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UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027

UPSC Service Commission

Domain: Science & Technology
Employment Type: Full time
Stage: Announcement - Official Advertisement

Posted: 1 hour ago

Posts: 127

Location: CENTRAL

Closes: 22 Sep 2026

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Job Details

UPSC will conduct the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination, 2027 to recruit for posts in the Geological Survey of India (Ministry of Mines) and Central Ground Water Board (Ministry of Jal Shakti). The selection has three stages: Stage-I Preliminary (objective type; two papers; 400 marks), Stage-II Main (descriptive/conventional; three papers; 600 marks), and Stage-III Personality Test/Interview (200 marks). Marks of both Preliminary and Main are counted for final merit. Preliminary exam centres are across 21 cities; Main exam centres are in nine cities. Applications are to be submitted online only via upsconline.nic.in using the URN/CAF system with live photo capture and signature upload; applications cannot be withdrawn or corrected after submission. There is negative marking in objective papers, OMR sheets must be filled with black ball pen, mobile/electronic items are banned, and entry to the venue closes 30 minutes before start time. e‑Admit Cards are issued online in the week prior to the exam. Reservations apply for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD as per Government rules; tentative total vacancies are 127 and are liable to change.

Level:
central
Cities:
Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cuttack, Delhi, Dispur, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Shillong, Shimla, Thiruvananthapuram, Dispur (Guwahati)
Other Information:
  • Centre allocation: Allotment of centres is first‑apply‑first‑allot, subject to capacity; change of centre is not permitted.
  • PwBD centres: All examination centres will cater to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.
Exam Centers:
  • Preliminary centres: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cuttack, Delhi, Dispur, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Shillong, Shimla, Thiruvananthapuram
  • Main centres: Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Dispur (Guwahati), Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Shimla

Job Summary

UPSC invites applications for the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination, 2027 to fill Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ posts in GSI and CGWB. Online applications are open until 22nd September, 2026 (18:00 Hrs) at upsconline.nic.in. The Preliminary exam will be held on 10th January, 2027, followed by the Main exam on 19th–20th June, 2027 and a Personality Test.

Important Dates

  1. Date of Notification of ExaminationNext

  2. Last date to apply · Last date for submission of applications

  3. Examination · Date of (Preliminary) Examination

  4. Examination · Date of (Main) Examination (Day 1)

  5. Examination · Date of (Main) Examination (Day 2)

Fee Structure

Application Fee

1. Examination fee:
Rs. 200/- (Rupees Two Hundred only).
2. Fee exemption:
All Female candidates and candidates belonging to SC/ST/PwBD are exempt from payment of fee.
3. Refund policy:
Fee once paid shall not be refunded nor held in reserve for any other examination.

Payment Methods

1. Net banking:
Payment through net banking facility of any bank.
2. Cards:
Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card accepted.
3. UPI:
UPI Payment accepted.

Other Information

1. Eligibility for PwBD fee exemption:
PwBD candidates must be otherwise medically eligible for the posts and upload disability certificate as required.
2. Applications without fee:
Applications without prescribed fee/mode (unless exempt) will be rejected.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Educational Qualifications

