How to Prepare for CSIR NET Physical Science Exam?

Contents

1. What is CSIR NET Physical Science Exam?
2. Importance of CSIR NET Physical Science Exam Preparation
3. Overview of CSIR NET Physical Science Exam
4. CSIR NET Physical Science Eligibility
5. CSIR NET Physical Science Exam Pattern and Syllabus
6. CSIR NET Physical Science Study Plan
7. CSIR NET Physical Science Books
8. CSIR NET Physical Science Study Material
9. CSIR NET Physical Science Coaching
10. Note-taking strategies for CSIR NET Physical Science
11. Mind mapping and Conceptual Understanding
12. Mastering the Syllabus

What is the CSIR NET Physical Science Exam?

CSIR serves as a pivotal head in cutting-edge research and technology pertaining to a spectrum of subjects on science and technology viz., oceanography, geophysics, chemicals, drugs, genomics, biotechnology, and nanotechnology to mining, aeronautics, instrumentation, environmental engineering and information technology. The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), holds the authoritative edge in conducting the qualifying exams for Junior Research Fellows and Lectureship. This exam is conducted in coordination with the National Testing Agency or NTA.

CSIR NET Physical Science Exam 2023 will be scheduled for December if no special circumstances are notified to merge it with the June 2024 session. The test mainly determines the eligibility of Indian Nationals for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship (LS).

CSIR NET PHYSICAL SCIENCE
	Exam Conducting Body	CSIR
	Exam Conducting Authority	Govt. Of India
	Exam Schedule	Twice /year
	Qualification	Post Graduate degree with 55% marks
	Age Limit	28 for JRF (5 years relaxation for Women candidates) No Age limit for LS
	Scheme Of the Exam	Multiple Choice Questions
	Official Website	https://csirnet.nta.nic.in/

Importance of CSIR NET Physical Science Exam Preparation

Qualifying CSIR NET Physical Science is very important especially when you want a career role in academia. Candidates qualifying for the test as JRFs can enroll as research scholars in prominent institutions held for Research and Development in India. They will also get a chance to collaborate with foreign universities after being inducted into such research programs.

Aspirants who don’t have a flair for research or have an inclination for teaching can take up the option of a Lectureship while applying. The NET Physics Preparation is not an overnight task and requires a clear idea about the theory part for a conscientious approach to the exam.

How to prepare for CSIR NET Physics might be a question pondering many aspirants since time immemorial. There is no universal strategy to crack an exam and it depends from person to person. So, the basic logic is to pick up topics of importance first, try to understand their concepts, and see how these subjects can be applied to problems of Physics. Say Quantum Mechanics is a subject that may have a conceptual disparity, however learning such topics needs a lateral reference in the real world to fully absorb its essence.

Why CSIR NET Physical Science is important?

• Qualifying for this exam mainly aids aspirants who wish for a career in Academia.
• Getting a NET/JRF qualification can help the candidates stand out and apply for a Ph.D. in reputed research institutes.
• A NET, SET or SLET qualifications can help you to apply for an Assistant Professor post in various Universities and Institutes across the country.

Overview of the CSIR NET Physical Science Exam

CSIR NET Physical Science exam conducted in conjunction with NTA and UGC is a qualifying exam for students from the Art and Pure Science streams to be an eligible candidate for Research or teaching faculty. The exam is constituted for a total of 200 marks for 3 hours.

Find the detailed scheme of the exam below.

Part A

This part consists of General questions. Some of the topics covered are,

• General Science
• Quantitative Reasoning & Analysis

REASONING

• Analytical Reasoning
• Syllogisms
• Analogies
• Directions
• Coding-Decoding
• Classification Alphabet Series
• Symbols and Notations
• Similarities and Differences
• Number Series
• Blood Relationships
• Arrangements
• Statements
• Data Sufficiency
• Non-verbal Reasoning
• Visual Ability
• Graphical Analysis
• Dala Analysis

QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE

• Simplifications
• Number System
• Average
• Algebra
• Percentage Time & Work
• Simple & Compound Interest
• Time & Speed
• HCM/ LCM Problems
• Area
• Profit & Loss
• Bar Graph, Pictorial Graph, Pie Chart
• Ratio & Proportion
• Permutation & Combination

DATA INTERPRETATION & GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

• Mean
• Median
• Mode
• Measures of Dispersion
• Graphical Analysis: Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie-Chart and Tabulation

• Research Aptitude

Research Aptitude questions are always asked on an application level and research-related pedagogical terms of direct questions are not always included in CSIR NET exams particularly.

