Air pollution and its effects.
- Remote sensing and atmospheric monitoring.
Unit 5: Environmental Sciences
- Environmental pollution and its control.
- Waste management and resource recovery.
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation.
- Environmental impact assessment.
- Sustainable development and environmental policy.
Unit 6: Natural Hazards
- Earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis.
- Landslides, floods, and droughts.
- Climate change and extreme weather events.
- Disaster risk reduction and management.
Unit 7: Remote Sensing and GIS
- Principles of remote sensing and its applications.
- GIS and its applications in earth sciences.
- Spatial data analysis and interpretation.
- Geospatial modeling and simulation.
Table 2: Earth Sciences (ES) Syllabus Breakdown
| Unit | Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geophysics and Geochemistry | Earth’s interior and its structure, Geophysical methods: Seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical, and heat flow, Geochemistry of rocks, minerals, and fluids, Isotope geochemistry and geochronology, Trace element geochemistry and its applications, Environmental geochemistry |
| 2 | Geology | Mineralogy and petrology, Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, Structural geology and tectonics, Geomorphology and landscape evolution, Geological mapping and interpretation, Economic geology and mineral resources, Hydrogeology and groundwater resources |
| 3 | Oceanography | Physical oceanography: Ocean currents, tides, waves, and sea level, Chemical oceanography: Salinity, temperature, and dissolved gases, Biological oceanography: Marine ecosystems, plankton, and fisheries, Geological oceanography: Marine sediments, seafloor topography, and plate tectonics, Marine pollution and environmental issues |
| 4 | Atmospheric Sciences | Composition and structure of the atmosphere, Atmospheric circulation and weather systems, Climate change and its impacts, Air pollution and its effects, Remote sensing and atmospheric monitoring |
| 5 | Environmental Sciences | Environmental pollution and its control, Waste management and resource recovery, Climate change mitigation and adaptation, Environmental impact assessment, Sustainable development and environmental policy |
| 6 | Natural Hazards | Earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis, Landslides, floods, and droughts, Climate change and extreme weather events, Disaster risk reduction and management |
| 7 | Remote Sensing and GIS | Principles of remote sensing and its applications, GIS and its applications in earth sciences, Spatial data analysis and interpretation, Geospatial modeling and simulation |
Chemical Sciences (CS)
Unit 1: Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding
- Quantum mechanics and atomic structure.
- Periodic properties of elements.
- Chemical bonding: Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding.
- Molecular orbital theory.
- Intermolecular forces and their applications.
Unit 2: Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics
- First, second, and third laws of thermodynamics.
- Thermochemical calculations.
- Chemical kinetics and reaction mechanisms.
- Catalysis and its applications.
- Photochemistry and radiation chemistry.
Unit 3: Solutions and Electrochemistry
- Properties of solutions.
- Colligative properties.
- Electrochemistry: Electrolytic and galvanic cells.
- Electrochemical reactions and their applications.
- Corrosion and its prevention.
Unit 4: Solid State Chemistry
- Crystallography and crystal structures.
- Types of solids: Ionic, covalent, metallic, and molecular solids.
- Defects in solids and their properties.
- Nanomaterials and their applications.
Unit 5: Spectroscopy
- UV-Vis, IR, NMR, and mass spectrometry.
- Applications of spectroscopic techniques in structural elucidation and analysis.
Unit 6: Organic Chemistry
- Nomenclature, structure, and bonding in organic compounds.
- Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and cyclic hydrocarbons.
- Functional groups and their reactions.
- Stereochemistry and isomerism.
- Spectroscopic techniques in organic chemistry.
- Organic reactions and their mechanisms.
- Named reactions and reagents.
- Organic synthesis and its applications.
Unit 7: Inorganic Chemistry
- Chemistry of main group elements.
- Transition metal chemistry.
- Coordination compounds and their applications.
- Organometallic chemistry.
- Bioinorganic chemistry.
Unit 8: Analytical Chemistry
- Principles of analytical chemistry.
- Quantitative and qualitative analysis.
- Titration methods.
- Chromatographic techniques.
- Electroanalytical methods.
- Spectroscopic methods in analytical chemistry.
Unit 9: Physical Chemistry
- Chemical kinetics and reaction mechanisms.
- Thermodynamics and its applications.
- Surface chemistry and catalysis.
- Electrochemistry and its applications.
- Spectroscopy and its applications.
Unit 10: Industrial Chemistry
- Chemical processes and technologies.
- Industrial production of chemicals.
- Pollution control and environmental chemistry.
- Green chemistry and sustainable development.
