CSIR NET
CSIR NET JRF CSIR NET Lectureship CSIR NET Notification CSIR NET Application Form CSIR NET Eligibility CSIR NET Exam Pattern CSIR NET Exam Date CSIR NET Admit Card
CSIR NET Answer Key
CSIR NET Result
CSIR NET Cut Off
CSIR NET Certificate CSIR NET Study Material CSIR NET Books CSIR NET Important Topics CSIR NET Mock Test CSIR NET Preparation Tips CSIR NET Previous Year Papers CSIR NET Syllabus CSIR NET Coaching
CSIR NET Coaching
CSIR NET Mock Test
CSIR NET Previous Year Papers
CSIR NET Syllabus
CSIR NET Study Material
CSIR NET Preparation Tips
CSIR NET Books
CSIR NET Important Topics

CSIR NET Physical Science Syllabus 2025: Part A, B and C PDF Download

Last Updated on Jun 08, 2025

Download CSIR NET 2025 complete information as PDF
IMPORTANT LINKS
Crack CSIR NET Exam with Super Teacher's of India

Get CSIR NET/SET SuperCoaching @ just

₹10999 ₹4285

Your Total Savings ₹6714
Explore SuperCoaching

CSIR NET exam syllabus for physics is an important pat of preparing for CSIR NET examination 2025. Part A (Core), Part B (Advanced), and Part C (Advanced) comprise the CSIR NET Physical Science Syllabus for 2025. Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics, Electronics and Experimental Methods, Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Classical Mechanics, and Mathematical Methods of Physics are among the subjects it covers. These courses evaluate a candidate's comprehension and application of basic physical science concepts.

CSIR NET Physical Science Syllabus 2025

The CSIR NET Notification for Junior Research Fellowship Awards, PhD Admission, and Lectureship Eligibility will consist of a single paper test with multiple-choice questions (MCQs). There will be three sections to the question paper. The following is the format for the Single Paper MCQ test:

The details of each section have been stated below.

Category

Details

Total Marks

200

Total Duration

3 Hours

Sections

3 Sections (Part A, B and C)

Part A: There will be 20 questions in this section about research aptitude, quantitative reasoning and analysis, and general science. Candidates must respond to 15 questions for a total of 30 points, with two points awarded for each question.

Part B: This section will include 25 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that will primarily cover the subjects covered in Part "A" (CORE) of the syllabus. Candidates must respond to any 20 questions for a total of 70 points, with 3.5 points awarded for each question.

Part C: 30 questions from Parts "B" (Advanced) and "A" will be included in Part C, which is intended to assess a candidate's understanding of and ability to apply scientific concepts. For 100 points, a candidate must respond to any 20 questions. Every question will be worth five marks. 

CSIR NET Section-Wise Physical Science Syllabus

The CSIR NET Physical Science Syllabus 2025 section-by-section is listed below. Candidates can review the syllabus for CSIR NET Physical Science Syllabus Parts A, B, and C in this article. 

CSIR NET Physics Syllabus for Core (Part A)

Section

Syllabus

CSIR NET Physical Science Syllabus Part A (Core)

Mathematical Methods of Physics

Classical Mechanics

Electromagnetic Theory

Quantum Mechanics

Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics

Electronics and Experimental Method

Data Interpretation and analysis

CSIR NET Physical Science Syllabus for Advanced (Part B)

CSIR NET Physical Science Syllabus Part B (Advanced)

Mathematical Methods of Physics

Classical Mechanics

Electromagnetic Theory

Quantum Mechanics

Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics

Electronics and Experimental Method

Atomic and Molecular Physics

Condensed Matter Physics

Nuclear and Particle Physics

CSIR NET Physical Science Detailed Syllabus

The detailed syllabus of CSIR NET Physical Science has been stated below for the aspirants to refer to as stated below.

CSIR NET Physical Science Syllabus for Core in Detail

The detailed syllabus of CSIR NET Physical Science Core has been stated below.