The official website of UGC has concise details of the exam and its pattern.

Find the sample questions asked for the recent 2023 CSIR Physics from the General Aptitude part.

1. 20 L of rainwater having a 2.0 µmol/L concentration of sulfate ions is mixed with 40 L µmol/L sulfate ions. If 50% of the total water evaporated, what would be the sulfate concentration in the remaining water?

1. 1.3 µmol/L
2. 3.3 µmol/L
3. 4.0 µmol/L
4. 6.7 µmol/L

Ans: Say one mixture is solution A and the other solution B.

Solution A

1 L of water consists of 2.0 µmol concentration of sulfate ions

Therefore, 20 L of water consists of (2.0 µmol/L x 20 L) 40 µmol of sulfate ions.

Solution B

1 L of water consists of 4.0 µmol concentration of sulfate ions

Therefore, 40 L of water consists of (4.0 µmol/L x 40 L) 160 µmol of sulfate ions.

Total concentration of Sulphate ions will be = 40 + 160 = 200 µmol of sulphate ions

Total Volume of both the solutions = A + B

= 20 L + 40 L = 60 L

Since 50 % of the total solution gets evaporated, the solution will shrink to 30 L

Therefore, the final concentration of the Mixture will be, 200 µmol/ 30 L= 6.66̅ = 6.7 µmol/ L

D. 6.7 µmol/L

The part B and C portions of the CSIR NET exam will mainly focus on core Physics and advanced Physics modules which will be explained in detail in further sessions.

How to Prepare for CSIR NET Physical Science: Webinar

CSIR NET Physical Science Eligibility

The essential educational qualification includes,

• M.Sc. or equivalent degree/ Integrated BS-MS/ BS-4 years/ BE/ B. Tech/ B. Pharma/ MBBS with at least 55% (without rounding off) marks for General (UR)/General-EWS and 50% (without rounding off) for OBC (NCL)/SC/ST, Third gender and Persons with Disability (PwD) candidates.
• Candidates enrolled for M.Sc. following the 10+2+3 years eligibility format can also apply in the Result awaited category provided they will qualify for the degree exam within two years from the declaration of the result of the UGC CSIR NET exam. (They might be required to submit an extra attestation from the Department head)
• B.Sc. (Hons) or equivalent degree holders or students enrolled in Integrated MS-PhD programs with at least 55% marks can apply for CSIR fellowship only after getting registered in such programs within a period of two years from the date of result declaration.

(Such candidates can only apply for JRF)

• Candidates from other allied professional courses like B.E./ B.S./ B.Tech./ B.Pharma/ MBBS final year/result awaited candidates can apply for fellowship only and not for LS or Assistant professorship.
• B.Sc. (Hons.) final year or result awaited candidates are not eligible to apply.

How to Check Eligibility for CSIR NET Physical Science Exam?

Candidates shall go through the prospectus carefully to check the detailed eligibility conditions. The above section details the educational qualification, however, the minimum age required is detailed below.

• The maximum age limit to apply for JRF is 28 years however 5 years relaxation is given to SC, ST, Third gender, persons with disability and female applicants.
• There is no specific upper age limit for Lectureship (LS)/ Assistant Professor.

CSIR NET Physical Science Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The exam pattern will comprise of MCQ type questions spanning three sections namely A, B and C.

Part A

This part shall carry 20 questions pertaining to General Science, Quantitative Reasoning & Analysis and Research Aptitude. The candidates only need to answer any 15 questions from the total 20 questions given.

Part B

This part consists of 25 MCQs out of which 20 questions need to be answered. And the topics described will be from core Physics.

Part C

This part shall contain 30 questions in advanced physics out of which a candidate only requires to answer just 20 questions.

