CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus 2025: Download PDF

CSIR NET life science syllabus 2025 covers topics from molecules and their interaction concerning biology, cellular organisation, processes of DNA and RNA, cell signalling, plant physiology, animal physiology, life form and their diversity, and more.

The CSIR NET life science is conducted for three hours, and the maximum mark is 200. The CSIR NET life science syllabus 2025 is divided into three sections; you must attempt all those to complete the exam. Additionally, for each incorrect answer, ¼ marks will be deducted. 

CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus 2025

CSIR NET life science syllabus 2025 is categorised into 13 sections. The life science CSIR NET syllabus mainly focuses on the biological aspects of evolution, diversity in life forms, methods applied in biology, ecological principles, and more.

The same is mentioned in the CSIR NET syllabus life science PDF 2025; which is shared below.

Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology

CSIR NET life science syllabus 2025 first unit deals with molecules and their interaction. The detailed syllabus is as follows:

• Structure of atoms, molecules, and chemical bonds.
• Composition, structure, and function of biomolecules.
• Stabilising interactions.
• Principles of biophysical chemistry.
• Bioenergetics, oxidative, glycolysis phosphorylation, coupled reaction, biological energy transducers, group transfer.
• Principles of catalysis
• Enzymes and enzyme kinetics, enzyme regulation, mechanism of enzyme catalysis, isozymes.
• Conformation of proteins.
• Conformation of nucleic acids.
• Stability of proteins and nucleic acids.
• Metabolism of carbohydrates.

Cellular Organisation

The functioning and structure of the cellular organism are discussed in this part of the CSIR NET life science syllabus. 

• Membrane structure and function.
• Structural organisation and function of intracellular organelles.
• The organisation of genes and chromosomes.
• Cell division and cell cycle.
• Microbial Physiology.

Fundamental Processes

CSIR NET life science syllabus 2025 third part focuses on DNA, RNA, and their fundamental process. The details are as follows:

• DNA replication, repair, and recombination.
• RNA synthesis and processing.
• Protein synthesis and processing.
• Control of gene expression - transcription and translation level.

Cell Communication and Cell Signaling

CSIR NET question papers life sciences carry a good weightage from this section. The formation of cell communication and cell signalling is covered in this part. 

• Host-parasite interaction.
• Cell signalling.
• Cellular communication.
• Innate and adaptive immune system.
• Cancer.

Developmental Biology

CSIR NET life science syllabus PDF contains a detailed discussion of the concepts of biology and its development. The same is mentioned below:

• All the basic concepts of developmental biology.
• Gametogenesis, fertilisation, and early development.
• Morphogenesis and organogenesis in animals and plants.
• Programmed cell death, ageing, and senescence.

System Physiology in Plants

CSIR NET life science syllabus 2025 of physiology in plants is as follows. The functioning of plants is discussed in this part. 

• Photosynthesis.
• Nitrogen metabolism.
• Respiration and photorespiration.
• Plant hormones.
• Solute transport and photoassimilate translocation.
• Sensory Photobiology.
• Stress Physiology.
• Secondary metabolites.

System Physiology in Animals

CSIR NET life science syllabus 2025 PDF elaborates on the physiology of animals. The topics covered are as follows:

• Sense organs.
• Blood and circulation.
• Nervous system.
• Cardiovascular System.
• Respiratory system.
• Excretory system.
• Thermoregulation.
• Stress and adaptation.
• Endocrinology and reproduction.
• Digestive system.

Inheritance Biology

CSIR NET life science covers the topic of inheritance of biology. The following are discussed in the unit. 

• Mendelian principles.
• Extensions of Mendelian principles.
• Concept of genes.
• Gene mapping methods.
• Microbial genetics.
• Human genetics.
• Quantitative genetics.
• Extra chromosomal inheritance.
• Structural and numerical alterations of chromosomes.
• Mutation.
• Recombination.

Diversity of Life Forms

CSIR NET life science syllabus PDF download is available below. However, the topics covered in the diversity of life forms are as follows:

• Principles & methods of taxonomy.
• Levels of structural organisation.
• Outline the classification of plants, animals & microorganisms.
• Natural history of the Indian subcontinent.
• Organisms of health & agricultural importance.
• Organisms of conservation concern.

Ecological Principles

CSIR NET life science syllabus 2025 covers the topic of ecological principles. Here the entire functioning of the ecosystem is dealt. 

• Habitat and Niche.
• Population Ecology.
• Species Interactions.
• Community Ecology.
• Ecosystem Ecology.
• Applied Ecology.
• Ecological Succession.
• Biogeography.
• Conservation Biology.

Evolution and Behaviour

CSIR NET life science evolution and behaviour discuss the changes in cells, molecules, and their history.  

• The emergence of evolutionary thoughts.
• Molecular Evolution.
• Origin of cells and unicellular evolution.
• Paleontology and Evolutionary History.
• Brain, Behavior, and Evolution.

Applied Biology

CSIR NET life science syllabus 2025 of applied biology covers the applications of vaccines, diagnosis, cells, and tissues. The details are as follows:

• Application of immunological principles, vaccines, and diagnostics. 
• Tissue and cell culture - for plants and animals.
• Microbial fermentation and production.
• Transgenic animals and plants.
• Molecular approaches to diagnosis and strain identification.
• Genomics and its application to agriculture and health (comprising gene therapy).
• Bioresources and uses of biodiversity.
• Breeding in plants and animals, including markers–assisted selection.
• Bioremediation and phytoremediation.
• Biosensors.

Methods in Biology

CSIR NET life science methods of biology topics are as follows. The same is discussed in the syllabus PDF. 

• Molecular Biology and Recombinant DNA methods.
• Histochemical and Immunotechniques.
• Biophysical Method.
• Statistical Methods.
• Radiolabeling techniques.
• Microscopic techniques.
• Electrophysiological methods.
• Methods in field biology.

CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus PDF Download Link 2025

You can check out the pdf link shared below showing the detailed CSIR NET Life Science syllabus. It will help you understand the topics in detail and prepare well for the paper.

Also Read: CSIR NET General Aptitude Syllabus

CSIR NET Life Science Books

Best books for CSIR NET life science are available both online and offline. Some of the advantages of CSIR NET life science books are as follows:

• The books are updated regularly according to the CSIR NET life science syllabus 2025.
• The entire CSIR NET life science syllabus 2025 is covered in the books with in-depth analysis.
• CSIR NET life science study materials are also written by experts. These can provide the candidates with valuable insights and guidance on approaching the exam and preparing for it effectively.
• CSIR NET exam pattern life science is also covered and explained in the books.
• Additionally, CSIR NET life science mock tests are also covered in some of the books.  

You can check out the detailed book list for the CSIR NET Life Science paper provided in the table below.

Also Read: CSIR NET Life Science Important Topics - Books

CSIR NET Life Science Syllabus 2025 Model Question Paper

Candidates with a postgraduate degree in M.Sc fall under CSIR NET life science eligibility. CSIR NET life science syllabus 2025 can be prepared by downloading the model question paper. The CSIR NET life science exam pattern is covered in the model paper. 

Also Read: What are the Differences Between CSIR NET and UGC NET?

CSIR NET Life Science Previous Year Question Paper

CSIR NET question papers life sciences with answers PDF is added in the table. You can download the CSIR NET life science PDF and start preparing. The CSIR NET answer key 2025 life science will help you to check the number of correct answers. 

Also Read: Best CSIR NET Coaching in India