GATE Chemical Science
CSIR NET Chemical Science Exam: A Comprehensive Guide
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – National Eligibility Test (NET) in Chemical Science is one of the most prestigious examinations for aspiring researchers and lecturers in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of CSIR, this exam aims to select candidates for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and for eligibility as Assistant Professors in Indian universities and colleges. The test evaluates candidates' understanding of core chemistry concepts, problem-solving skills, and research aptitude.
GATE Frequently Asked Questions
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level exam for admission to M.Tech./Ph.D. programs and recruitment in PSUs & R&D labs. |
The subject code for Chemistry is CY. |
The exam is conducted by IISc Bangalore and IITs on a rotational basis. |
The exam is conducted in online (CBT) mode. |
The GATE score is valid for three years. |
Yes, there is no limit on the number of attempts. |
No, there is no age restriction for GATE. |
Yes, you can choose two papers from the available combinations. |
- M.Sc./M.Tech. in Chemical Science, Polymer Science, Environmental Science - Integrated Ph.D. in IITs/IISc - Research fellowships in CSIR, DRDO, and ISRO |
Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related fields can apply. |
Yes, final-year B.Sc./M.Sc. students can apply. |
No, GATE does not require a minimum percentage. |
No, diploma holders are not eligible. |
Yes, but they should select the appropriate paper (CY or CH). |
Yes, students from Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, UAE can apply. |
Yes, both exams serve different purposes. |
Yes, GATE-qualified candidates are eligible for CSIR JRF in certain disciplines. |
No, work experience is not required. |
Yes, you can appear for GATE every year. |
Apply through the GOAPS portal during the application period. |
Registrations typically open in August-September every year. |
- General/OBC: ₹1800 - SC/ST/PwD/Female: ₹900 |
- Scanned photograph & signature - Degree certificate/provisional certificate - Category certificate (if applicable) |
Yes, a correction window is provided for limited changes. |
Yes, but changes are allowed only during the correction period. |
Admit cards are available for download on the GOAPS portal. |
Use the "Forgot Enrollment ID/Password" option on the website. |
A late fee is charged for registrations after the deadline. |
Yes, IITs allow candidates to withdraw applications before the exam.
- MCQs: Yes - MSQs & NATs: No |
- 1-mark questions: -0.33 negative marking - 2-mark questions: -0.66 negative marking |
Once a year, usually in February. |
The conducting IIT changes every year (check the official website). |
GATE is more numerical, while CSIR NET focuses on conceptual questions. |
No, the cutoff varies every year. |
- General: 28-32 marks - OBC: 25-29 marks - SC/ST: 20-25 marks |
Start with NCERT and standard books. Focus on Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry concepts. Solve previous years’ papers and mock tests. |
Physical Chemistry: P.W. Atkins, Ira Levine, Puri Sharma Pathania. Organic Chemistry: Clayden, Morrison & Boyd, Solomons. Inorganic Chemistry: J.D. Lee, Cotton & Wilkinson. |
Ideally, 5-7 hours per day for 6 months. |
Yes, but coaching helps in doubt-solving and structured study plans. |
Absolutely! It helps in understanding question patterns and difficulty level. |
Make a 6-month study plan. Set daily, weekly, and monthly targets. Revise regularly. |
Yes! Short notes and flashcards help in quick revision. |
Revise basic mathematics and formulas. Solve at least 20-30 numerical problems per day. |
Revise one topic daily. Solve MCQs and NAT questions after revision. |
At least 10-15 full-length mock tests. |
Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Quantum Chemistry, Chemical Kinetics. Organic Chemistry: Named Reactions, Spectroscopy, Pericyclic Reactions. Inorganic Chemistry: Coordination Chemistry, Organometallics, Bioinorganic Chemistry. |
Organic Chemistry (~40%), Physical Chemistry (~35%), Inorganic Chemistry (~25%). |
Yes, IR Spectroscopy, NMR, UV Spectroscopy, and Mass Spectrometry questions appear frequently. |
Practice past 10 years’ numerical questions. Memorize key formulas. |
Yes, topics like Green Chemistry & pollutants are included. |
GATE Chemistry is more advanced and focuses on research-level concepts. |
A mix of theoretical (~60%) and numerical (~40%) questions. |
15 marks out of 100. |
Yes, but CSIR NET has more conceptual and subjective questions. |
Admission to M.Tech./Ph.D. programs. Job opportunities in PSUs like IOCL, ONGC. R&D and teaching careers. |
Average ₹10-12 LPA (CTC). Higher for experienced candidates. |
Yes, BARC considers GATE Chemistry scores for Scientific Officer positions. |
Yes, DRDO recruits chemists through GATE and direct recruitment. |
Yes, ISRO hires chemistry postgraduates with GATE for research positions. |
₹37,000 per month (JRF), ₹42,000 per month (SRF). |