All About CSIR NET Physical Science Exam Pattern

So, each section shall attract a negative marking that will be 25% of the individual mark denotation of the questions.

CSIR NET PHYSICAL SCIENCE EXAM PATTERN
Mode Of the Examination	Online MCQ mode
Total Number of Question	60 (Total attemptable questions) 75 (Total number of questions available)
Negative Marking	Part A – 0.5 Part B – 0.875 Part C – 1.25
Mark Distribution /Question	Part A – 2 marks Part B – 3.5 marks Part C – 5 marks
No: Of Questions from Core Topics	40 (Total attemptable questions) 55 (Total number of questions available)
No: Of Questions from General Aptitude	30 (Total questions available) 15 (Total attemptable questions)
Previous Exam Cut of Mark December-2022/ June 2023 merged cycle	39.75% (JRF) – 79.5/200 35.775% (LS) – 71.55/200

CSIR NET Physical Science Syllabus

Candidates shall download the comprehensive syllabus for CSIR NET Physics from the official website of CSIR-Human resource Development Group.

CSIR NET Physics Syllabus PDF Download

CSIR NET Physical Science Syllabus includes both UG level and PG level topics. The main topics in the syllabus are given below concisely.

PART B

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

PART C

• Mathematical Methods of Physics
• Classical Mechanics
• Electromagnetic Theory
• Quantum Mechanics
• Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics
• Electronics and Experimental Methods
• Atomic & Molecular Physics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Nuclear and Particle Physics

CSIR NET Physical Science Study Plan

Why Study Plan Was More Important?

• Devising a study plan is important and sticking to your plan is the first step toward success
• Segregate main topics and portions into an executable timetable
• Allocate time in a way that you can complete the portions within a limited period of time or the span of time available before the exams
• If you are short of time in coaching yourselves for the exam, then it is better to start solving the previous year's question papers by bypassing the theoretical concept part.
• This helps to cover the syllabus as a whole in a short span.

How to Create a Proper Study Plan for CSIR NET Physical Science?

• Try skimming through the previous year's question papers and get an idea about the topics that the exam is given preference for.
• Or else watch videos by experts on the CSIR NET Physics exam and their preparation strategies or the important topics asked for the exam.
• Now, take up the topics that are the most familiar ones and start practicing the problems.
• On the other hand, learn the concepts you have no idea about and schedule a practice session once the concept is clear.

CSIR NET Physical Science Study Materials

Best resources are a vital part of any preparation, so take up books that offer a clarified concept interpretation and error-free explanation. Hence, go for university-accepted editions of textbooks and guides.

