DBT-BET Merged with CSIR-UGC NET From December 2026: Check New Syllabus and Exam Pattern

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the merger of the Department of Biotechnology Biotechnology Eligibility Test (DBT-BET) with the Joint CSIR-UGC NET Life Sciences examination, effective from the December 2026 session. Under the revised arrangement, the examination will introduce a new subject titled Life Sciences and Biotechnology (LS & BT).

Candidates planning to appear for the examination should review the revised syllabus available in the CSIR information bulletin and prepare according to the updated examination structure.

According to the bulletin, CSIR and DBT have agreed to award fellowships in Life Sciences and Biotechnology through the Joint CSIR-UGC NET examination. Fellowships funded by DBT will continue to be administered by the Department of Biotechnology, while CSIR will have no financial liability under this programme.

CSIR-UGC NET LS & BT Exam Pattern 2026

The newly introduced Life Sciences and Biotechnology paper will consist of 145 questions divided into three parts: Part A, Part B and Part C. Candidates will be required to attempt a maximum of 75 questions.

The paper will carry a total of 200 marks. Candidates should carefully understand the question-attempt limits and marking scheme to plan their examination strategy effectively.

Revised CSIR-UGC NET Syllabus for Life Sciences and Biotechnology

The revised syllabus for Life Sciences and Biotechnology is available in the CSIR information bulletin. Candidates preparing for the December 2026 session should consult the updated syllabus rather than relying exclusively on previous Life Sciences or DBT-BET examination materials.

The merger is intended to bring the two examination pathways under a common examination framework. Candidates should check the official notification for the applicable eligibility conditions, fellowship categories and other examination requirements.

Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 Registration

Meanwhile, the application process for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 examination has commenced. Candidates can submit their application forms through the official website, csirnet.nta.nic.in, until November 5, 2026, without a late fee.

The late application window will remain open from November 6 to 9, 2026, subject to payment of the prescribed late fee.

CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 Exam Dates and Shifts

The Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 examination is scheduled for December 19, 22 and 27, 2026. The computer-based examination will be conducted in two shifts.

• Morning shift: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
• Afternoon shift: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

The examination will cover six subjects: Chemical Sciences; Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences; Life Sciences and Biotechnology; Mathematical Sciences; and Physical Sciences, alongside the applicable subject framework specified by NTA.

Candidates are advised to complete their registration before the deadline and regularly check the official CSIR-UGC NET website for updates on the revised syllabus, examination schedule and admit card.