Syllabus For NET- JRF Physical Sciences

Revised Pattern of Joint CSIR UGC (JRF /NET) Exam

PHYSICAL SCIENCES
From June, 2011 CSIR-UGC (NET) Exam for Award of Junior Research Fellowship and
Eligibility for Lectureship gets a new face in which there shall be a Single Paper Test
having Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). It is therefore important to practice the art of
scoring in such exams and the only way to success is to get a good grasp of the
fundamentals of the subject.

Writing the Exam (Total marks = 200)

The question paper shall be divided in THREE parts.
Part A
This part shall carry 20 questions
The candidates shall be required to answer any 15 questions.
Each question shall be of TWO marks.
The total marks allocated to this section shall be 30 out of 200.

Part B (Core)
This part shall contain 25 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) generally covering the
topics given in the Part B of syllabus.
The candidates shall be required to answer any 20 questions.
Each question shall be of 3.5 Marks.
The total marks allocated to this section shall be 70 out of 200.

Part C (Advanced)
This part shall contain 30 questions from Part 'B & C of the syllabus that are designed
to test a candidate's knowledge of scientific concepts and/or application of the scientific
concepts. The questions shall be of analytical nature where a candidate is expected to
apply the scientific knowledge to arrive at the solution to the given scientific problem.
The candidates shall be required to answer any 20 questions.
Each question shall be of 5 Marks.
The total marks allocated to this section shall be 100 out of 200.

There will be negative marking @25% for each wrong answer.

If more than required number of questions are answered, only first 15, 20
and 20 questions in Parts A B and C respectively, will be taken up for
evaluation.
To enable the candidates to go through the questions, the question paper booklet
shall be distributed 15 minutes before the scheduled time of the exam. The Answer
sheet shall be distributed at the scheduled time of the exam.
Candidate is not allowed to carry Question Booklet & Answer Sheet (OMR
Sheet) after the examination.

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Syllabus For NET- JRF Physical Sciences

The Syllabus and Reading List

Part A - GENERAL APTITUDE
General Aptitude with emphasis on
Logical Reasoning Graphical Analysis,
Analytical And Numerical Quantitative Comparison,
Ability,
Series Formation, Puzzles etc.
References:
For resources for this part, refer previous question papers (selected questions) of
aptitude part of UGC-NET, GATE, Management Entrance Exams like CAT or MAT. Also go
through the question papers of Bank PO Examination.
1. UGC-CSIR NET (JRF & LS) Part A (any good Publication Latest Edition as per New
Pattern)
2. GATE General Aptitude (any good Publication Latest Edition)
3. Reference Books meant for CAT or MAT exam and Bank PO Examination.

General References:
1. 501 Challenging Logic and Reasoning Problems (Second Edition) Learning Express
2. Cracking the MAT (Third Edition) Marcia Lerner (Princeton Review)
3. Amazing Logic Puzzles Norman D Willis (Sterling)
4. Essential Logic: Basic Reasoning Skills for the Twenty-First Century Ronald C Pine
(Oxford Press)
5. Thinking Critically: Techniques for Logical Reasoning J H Kiersky & N J Caste
(Wadsworth)
6. Challenging Critical Thinking Puzzles Michael A. Dispezio & Myron Miller (Sterling)

Part B & C - PHYSICAL SCIENCES

This is the list of few books recommended for those preparing for NET/JRF in Physics. It is
hard for a person to collect and refer these many books. So you are advised to go
through at least two books at each level (Basics, core and advanced) depending on
locally available resources and your convenience. Notice that the reading list is not
exhaustive and there are many other books available in any of the subject areas
mentioned. One can always find replacements with equal standards that suit the
readers. But please feel comfortable to refer to any good book that comes.
Further, try to thoroughly go through these books while doing your masters itself and
make yourself appropriate notes for further reference and study.