Unit

Syllabus

Unit 1: Mathematical Methods of Physics

  • Central limit theorem
  • Elementary probability theory, random variables, binomial
  • Elements of complex analysis, analytic functions
  • Special functions (Bessel, Hermite, Laguerre, and Legendre functions)
  • Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
  • Linear algebra
  • Dimensional analysis
  • Poisson and normal distributions
  • Taylor & Laurent series; residues, poles, and evaluation of integrals
  • Fourier series, Fourier, and Laplace transform
  • Linear ordinary differential equations of second and first order
  • Matrices Cayley-Hamilton Theorem
  • Vector algebra and vector calculus

Unit 2: Classical Mechanics

  • Lorentz transformations, relativistic kinematics, and mass-energy equivalence
  • Periodic motion: small oscillations, normal modes
  • Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formalism and equations of motion
  • Variational principle
  • Rigid body dynamics moment of inertia tensor
  • Central force motions
  • Dynamical systems
  • Special theory of relativity
  • Conservation laws and cyclic coordinates
  • Generalized coordinates
  • Non-inertial frames and pseudo forces
  • Two body Collisions – scattering in Centre of mass and laboratory frames
  • Phase space dynamics, stability analysis
  • Newton’s laws

Unit 3: Electromagnetic Theory

  • Fresnel’s law, Reflection and refraction, polarisation, interference, diffraction and coherence. Dynamics of charged particles in uniform electromagnetic and static fields
  • Electromagnetic waves in free space
  • Maxwell’s equations in linear isotropic media and free space; boundary conditions on the fields at interfaces
  • Magnetostatics: Biot-Savart law, Ampere’s theorem
  • Electrostatics: Gauss’s law and its applications
  • Dielectrics and conductors
  • Scalar and vector potentials, gauge invariance
  • Electromagnetic induction
  • Laplace and Poisson equations, boundary value problems

Unit 4: Quantum Mechanics

  • Pauli exclusion principle, spin-statistics connection
  • Time-dependent perturbation theory and Fermi’s golden rule, selection rules
  • Time Independent perturbation theory and applications
  • Motion in a central potential: the addition of angular momenta, angular momentum algebra, orbital angular momentum, spin; Hydrogen atom
  • Commutators and Heisenberg uncertainty principle
  • Tunneling through a barrier
  • Schrödinger equation (time-dependent and time-independent)
  • Identical particles
  • Variational method
  • Stern-Gerlach experiment
  • Dirac notation for state vectors
  • Wave function in coordinate and momentum representations
  • Eigenvalue problems (harmonic oscillator, particle in a box, etc.)
  • Wave-particle duality

Unit 5: Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics

  • Blackbody radiation and Planck’s distribution law
  • Ideal Bose and Fermi gases
  • The connection of Free energy with thermodynamic quantities
  • Phase space, micro- and macro-states
  • Thermodynamic potentials
  • Principle of detailed balance
  • Classical and quantum statistics
  • Micro-canonical, grand-canonical and canonical ensembles, and partition functions
  • Maxwell relations, chemical potential, phase equilibria
  • Laws of thermodynamics and their consequences

Unit 6: Electronics and Experimental Methods

  • Least Squares fitting
  • Precision and accuracy
  • Microprocessor and microcontroller basics
  • Digital techniques and applications (counters, registers, comparators, and similar circuits)
  • Opto-electronic devices (solar cells, photo-detectors, LEDs)
  • Error analysis, propagation of errors
  • Data interpretation and analysis
  • A/D and D/A converters
  • Operational amplifiers and their applications
  • Semiconductor devices (transistors, diodes, junctions, field effect devices, homo- and hetero-junction devices), device characteristics, device structure, frequency dependence, and applications

CSIR NET Physics Syllabus for Advanced in Detail 

The detailed syllabus of CSIR NET Physical Science Advanced has been stated below.

