Hello dear aspirant, If you are preparing to crack the CSIR NET Life Sciences exam in 2025, first thing to know and understand is the syllabus. What are the content of syllabus, Knowing what to study (and how much) can make your preparation smarter and easier.
This post will give you a clear and simplified idea of the syllabus—plus, we’ve added unit-wise weightage to help you focus your energy where it matters most.
so let’s dive in.
Why Knowing the Syllabus Is So Important
Suppose if you want to go somewhere. So what will find first, yes its route or map, from your location to the destination, right! Without it one may be lost and reaching to the destination will be difficult.
Similarly to clear you destination that CSIR NET, one should know the route that is syllabus. But many aspirants start preparing without reading the syllabus properly.
That’s like going on a road trip without a map—you’ll end up wasting time, missing important topics, and maybe even burning out.
The CSIR NET Life Sciences syllabus is broad but structured. Once you break it down, it’s not as overwhelming as it looks.
Subject-wise CSIR NET Life Sciences Syllabus 2025
Here’s the unit-wise table with approx weightage to help you visualize your entire preparation journey:
| Unit | Topic | Weightage (Approx.) | What to Expect |
| 1 | Molecules and their Interaction | 8–10% | Biomolecules, enzymes, metabolism – your biochemistry base. |
| 2 | Cellular Organization | 8–10% | Organelles, membranes, and the cytoskeleton. |
| 3 | Fundamental Processes | 10–12% | DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis. Super important. |
| 4 | Cell Communication & Signaling | 8–10% | Signal transduction, cancer biology. |
| 5 | Developmental Biology | 6–8% | Animal & plant development stages and genes. |
| 6 | System Physiology – Plant | 5–6% | Photosynthesis, transport, hormones. |
| 7 | System Physiology – Animal | 5–6% | Nervous system, circulation, hormones. |
| 8 | Inheritance Biology | 6–8% | Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics. |
| 9 | Diversity of Life Forms | 4–6% | Classification, microbes, protists. |
| 10 | Ecological Principles | 6–8% | Ecosystems, energy flow, population ecology. |
| 11 | Evolution and Behavior | 6–8% | Natural selection, social behavior. |
| 12 | Applied Biology | 4–5% | Biotechnology, bioinformatics. |
| 13 | Methods in Biology | 10–12% | Lab techniques, instrumentation, microscopy. |
If you are down here than you know the major unit and the weightages. This is the broad view of the syllabus, and some important topic in it.
Notes:
- Weightage varies slightly each year but typically aligns with the table above.
- Units 1, 2, 3, and 13 tend to carry more weight, especially in Part C questions.
- It’s advisable to prioritize core molecular biology, genetics, methods, and fundamental processes during preparation.
How to Use This Breakdown for Smarter Prep
Let’s say you’re just starting out or have limited time. Focus more on:
The unit 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 are the common unit for most of the biological science. So you should prepare and give time to this unit proper time. Because it contain major part of the syllabus and it is also help to solve many question from part C.
Now you are core life science the respective unit is added advantage, otherwise take important topics like development and regulation (hormones etc) and prepare accordingly.
anyway the unit 9,10,11 are very important, for applied subject aspirant it may look little tough but actually easy. from the weightage point of view unit 13 is also important and only few technique are more important like microscope, spectroscopy and chromatography etc.
Download the Official CSIR NET Syllabus PDF
Always keep the official document handy. It helps when you feel lost or want to double-check your topics.
Click here to download the official CSIR NET Life Sciences syllabus PDF (2025)
otherwise here are the unit and topics for the reference from official site.
Unit- I: MOLECULES AND THEIR INTERACTION RELAVENT TO BIOLOGY
- Structure of atoms, molecules and chemical bonds. Composition, structure and function of biomolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and vitamins).
- Stablizing interactions (Van der Waals, electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction, etc.).Principles of biophysical chemistry (pH, buffer, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, colligative properties).
- Principles of catalysis, enzymes and enzyme kinetics, enzyme regulation, mechanism of enzyme catalysis, isozymes
- Conformation of proteins (Ramachandran plot, secondary structure, domains, motif and folds) Stability of proteins and nucleic acids.
- Conformation of nucleic acids (helix (A, B, Z), t-RNA, micro-RNA).
- Metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids nucleotides and vitamins. Bioenergetics, glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, coupled reaction, grouptransfer, biological energy transducers.