Recommendations for General Reading:

These books may help you refresh & enhance the basic understanding of physical
concepts and also serve as reference material for certain topics.
Basic Concepts:
1. Fundamentals of Physics (Ninth Edition) D Halliday, R Resnick & J Walker (John Wiley
& Sons)
2. Berkeley Physics Course (Five Volumes) Edward Purcell (Editor) (Tata McGraw Hill)
3. Feynman Lectures in Physics (Three Volumes) R P Feynman, R B. Leighton & M
Sands (Pearson)
4. University Physics Sears & Zeemansky (Pearson Low Price Edition)

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5. Physics for Degree Students (Three Volumes) C L Arora & P S Hemne (S Chand & Co)
6. Concepts of Physics (Two Volumes) H C Verma (Bharati Bhawan)
7. Concepts of Modern Physics Arthur Beiser (Tata McGraw Hill)
Problems:
1. 1000 Solved Problems in Classical Physics Ahmed A Kamal (Springer-Verlag)
2. 1000 Solved Problems in Modern Physics Ahmed A Kamal (Springer-Verlag)
Mathematical Methods of Physics
Part B (Core): Dimensional analysis. Vector algebra and vector calculus. Linear algebra,
matrices, Cayley-Hamilton Theorem. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Linear ordinary
differential equations of first & second order, Special functions (Hermite, Bessel,
Laguerre and Legendre functions). Fourier series, Fourier and Laplace transforms.
Elements of complex analysis, analytic functions; Taylor & Laurent series; poles, residues
and evaluation of integrals. Elementary probability theory, random variables, binomial,
Poisson and normal distributions. Central limit theorem.

Part C (Advanced): Greens function. Partial differential equations (Laplace, wave and
heat equations in two and three dimensions). Elements of computational techniques:
root of functions, interpolation, extrapolation, integration - trapezoid and Simpsons rule,
Solution of first order differential equation using Runge-Kutta method. Finite difference
methods. Tensors. Introductory group theory: SU(2), O(3).

Core:
1. Mathematical Physics including Classical Mechanics Satya Prakash (Sultan Chand &
Sons)
2. Mathematical Methods for Physicists (Fifth Edition) G B Arfken & H J Weber
(Academic Press)
3. Mathematical Methods for Physicists (A Concise Introduction) - Tai L Chow (Cambridge
Press)
4. Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences (Second Edition) Mary L Boas (John
Wiley)
5. Advanced Engineering Mathematics (Ninth Edition) Erwin Kreyszig (John Wiley)
6. Mathematical Physics B S Rajput (Pragathi Prakashan)

Advanced:

1. Mathematical Methods in Classical & Quantum Physics T Dass & S K Sharma

(Universities Press)
2. Complex Variables & Applications (Seventh Edition) J W Brown & R V Churchill
(McGraw-Hill)
3. Differential Equations (Third Edition) Shapely L Ross (John Wiley)
4. Matrices and Tensors in Physics A W Joshi (New Age International)
5. Elements of Group Theory for Physicists A W Joshi (New Age International)
6. Introductory Methods of Numerical Analysis S S Shastry (Prentice Hall)

Classical Mechanics
Part B (Core): Newtons laws. Dynamical systems, Phase space dynamics, stability
analysis. Central force motions. Two body Collisions scattering in laboratory and Centre
of mass frames. Rigid body dynamics- moment of inertia tensor. Non-inertial frames and
pseudo forces. Variational principle. Generalized coordinates. Lagrangian and
Hamiltonian formalism and equations of motion. Conservation laws and cyclic

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coordinates. Periodic motion: small oscillations, normal modes. Special theory of

relativity- Lorentz transformations, relativistic kinematics and massenergy equivalence.

Part C (Advanced): Dynamical systems, Phase space dynamics, stability analysis.

Poisson brackets and canonical transformations. Symmetry, invariance and Noethers
theorem. Hamilton-Jacobi theory.