CriteriaDetails
Geologist Group ‘A’ (GSI): Master’s degree in Geological Science/Geology/Applied Geology/Geo‑Exploration/Mineral Exploration/Engineering Geology/Marine Geology/Earth Science & Resource Management/Oceanography & Coastal Areas Studies/Petroleum Geosciences/Geochemistry from a recognized University.Required
Geophysicist Group ‘A’ (GSI) and Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics) Group ‘A’ (CGWB): M.Sc. in Physics or Applied Physics OR M.Sc. (Geophysics) OR Integrated M.Sc. (Exploration Geophysics) OR M.Sc. (Applied Geophysics) OR M.Sc. (Marine Geophysics) OR M.Sc.(Tech.) (Applied Geophysics).Required
Chemist Group ‘A’ (GSI) and Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical) Group ‘A’ (CGWB): M.Sc. in Chemistry/Applied Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry from a recognized University.Required
Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) Group ‘A’ and Assistant Hydrogeologist Group ‘B’ (CGWB): Master’s degree in Geology/Applied Geology/Marine Geology/Hydrogeology from a recognized University.Required
Assistant Chemist Group ‘B’ (GSI) and Assistant Chemist Group ‘B’ (CGWB): Master of Science/Integrated M.Sc. in Chemistry/Applied/Analytical/Physical/Inorganic/Organic/Hydro‑Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry.Required
Assistant Geologist Group ‘B’ (GSI): Master’s/Integrated Master’s in Geology/Applied Geology/Mineral Exploration/Marine Geology/Earth Science.Required
Assistant Geophysicist Group ‘B’ (GSI/CGWB): M.Sc./M.Sc.(Tech.)/Integrated M.Sc. in Geophysics/Exploration Geophysics/Applied Geophysics/Geo‑Exploration/Marine Geophysics/Physics/Applied Physics/Applied Geology.Required

2. Other Educational Qualifications

CriteriaDetails
Qualification notesQualifications are relaxable at UPSC’s discretion for candidates otherwise well qualified; Master’s degree means a PG degree of minimum two years after graduation; candidates awaiting results may apply but must produce proof before Personality Test within the specified window.
Foreign degreesMaster’s degree from a foreign University approved by Government may be accepted.
Stream optionCandidates with common qualifications may apply under one chosen stream/discipline only (Geology/Hydrogeology or Geophysics).

3. Experience Requirements

CriteriaDetails
Experience RangeN/A - N/A years

4. Age Limit

CriteriaDetails
Age Range21 - 32 years
General age band21 to 32 years as on 1st January, 2027 (born not earlier than 2nd January, 1995 and not later than 1st January, 2006).
Government servantsUp to 5 years relaxation for Government servants employed in GSI/CGWB and applying for corresponding posts.
SC/STRelaxable up to 5 years.
OBCRelaxable up to 3 years (Non‑Creamy Layer).
Defence services disabledUp to 3 years.
Ex‑Servicemen/ECOs/SSCOsUp to 5 years, subject to conditions stated in the Notice.
PwBDUp to 10 years subject to fitness for the concerned services/posts.

5. Citizenship

CriteriaDetails
Citizen of IndiaEligible.
Subject of NepalEligible.
Subject of BhutanEligible.
Tibetan refugeeCame to India before 1st January, 1962 with intention of permanently settling in India.
Person of Indian originMigrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka or East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, UR of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam) with intention of permanently settling in India; eligibility certificate from Government of India required.

6. Physical Requirements

CriteriaDetails
General fitnessCandidates must be physically fit as per Regulations in Appendix‑II of the Rules for CGSE 2027.
GSI Geologist/Assistant GeologistFunctional classification: HH; OA, OL. Physical requirements: S, ST, BN, MF, SE, W, KC, C.
GSI Geophysicist/Assistant GeophysicistFunctional classification: HH; OA, OL. Physical requirements: S, ST, BN, MF, SE, W, KC, C.
GSI Chemist/Assistant ChemistFunctional classification: HH; OA, OL. Physical requirements: S, ST, BN, MF, SE, W, KC, C.
CGWB Hydrogeology/Geophysics (Scientist B, Assistant posts)Functional classifications include PB, HH, OL, MW with physical requirements S, ST, W, SE, H, RW.

7. Other Eligibility

CriteriaDetails
Order of preferencesCandidates must indicate service preferences among participating services; allocation will be limited to services opted.
PwBD categoryOnly the PwBD sub‑categories indicated for each post are eligible to apply under PwBD reservation.

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Post Details

Total Posts: 127

1. Geologist, Group ‘A’ (GSI)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Education: Master’s in Geological Science/Geology/Applied Geology/Geo‑Exploration/Mineral Exploration/Engineering Geology/Marine Geology/Earth Science & Resource Management/Oceanography & Coastal Areas Studies/Petroleum Geosciences/Geochemistry.