Table 3: Chemical Sciences (CS) Syllabus Breakdown
| Unit | Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding | Quantum mechanics and atomic structure, Periodic properties of elements, Chemical bonding: Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding, Molecular orbital theory, Intermolecular forces and their applications |
| 2 | Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics | First, second, and third laws of thermodynamics, Thermochemical calculations, Chemical kinetics and reaction mechanisms, Catalysis and its applications, Photochemistry and radiation chemistry |
| 3 | Solutions and Electrochemistry | Properties of solutions, Colligative properties, Electrochemistry: Electrolytic and galvanic cells, Electrochemical reactions and their applications, Corrosion and its prevention |
| 4 | Solid State Chemistry | Crystallography and crystal structures, Types of solids: Ionic, covalent, metallic, and molecular solids, Defects in solids and their properties, Nanomaterials and their applications |
| 5 | Spectroscopy | UV-Vis, IR, NMR, and mass spectrometry, Applications of spectroscopic techniques in structural elucidation and analysis |
| 6 | Organic Chemistry | Nomenclature, structure, and bonding in organic compounds, Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and cyclic hydrocarbons, Functional groups and their reactions, Stereochemistry and isomerism, Spectroscopic techniques in organic chemistry, Organic reactions and their mechanisms, Named reactions and reagents, Organic synthesis and its applications |
| 7 | Inorganic Chemistry | Chemistry of main group elements, Transition metal chemistry, Coordination compounds and their applications, Organometallic chemistry, Bioinorganic chemistry |
| 8 | Analytical Chemistry | Principles of analytical chemistry, Quantitative and qualitative analysis, Titration methods, Chromatographic techniques, Electroanalytical methods, Spectroscopic methods in analytical chemistry |
| 9 | Physical Chemistry | Chemical kinetics and reaction mechanisms, Thermodynamics and its applications, Surface chemistry and catalysis, Electrochemistry and its applications, Spectroscopy and its applications |
| 10 | Industrial Chemistry | Chemical processes and technologies, Industrial production of chemicals, Pollution control and environmental chemistry, Green chemistry and sustainable development |
Physical Sciences (PS)
Unit 1: Mechanics and General Properties of Matter
- Newton’s laws of motion.
- Work, energy, and power.
- Rotational motion.
- Gravitation.
- Elasticity and surface tension.
- Fluid mechanics.
- Thermal properties of matter.
Unit 2: Waves and Optics
- Wave motion.
- Sound waves.
- Doppler effect.
- Interference and diffraction.
- Polarization of light.
- Optical instruments.
Unit 3: Heat and Thermodynamics
- Heat and temperature.
- Specific heat capacity.
- Thermal expansion.
- Heat transfer.
- Thermodynamics.
- Entropy and free energy.
Unit 4: Electricity and Magnetism
- Electrostatics.
- Current electricity.
- Magnetic fields.
- Electromagnetic induction.
- Alternating current.
- Electromagnetic waves.
Unit 5: Modern Physics
- Special theory of relativity.
- Quantum mechanics.
- Atomic structure.
- Nuclear physics.
- Particle physics.
Unit 6: Solid State Physics
- Crystal structure.
- Bonding in solids.
- Electrical and thermal properties of solids.
- Magnetic properties of solids.
- Semiconductors and their applications.
Unit 7: Electronics
- Semiconductor devices.
- Diodes and transistors.
- Amplifiers and oscillators.
- Digital electronics.
- Communication systems.
Unit 8: Computational Physics
- Numerical methods in physics.
- Computational modeling and simulation.
- Data analysis and visualization.
Table 4: Physical Sciences (PS) Syllabus Breakdown
| Unit | Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mechanics and General Properties of Matter | Newton’s laws of motion, Work, energy, and power, Rotational motion, Gravitation, Elasticity and surface tension, Fluid mechanics, Thermal properties of matter |
| 2 | Waves and Optics | Wave motion, Sound waves, Doppler effect, Interference and diffraction, Polarization of light, Optical instruments |
| 3 | Heat and Thermodynamics | Heat and temperature, Specific heat capacity, Thermal expansion, Heat transfer, Thermodynamics, Entropy and free energy |
| 4 | Electricity and Magnetism | Electrostatics, Current electricity, Magnetic fields, Electromagnetic induction, Alternating current, Electromagnetic waves |
| 5 | Modern Physics | Special theory of relativity, Quantum mechanics, Atomic structure, Nuclear physics, Particle physics |
| 6 | Solid State Physics | Crystal structure, Bonding in solids, Electrical and thermal properties of solids, Magnetic properties of solids, Semiconductors and their applications |
| 7 | Electronics | Semiconductor devices, Diodes and transistors, Amplifiers and oscillators, Digital electronics, Communication systems |
| 8 | Computational Physics | Numerical methods in physics, Computational modeling and simulation, Data analysis and visualization |
Mathematical Sciences (MS)
Unit 1: Algebra
- Sets, relations, and functions.
- Groups, rings, and fields.
- Linear algebra: Vector spaces, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors.
- Abstract algebra: Groups, rings, and fields.
- Number theory: Divisibility, congruences, and prime numbers.
Unit 2: Calculus
- Limits, continuity, and differentiability.
- Derivatives and their applications.
- Integrals and their applications.