Mechanics:
Basics:
1. Introduction to Mechanics - Daniel Kleppner & Robert J Kolenkow (McGraw Hill)
2. Classical Mechanics (An Undergraduate Text) R D Gregory (Cambridge University
Press)
3. Introduction to Mechanics Mahendra K Verma (Universities Press)
Core:
1. Introduction to Classical Mechanics R G Takwale and P S Puranik (Tata McGraw Hill)
2. Classical Mechanics J C Upadhyaya (Himalaya Publishing House)
3. Classical Mechanics H S Hans and S P Puri (Tata McGraw Hill)
4. Introduction to Classical Mechanics (Second Edition) - Atam P Arya (Addison Wesley)
5. Classical Dynamics of Particles & Systems (Fifth Edition) S T Thornton & J B Marion
(Thomson)
6. Classical Mechanics S L Gupta, V Kumar & H V Sharma (Pragathi Prakashan)
Advanced:
1. Classical Mechanics (Third Edition) H Goldstein, C P Poole & J L Safko (Pearson).
2. Classical Mechanics N C Rana & P S Joag (Tata McGraw Hill)
3. Lagrangian & Hamiltonian Mechanics - Melvin G Calkin (World Scientific)
4. Problems & Solutions on Mechanics - (World Scientific)
Relativity

1. Introduction to Special Theory of Relativity - Robert Resnick (John Wiley & Sons)
2. Relativistic Mechanics Satya Prakash (Pragathi Prakashan)

Electromagnetic Theory
Part B (Core): Electrostatics: Gausss law and its applications, Laplace and Poisson
equations, boundary value problems. Magnetostatics: Biot-Savart law, Amperes
theorem. Electromagnetic induction. Maxwells equations in free space and linear
isotropic media; boundary conditions on the fields at interfaces. Scalar and vector
potentials, gauge invariance. Electromagnetic waves in free space. Dielectrics and
conductors. Reflection and refraction, polarization, Fresnels law, interference, coherence,
and diffraction. Dynamics of charged particles in static and uniform electromagnetic
fields.

Part C (Advanced): Dispersion relations in plasma. Lorentz invariance of Maxwells

equation. Transmission lines and wave guides. Radiation- from moving charges and
dipoles and retarded potentials.

Electrodynamics
Basics:
1. Electricity and Magnetism (Second Edition) Edward Purcell (Cambridge University
Press)

2. Electricity and Magnetism D Chattopadhyay and P C Rakshit (New Central)

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Syllabus For NET- JRF Physical Sciences

3. Classical Electricity and Magnetism W K H Panofsky & M Phillips (Addison-Wesley)

Core:
1. Introduction To Electrodynamics (Third Edition) David J Griffiths (Solutions Manual)
(Prentice Hall)
2. Electromagnetics B B Laud (New Age International)
3. Electrodynamics S L Gupta, V Kumar & S P Singh (Pragati Prakashan)

4. Foundations of Electromagnetic Theory J. R. Reitz, F.J. Milford and R.W. Christy

(Addision Wesley)
Advanced:
1. Classical Electrodynamics (Third Edition) - John David Jackson (John Wiley & Sons)
2. Field & Wave Electromagnetics (Second Edition) David K Cheng (Addison-Wesley)
3. Electromagnetic Fields And Waves (Third Edition) P Lorrain & D R Corson (W H
Freeman)
4. Classical Electromagnetic Radiation (Second Edition) J B Marion & M A Heald
(Academic Press)

5. Problems & Solutions on Electromagnetism (World Scientific)

Optics

1. Optics (Fourth Edition) - Ajoy Ghatak (McGraw-Hill)

2. Optics (Fourth Edition) - Eugene Hecht (Pearson)
3. Problems & Solutions on Optics - (World Scientific)

Quantum Mechanics
Part B (Core): Wave-particle duality. Schrdinger equation (time-dependent and time-
independent). Eigenvalue problems (particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, etc.).
Tunnelling through a barrier. Wave-function in coordinate and momentum
representations. Commutators and Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Dirac notation for
state vectors. Motion in a central potential: orbital angular momentum, angular
momentum algebra, spin, addition of angular momenta; Hydrogen atom. Stern-Gerlach
experiment. Time-independent perturbation theory and applications. Variational method.
Time dependent perturbation theory and Fermis golden rule, selection rules. Identical
particles, Pauli exclusion principle, spin-statistics connection.