Age Limitations:

  • Age: 21–32 years as on 1st January, 2027; relaxations as per Notice.

2. Geophysicist, Group ‘A’ (GSI)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Education: M.Sc. in Physics/Applied Physics OR M.Sc.(Geophysics) OR Integrated M.Sc.(Exploration Geophysics) OR M.Sc.(Applied Geophysics) OR M.Sc.(Marine Geophysics) OR M.Sc.(Tech.) (Applied Geophysics).

Age Limitations:

  • Age: 21–32 years as on 1st January, 2027; relaxations as per Notice.

3. Chemist, Group ‘A’ (GSI)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Education: M.Sc. in Chemistry/Applied Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry.

Age Limitations:

  • Age: 21–32 years as on 1st January, 2027; relaxations as per Notice.

4. Assistant Geologist, Group ‘B’ (GSI)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Education: Master’s/Integrated Master’s in Geology/Applied Geology/Mineral Exploration/Marine Geology/Earth Science.

Age Limitations:

  • Age: 21–32 years as on 1st January, 2027; relaxations as per Notice.

5. Assistant Geophysicist, Group ‘B’ (GSI)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Education: M.Sc./M.Sc.(Tech.)/Integrated M.Sc. in Geophysics/Exploration Geophysics/Applied Geophysics/Geo‑Exploration/Marine Geophysics/Physics/Applied Physics/Applied Geology.

Age Limitations:

  • Age: 21–32 years as on 1st January, 2027; relaxations as per Notice.

6. Assistant Chemist, Group ‘B’ (GSI)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Education: Master/Integrated Master of Science in Chemistry/Applied/Analytical/Physical/Inorganic/Organic/Hydro‑Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry.

Age Limitations:

  • Age: 21–32 years as on 1st January, 2027; relaxations as per Notice.

7. Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology), Group ‘A’ (CGWB)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Education: Master’s in Geology/Applied Geology/Marine Geology/Hydrogeology.

Age Limitations:

  • Age: 21–32 years as on 1st January, 2027; relaxations as per Notice.

8. Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical), Group ‘A’ (CGWB)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Education: M.Sc. in Chemistry/Applied Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry.

Age Limitations:

  • Age: 21–32 years as on 1st January, 2027; relaxations as per Notice.

9. Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics), Group ‘A’ (CGWB)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Education: M.Sc. in Physics/Applied Physics OR M.Sc.(Geophysics) OR Integrated M.Sc.(Exploration Geophysics) OR M.Sc.(Applied Geophysics) OR M.Sc.(Marine Geophysics) OR M.Sc.(Tech.) (Applied Geophysics).

Age Limitations:

  • Age: 21–32 years as on 1st January, 2027; relaxations as per Notice.

10. Assistant Hydrogeologist, Group ‘B’ (CGWB)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Education: Master’s in Geology/Applied Geology/Marine Geology/Hydrogeology.

Age Limitations:

  • Age: 21–32 years as on 1st January, 2027; relaxations as per Notice.

11. Assistant Chemist, Group ‘B’ (CGWB)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Education: Master/Integrated Master of Science in Chemistry/Applied/Analytical/Physical/Inorganic/Organic/Hydro‑Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry.

Age Limitations:

  • Age: 21–32 years as on 1st January, 2027; relaxations as per Notice.

12. Assistant Geophysicist, Group ‘B’ (CGWB)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Education: M.Sc./M.Sc.(Tech.)/Integrated M.Sc. in Geophysics/Exploration Geophysics/Applied Geophysics/Geo‑Exploration/Marine Geophysics/Physics/Applied Physics/Applied Geology.

Age Limitations:

  • Age: 21–32 years as on 1st January, 2027; relaxations as per Notice.

