CSIR ASO Syllabus 2026
Section-wise Topics & Exam Pattern
Every subject, section, and mark in one place — with free mock tests to practice each part of the CSIR ASO paper.
What is the CSIR ASO syllabus for 2026?
The CSIR ASO syllabus covers 3 subjects: General Awareness (History of India & Indian National Movement, Constitution of India & Polity, Current Events of National and International Importance), English Language & Comprehension (Comprehension, Active-Passive Voice, Direct-Indirect Speech, Prepositions, Fill in the blanks, Synonyms-Antonyms), General Intelligence, Reasoning and Mental Ability (Paper II: Arithmetical and Numerical Ability, General Science, Economic & Social Development, Ethics & Integrity). The exam has 150 questions across 2 sections in 120 minutes, with negative marking.
CSIR ASO Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | Questions | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 100 | 80 min | −0.33 per wrong answer |
| English Language & Comprehension | 50 | 40 min | −0.33 per wrong answer |
| Total | 150 | 120 min |
Marking scheme: +1 correct · -0.33 wrong · 0 unanswered. Last updated: 2026-06-01.
Subjects in the CSIR ASO Syllabus
- General Awareness (History of India & Indian National Movement, Constitution of India & Polity, Current Events of National and International Importance)
- English Language & Comprehension (Comprehension, Active-Passive Voice, Direct-Indirect Speech, Prepositions, Fill in the blanks, Synonyms-Antonyms)
- General Intelligence, Reasoning and Mental Ability (Paper II: Arithmetical and Numerical Ability, General Science, Economic & Social Development, Ethics & Integrity)
Drill individual topics with free topic-wise practice tests before attempting full-length papers.
Is there negative marking in CSIR ASO?
Yes. CSIR ASO deducts marks for wrong answers in every section (0.33 mark per wrong answer). Unanswered questions carry no penalty, so skip questions you cannot eliminate options for.
How should I cover the CSIR ASO syllabus?
Work section by section: master one subject at a time with topic-wise practice, then combine sections in full-length mock tests under the real 120-minute timer. Analytics from each mock show which syllabus areas leak marks, so your revision targets weak topics instead of re-reading everything.
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