Part C (Advanced): Spin-orbit coupling, fine structure. WKB approximation. Elementary

theory of scattering: phase shifts, partial waves, Born approximation. Relativistic
quantum mechanics: Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations. Semi-classical theory of
radiation.
Basics:
1. Quantum Mechanics Yoav Peleg, Reuven Pnini & Elyahu Zaarur (Schaums Outline
Series)
2. Quantum Mechanics S N Biswas (Books & Allied)

3. Elements of Quantum Mechanics Kamal Singh & S P Singh (S Chand & Co)
Core:
1. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (Second Edition) - David J Griffiths (Prentice Hall)
2. Quantum Mechanics (Concepts & Applications) - Nouredine Zettili (John Wiley & Sons)
3. A Textbook of Quantum Mechanics - P M Mathews and K Venkatesan (Tata McGraw-
Hill)
4. Quantum Mechanics (Third Edition) - Ajoy Ghatak and S Lokanathan (McMillian)

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Syllabus For NET- JRF Physical Sciences

5. Quantum Mechanics (Second Edition) G Aruldhas (Prentice Hall)

6. Principles of Quantum Mechanics (Second Edition) R. Shankar (Plenum Publishers)

Advanced:
1. Modern Quantum Mechanics (Revised Edition) J J Sakurai (Pearson)
2. Quantum Mechanics - Leonard I Schiff (McGraw-Hill)
3. Problems & Solutions on Quantum Mechanics - (World Scientific)
4. Quantum Mechanics: 500 Problems with Solutions G Aruldhas (Prentice Hall)

Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics

Part B (Core): Laws of thermodynamics and their consequences. Thermodynamic
potentials, Maxwell relations, chemical potential, phase equilibria. Phase space, micro-
and macro-states. Micro-canonical, canonical and grand-canonical ensembles and
partition functions. Free energy and its connection with thermodynamic quantities.
Classical and quantum statistics. Ideal Bose and Fermi gases. Principle of detailed
balance. Blackbody radiation and Plancks distribution law.

Part C (Advanced): First- and second-order phase transitions. Diamagnetism, para-

magnetism, and ferromagnetism. Ising model. Bose-Einstein condensation. Diffusion
equation. Random walk and Brownian motion. Introduction to non-equilibrium processes.

Basics:
1. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics S C Garg, R M Bansal & C K Ghosh (Tata
McGraw-Hill)
2. Elements of Statistical Mechanics Kamal Singh & S P Singh (S Chand & Co)
3. Heat & Thermodynamics (Seventh Edition) Zemansky M W & Dittman R H (McGraw-
Hill)
4. Heat, Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics Brijlal , Subramanyam & P S Hemne (S
Chand & Co)
Core:
1. Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory & Statistical Thermodynamics F W Sears & G L
Salinger (Narosa)
2. Thermal Physics Charles Kittel & Herbert Kroemer
3. Concepts in Thermal Physics - Stephen J Blundell and Katherine M Blundell (Oxford
University Press)
4. Elementary Statistical Physics Charles Kittel (John Wiley & Sons)
5. Introduction to Statistical Physics (Second Edition)- Kerson Huang (John Wiley & Sons)
6. Elementary Statistical Physics S L Gupta & V Kumar (Pragati Prakashan)
Advanced:
1. Statistical Mechanics (Third Edition) R K Pathiria & Paul D Beale (Butterworth
Heinemann)
2. Introduction to Modern Statistical Mechanics - David Chandler (Oxford University
Press)
3. An Introduction to Thermal Physics Daniel V Schroeder (Pearson)
4. Thermal Physics Ralph Baierlein (Cambridge University Press)
5. Problems & Solutions on Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics - (World Scientific)