Unit 2: Cellular Organization
| Section | Topic | Subtopics Covered |
| A | Membrane Structure and Function | – Model membrane structure- Lipid bilayer- Membrane protein diffusion- Osmosis and ion channels- Active transport & pumps- Sorting and regulation of intracellular transport- Electrical properties of membranes |
| B | Intracellular Organelles | – Cell wall- Nucleus- Mitochondria- Golgi bodies- Lysosomes- Endoplasmic reticulum- Peroxisomes- Plastids & vacuoles- Chloroplasts- Cytoskeleton structure & motility function |
| C | Gene & Chromosome Organization | – Operon model- Unique and repetitive DNA- Interrupted genes- Gene families- Chromatin & chromosome structure- Heterochromatin & euchromatin- Transposons |
| D | Cell Division and Cycle | – Mitosis and meiosis- Phases of the cell cycle- Regulation and control of the cycle |
| E | Microbial Physiology | – Microbial growth characteristics- Yield & division strategies- Stress responses |
Unit 3: Fundamental Processes
| Section | Topic | Subtopics Covered |
| A | DNA Replication, Repair & Recombination | – Unit of replication- DNA polymerases & other enzymes- Replication origin & fork- Replication fidelity- Extrachromosomal replicons- DNA damage & repair mechanisms- Homologous and site-specific recombination |
| B | RNA Synthesis & Processing | – Transcription factors and machinery- Formation of initiation complex- Activators and repressors- RNA polymerases- Transcription: capping, elongation, termination- RNA processing: editing, splicing, polyadenylation- Types and roles of RNA- RNA transport |
| C | Protein Synthesis & Processing | – Ribosome structure and function- Initiation complex and factors- Elongation & elongation factors- Termination of translation- Genetic code- Aminoacylation of tRNA & tRNA identity- Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase- Translational proofreading- Translational inhibitors- Post-translational modifications |
| D | Gene Expression Control | – Regulation in phages and viruses- Prokaryotic gene regulation (operons etc.)- Eukaryotic gene regulation- Chromatin remodeling & role in gene expression- Gene silencing mechanisms |
Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Signaling
| Section | Topic | Subtopics Covered |
| A | Host-Parasite Interaction | – Recognition & entry of pathogens (bacteria, viruses) into host cells (animal & plant) – Pathogen-induced behavioral changes in host cells – Virus-induced cell transformation – Diseases caused by pathogens in animals and plants – Cell-cell fusion (normal vs abnormal conditions) |
| B | Cell Signaling | – Hormones and their receptors – Cell surface receptors – G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling – Signal transduction pathways & second messengers – Regulation of signaling pathways – Two-component systems (bacterial & plant) – Light signaling in plants – Bacterial chemotaxis & quorum sensing |
| C | Cellular Communication | – Hematopoiesis regulation – Principles of cell communication – Cell adhesion & adhesion molecules – Gap junctions – Extracellular matrix (ECM) & integrins – Neurotransmission and its regulation |
| D | Cancer Biology | – Genetic rearrangements in progenitor cells – Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes – Cancer and cell cycle regulation – Virus-induced cancers – Metastasis and cancer cell interactions – Apoptosis and programmed cell death – Therapeutic strategies for cancer |
| E | Innate & Adaptive Immunity | – Innate vs adaptive immune responses – Antigens, antigenicity, and immunogenicity – B and T cell epitopes – Antibody structure, function, and diversity – Monoclonal antibodies & antibody engineering – Antigen-antibody interactions – MHC molecules, antigen processing & presentation – B and T cell activation & differentiation – Humoral and cell-mediated immunity – Primary and secondary immune responses – Complement system & Toll-like receptors – Cell-mediated effector functions – Inflammation, hypersensitivity, autoimmunity – Immune response in infections (TB, malaria, HIV) – Immunodeficiencies (congenital and acquired) – Vaccines and immunoprophylaxis |
- Sections B, D, and E are heavily featured in Part C questions.
- Immunology and signaling are deeply conceptual—make diagrams and flowcharts as your best friends!