Additional Information

  • PwBD reservation (GSI): 08 vacancies reserved: Geologist (1‑OH OA/OL), Chemist (1‑HH), Assistant Geologist (2: 1‑OH OA/OL & 1‑HH), Assistant Geophysicist (3‑HH), Assistant Chemist (1‑HH).
  • PwBD reservation (CGWB): 02 vacancies reserved: Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) (1‑HH) and Assistant Hydrogeologist (1‑LDCP).
  • Vacancy status: Vacancies are tentative and liable to alteration; appointments initially on temporary basis.

How to Apply

1. Portal and modules:
Create Account, complete Universal Registration Number (URN), fill Common Application Form (CAF), then the Examination Specific Module on https://upsconline.nic.in.
2. Live photo and signature:
Upload a photograph and capture live photograph; upload signatures (sign three times in black ink on white paper) as per instructions.
3. Photo ID:
Provide details of one valid Photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN/Passport/Driving Licence/other Govt. ID) in the URN Profile and carry the same to the exam.
4. Edits and withdrawal:
One‑time edit is available only for URN Profile; no withdrawal or post‑submission correction of the application is allowed.
5. Centre choice:
Choose exam centre carefully; appearing at a centre other than that on e‑Admit Card will lead to cancellation.
6. Government servants:
Apply directly online; inform Head of Office/Department in writing.

Exam Pattern

1. Stage‑I Preliminary:
Objective type; two papers per stream; Paper‑I General Studies (2 hours, 100 marks) and Paper‑II stream‑specific (2 hours, 300 marks); total 400 marks; OMR; English only; negative marking applies.
2. Stage‑II Main:
Descriptive (conventional) papers; three papers per stream; each 3 hours, 200 marks; total 600 marks; papers must be answered in English only.
3. Stage‑III Personality Test:
Interview carrying 200 marks; assesses suitability for the post(s) including leadership, initiative, intellect, tact, social qualities, and field aptitude.
4. Use of calculators:
Calculators not permitted in Preliminary (objective) papers; only non‑programmable pocket calculators allowed in Main (conventional) papers as per instructions.
5. Shortlisting ratios:
About six to seven times the total approximate number of vacancies will be admitted to Main; about twice the number of vacancies will be called for Personality Test.
6. Answer keys representation:
Window of five days from 3rd day after exam up to 06:00 PM of 7th day to submit representations online.
7. Negative marking:
For each wrong answer in objective papers, one‑third of the marks assigned to the question will be deducted; multiple answers count as wrong; no penalty for unanswered questions.

Syllabus Details

1. Prelim Paper‑I (General Studies):
Current events; History; Indian and World Geography; Polity & Governance; Economic & Social Development; Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change; General Science.
2. Prelim Paper‑II (Geology/Hydrogeology):
Physical & Structural Geology, Mineralogy, Igneous/Metamorphic Petrology, Sedimentology, Paleontology, Stratigraphy, Economic Geology, Hydrogeology.
3. Prelim Paper‑II (Geophysics):
Solid Earth Geophysics, Mathematical Methods, Electromagnetism, Geophysical Prospecting, Remote Sensing & Thermodynamics, Nuclear Physics & Radiometry.
4. Prelim Paper‑II (Chemistry):
Chemical periodicity; bonding; acids & bases; volumetric and redox analysis; kinetic theory; thermodynamics & equilibrium; solutions; electrochemistry; organic basics, stereochemistry, reaction types, rearrangements.
5. Main (Geology):
Three papers covering Physical/Structural Geology & Remote Sensing; Sedimentology; Paleontology; Stratigraphy; Mineralogy; Geochemistry & Isotope Geology; Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology; Geodynamics; Economic & Fuel/Engineering/Environmental Geology; Mineral exploration; Hydrogeology.
6. Main (Geophysics):
Three papers including Solid Earth & Earthquake Seismology; Mathematical Methods & Electrodynamics; EM Theory; Atmospheric/Space Physics; Potential field, Electrical/EM, Seismic methods; Borehole geophysics; Signal processing; Marine & Airborne geophysics; Remote sensing & Geohydrology; Physics/electronics fundamentals.
7. Main (Chemistry):
Three papers: Inorganic (solids, coordination, organometallics, nuclear, d/f‑block); Physical (thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, quantum, spectroscopy); Analytical & Organic (errors, separations, spectroscopic/thermal/x‑ray/ICP techniques; organic reactions, pericyclics, spectroscopy).