Electronics and Experimental Methods

Part B (Core): Semiconductor devices (diodes, junctions, transistors, field effect
devices, homo- and hetero-junction devices), device structure, device characteristics,
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frequency dependence and applications. Opto-electronic devices (solar cells, photo-

detectors, LEDs). Operational amplifiers and their applications. Digital techniques and
applications (registers, counters, comparators and similar circuits). A/D and D/A
converters. Microprocessor and microcontroller basics. Data interpretation and analysis.
Precision and accuracy. Error analysis, propagation of errors. Least squares fitting,

Part C (Advanced): Linear and nonlinear curve fitting, chi-square test. Transducers
(temperature, pressure/ vacuum, magnetic fields, vibration, optical, and particle
detectors). Measurement and control. Signal conditioning and recovery. Impedance
matching, amplification (Op-amp based, instrumentation amp, feedback), filtering and
noise reduction, shielding and grounding. Fourier transforms, lock-in detector, box-car
integrator, modulation techniques. High frequency devices (including generators and
detectors).
Electronics
Basics:
1. Principles of Electronics V. K. Mehta & Rohit Mehta (S Chand & Co.)
2. Basic Electronics (Solid State) B L Thereja (S Chand & Co)

3. Elements of Electronics M K Bagde & S P Singh (S. Chand & Co)

4. Digital Principles (Third Edition) - Roger L Tokheim (Schaums Outline Series)
Core:
1. Handbook of Electronics S L Gupta & V Kumar (Pragathi Prakashan)

2. Solid State Electronic Devices (Fifth Edition) - Ben G Streetman & Sanjay Banerjee
(Prentice Hall)
3. The Art of Electronics (Second Edition) - Paul Horowitz & Winfield Hill (Cambridge
University Press)

4. Electronic Principles (Seventh Edition) Albert P Malvino & David J Bates (Tata
McGraw-Hill)
5. Electronic Devices and Circuits Allen Mottershed (Prentice Hall)
6. Basic Electronics A Text Lab Manual Paul B Zbar & Albert Paul Malvino (Tata
McGraw-Hill)
Advanced:
1. Electronic Devices & Circuit Theory (Eighth Edition) - R Boylestad & L Nashelsky
(Prentice Hall)
2. Integrated Electronics Jacob Millman and C C Halkias (McGraw-Hill)
3. Basic Electronics Bernard Grob (McGraw-Hill)
4. Digital Principles and Applications - Albert P Malvino and Donald P Leach (Tata
McGraw-Hill)
5. Digital Fundamentals Thomas L Flyod (Pearson)
6. Applied Electronics R S Sedha (S Chand & Co)
7. 2000 Solved Problems in Electronics Jimmie J Cathey (Schaums Outline Series)

8. Solved Problems in Digital Electronics S P Bali (Tata McGraw Hill)

Experimental Techniques
1. University Practical Physics D C Tayal (Himalaya Publishing House)
2. An Advanced Course in Practical Physics D Chattopadhyay, P C Rakshit & B Saha
(New Central)
3. Advanced Practical Physics for Students B L Worsnop & H T Flint (Methuen & Co)

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4. Advanced Level Practical Physics M Nelson & Jon M Ogborn (English Language Book
Society)
5. Practical Physics (Fourth Edition) G L Squires (Cambridge University Press)

6. An Introduction to Experimental Physics Colin Cooke (Routledge)

7. Experimental Design and Methods G F Knoll
8. Measurement, Instrumentation & Experiment Design in Physics M Sayer & A
Mansingh (Prentice)

Data Analysis
1. Statistics (Third Edition) - Murray R. Spiegel & L J Stephens (Schaum's Outline Series)
2. Data reduction & Error Analysis for the Physical Sciences (Third Edition) Philip R
Bevington & D Keith Robinson (McGraw Hill)