Unit

Syllabus

Unit 1: Mathematical Methods of Physics

  • Introductory group theory: SU(2), O(3)
  • Finite difference methods
  • Elements of computational techniques: the root of functions, extrapolation, interpolation, integration by trapezoidal and Simpson’s rule
  • Green’s function
  • Tensors
  • The solution of the first-order differential equations using the Runge-Kutta method
  • Partial differential equations (Laplace, Wave, and heat equations in three and two dimensions)

Unit 2: Classical Mechanics

  • Hamilton-Jacobi theory
  • Poisson brackets and canonical transformations
  • Dynamical systems
  • Symmetry, invariance, and Noether’s theorem
  • Phase space dynamics, stability analysis

Unit 3: Electromagnetic Theory

  • Radiation- from moving charges and dipoles and retarded potentials
  • Lorentz invariance of Maxwell’s equation
  • Transmission lines and waveguides
  • Dispersion relations in plasma

Unit 4: Quantum Mechanics

  • Semi-classical theory of radiation
  • Born in approximation
  • WKB approximation
  • Relativistic quantum mechanics: Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations
  • Elementary theory of scattering: phase shifts, partial waves
  • Spin-orbit coupling, fine structure

Unit 5: Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics

  • Introduction to nonequilibrium processes
  • Diffusion equation
  • Ising model
  • First- and second-order phase transitions
  • Random walk and Brownian motion
  • Bose-Einstein condensation
  • Diamagnetism, paramagnetism, and ferromagnetism

Unit 6: Electronics and Experimental Methods 

  • High-frequency devices (including generators and detectors)
  • Impedance matching, amplification (Op-amp based, instrumentation amp, feedback), shielding, filtering and noise reduction, and grounding
  • Measurement and control
  • Linear and nonlinear curve fitting, chi-square test
  • Fourier transforms lock-in detectors, box-car integrators, and modulation techniques
  • Signal conditioning and recovery
  • Transducers (magnetic fields, temperature, optical, pressure/vacuum, vibration, and particle detectors)

Unit 7: Atomic & Molecular Physics

  • Modes of resonators and coherence length
  • Einstein A & B coefficients
  • Born-Oppenheimer approximation
  • Nuclear magnetic resonance, chemical shift
  • Zeeman, Paschen-Bach & Stark effects
  • The spectrum of helium and alkali atoms
  • Quantum states of an electron in an atom
  • Optical pumping, population inversion, rate equation
  • Electronic, vibrational, rotational, selection rules, and Raman spectra of diatomic molecules. Lasers: spontaneous and stimulated emission
  • Frank-Condon principle
  • Electron spin resonance
  • Relativistic corrections for energy levels of the hydrogen atom, hyperfine structure and isotopic shift, width of spectral lines, LS & JJ couplings
  • Electron spin

Unit 8: Condensed Matter Physics 

  • Ordered phases of matter: orientational and translational order, kinds of liquid crystalline order.
  • Quasicrystals
  • Superfluidity
  • Superconductivity: type-I and type-II superconductors
  • Hall effect and thermoelectric power
  • Response and relaxation phenomena
  • Elastic properties, phonons, lattice-specific heat
  • Diffraction and the structure factor
  • Bravais lattices
  • Defects and dislocations
  • Josephson junctions
  • Band theory of solids, Electron motion in a periodic potential: metals, insulators, and semiconductors
  • Drude model of electrical and thermal conductivity
  • Free electron theory and electronic-specific heat
  • Bonding of solids
  • Reciprocal lattice

Unit 9: Nuclear and Particle Physics

  • Relativistic kinematics
  • Application of symmetry arguments to particle reactions
  • Quark model, baryons, and mesons
  • Elementary particles and their quantum numbers (parity, charge, spin, isospin, strangeness, etc.)
  • Nuclear reactions, reaction mechanisms, compound nuclei, and direct reactions
  • Elementary ideas of alpha, beta, and gamma decay and their selection rules
  • Evidence of shell structure, single-particle shell model, validity, and limitations
  • Nature of the nuclear force, nucleon-nucleon potential, charge-independence, and charge-symmetry of nuclear forces
  • Basic nuclear properties: shape, size, charge distribution, spin, and parity
  • Parity non-conservation in the weak interaction
  • C, P, and T invariance
  • Gellmann-Nishijima formula
  • Classification of fundamental forces
  • Fission and fusion
  • Rotational spectra
  • Deuteron problem
  • Binding energy, semi-empirical mass formula, liquid drop model

Download the CSIR NET Syllabus for more information.

