Difference between CSIR NET, ICAR NET, UGC NET, and SET Exam

JRFAdda 25, Nov 2023

Difference between CSIR NET, ICAR NET, UGC NET, and SET Exam

In this article, we will discuss how the CSIR NET, ICAR NET, UGC NET, and SET are different from each other. This article will throw some light and will help the candidates, who are preparing for the NET and JRF Exam in their respective Fields.

In teaching, the CSIR NET, ICAR NET, UGC NET, and SET offer a crucial opportunity for those aspiring to excel in higher education teaching roles. Candidates frequently asked questions about the difference between CSIR NET, ICAR NET, UGC NET, and SET to pursue careers as assistant professors, lecturers, and professors.

Difference between CSIR NET, ICAR NET, UGC NET, and SET

UGC NET Exam:

University Grant Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) twice a year. It is an eligibility test. NTA conduct this eligibility test in the month of June and December. The following are important highlights related to UGC NET Exam:

Subjects: The NTA conducts this examination in 83 different subjects.
This examination is conducted PAN India basis.
Postgraduate candidates can apply for this exam.
After clearing the UGC NET Exam: After clearing the UGC NET Exam, a candidate can become an Assistant professor or join the University as a researcher after clearing the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).

ICAR NET exam

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research National Eligibility Test (ICAR NET) examination is conducted by the Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board (ASRB). It is also a qualifying exam. After clearing the ICAR NET, candidates can choose to become Assistant Professors in Agricultural Universities. The following are important highlights related to ICAR NET exam:

ICAR NET is an online exam.
It is conducted in computer-based mode at 32 Centres across India.
It is conducted once a year by ASRB.
A postgraduate candidate can appear for the ICAR NET Exam.
After clearing ICAR NET: Nematology, Agricultural Biotechnology, Agricultural Science and Process Engineering, Diary Chemistry, Animal Biochemistry, Fish Nutrition and Agroforestry, etc.

CSIR NET exam:

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test (CSIR NET) is also conducted by the National Test Agency (NTA). It is also a qualifying exam for lectureship and for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for Indian nationals in the fields of science. The following are important highlights related to the CSIR NET:

The NTA conducts this examination twice a year.
Only candidates, who postgraduate in the science stream, can apply for the CSIR NET, unlike the UGC NET which is given only if candidates have post-graduation.

SET exam

The State Eligibility Exam (SET), is a qualifying exam, conducted by respective state agencies. After qualifying for the SET, candidate will be eligible for the universities and colleges Assistant Professor post only, which belong to the state in which they have passed the SET exam. The following are important highlights related to the SET exam:

This examination provides State-level recognition.
After clearing the exam, the candidate can become eligible for the lecturer in the particular state.
The application fee is lower than the UGC NET exam.

Difference between CSIR NET, ICAR NET, UGC NET, and SET in tabular form:

Differences between UGC NET, ICAR NET, CSIR NET, and SET
Basis of differences	UGC NET	ICAR NET	CSIR NET	SET
Conducting Authority	NTA (National Testing Agency)	ASRB (Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board)	NTA (National Testing Agency)	State academic authorities
Concerned Stream	Social sciences and languages	Agriculture	Math and science	All Subjects related to UGC NET and CSIR NET
Number of times exam is conducted	Twice a year	Once a year	Twice a year	Once a year
Total marks	300	150	200	300
Total Time	3 hours	2 hours	3 hours	3 hours
Eligibility	Master’s degree with 55% marks in relevant discipline	Candidates must have a master’s degree in any subject related to agriculture domain from a recognized university	Candidates having a master’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university with a pass percentage of 55%	Master’s degree with 55% marks for general category candidates in relevant discipline of social sciences and languages from any university
Age limit	The maximum age to apply for JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) is 30 years and for Lectureship, there is no age limit.	No upper age limit	The maximum age to apply for JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) is 28 years and for Lectureship, there is no age limit	There is no age limit.

FAQs

What is the major difference between ICAR NET vs CSIR NET vs UGC NET and SET Exams?

There are many differences between the ICAR NET vs CSIR NET vs UGC NET and SET Exams, the exam pattern, eligibility criteria, timing, marking are all different for all four exams.

Do ICAR NET/ CSIR NET/UGC NET and SET Exams conducted at the same time in a year?

No, the timing for each exam varies every year while NET Exams like CSIR & UGC NET are conducted twice a year and the ICAR & SET are conducted only once a year.

What are the mark differences between ICAR NET vs CSIR NET vs UGC NET and SET Exams?

UGC NET & SET Exam are conducted for 300 Marks, ICAR NET- 150 Marks and SET - 300 Marks.

What are the negative marking differences between ICAR NET vs CSIR NET vs UGC NET and SET Exams?

The UGC NET & SET has no negative marking, the CSIR has a complicated negative marking which is given in the article and In ICAR NET one mark will be reduced for every wrong answer.

What are the duration differences between ICAR NET vs CSIR NET vs UGC NET and SET Exams?

The UGC NET, SET & CSIR NET is conducted for 3 hours.

What is the major difference between the UGC NET & SET Exam?

The UGC NET is Conducted for selection of Assistant Professors all over India while the SET Exam is conducted only at the state level, candidates who are selected through the SET can work at the colleges in their own state.

How are the candidates selected for ICAR NET Exam?

Candidates have to apply for the ICAR NET Exam, those candidates will be writing the exam conducted by ASRB and then based on the cut-off marks candidates will be selected for the ICAR NET Exam.

Which exam is easier: UGC NET or SET?

Either UGC NET and SET have similar difficulty, candidates can select the NET or SET according to their level of proficiency and the domain they select.

How many papers are here in UGC NET/ SET/ ICAR & CSIR Exams?

The UGC NET, CSIR NET & SET have two papers each and the ICAR NET exam is one paper.

How many people have applied for the UGC NET Exam 2023?

A total of 4.63 Lakh (June 2023) candidates have applied for UGC NET 2023.