3. An Introduction to Error Analysis (Second Edition) John R Taylor (University Science

Books)

Atomic & Molecular Physics

Part C (Advanced): Quantum states of an electron in an atom. Electron spin. Spectrum
of helium and alkali atom. Relativistic corrections for energy levels of hydrogen atom,
hyperfine structure and isotopic shift, width of spectrum lines, LS & JJ couplings. Zeeman,
Paschen-Bach & Stark effects. Electron spin resonance. Nuclear magnetic resonance,
chemical shift. Frank-Condon principle. Born-Oppenheimer approximation. Electronic,
rotational, vibrational and Raman spectra of diatomic molecules, selection rules. Lasers:
spontaneous and stimulated emission, Einstein A & B coefficients. Optical pumping,
population inversion, rate equation. Modes of resonators and coherence length.

Atomic & Molecular Physics

Core:
1. Atomic & Molecular Spectra Raj Kumar (Kedarnath Ramnath)
2. Atomic Physics S N Goshal (S Chand & Co)
3. Atomic Physics J B Rajam (S Chand & Co)
4. Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy (Second Edition) G Aruldhas (Prentice Hall)

5. Fundamentals of Molecular Spectroscopy C N Banwell & E M McCash (Tata McGraw-

Hill)
6. Elements of Spectroscopy S L Gupta, V Kumar & H V Sharma (Pragathi Prakashan)
Advanced:
1. Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei, and Particles R Eisberg & R
Resnick (John Wiley & Sons)
2. Introduction to Atomic Spectra Harvey Elliott White (McGraw-Hill)
3. Atomic Spectra & Atomic Structure (Second Edition) Gerhard Herzberg (Dover)
4. Spectra of Diatomic Molecules - Gerhard Herzberg (Dover)
5. Problems & Solutions on Atomic, Nuclear & Particle Physics (World Scientific)
6. Problems in Atomic and Nuclear Physics Irodov I E (Mir Publications)
Lasers
1. An Introduction to Lasers : Theory and Applications M N Avadhanulu (S Chand & Co)
2. Principles of Lasers (Fourth Edition) - Orazio Svelto (Plenum Publishing Corporation)
3. Laser Fundamentals (Second Edition) William T Silfvast (Cambridge University Press)

Condensed Matter Physics

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Part C (Advanced): Bravais lattices. Reciprocal lattice. Diffraction and the structure
factor. Bonding of solids. Elastic properties, phonons, lattice specific heat. Free electron
theory and electronic specific heat. Response and relaxation phenomena. Drude model
of electrical and thermal conductivity. Hall effect and thermoelectric power. Electron
motion in a periodic potential, band theory of solids: metals, insulators and
semiconductors. Superconductivity: type-I and type-II superconductors. Josephson
junctions. Superfluidity. Defects and dislocations. Ordered phases of matter: translational
and orientationali order, kinds of liquid crystalline order. Quasi crystals.
Basics:
1. Solid State Physics S L Gupta & V Kumar (K Nath & Co)
2. Elements of Solid State Physics (Third Edition) J P Srivastava (Prentice Hall)

3. Solid State Physics R L Singhal (Kedarnath Ramnath)

Core:
1. Introduction to Solid State Physics (Eighth Edition) - Charles Kittel (John Wiley & Sons)
2. Solid State Physics S O Pillai (New Age International)
3. Elementary Solid State Physics M Ali Omar (Pearson)
Advanced:
1. Solid State Physics Aschcroft N W & Mermin N D
2. Solid State Physics A J Decker (McMillian)
3. Problems and Solutions in Solid State Physics S O Pillai (New Age International)
4. Problems & Solutions on Solid State Physics, Relativity & Miscellaneous Topics - (World
Scientific)
5. Solid State Physics (Problems and Solutions) - Laszlo Mihaly & Michael C Martin (John
Wiley & Sons)