Important Topics in CSIR NET Physics Syllabus

Reading the whole syllabus once is crucial to clear the exam with good marks,which also takes a lot of time. But with less time right before the exam, we need not go through the whole syllabus again. We can revise through our notes or we can prepare the important topics strongly before the exam. Some of the important topics related to the CSIR UGC NET Physics syllabus are given below. The syllabus is divided into two major parts: core and advanced.

Important Topics of CSIR NET Physics Syllabus: Core

  • Dimensional Analysis. Vector Algebra and Vector Calculus. Linear Algebra, Matrices, Cayley-hamilton Theorem
  • Elementary Probability Theory, Random Variables, Binomial, Poisson and Normal Distributions. Central Limit Theorem.
  • Electrostatics: Gauss’s Law and Its Applications, Laplace and Poisson Equations, Boundary Value Problems. Magnetostatics: Biot-savart Law, Ampere's Theorem. Electromagnetic Induction.
  • Newton’s Laws. Dynamical Systems, Phase Space Dynamics, Stability Analysis. Central Force Motions. 
  • Reflection and Refraction, Polarization, Fresnel’s Law, Interference, Coherence, and Diffraction.
  • Wave-particle Duality. Schrödinger Equation (Time-dependent and Time-independent). Eigenvalue Problems (Particle in a Box, Harmonic Oscillator, Etc.).
  • Commutators and Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.
  • 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.
  • Principle of Detailed Balance. Blackbody Radiation and Planck's Distribution Law.
  • Semiconductor Devices (Diodes, Junctions, Transistors, Field Effect Devices, Homo- and Hetero-junction Devices), Device Structure, Device Characteristics, Frequency Dependence and Applications.
  • A/d and D/a Converters

Important Topics of CSIR NET Physics Syllabus: Advanced

  • Elements of Computational Techniques.
  • Dynamical Systems, Phase Space Dynamics, Stability Analysis. Poisson Brackets and Canonical Transformations.
  • Lorentz Invariance of Maxwell’s Equation. Transmission Lines and Waveguides
  • Elementary Theory of Scattering: Phase Shifts, Partial Waves, Born Approximation.
  • First- and Second-order Phase Transitions. Diamagnetism, Paramagnetism, and Ferromagnetism.
  • Transducers (Temperature, Pressure/vacuum, Magnetic Fields, Vibration, Optical, and Particle Detectors
  • Quantum States of an Electron in an Atom.
  • Superfluidity. Defects and Dislocations.

For more details, check CSIR NET Physical Science Important Topics here!

Study Material Based on CSIR NET Physics Syllabus

The best way to study for the CSIR NET Physics exam is to use a combination of materials, such as books, notes, test series, previous year's question papers, and coaching for guidance. All these materials play an important role and make a perfect combination for the preparation of the CSIR NET exam. Have a look at CSIR NET Physics Study Material and know how you can use them in your preparation to ace the exam, which is explained below-

CSIR NET Physical Science Online Coaching

With online coaching, you can get access to the best learning materials and expert guidance to ace your preparation. The online courses with Testbook are designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the syllabus and help candidates build a strong understanding of the topics. The courses cover all the topics from the syllabus and provide comprehensive study materials. The study materials provided in CSIR NET Physics online coaching are comprehensive and provide candidates with the necessary information to prepare for the exam.

CSIR NET Physical Science Previous YearQuestion Paper

One of the best ways to get ready for the CSIR NET Physics exam is to practice with the previous year's papers. Candidates can download the Physics previous year papers from Testbook and all the papers can be provided in test format if you enroll in Testbook coaching. Previous year papers help to identify the areas where you need to focus your attention and brush up on your knowledge. The CSIR NET Physical Science previous year papers also help to understand the exam pattern and the marking scheme for the exam.

CSIR NET Physical Science Test Series

Test Series is an ideal resource for preparing for any of the exams including the CSIR NET Physics exam. The series also provides detailed solutions to the questions asked in the exam. 

The CSIR NET Physical Science test series is a great way to improve your performance on the exam. They help candidates understand the exam pattern, familiarize themselves with the topics, and get an idea of the difficulty level of the questions. It also helps to improve time management skills and accuracy levels.