1. 5 Best Books for CSIR NET Physical Science

Name of the Author	Subject	Price
J C Updhyaya	Classical Mechanics	Rs 625/-
Daniel Kleppner, Robert Kolenkow	Introduction to Mechanics	Rs 895 - Rs 1260 Click here
Herbert Goldestein, Charles P Poole, John Safko	Classical Mechanics	Rs 873/- Click here
N C Rana, P S Joag	Classical Mechanics	Rs 650/- Click here
Nouredine Zettili	Quantum Mechanics – Concepts and Applications	Rs 1395/- Click here
Griffiths	Introduction to Quantum Mechanics	Rs 651/- Click here
Yung-Kuo Lim	Problems and Solutions on Quantum Mechanics	Rs745/- Click here
Schaum’s Outlines	Quantum Mechanics	Rs 643/- Click here
H K Das Dr Rama Verma	Mathematical Physics	Rs 595/- Click here
Dr B S Grewal	Higher Engineering Mathematics	Rs 878/- Click here
Erwin Kreyzig	Advanced Engineering Mathematics	Rs 1220/- Click here
David J Griffiths	Introduction to Electrodynamics	Rs 500-1000/- Click here
John David Jackson	Classical Electrodynamics	Rs 3000/- Click here
Ajay Ghatak	Optics	Rs 838/- Click here
Charles Kittel	Introduction to Solid State Physics	Rs 924/- Click here
M A Wahab	Solid State Physics- Structure and Properties of Materials	Rs 830/- Click here
Raj Kumar	Atomic and Molecular spectra: Laser	Rs 590/- Click here
Colin Fanwell Elaine M McCash	Fundamentals of Molecular Spectroscopy	Rs 5600/- Click here
Robert L Boylestad Louis Hashelsky	Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory	Rs 825/- Click here
Albert Paul Malvino Donald P Leach	Digital Principles and Applications	Rs 5000/- Click here
Ramakant A Gayakwad	Op-Amps and Linear Integrated Circuits	Rs 465/- Click here
David Griffiths	Introduction to Elementary Particles	Rs 6205/- Click here
S Chand	Nuclear Physics	Rs 321/- Click here
Arthur Beiser Shobhit Mahajan S Rai Choudhary	Concepts of Modern Physics	Rs 860/- Click here
Kenneth S Krane	Introduction to Nuclear Physics	Rs 1852/- Click here
S B Patel	Nuclear Physics- An introduction	Rs 399/- Click here
S C Garg R M Bansal C K Ghosh	Thermal Physics	Rs 692/- Click here
S Chand	Heat Thermodynamics and Thermal Physics	Rs 593/- Click here
Kerson Huang	Statistical Mechanics	Rs 855/- Click here
E Reif	Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics	Rs 755/- Click here
E Pathrika Paul D Beale	Statistical Mechanics	Rs 3883/- Click here
S S Sastry	Introductory methods of Numerical Analysis	Rs 395/- Click here
R S Salaria	Computer Oriented Numerical method	Rs 350/- Click here

2. Best Website for CSIR NET Physics and Online Resources

Choosing the best platform for CSIR NET Physics is often combined with a lot of tiring steps like finding the best faculty to the best testimonials received.

Best Coaching for CSIR NET Physical Science

If you are tired of looking for the best e-learning platform for CSIR NET Physical Science, then look no further than Competitive Cracker which provides exclusive coaching for CSIR as well as UGC NET subjects.

Our Physical Science Course is headed by Mr. Nicemon, a proficient Research Scholar conferred with JRF (Junior Research Fellow) from the University of Calicut.

Note-taking strategies for CSIR NET Physical Science

Anyone who needs to take CSIR NET Physics must at least allocate a minimum preparation period of 6 months or a maximum of a year. This allocation is very crucial if you aim for a perfect win out of hard work which will aid you in your career too. If you want to clear the cut-off, it requires meticulous syllabus planning by checking the previous year's question paper patterns.

Mind mapping and Conceptual Understanding

Students of Physics cannot always prepare like an engineering student just before their semester exams. Hence, require a stupendous model to learn concepts thoroughly and systematically as the problems involved are the application level of the same. The subjective knowledge of Physics is not limited to theoretical concepts and needs to be expressed mathematically, which is why Mathematical methods of Physics are taught as a must-learn topic at the UG level itself. Mathematics being the language of Physics must be learnt with flair in order to solve major problems in this arena. So, as a student of Physics, it is an ardent imposition to learn the Mathematical tools well before dwelling deeper into theory as the CSIR Physical Science exam mainly involves application-level questions apart from a few general formula or definition type ones.

Mind map techniques for Complex topics much before the commencement of the actual preparation can help you to perpetuate your learning process smoothly.

How to remember Equations and Complex theories CSIR NET Physics Exam

Mastering physics involves the ability to memorize a lot of formulas and the skill to approximate the calculations using your mathematical knowledge. Keep these points below in mind to tackle this problem.

• Keep a separate notebook for jotting down the main formulas.
• Remember to revise the points on a weekly basis till you familiarize yourself.
• If you have a great gap after your post-graduation, brush your elementary knowledge about differentiation, integration, trigonometry, probability etc. which can help you greatly while learning advanced concepts.

Mastering the Syllabus

Knowing the syllabus well is the first and foremost task as it is important to know the immense syllabus so that you know what to give preference and what not to.