Unit 5: Developmental Biology
| Section | Topic | Subtopics Covered |
| A | Basic Concepts of Development | – Potency, commitment, specification – Induction and competence – Determination and differentiation – Morphogenetic gradients – Cell fate & cell lineage mapping – Stem cells & their properties – Genomic equivalence and cytoplasmic determinants – Imprinting mechanisms – Use of mutants and transgenics to study development |
| B | Gametogenesis, Fertilization & Early Development | – Gamete production in animals – Sperm-egg recognition via surface molecules – Embryo sac development in plants – Double fertilization process – Zygote formation, cleavage, blastula – Embryonic fields and gastrulation – Germ layer formation in animals – Embryogenesis and symmetry in plants – Seed formation and germination |
| C | Morphogenesis & Organogenesis in Animals | – Cell aggregation & differentiation in Dictyostelium – Axis and pattern formation in Drosophila, amphibians, chicks – Organ development: vulva in C. elegans, eye lens, vertebrate limbs – Neuron differentiation – Post-embryonic stages: larval formation, metamorphosis – Role of environment in normal development – Sex determination mechanisms |
| D | Morphogenesis & Organogenesis in Plants | – Organization of shoot & root apical meristem – Shoot, root, and leaf development – Phyllotaxy (leaf arrangement) – Transition to flowering – Floral meristems and floral development (Arabidopsis, Antirrhinum) |
| E | Programmed Cell Death, Aging & Senescence | – Mechanisms of programmed cell death (PCD) – Developmental role of PCD – Aging processes and cellular senescence in animals and plants |
Study Tips
- Start with A & B to build foundational understanding of development and early life stages.
- Use diagrams, specially for cleavage patterns, germ layers, and organogenesis.
- Understand model organisms (Drosophila, C. elegans, Arabidopsis)—frequent topics in Part C questions.
- Prepare short notes or flashcards for developmental terms and stages.
Unit 6: System Physiology – Plant
| Section | Topic | Subtopics Covered |
| A | Photosynthesis | – Light harvesting complexes (LHC) – Mechanism of electron transport – Photoprotective mechanisms (e.g., non-photochemical quenching) – Carbon fixation pathways: C₃, C₄, and CAM |
| B | Respiration & Photorespiration | – Citric Acid Cycle (TCA cycle) – Plant mitochondrial electron transport – ATP synthesis in plants – Alternate oxidase pathway – Photorespiratory pathway |
| C | Nitrogen Metabolism | – Nitrate assimilation – Ammonium assimilation – Biosynthesis of amino acids |
| D | Plant Hormones | – Biosynthesis, transport, and degradation of hormones – Physiological roles of auxin, cytokinin, gibberellins, ethylene, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, etc. – Mechanisms of hormone action |
| E | Sensory Photobiology | – Phytochromes, cryptochromes, phototropins: structure and function – Mechanisms of light perception – Stomatal movement regulation – Photoperiodism – Biological clocks in plants |
| F | Solute Transport & Photoassimilate Translocation | – Uptake and transport of water, ions, solutes, and macromolecules – Cell membrane and xylem/phloem pathways – Transpiration – Loading and unloading of photoassimilates |
| G | Secondary Metabolites | – Biosynthesis of terpenes, phenols, and nitrogenous compounds – Functional roles in plant physiology and defense |
| H | Stress Physiology | – Plant responses to biotic stresses (pathogens, insects) – Responses to abiotic stresses (drought, salinity, heat, cold) – Stress signaling and adaptation mechanisms |
Tips
- Focus on C₃, C₄, CAM, and photorespiration differences—frequent in exams.
- Use visual flowcharts for hormone biosynthesis and action.
- Understand the real-life relevance of stress physiology—a favorite for application-based questions
Unit 7: System Physiology – Animal
| Section | Topic | Subtopics Covered |
| A | Blood and Circulation | – Blood corpuscles and their functions – Hemopoiesis & formed elements – Plasma and its functions – Blood volume & its regulation – Blood groups – Hemoglobin structure and function – Basics of immunity – Hemostasis (clotting mechanisms) |
| B | Cardiovascular System | – Comparative heart anatomy (invertebrates & vertebrates) – Myogenic heart & specialized cardiac tissues – ECG: principle and interpretation – Cardiac cycle phases – Heart as a pump – Blood pressure regulation – Neural and hormonal control |
| C | Respiratory System | – Respiratory systems in different species – Anatomy of lungs and respiratory structures – Gas exchange and transport – Elimination of respiratory wastes – Neural and chemical regulation of breathing |
| D | Nervous System | – Neuron structure and function – Action potential mechanism – Brain and spinal cord overview – Central vs peripheral nervous systems – Control of muscle tone and posture |
| E | Sense Organs | – Vision mechanism – Hearing and auditory pathways – Tactile (touch) response |
| F | Excretory System | – Comparative physiology of excretion – Kidney function and structure – Urine formation and concentration – Regulation of micturition – Water, blood volume, and electrolyte balance – Acid-base balance mechanisms |
| G | Thermoregulation | – Concepts of comfort zone – Regulation of body temperature (physical, chemical, neural mechanisms) – Acclimatization to temperature variations |
| H | Stress and Adaptation | – Physiological responses to stress – Hormonal and systemic adaptations to environmental challenges |
| I | Digestive System | – Digestion and absorption processes – Energy balance – Basal metabolic rate (BMR) |
| J | Endocrinology & Reproduction | – Major endocrine glands and their hormones – Hormone action mechanisms – Hormone-related diseases – Reproductive physiology – Gametogenesis, ovulation – Neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction |
Tips for Aspirants:
- Cardiovascular, nervous, and excretory systems are highly conceptual—focus on understanding mechanisms over memorization.
