The CSIR NET Physical Sciences syllabus is designed to test deep subject knowledge in Physics along with general aptitude. It is divided into three parts: Part A (General Aptitude), Part B (Core Physics), and Part C (Advanced Physics).
If you are planning to appear for the upcoming exam, this article will help you understand the CSIR NET Physical Sciences syllabus in detail, including topic-wise coverage, weightage, and exam pattern.
📌 CSIR NET Physical Sciences Exam Pattern
- Total Marks: 200
- Total Questions: 75 (all compulsory)
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Negative Marking: Yes (25% for Part A & B, 33% for Part C)
Question Distribution:
| Part | Questions Asked | Marks/Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A (General Aptitude) | 20 (Attempt all) | 2 marks | 30 |
| Part B (Core Physics) | 25 (Attempt all) | 3.5 marks | 70 |
| Part C (Advanced Physics) | 30 (Attempt all) | 5 marks | 100 |
| Total | 75 | – | 200 |
👉 The major weightage lies in Part B & C (Physics topics).
📝 Detailed CSIR NET Physical Sciences Syllabus
🔹 Part A: General Aptitude (Common to All Subjects)
- Numerical Ability: Numbers, averages, ratios, percentages, time & work, time & distance, profit & loss.
- Reasoning Ability: Series, coding-decoding, puzzles, syllogisms, data interpretation, logical reasoning.
- Analytical & Graphical Analysis: Pie charts, bar graphs, data sufficiency.
- General Science & Research Aptitude: Basics of scientific methodology, environmental awareness.
🔹 Part B: Core Physics (Fundamentals of Physics)
1. Mathematical Physics
- Vector algebra, vector calculus
- Fourier series & Fourier transform
- Laplace transform
- Linear algebra: matrices, eigenvalues, eigenvectors
- Differential equations (ODE & PDE)
- Complex analysis, contour integration
- Probability & statistics
2. Classical Mechanics
- Newton’s laws of motion, conservation laws
- Central force problem: planetary motion, Kepler’s laws
- Lagrangian & Hamiltonian formulation
- Rigid body dynamics
- Small oscillations & normal modes
- Non-inertial reference frames, Coriolis force
3. Electromagnetic Theory
- Maxwell’s equations & their applications
- Wave equations, propagation of EM waves
- Reflection, refraction, polarization, interference, diffraction
- Transmission lines, waveguides
- Radiation from moving charges
4. Quantum Mechanics
- Wave-particle duality, Schrödinger equation
- Particle in a box, potential wells, harmonic oscillator
- Angular momentum, spin, Pauli matrices
- Hydrogen atom
- Approximation methods (time-independent perturbation, WKB)
5. Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics
- Laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic potentials
- Maxwell relations, phase transitions
- Microcanonical, canonical & grand canonical ensembles
- Partition function, Bose-Einstein & Fermi-Dirac statistics
- Blackbody radiation, specific heat
6. Electronics & Experimental Physics
- Semiconductor devices: diodes, transistors, FET, MOSFET
- Amplifiers, oscillators, OP-AMP circuits
- Digital electronics: logic gates, flip-flops, Boolean algebra
- Measurement techniques & error analysis
- Detectors, particle accelerators
🔹 Part C: Advanced Physics (Application-Based & Analytical Questions)
1. Advanced Quantum Mechanics
- Matrix mechanics, Dirac notation
- Angular momentum algebra
- Approximation methods in detail
- Scattering theory – Born approximation, partial wave analysis
- Identical particles & spin-statistics
2. Atomic & Molecular Physics
- Fine structure, hyperfine structure, Zeeman & Stark effect
- Selection rules
- Molecular spectroscopy: rotational, vibrational, Raman
- Lasers & masers
3. Nuclear & Particle Physics
- Nuclear forces & models (liquid drop, shell model)
- Radioactivity, nuclear reactions, fission & fusion
- Particle accelerators & detectors
- Fundamental particles & interactions
- Symmetries & conservation laws in particle physics
4. Condensed Matter Physics
- Crystal structure, reciprocal lattice, Brillouin zones
- X-ray diffraction & lattice vibrations
- Free electron theory, band theory of solids
- Semiconductor physics, superconductivity
- Magnetism: paramagnetic, diamagnetic, ferromagnetic materials
5. Mathematical & Computational Physics
- Green’s functions
- Path integrals
- Numerical methods for solving differential equations
- Monte Carlo methods, finite difference methods
6. Advanced Electromagnetism & Optics
- Radiation theory, multipole expansion
- Relativistic electrodynamics
- Wave optics & Fourier optics
- Nonlinear optics, fiber optics, laser physics
📊 CSIR NET Physical Sciences Syllabus – Topic Weightage
| Topic | Weightage (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Mathematical Physics | 12–15 Marks |
| Classical Mechanics | 10–12 Marks |
| Electromagnetic Theory | 15–18 Marks |
| Quantum Mechanics | 20–25 Marks |
| Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics | 12–15 Marks |
| Electronics & Experimental Physics | 8–10 Marks |
| Atomic & Molecular Physics | 10–12 Marks |
| Nuclear & Particle Physics | 12–15 Marks |
| Condensed Matter Physics | 15–18 Marks |
| Advanced Topics (Optics, Computational) | 8–10 Marks |
✅ Final Thoughts
The CSIR NET Physical Sciences syllabus is vast and requires a balanced preparation strategy. To excel:
- Focus on Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Condensed Matter Physics (carry high weightage).
- Practice Part C (analytical questions) as they are more application-based.
- Revise Mathematical Physics thoroughly as it forms the foundation for all topics.
- Solve previous year papers and mock tests regularly.
By mastering the CSIR NET Physical Sciences syllabus, candidates can strengthen their preparation and maximize their chances of qualifying for JRF or Assistant Professor.