CSIR NET Physical Science Important Questions

Knowing important questions for the CSIR NET Physics exam can be a real advantage for aspirants' success. Not only does it help you to prepare for the exam by focusing on the most important topics, but it also gives an added confidence that few questions can be asked from the topics related to those questions. CSIR NET Physics important questions can be beneficial because they can help to reduce the anxiety and stress of taking an exam and give the student the confidence they need to perform well.

CSIR NET Physical Science Books

Books are a great source of knowledge and can be a great help while preparing for the CSIR NET Physics exams. Books provide accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information that can be used to answer questions in exams accurately. You can highlight the important points and facts and revise them later, in fact, highlight last-minute reading topics or facts to revise them on the last day of the exam. Refer to the best CSIR NET Physical Science books and ace the exam with good marks.

Check CSIR NET Study Materials here!

Question Paper Pattern of Different Units of CSIR NET Physical Science (Last 5 Years)

In the last 5 years, the CSIR NET Physics exam question pattern has covered a wide range of topics from different units. The questions have been designed to test the conceptual understanding of the candidates and their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to solve problems. Some of the units that have been covered in the exam include classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and optics. The questions have ranged from simple to complex, and have tested the candidates' understanding of the fundamental principles of physics. It is important for candidates to have a strong foundation in all these units to perform well in the exam.

Topics

Dec 2019

June 2020

Dec 2020

June 2021

Dec 2021

June 2022

Dec 2022

June 2023

Mathematical Methods of Physics

5 (3½M)

5 (3½M)

5 (3½M)

5 (3½M)

5 (3½M)

5 (3½M)

5 (3½M)

5 (3½M)

Classical Mechanics

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

Electromagnetic Theory

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

Quantum Mechanics

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

Electronics & Experimental Methods

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

4 (3½M)

Atomic & Molecular Physics

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

Condensed Matter Physics

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

Nuclear & Particle Physics

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

3 (3½M)

Total No. of Questions

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

Check the CSIR NET Physical Science Exam Pattern here!

We hope that candidates are now well-equipped with the CSIR NET Physical Science syllabus and exam pattern. To learn more about the CSIR NET examination, candidates should download the Testbook App.

Latest CSIR NET Updates

Last updated on Jun 9, 2025

-> The NTA has released the CSIR NET 2025 Notification for the June session.

-> The CSIR NET Application Form 2025 can be submitted online by 23rd June 2025

-> The CSIR UGC NET is conducted in five subjects -Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. 

-> Postgraduates in the relevant streams can apply for this exam.

-> Candidates must download and practice questions from the CSIR NET Previous year papers. Attempting the CSIR NET mock tests are also very helpful in preparation.

CSIR NET Physical Science Syllabus FAQs

Some of the essential chapters are- Nuclear and Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Condensed Matter Physics, Atomic and Molecular Physics etc.

You can get it from the official website of Testbook and download the PDF from there.

Out of the 30 MCQs, a candidate can attempt a maximum of 20 questions and each question carries 5 marks.

The following topics are included- Mathematical Methods of Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamic & Statistical Physics and Electronics & Experimental Methods.

You must read and revise the books to understand the concepts mentioned in the Physics CSIR NET syllabus.

Part A of syllabus for Physical Science CSIR NET focus on General Aptitude. In contrast, Part B and Part C focus on subject-based questions. The detailed CSIR NET Physical Science syllabus PDF can be downloaded from Testbook’s website.

The CSIR NET Physical Science is a single-paper examination, divided into three parts.

For each wrong answer in Part B, a candidate loses 0.875 marks.

75 multiple-choice questions are asked.

You should read the following topics- Mathematical Methods of Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Classical Mechanics, Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics, Electronics and Experimental Methods, Atomic & Molecular Physics, Condensed Matter Physics and Nuclear & Particle Physics.

It really depends on your background and level of understanding. If you are familiar with the topics covered in the syllabus, then it should not be too difficult to study for the CSIR NET Physics exam.

It is difficult to say which topic is the toughest out of the CSIR NET Physical Science syllabus, as different students have different strengths and weaknesses.

Multiple choice questions (MCQs) are asked in the CSIR NET Physics exam. The exam is divided into three parts and questions are asked from topics like Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Quantum Mechanics among others.

Have you taken your CSIR NET 2025 free test?
Not Yet?

Sign Up and take your free test now!