- Create flowcharts and diagrams for hormone pathways, gas exchange, and urine formation.
- Revise with clinical relevance or examples, especially for endocrine and reproductive topics.
- Use previous year questions to identify which organ systems are frequently asked.
Unit 8: Inheritance Biology
| Section | Topic | Subtopics Covered |
| A | Mendelian Principles | – Principles of dominance, segregation, and independent assortment |
| B | Concept of Gene | – Alleles and multiple alleles – Pseudoalleles – Complementation tests |
| C | Extensions of Mendelian Principles | – Codominance & incomplete dominance – Gene interactions – Pleiotropy – Genomic imprinting – Penetrance & expressivity – Phenocopy – Linkage & crossing over – Sex-linked, sex-limited, and sex-influenced traits |
| D | Gene Mapping Methods | – Classical linkage maps – Tetrad analysis (fungi) – Molecular marker mapping – Mapping via somatic cell hybrids – Plant mapping population development |
| E | Extranuclear Inheritance | – Mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA inheritance – Maternal inheritance patterns |
| F | Microbial Genetics | – Horizontal gene transfer: transformation, conjugation, transduction, sexduction – Gene mapping via interrupted mating – Fine structure gene analysis |
| G | Human Genetics | – Pedigree analysis – Lod score method for linkage – Human karyotyping – Common genetic disorders |
| H | Quantitative Genetics | – Polygenic (multifactorial) inheritance – Heritability concepts and measurements – QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) mapping |
| I | Mutation | – Mutation types and causes – Detection techniques – Mutant types: lethal, conditional, biochemical, loss/gain of function – Germinal vs somatic mutations – Insertional mutagenesis |
| J | Chromosomal Alterations | – Structural: deletions, duplications, inversions, translocations – Numerical: aneuploidy, polyploidy – Genetic implications of alterations |
| K | Recombination | – Homologous recombination – Non-homologous recombination – Transposition mechanisms (e.g. transposons) |
Study Tips:
- Focus on gene interaction problems and linkage mapping—these are highly testable.
- Practice pedigree analysis and mutation classifications.
- Draw conceptual flowcharts for microbial genetics and recombination type
Unit 9: Diversity of Life Forms
| Section | Topic | Subtopics Covered |
| A | Principles & Methods of Taxonomy | – Concepts of species – Hierarchical classification (domain to species) – Biological nomenclature (binomial, rules of naming) – Classical taxonomy methods – Quantitative (numerical) taxonomy for plants, animals, and microbes |
| B | Levels of Structural Organization | – Unicellular, colonial, and multicellular forms – Tissue, organ, and organ system organization – Comparative anatomy across groups – Adaptive radiation and morphological modifications |
| C | Outline Classification of Life Forms | – Classification criteria for plants, animals, and microbes – Overview of plant taxonomy (e.g., bryophytes, gymnosperms, angiosperms) – Animal classification (invertebrates to vertebrates) – Microorganism taxonomy (bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi) – Evolutionary relationships and phylogeny among taxa |
| D | Natural History of Indian Subcontinent | – Major ecosystems: forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, mangroves – Biogeographic zones and species migration – Common mammals and birds of India – Seasonal patterns and phenology in Indian ecosystems |
| E | Organisms of Health & Agricultural Importance | – Common human parasites and pathogens (e.g., Plasmodium, Ascaris) – Pathogens of livestock (e.g., Trypanosoma, helminths) – Crop diseases and pests (e.g., fungal pathogens, nematodes, insects) |
| F | Organisms of Conservation Concern | – Rare and endangered flora and fauna – IUCN categories – Biodiversity hotspots – National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves – Conservation methods and strategies (in situ and ex situ) |
Tips:
- Diagrams and flowcharts work great for classification and taxonomy.
