Joint CSIR–UGC–DBT JRF-NET Examination From Dec 2026 – Official Confirmation Released!

Merged CSIR–UGC–DBT JRF-NET Exam Dec 2026 | Joint CSIR–UGC–DBT JRF-NET Examination

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.

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