NOTICE
No.: AB-CSIR0HRDG(OT)/11/2024-Admin-HRDG Dated: 13-01-2026
Subject: Introduction of the Joint CSIR–UGC–DBT JRF-NET Examination,
to be implemented from the December 2026 cycle – Background, Concerns
and Clarifications
A proposal has been approved to merge the CSIR-NET (Life Sciences) and DBT-BET
(Biotechnology) examinations, along with syllabus to establish a single, unified National-level
eligibility examination for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship in the
biological sciences.
This Joint CSIR–UGC–DBT JRF/NET examination is intended to come into effect from the
December 2026 examination cycle.
The primary objective of this integration is to streamline the national examination
framework, eliminate redundancy in testing, and create a cohesive and efficient assessment
system that reflects the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of contemporary biological
research and development.
During the initial rounds of discussion and stakeholder consultations, students and aspirants
highlighted several key concerns, which had been carefully examined to ensure a smooth and
equitable transition to the unified examination system.
The following were the major concerns
of the stakeholders:
1. Reduction in Total Number of Seats: It was apprehended/expressed that the merger
may lead to a possible reduction in the total number of fellowships available, thereby
limiting opportunities for eligible candidates.
2. Increased Academic Complexity for Life Sciences Students: Students from traditional
life sciences backgrounds expressed concerns that the inclusion of biotechnology-related
topics could increase the difficulty level and potentially affect their performance.
3. Increased Competition for Biotechnology Students: Students from biotechnology
backgrounds raised concerns that the larger candidate pool, including life sciences
students could intensify/ increase the level of competition.
After careful consideration, the following clarifications and measures are hereby placed on
record:
1. No Impact on the number of Seats: It is hereby clarified that there shall be no impact
on the total number of fellowships on account of syllabus. CSIR and DBT will continue
to provide the fellowships as per present process and only the selection will be through
common Exam.
Source URL: https://csirhrdg.res.in/
2. Balanced Question Paper Design: The merged examination will feature adequate
optional questions covering both traditional Life Sciences and Biotechnology domains.
The examination pattern will ensure equal opportunity for candidates from diverse
academic backgrounds to attempt adequate number of questions from their respective
areas of expertise.
3. Fair and Inclusive Evaluation: The question paper and the evaluation process will be
designed to assess conceptual understanding, analytical ability, and research aptitude
in fundamental broader concepts rather than narrow and specialized subjectknowledge. Additionally, this new pattern will ensure a fair and inclusive assessment
framework for all candidates, reducing redundancy in the examination process.
Additionally, it is informed that the Joint CSIR-UGC-DBT-JRF Net exam qualified
candidates of Biotechnology will also be eligible for all three categories (Category 1- Award
of JRF and appointment as Assistant Professor, Category 2- Appointment as Assistant
Professor and admission to Ph.D. and Category 3- Admission to Ph.D. only) as per the
guidelines, unlike previously in the case of DBT BET.
The merger of the CSIR-NET and DBT-BET examinations is a unique step towards creating
a unified and efficient system for evaluating research aptitude, necessitated by the dynamic
growth of inter-disciplinary research in biological sciences. With the above measures in
place, the interests of all stakeholders—students, researchers, and academic institutions—will
be safeguarded, while simultaneously promoting interdisciplinarity and fostering excellence
for a pool of new generation researchers.
Notes:
Any Change in Syllabus and Exam Pattern?
No DBT-JRF 2026 Exam?
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