What is the basic difference between the CSIR NET and the UGC NET?

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) NET and the University Grants Commission (UGC) NET are both national-level exams in India, but they have distinct differences: *1. Purpose:* * CSIR NET: Focuses on awarding Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and Lectureship in science subjects, including life sciences, physical sciences, chemical sciences, and engineering. * UGC NET: Focuses on awarding JRF and Lectureship in humanities, social sciences, and commerce. *2. Subjects:* * CSIR NET: Covers science subjects like life sciences, physical sciences, chemical sciences, and engineering. * UGC NET: Covers humanities, social sciences, and commerce subjects. *3. Eligibility:* * CSIR NET: Candidates with a Master's degree in a relevant science subject are eligible. * UGC NET: Candidates with a Master's degree in a relevant humanities, social sciences, or commerce subject are eligible. *4. Exam Pattern:* * CSIR NET: Consists of three parts: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Short Answer Questions, and Long Answer Questions. * UGC NET: Consists of two papers: Paper I (General Paper) and Paper II (Subject-specific paper). *5. Fellowship:* * CSIR NET: Awards JRF and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) to qualified candidates. * UGC NET: Awards JRF and Assistant Professorship to qualified candidates. *6. Conducting Body:* * CSIR NET: Conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). * UGC NET: Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC). In summary, CSIR NET focuses on science subjects, while UGC NET focuses on humanities, social sciences, and commerce subjects. read less