The National Testing Agency has successfully conducted the CSIR NET 2025 December session exam on December 18, 2025 across multiple examination centres. The examination is being held in 2 shifts on a single day, and Shift 1 has concluded, allowing candidates to assess their performance through early exam feedback. The CSIR NET 2025 Shift 1 exam analysis provides insights into the overall difficulty level, subject-wise trends, and nature of questions asked, helping candidates estimate expected cutoffs.
CSIR NET 2025 Shift 1 Overall Difficulty Level
Based on initial feedback shared by candidates, the overall difficulty level of CSIR NET 2025 Shift 1 varied across subjects. The exam followed the standard pattern and tested conceptual clarity along with analytical ability. For Life Sciences, the paper was rated Moderate to Tough overall. However, questions from Developmental Biology and Ecology were reported to be comparatively easier, enabling candidates with strong fundamentals to score well. Other sections required deeper conceptual understanding and careful time management. Candidates from other subjects also reported a balanced paper with a mix of direct and application-based questions.
CSIR NET 2025 Shift 1 Questions Asked and Paper Review
Before reviewing subject-wise observations, candidates should note that the paper was conducted in Computer Based Test mode and strictly adhered to the official syllabus. The questions were largely syllabus-oriented, with emphasis on conceptual topics rather than factual recall. Key observations from CSIR NET 2025 Shift 1 paper review include:
- Questions tested analytical reasoning and subject fundamentals
- Moderate number of numerical and concept-based problems
- No major deviation from previous year paper trends
- Time management played a crucial role, especially in Part C
Candidates who attempted questions selectively were able to maintain accuracy.
CSIR NET 2025 Shift 1 Good Attempts
Good attempts vary by subject and individual accuracy. However, based on candidate reactions, those who maintained precision while attempting higher-weight questions are likely to stay competitive. Experts suggest that maintaining balanced attempts across sections with strong accuracy will be critical in determining qualification chances for JRF and Assistant Professor eligibility.
CSIR NET 2025 December Exam Schedule Subject-Wise
Before checking shift-wise analysis comparisons, candidates should be aware of the official CSIR NET 2025 exam schedule released by NTA for the December session.
With Shift 2 scheduled later in the day, candidates can compare trends once the complete analysis is available.