- Differential equations.
- Multivariable calculus.
Unit 3: Real Analysis
- Sequences and series.
- Continuity and differentiability.
- Riemann integration.
- Metric spaces.
- Topology.
Unit 4: Complex Analysis
- Complex numbers and their properties.
- Analytic functions.
- Cauchy’s theorem and its applications.
- Residue calculus.
- Conformal mapping.
Unit 5: Linear Programming
- Linear programming problems.
- Simplex method.
- Duality theory.
- Transportation and assignment problems.
Unit 6: Differential Equations
- First-order differential equations.
- Higher-order differential equations.
- Systems of differential equations.
- Laplace transforms.
- Numerical methods for solving differential equations.
Unit 7: Numerical Analysis
- Numerical methods for solving equations.
- Interpolation and approximation.
- Numerical integration and differentiation.
- Numerical linear algebra.
Unit 8: Probability and Statistics
- Probability theory.
- Random variables and distributions.
- Statistical inference.
- Hypothesis testing.
- Regression analysis.
Unit 9: Discrete Mathematics
- Sets, relations, and functions.
- Graphs and trees.
- Combinatorics.
- Logic and proof techniques.
Unit 10: Mathematical Modeling
- Mathematical models in various fields.
- Model formulation and analysis.
- Simulation and optimization.
Table 5: Mathematical Sciences (MS) Syllabus Breakdown
| Unit | Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Algebra | Sets, relations, and functions, Groups, rings, and fields, Linear algebra: Vector spaces, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors, Abstract algebra: Groups, rings, and fields, Number theory: Divisibility, congruences, and prime numbers |
| 2 | Calculus | Limits, continuity, and differentiability, Derivatives and their applications, Integrals and their applications, Differential equations, Multivariable calculus |
| 3 | Real Analysis | Sequences and series, Continuity and differentiability, Riemann integration, Metric spaces, Topology |
| 4 | Complex Analysis | Complex numbers and their properties, Analytic functions, Cauchy’s theorem and its applications, Residue calculus, Conformal mapping |
| 5 | Linear Programming | Linear programming problems, Simplex method, Duality theory, Transportation and assignment problems |
| 6 | Differential Equations | First-order differential equations, Higher-order differential equations, Systems of differential equations, Laplace transforms, Numerical methods for solving differential equations |
| 7 | Numerical Analysis | Numerical methods for solving equations, Interpolation and approximation, Numerical integration and differentiation, Numerical linear algebra |
| 8 | Probability and Statistics | Probability theory, Random variables and distributions, Statistical inference, Hypothesis testing, Regression analysis |
| 9 | Discrete Mathematics | Sets, relations, and functions, Graphs and trees, Combinatorics, Logic and proof techniques |
| 10 | Mathematical Modeling | Mathematical models in various fields, Model formulation and analysis, Simulation and optimization |
Note: The syllabus for each subject is subject to change and the latest syllabus should be referred to from the official CSIR UGC NET website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers for CSIR UGC NET Mains Syllabus 2024
General FAQs:
Q1: What is the eligibility criteria for the CSIR UGC NET exam?
A1: Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in the relevant subject.
Q2: How many papers are there in the CSIR UGC NET exam?
A2: There are two papers: Paper 1 (General Aptitude) and Paper 2 (Subject Specific).
Q3: What is the duration of the CSIR UGC NET exam?
A3: The exam duration is 3 hours for each paper.
Q4: What is the mode of the CSIR UGC NET exam?
A4: The exam is conducted online (computer-based).
Q5: What is the syllabus for the CSIR UGC NET exam?
A5: The syllabus is vast and covers a wide range of topics in General Aptitude and Subject Specific categories. Refer to the official CSIR UGC NET website for the latest syllabus.
Q6: How can I prepare for the CSIR UGC NET exam?
A6: Start early, refer to standard textbooks and study materials, practice mock tests, and join online/offline coaching classes.
Q7: What are the benefits of clearing the CSIR UGC NET exam?
A7: Clearing the exam makes you eligible for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship/Assistant Professorship in various institutions.
Subject Specific FAQs:
Q8: What are the important topics to focus on for Life Sciences (LS)?
A8: Molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, ecology, and biotechnology are crucial areas.
Q9: What are the key areas to study for Earth Sciences (ES)?
A9: Geophysics, geology, oceanography, atmospheric sciences, and environmental sciences are important.
Q10: What are the essential topics for Chemical Sciences (CS)?
A10: Atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry are vital.
Q11: What are the major topics to cover for Physical Sciences (PS)?
A11: Mechanics, waves and optics, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics are crucial.
Q12: What are the important areas to focus on for Mathematical Sciences (MS)?
A12: Algebra, calculus, real analysis, complex analysis, linear programming, and differential equations are essential.
Note: These are just a few frequently asked questions. For detailed information and specific questions related to the syllabus, refer to the official CSIR UGC NET website and other reliable resources.