Nuclear and Particle Physics

Part C (Advanced): Basic nuclear properties: size, shape and charge distribution, spin
and parity. Binding energy, semi-empirical mass formula, liquid drop model. Nature of
the nuclear force, form of nucleon-nucleon potential, charge-independence and charge-
symmetry of nuclear forces. Deuteron problem. Evidence of shell structure, single-
particle shell model, its validity and limitations. Rotational spectra. Elementary ideas of
alpha, beta and gamma decays and their selection rules. Fission and fusion. Nuclear
reactions, reaction mechanism, compound nuclei and direct reactions. Classification of
fundamental forces. Elementary particles and their quantum numbers (charge, spin,
parity, isospin, strangeness, etc.). Gellmann-Nishijima formula. Quark model, baryons
and mesons. C, P, and T invariance. Application of symmetry arguments to particle
reactions. Parity non-conservation in weak interaction. Relativistic kinematics.

Basics:
1. Nuclear Physics: An Introduction Patel S B (New Age International)

2. Elements of Nuclear Physics M L Pandya & R P S Yadav (Kedarnath Ramnath)

Core:
1. Nuclear Physics D C Tayal (Himalaya Publishing House)
2. Nuclear Physics S N Goshal (S Chand & Co)
3. Fundamentals of Nuclear Physics Atam P Arya (Allyn & Bacon)
4. Introductory Nuclear Physics - Kenneth S Krane (John Wiley & Sons)
5. Nuclear Physics (Second Edition) - Irving Kaplan (Narosa Publishing House)
6. Nuclear Physics B N Srivastava (Pragathi Prakashan)

7. Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics M P Khanna (Prentice Hall)

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Advanced:
1. Physics of Nuclei & Particles (Volume I & II) P Marmier & E Sheldon (Academic Press)
2. Nuclear Physics (Experimental and Theoretical) Hans H S (New Age International)
3. Introduction to Elementary Particles (Second Revised Edition) - David J Griffiths (John
Wiley & Sons)
4. The Atomic Nucleus - Robley D Evans
5. Problems & Solutions on Atomic, Nuclear & Particle Physics (World Scientific)

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Syllabus For NET- JRF Physical Sciences

PREPARATION
General Strategy
Considering the new pattern, we find that the key part of the exam is the last one. Here
we have 50% of the total marks allotted and the questions will be from advanced physics
topics. The next priority should be given to Part B that has 70 marks.
First, attempt the questions you are absolutely clear and then attempt the remaining
questions. There is negative marking and it takes practice and patience to answer this
paper promptly so that you should avoid questions which you cannot score. If you have
time, recheck your answers.

Follow the syllabus thoroughly. Even if you cannot finish all the options given, at least
make sure that you know some of the concepts in each unit. It is always good to make
use of the previous year objective type question papers of exams like GATE, SET can be
a good practice before the exam. Also never forget to practice well using previous
question papers of UPSC Civil Services (Prelims -Old Pattern), JEST, GRE (Physics), Ph. D
Entrance Papers of premiere institutes such as IISc, IITs & Central Universities (HCU, JNU,
BHU, PU, CUSAT etc.,) so that you are prepared for certain basic level topics.

How to Avoid a Disaster?

The usual saying is, when the going gets tough, only the tough get going. So cover the
difficult, yet important, portions of the subject to score a maximum. Prepared candidates
survive in all situations and objective type questions demand good practice (unless, of
course, you are a genius)! One thing you will notice among all those who qualify the test
in one sitting is that they all show a kind of passion towards the subject and that will
surely drive their entire career. Though we cannot say anything about the cut off marks,
experience tells that one has to score well in all parts of the exam to get a JRF. Some
may have a tendency to give it up feeling dejected about your performance during the
day. Also be cool in your approach to the exam and never give up during the
examination by doing things like answering all the multiple choice questions randomly
based on luck, feeling dejected of your performance. There is plenty of time to prepare
and perform well.

