NTA UGC NET vs CSIR NET: Which one is Better?

NTA UGC NET and CSIR NET are two of the most prominent examinations opted by candidates after post-graduation. The aspirants want to make their career as a Research Analyst or as a lecturer in top reputed universities across the country take these exams. Both the examination paves the way for students for getting into the prestigious position of Assistant Professors and JRFs in top colleges. However, there lies many differences between NTA UGC NET and CSIR NET exam. Below listed are some of the significant points of difference between the two examinations:

Exam Pattern

One of the foremost difference between both the exams is the paper pattern of NTA UGC NET and CSIR NET

NTA UGC NET: The examination is divided into two papers including Paper 1 and Paper 2. The weightage of Paper 1 is 100 marks, and Paper 2 is 200 marks. Candidates will be rendered a total of 3 hours to solve the paper with no negative marking for incorrect answers.

CSIR NET: The examination will comprise of a single paper that is divided into three different sections, A, B and C. The Part A of the paper will comprise of the general aptitude questions, whereas the Part B and C will consist of questions from the opted subjects. The total weightage of the paper is 200 marks with a total period of 3 hours to cover the questions. In comparison to NTA UGC NET, there will be negative marking for every incorrect answer. However, no deduction of marks will be done for questions left un-attempted.

Eligibility Criteria

The Eligibility criteria for taking NTA UGC NET examination are as follows:

 The candidate must hold a PG degree in any of the UGC NET subjects with a minimum  aggregate of 55% for GC and 50% for ST/ SC/ PWD/ OBC/Transgender from a recognized university.

 The upper age limit for taking up the examination is 30 years.

The eligibility criteria for CSIR NET are as follows:

 The candidates must have qualified either M.Sc. /Integrated BS-MS/ BS of 4 years, B.E. / B.Tech/ B-Pharma/ MBBS with a minimum aggregate of 55% for GC and 50% for reserved categories from a reputed university or college.

 The upper age limit for the examination is 28 years.

Selection Process

The selection process for both the exam is based on the written examination. However, the selection criteria for both the exams are subject to differ based on the cut off marks and norms set by each college.

Career Scopes

Candidates are opened to a wide range of career options after the completion of the exam. The examinations are conducted for recruitment in colleges as professors and researchers.

Candidates have a chance to work with different NET co-ordinating institutes after qualifying NTA UGC NET and candidates who have qualified as CSIR NET are offered employment as CSIR Research Laboratories.

These were some of the significant differences between the exams. Ultimately its candidate’s decision which exam they want to take. They can check if they fulfil the given eligibility criteria for the exam or not.