UPSC Geologist Exam 2024 - Notification, Eligibility, Important Dates, Syllabus and more

The UPSC Geologist Exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) of India, is an annual examination aimed at recruiting geologists for various geological organizations under the Government of India. The UPSC Geologist Exam is a gateway for candidates aspiring to join various geological organizations such as the Geological Survey of India, Central Ground Water Board, and Ministry of Mines, among others.

Notification will be released on official website.

Application fee: 100 INR (SC/ST women from all categories are exempted from paying the fee)

Salary: INR 56,100 to INR 1,77,500

How to apply?

• Fill the application form online on the official website.
• Pay the application fee online through various modes like debit/credit card, net banking, or offline through SBI Challan.
• Review the application form for any errors and submit it.
• Keep a printout of the application form for future reference.

Nationality:

Candidates must be either:

• A citizen of India,
• A subject of Nepal,
• A subject of Bhutan,
• A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India,
• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Age Limit:

The age limit for different categories of candidates is as follows:

• For Geologist and Geophysicist and Chemist (Group A): The candidate must be between 21 and 32 years of age as of the 1st of January of the year of the examination. Certain age relaxations are provided for candidates belonging to reserved categories.
• For Junior Hydrogeologist (Scientist B) (Group A): The candidate must be between 21 and 35 years of age as of the 1st of January of the year of the examination. Age relaxations apply to candidates from reserved categories.

Educational Qualifications:

• For Geologist Group A: A Master's degree in Geological Science or Geology or Applied Geology or Geo-Exploration or Mineral Exploration or Engineering Geology or Marine Geology or Earth Science and Resource Management or Oceanography and Coastal Areas Studies or Petroleum Geosciences or Petroleum Exploration or Geochemistry or Geological Technology or Geophysical Technology from a recognized university.
• For Geophysicist Group A: A Master's degree in Science in Physics or Applied Physics or Geophysics or Applied Geophysics or Marine Geophysics or Integrated Exploration Geophysics from a recognized university.
• For Chemist Group A: A Master's degree in Science in Chemistry or Applied Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry from a recognized university.
• For Junior Hydrogeologist (Scientist B) Group A: A Master's degree in Science in Geology or Applied Geology or Marine Geology from a recognized university.

Physical Standards:

Candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards for admission to the examination.

UPSC Geologist Exam 2024 sllaybus is given below:

Preliminary Examination

General Studies:

• Current events of national and international importance
• History of India and Indian National Movement
• Indian and World Geography - Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World
• Indian Polity and Governance - Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
• Economic and Social Development - Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
• Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change - General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Climate Change, and Environmental Pollution
• General Science

Geology:

• General Geology: The Solar System, Earth's Interior, Geological Time Scale, Geomorphology, Structural Geology, etc.
• Economic Geology: Mineral Deposits, Petroleum and Mineral Fuel Deposits, Coal, Uranium, Ore Genesis, etc.
• Mineralogy: Crystallography, Mineralogy of Elements, Mineral Associations, Physical Properties, etc.
• Paleontology: Fossils and Fossilization, Stratigraphy, Indian Stratigraphy, etc.
• Stratigraphy: Principles of Stratigraphy, Lithostratigraphy, Biostratigraphy, Chronostratigraphy, etc.

Main Examination

General English:

This paper is designed to test the candidate's understanding of English and workmanlike use of words. It includes comprehension passages, precise writing, usage of words, and grammar.

Geology:

Paper-I:

• Geomorphology and Remote Sensing
• Structural Geology
• Geotectonics
• Stratigraphy

Paper-II:

• Paleontology
• Sedimentology
• Petrology
• Economic Geology

Paper-III:

• Mineralogy
• Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
• Hydrogeology
• Engineering Geology

Personality Test

• The syllabus is based on knowledge about the field, some real life situation based questions and current affairs.
• Your overall personality means your way of talking, walking, sitting, thinking etc will be tested by the panel in this stage.

Exam Pattern

Preliminary Examination:

• This stage comprises two papers: Paper-I and Paper-II.
• Both papers are conducted in offline mode (pen and paper-based).
• Paper-I covers General Studies, including topics like current events, Indian and world geography, Indian polity and governance, economic and social development, environmental ecology, biodiversity, and general science.
• Paper-II focuses on Geology and consists of objective-type questions related to various aspects of geology.
• Each paper is of 2 hours duration.
• The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are not counted for determining the final merit list; they are only qualifying in nature.

Main Examination:

• This stage consists of three papers: Paper-I, Paper-II, and Paper-III.
• All papers are subjective/descriptive in nature and test candidates' in-depth understanding of geological concepts, analytical skills, and practical applications.
• Paper-I covers General English, while Paper-II and Paper-III cover Geology.
• Each paper is of 3 hours duration.
• The Main Examination is intended to assess candidates' knowledge and understanding of geological principles and their ability to analyze geological problems effectively.

Personality Test/Interview:

• Candidates who qualify in the Main Examination are called for a Personality Test, also known as the Interview.
• The Personality Test evaluates candidates' suitability for the position of geologist in government service.
• It assesses candidates' knowledge, communication skills, personality traits, and overall suitability for the role.
• The Interview carries a certain weightage in the final selection process.

• Recognise the Exam Structure: Become acquainted with the format of the exam
• Gather Resources: To help you prepare, gather pertinent study materials from past years' question papers, reference books, and textbooks.
• Make a Study Schedule: Establish a well-organized study schedule that allots time for every topic and subject, guaranteeing thorough coverage of the syllabus.
• Practice Frequently: To strengthen comprehension and enhance time management abilities, work through past years' question papers, timed assessments, and arithmetic problems.
• Stay Updated: Stay up to date on current events.

Aspirants can maximize their preparation efforts and raise their chances of success by comprehending the format of the exam, gathering materials, making a study programme, practicing frequently, staying current, and maintaining excellent health. The UPSC Geologist Exam presents hurdles that aspirant geologists can overcome with commitment, tenacity, and a calculated strategy.