Why Negative Marking?

Negative marking is incorporated in any objective type examination to nullify the effect
of gambling. If you look at it statistically, the maximum probable score one can get is
25% out of100 having four choices each. Remember, this is the maximum and
sometimes there is a remote probability that you score a cent percentage. Rather,
experience may tell you that you get relatively low score when you leave things to
chance alone. Negative marking with one-fourth of the marks given to a correct answer
tries to reduce the marks by chance. In examinations with objective type multiple choice
questions (MCQs), there is a tendency called the Red Wire Syndrome which means
that one may answer all questions whether he or she knows the correct answer or not. If
we can classify the questions into three categories: 1) Easy, 2) Fifty Fifty, and 3)
Extremely Lucky, indicating one knows the correct answer, possible but some doubt still
prevails, and almost impossible, respectively. The Red Wire Syndrome means that one
will have tend to answer all the questions, which is disastrous, just like a child who
touches a red hot wire. Seeing it as something beautiful! Be careful as the section C
has 5 marks per question and a wrong answer would award you 1.25 in return!

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The key to success lies in answering all the easy ones, and leaving out the extremely
lucky type. It is imperative to learn the art of intelligent guessing to answer the type 2.
There is no magic key to do so. This evidently comes from ones experience and basic
knowledge of the subject. So never ever find it insulting to go back to your basics (at
least refer to some of the basic books in the list).

Syllabus Based Strategy

General Aptitude:
Part A (15 2 = 30 Marks)
This part shall carry 20 questions pertaining to General Aptitude. This is the major
change in CSIR-NET exam from December 2012 Exam. Questions would be so designed
to judge the creativity, logical reasoning and analytical ability of a candidate. If you go
by the model question paper (never take it as it is) we can notice that the newly
introduced pattern is more comfortable and easier to answer. Only thing is to take your
time and apply your mind before answering the questions. A science student should not
find them confusing (even if you do, there are choices). It is presumed that a Physics
student is comfortable in dealing with the Math, Graphical Analysis and Analytical and
Numerical Ability. If you are not comfortable with any of these, put some common sense
or logic into the questions and given answers, then you will not be disappointed. Let us
set the target for this session as at least 12 correct answers out of 20 questions (i.e. 80%
score). However, scoring 15/15 would add positively to your chancesthat is not
impossible!
A candidate shall be required to answer a maximum of 15 questions from Part A. In case
a candidate answers more than 15 questions, only the first 15 answered questions will
be taken up for evaluation. All questions shall be of 2 marks each. There will be negative
marking for wrong answers.

Physics:
Before you proceed to master the syllabus and art of scoring in the core physics area,
take a break and think about you basic physics understanding. If it is not good enough, it
is always recommended that you lay the foundation first and build further only on a solid
ground. Some books and links are given below, but remember: Working out your
problems is the only key to open the door to success. Given that the entire test is
objective, good fundamentals and a problem solving strategy can easily get you a JRF!

Part B (Core) (20 3.5 = 70 Marks)

This part shall contain 25 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) generally covering the topics
given in the Part B of syllabus. A candidate shall be required to answer a maximum of 20
questions. In case a candidate answers more than 20 questions, only the first 20
answered questions will be taken up for evaluation. All questions shall be of 3.5 marks
each. There will be negative marking for wrong answers.

Part C (Advanced) (20 5 = 100 Marks)

This part shall contain 30 questions from Part B & C of the syllabus that are designed to
test a candidate's knowledge of scientific concepts and/or application of the scientific
concepts. The questions shall be of analytical nature where a candidate is expected to
apply the scientific knowledge to arrive at the solution to the given scientific problem. A
candidate shall be required to answer a maximum of 20 questions. In case a candidate
answers more than 20 questions, only the first 20 answered questions shall be

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Syllabus For NET- JRF Physical Sciences

evaluated. All questions shall be of 5 marks each. There will be negative marking for
wrong answers.

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