- Know examples of species (especially Indian mammals, birds, and crops) for match-the-following or assertion-reason type questions.
- Pay attention to conservation laws, species status, and habitat types
Unit 10: Ecological Principles
| Topic | Subtopics Covered |
| The Environment | – Physical environment (climate, soil, water) – Biotic environment (living organisms) – Interactions between biotic and abiotic components |
| Habitat and Niche | – Concepts of habitat vs. niche – Niche width and overlap – Fundamental vs. realized niche – Resource partitioning – Character displacement |
| Population Ecology | – Population characteristics (size, density, dispersion) – Population growth models: exponential & logistic – Population regulation (density-dependent and -independent) – Life history strategies: r- and K-selection – Metapopulations: demes, dispersal, interdemic extinctions – Age-structured population dynamics |
| Species Interactions | – Interspecific interactions: competition, herbivory, carnivory, parasitism, mutualism – Pollination ecology – Symbiotic relationships |
| Community Ecology | – Community structure and attributes – Species diversity levels and indices (Shannon, Simpson, etc.) – Ecotones and edge effects |
| Ecological Succession | – Primary and secondary succession – Mechanisms: facilitation, inhibition, tolerance – Changes during succession – Climax community concept |
| Ecosystem Ecology | – Ecosystem structure and components – Functions: energy flow and nutrient cycling (Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus) – Primary productivity and decomposition – Case studies: Indian ecosystems (forest, grassland, freshwater, marine, estuarine) |
| Biogeography | – Global terrestrial biomes (e.g., tundra, rainforest, desert) – Island biogeography theory – Biogeographic zones of India |
| Applied Ecology | – Types of environmental pollution (air, water, soil) – Global environmental change (climate change, ozone depletion) – Biodiversity status and threats – Monitoring and documentation of biodiversity – Major biodiversity drivers and management strategies |
| Conservation Biology | – Core principles of conservation – Approaches to management: in situ and ex situ – Indian case studies: Project Tiger, Biosphere Reserves, etc. |
Tips:
- Use case studies and examples, especially for conservation topics and Indian ecosystems.
- Practice population growth curves and understand diversity indices formulas.
- Diagrams help simplify nutrient cycles and energy flow.
Unit 11: Evolution and Behaviour
| Section | Topic | Subtopics Covered |
| A | Emergence of Evolutionary Thoughts | – Lamarck’s theory – Darwinian principles: variation, adaptation, natural selection, struggle, fitness – Mendelism and its integration with evolution – Spontaneity of mutations – Modern Evolutionary Synthesis (Neo-Darwinism) |
| B | Origin of Cells and Unicellular Evolution | – Abiotic synthesis of organic molecules (Oparin-Haldane hypothesis) – Miller’s 1953 experiment – Origin of first cells – Evolution of prokaryotes to eukaryotes – Evolution of metabolic pathways: anaerobic, photosynthesis, aerobic respiration |
| C | Paleontology and Evolutionary History | – Evolutionary time scale (Eras, Periods, Epochs) – Major evolutionary events (origin of life, multicellularity, land colonization) – Phylogenetic history of plants and animals – Human and primate evolution stages (e.g., Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Homo sapiens) |
| D | Molecular Evolution | – Neutral theory of molecular evolution – Molecular clocks and divergence – Phylogenetics using molecular tools – Protein and nucleotide sequence comparison – Gene duplication and new gene evolution |
| E | Mechanisms of Evolution | – Population genetics: gene pool, gene frequency – Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium – Evolutionary forces: natural selection, genetic drift, migration, mutation – Speciation: allopatric and sympatric – Adaptive radiation and convergent evolution – Sexual selection and co-evolution – Isolating mechanisms (pre- and post-zygotic) |
| F | Brain, Behaviour and Evolution | – Behavioral biology: proximate vs ultimate causation – Evolution of altruism: group, kin, and reciprocal selection – Neural basis of memory, cognition, learning, sleep, arousal – Biological rhythms and clocks – Social behavior: communication, dominance, territory – Mating systems, parental care, reproductive strategies – Aggression, habitat choice, optimal foraging theory – Migration, orientation, and navigation – Domestication effects on behavior |
Study Tips:
- For Molecular Evolution and Population Genetics, practice numerical questions.