1. In-Depth Break Down of Syllabus

Sl.No.	Subjects	Sub-topics
	Mathematical Methods of Physics	Dimensional analysis. Vector algebra and vector calculus. Linear algebra, matrices, Cayley-Hamilton Theorem. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Linear ordinary differential equations of first & second order, Special functions (Hermite, Bessel, Laguerre and Legendre functions). Fourier series, Fourier and Laplace transforms. Elements of complex analysis, analytic functions; Taylor & Laurent series; poles, residues and evaluation of integrals. Elementary probability theory, random variables, binomial, Poisson and normal distributions. Central limit theorem.
	Classical Mechanics	Newton’s laws. Dynamical systems, Phase space dynamics, stability analysis. Central force motions. Two body Collisions - scattering in laboratory and Centre of mass frames. Rigid body dynamics, moment of inertia tensor. Non-inertial frames and pseudoforces. Variational principle. Generalized coordinates. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism and equations of motion. Conservation laws and cyclic coordinates. Periodic motion: small oscillations, normal modes. Special theory of relativity Lorentz transformations, relativistic kinematics and mass–energy equivalence.
	Electromagnetic Theory	Electrostatics: Gauss’s law and its applications, Laplace and Poisson equations, boundary value problems. Magnetostatics: Biot-Savart law, Ampere's theorem. Electromagnetic induction. Maxwell's equations in free space and linear isotropic media; boundary conditions on the fields at interfaces. Scalar and vector potentials, gauge invariance. Electromagnetic waves in free space. Dielectrics and conductors. Reflection and refraction, polarization, Fresnel’s law, interference, coherence, and diffraction. Dynamics of charged particles in static and uniform electromagnetic fields.
	Quantum Mechanics	Wave-particle duality. Schrödinger equation (time-dependent and time-independent). Eigenvalue problems (particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, etc.). Tunnelling through a barrier. Wave-function in coordinate and momentum representations. Commutators and Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Dirac notation for state vectors. Motion in a central potential: orbital angular momentum, angular momentum algebra, spin, addition of angular momenta; Hydrogen atom. Stern-Gerlach experiment. Time-independent perturbation theory and applications. Variational method. Time dependent perturbation theory and Fermi's golden rule, selection rules. Identical particles, Pauli exclusion principle, spin-statistics connection
	Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics	Laws of thermodynamics and their consequences. Thermodynamic potentials, Maxwell relations, chemical potential, phase equilibria. Phase space, micro- and macro-states. Micro-canonical, canonical and grand-canonical ensembles and partition functions. Free energy and its connection with thermodynamic quantities. Classical and quantum statistics. Ideal Bose and Fermi gases. Principle of detailed balance. Blackbody radiation and Planck's distribution law.
	Electronics and Experimental Methods	Semiconductor devices (diodes, junctions, transistors, field effect devices, homo- and hetero-junction devices), device structure, device characteristics, frequency dependence and applications. Opto-electronic devices (solar cells, photo-detectors, LEDs). Operational amplifiers and their applications. Digital techniques and applications (registers, counters, comparators and similar circuits). A/D and D/A converters. Microprocessor and microcontroller basics. Data interpretation and analysis. Precision and accuracy. Error analysis, propagation of errors. Least squares fitting,
	Mathematical Methods of Physics	Green’s function. Partial differential equations (Laplace, wave and heat equations in two and three dimensions). Elements of computational techniques: root of functions, interpolation, extrapolation, integration by trapezoid and Simpson’s rule, Solution of first order differential equation using Runge Kutta method. Finite difference methods. Tensors. Introductory group theory: SU (2), O (3).
	Classical Mechanics	Dynamical systems, Phase space dynamics, stability analysis. Poisson brackets and canonical transformations. Symmetry, invariance and Noether’s theorem. Hamilton-Jacobi theory.
	Electromagnetic Theory	Dispersion relations in plasma. Lorentz invariance of Maxwell’s equation. Transmission lines and wave guides. Radiation- from moving charges and dipoles and retarded potentials.