Selection Process

1. Stages:
Stage‑I Preliminary (objective), Stage‑II Main (descriptive), and Stage‑III Personality Test (interview).
2. Merit:
Marks of Preliminary and Main are counted for final merit along with Personality Test.
3. Minimum qualifying marks:
UPSC will set minimum qualifying marks in Prelim Paper‑I and stream‑specific Paper‑II for shortlisting to Main.
4. Tie‑breaking:
If final marks tie, higher marks in subject‑specific papers are considered; if still tied, higher subject‑specific marks in specified sequence; then seniority by age; if still tied, Commission’s discretion applies.

Admit Card Details

1. Issue timeline:
e‑Admit Card issued on the last working day of the preceding week of the examination; for approved scribe change within 7 days before exam, e‑Admit Card issued 3 days prior.
2. Mode:
Download from https://upsconline.nic.in; not sent by post.
3. Email/mobile:
Keep registered email ID and mobile number active for communications.

Reservation Details

1. Categories covered:
Reservations for SC/ST/OBC/EWS and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities as per Government policy.
2. EWS certificate:
Income & Asset Certificate based on FY 2025‑2026, issued on/after 01.04.2026 and not later than 22.09.2026.
3. OBC (NCL) certificate:
Based on income for FY 2025‑2026, 2024‑2025 and 2023‑2024; issued on/after 01.04.2026 and not later than 22.09.2026.
4. Community change:
No change of category allowed after submission; requests to shift between reserved categories are not entertained.
5. PwBD sub‑categories:
Only PwBD sub‑categories identified for each post may apply; functional classifications and physical requirements are provided in the Notice.

Document Requirements

1. To be uploaded with URN/CAF:
(1) Certificate of Age; (2) Educational Qualification; (3) Category certificate for SC/ST/OBC/EWS (as applicable); (4) Certificate for age/fee concession (if applicable); (5) PwBD certificate (if applicable). Originals to be produced at Personality Test.
2. Scribe documentation:
Undertaking/Certificates as per Appendix‑V/VI/VII for candidates using scribe or with specified disabilities.

Important Instructions

1. Black ball pen & OMR:
Use black ball pen only for OMR; ensure correct encoding of Roll Number and Test Booklet Series.
2. Reporting time:
Entry to the exam venue closes 30 minutes before commencement of each session.
3. Face authentication:
Face authentication/identity verification is mandatory at the examination venue; arrive well in time.
4. Banned items:
Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, programmable calculators, storage media and bags are prohibited; no safekeeping arrangement is available.
5. Centre capacity:
Centres have capacity ceilings (except Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata, Ahmedabad); apply early to get preferred centre.
6. Public Disclosure (Pratibha Setu):
With candidate’s consent, details of non‑recommended candidates after reserve list may be shared with registered organisations for employment opportunities.

Interview Details

1. Personality Test:
Stage‑III Personality Test/Interview carries 200 marks (with minimum qualifying marks as may be fixed). About twice the number of vacancies will be called.

Disqualification Criteria

1. Unfair means & misconduct:
Impersonation, procuring impersonation, submitting false/tampered documents, using banned items, malpractices in exam, disorderly conduct, uploading irrelevant photo/signatures, or influencing examiners will invite disqualification/debarment.
2. Penalties:
Debarment by UPSC/Central Government for specified period or permanently; criminal/appropriate legal action under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024; departmental action if already in Government service.
3. Due process:
No penalty will be imposed without giving the candidate an opportunity to represent in writing.

Other Information

1. Representation on Question Paper & Provisional Answer Keys:
Online window open for 5 days from 3rd day after the exam up to 06:00 PM of the 7th day; no representations by email/post/hand accepted.

Contact Details

Other Information

  • Helpdesk window: Operational from 02.09.2026 to 22.09.2026 on working days, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

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