- Use timelines and flowcharts to understand evolutionary events and human evolution stages
Unit 12: Applied Biology
| Section | Topic | Key Concepts Covered |
| A | Microbial Fermentation and Production | – Microbial fermentation processes – Production of small molecules (e.g., ethanol, antibiotics) – Production of macromolecules (e.g., enzymes, biopolymers) |
| B | Immunology and Tissue Culture | – Immunological principles and applications – Vaccines and diagnostic methods – Tissue culture techniques for plants and animals (micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis, cell culture) |
| C | Transgenics and Molecular Diagnosis | – Development and applications of transgenic animals and plants – Molecular methods for strain identification and disease diagnosis |
| D | Genomics and Applications | – Basics of genomics – Applications in health (gene therapy) and agriculture (crop improvement) – Functional genomics and genome editing |
| E | Bioresources and Biodiversity Uses | – Utilization of bioresources – Importance and sustainable use of biodiversity in agriculture, medicine, and industry |
| F | Breeding in Plants and Animals | – Conventional breeding methods – Marker-assisted selection (MAS) and modern breeding technologies |
| G | Bioremediation and Phytoremediation | – Use of microorganisms and plants to clean pollutants – Principles and examples of bioremediation and phytoremediation |
| H | Biosensors | – Concept and types of biosensors – Applications in health, environment, and agriculture |
- Understand key terms and concepts—e.g., difference between bioremediation and phytoremediation
Unit-13: Methods in Biology
| Section | Topic | Key Concepts Covered |
| A | Molecular Biology & Recombinant DNA Methods | – Isolation & purification of RNA, DNA (genomic & plasmid), proteins – Gel electrophoresis (1D, 2D), isoelectric focusing – Molecular cloning in bacteria & eukaryotes – Expression of recombinant proteins – Genomic & cDNA libraries (plasmid, phage, cosmid, BAC, YAC) – In vitro mutagenesis, gene knockouts – DNA sequencing & genome sequencing strategies – Analysis of gene expression (microarrays) – Separation & analysis of carbohydrates & lipids – DNA fingerprinting techniques: RFLP, RAPD, AFLP |
| B | Histochemical and Immunotechniques | – Antibody generation and detection methods – ELISA, RIA, Western blot, immunoprecipitation – Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy – In situ localization (FISH, GISH) |
| C | Biophysical Methods | – Molecular analysis by UV/visible, fluorescence, CD, NMR, ESR spectroscopy – Molecular structure determination by X-ray diffraction and NMR – Light scattering, mass spectrometry, surface plasmon resonance |
| D | Statistical Methods | – Measures of central tendency & dispersal – Probability distributions (Binomial, Poisson, Normal) – Sampling distributions, parametric vs non-parametric tests – Confidence intervals, errors, significance levels – Regression, correlation, t-test, ANOVA, Chi-square test – Basic multivariate statistics |
| E | Radiolabeling Techniques | – Use and detection of radioisotopes in biology – Incorporation of radioisotopes in tissues and cells – Molecular imaging of radioactive materials – Safety guidelines in radiolabeling |
| F | Microscopic Techniques | – Light microscopy and resolving power – Microscopy of living cells – Electron microscopy (scanning & transmission EM) – Fixation and staining methods for EM – Freeze-etch and freeze-fracture methods – Image processing in microscopy |
| G | Electrophysiological Methods | – Single neuron & patch-clamp recording – ECG, brain activity recording – Brain lesion, stimulation studies – Pharmacological testing – Imaging methods: PET, MRI, fMRI, CAT |
| H | Methods in Field Biology | – Estimating population density of animals & plants – Direct, indirect, remote observations – Sampling methods in behavioral studies – Habitat characterization: ground and remote sensing |
Tips:
- Focus on understanding the principles behind each technique rather than just memorizing.
- Know applications and typical use cases (e.g., when to use flow cytometry vs Western blot)
Final Tips for Syllabus-Based Preparation
- Start with familiar topics to build momentum.
- Break the syllabus into weekly goals.
- Use the weightage to prioritize but not to skip! Low-weight topics are still scoring.
- Keep ticking off topics—it’s motivating and keeps you on track.
- Combine theory + MCQ practice + PYQs for each unit.
A Quick Word of Motivation
You don’t need to memorize the entire syllabus in one week. CSIR NET is about deep understanding, not just cramming. With the syllabus in hand and a smart plan in place, you’re already halfway there.
Stay focused. Stay curious.