Geologist's Examination

Geology and its allied disciplines are concerned with the structure, dynamics and evolution of the earth and its natural mineral and energy resources. Hydrogeologists focus on the relation of waters on or below the surface of the earth. The UPSC’s Geologists' Examination is an entrée into the premier geoscientific organisations like the Geological Survey of India or the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) New Delhi conducts the Geologists' Examination for the recruitment of Geologists in the Central Government in accordance with the Rules published by the Ministry of Mines in the Gazette of India.

There are two major categories under which Geologists are appointed to work for the Government of India:

Category I: Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Coal and Mines

Category II: Central Ground Water Board, Ministry of Water Resources

Geologists’ Exam - Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria fixed by the UPSC for Geologist’s examination is as follows:

Age: The age limit prescribed for the Geologist examination is 21-32 years on 1st January of the year of examination for the open category, while there are age relaxation for certain categories of persons including the departmental candidates.

Educational Qualification:

(i) Master's degree in Geology /Applied Geology or Marine Geology from a recognized university; or

(ii) Diploma of Associateship in Applied Geology of Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad; or

(iii) Master's degree in Mineral exploration from a recognized university (for posts in GSI); or

(iv) Master's degree in Hydrogeology from a recognised university (for posts in CGWB)

Candidates appearing in their final examination can also apply for the examination but are required to submit proof of passing along with detailed application form prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission before joining the Government of India Service as geologists.

Nationality: A candidate must be either:
(a) a Citizen of India, or
(b) a subject of Nepal, or
(c) a subject of Bhutan, or
(d) a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before the 1st January, 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India. or
(e) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka or East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia or from Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Provided that a candidate belonging to categores (b), (c), (d) and (e) above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.

A candidate in whose case a certificate of eligibility is necessary, may be admitted to the examination but the offer of appointment may be given only after the necessary eligibility certificate has been issued to him by the Government of India.

Physical Fitness: Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards for admission to Geologists’ Examination as per the regulations specified in the examination notification.