	Quantum Mechanics	Spin-orbit coupling, fine structure. WKB approximation. Elementary theory of scattering: phase shifts, partial waves, Born approximation. Relativistic quantum mechanics: Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations. Semi-classical theory of radiation.
	Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics	First- and second-order phase transitions. Diamagnetism, Para magnetism, and ferromagnetism. Ising model. Bose-Einstein condensation. Diffusion equation. Random walk and Brownian motion. Introduction to nonequilibrium processes.
	Electronics and Experimental Methods	Linear and nonlinear curve fitting, chi-square test. Transducers (temperature, pressure/vacuum, magnetic fields, vibration, optical, and particle detectors). Measurement and control. Signal conditioning and recovery. Impedance matching, amplification (Op-amp based, instrumentation amp, feedback), filtering and noise reduction, shielding and grounding. Fourier transforms, lock-in detector, box-car integrator, modulation techniques. High frequency devices (including generators and detectors).
	Atomic & Molecular Physics	Quantum states of an electron in an atom. Electron spin. Spectrum of helium and alkali atom. Relativistic corrections for energy levels of hydrogen atom, hyperfine structure and isotopic shift, width of spectrum lines, LS & JJ couplings. Zeeman, Paschen-Bach & Stark effects. Electron spin resonance. Nuclear magnetic resonance, chemical shift. Frank-Condon principle. Born-Oppenheimer approximation. Electronic, rotational, vibrational and Raman spectra of diatomic molecules, selection rules. Lasers: spontaneous and stimulated emission, Einstein A & B coefficients. Optical pumping, population inversion, rate equation. Modes of resonators and coherence length.
	Condensed Matter Physics	Bravais lattices. Reciprocal lattice. Diffraction and the structure factor. Bonding of solids. Elastic properties, phonons, lattice specific heat. Free electron theory and electronic specific heat. Response and relaxation phenomena. Drude model of electrical and thermal conductivity. Hall effect and thermoelectric power. Electron motion in a periodic potential, band theory of solids: metals, insulators and semiconductors. Superconductivity: type-I and type-II superconductors. Josephson junctions. Superfluidity. Defects and dislocations. Ordered phases of matter: translational and orientational order, kinds of liquid crystalline order. Quasi crystals.
	Nuclear and Particle Physics	Basic nuclear properties: size, shape and charge distribution, spin and parity. Binding energy, semiempirical mass formula, liquid drop model. Nature of the nuclear force, form of nucleon-nucleon potential, charge-independence and charge-symmetry of nuclear forces. Deuteron problem. Evidence of shell structure, single-particle shell model, its validity and limitations. Rotational spectra. Elementary ideas of alpha, beta and gamma decays and their selection rules. Fission and fusion. Nuclear reactions, reaction mechanism, compound nuclei and direct reactions. Classification of fundamental forces. Elementary particles and their quantum numbers (charge, spin, parity, isospin, strangeness, etc.). Gellmann-Nishijima formula. Quark model, baryons and mesons. C, P, and T invariance. Application of symmetry arguments to particle reactions. Parity non-conservation in weak interaction. Relativistic kinematics.

2. Priority Topics and Their Weightage

The question paper analysis of the last two years is tabulated below and by checking the number of questions asked for the exam, the topic of Electro-Magnetic Theory is of profound importance than any other session.

Sl.No	Subjects	2023	2022
	Mathematical Methods of Physics	3 (Probability, Cartesian Co-ordinate, Complex Analysis)	4
	Classical Mechanics	2	3
	Electromagnetic Theory	8	6
	Quantum Mechanics	2	5
	Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics	3	2
	Electronics and Experimental Methods	2	3
Advanced Level
	Mathematical Methods of Physics	5 (Numerical Analysis, Normal distribution, Bessel Function, Probability, Dirac Delta Function)	3
	Classical Mechanics	1	5
	Electromagnetic Theory	8	7
	Quantum Mechanics	3	4
	Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics	2	2
	Electronics and Experimental Methods	1	2
	Atomic & Molecular Physics	5	2
	Condensed Matter Physics	2	3
	Nuclear and Particle Physics	3	2

Hope this blog has instilled a small level of captivation to work towards the CSIR NET Physical Science exams ahead. This read does comprehensively explain the syllabus and important topics in detail, so make sure to go through it for an effective start. Wishing you all a happy learning journey ahead!