UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 notification has been released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to various Group A and Group B Geo-Scientist posts in the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Ministry of Jal Shakti. The official notification, Examination Notice No. 01/2027-GEOL, was issued on 2 September 2026.
Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the UPSC online application portal. The last date to apply is 22 September 2026 up to 6:00 PM. The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Preliminary Examination 2027 is scheduled to be conducted on 10 January 2027, while the Main Examination will be held on 19 and 20 June 2027.
Candidates interested in Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry and Hydrogeology-related government jobs should carefully check the post-wise educational qualification, age limit, examination scheme and other eligibility conditions before applying.
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam 2027 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Notice No. | 01/2027-GEOL |
| Date of Notification | 02 September 2026 |
| Recruitment Departments | Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) |
| Total Tentative Vacancies | 127 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 02 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 September 2026 up to 6:00 PM |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 10 January 2027 |
| Main Exam Date | 19 & 20 June 2027 |
| Preliminary Exam Mode | Objective Type |
| Main Exam Mode | Conventional/Descriptive |
| Personality Test | 200 Marks |
| Application Fee | ₹200 |
| Fee Exemption | Female, SC, ST and eligible PwBD candidates |
| Official Website | UPSC |
| Apply Online | UPSC Online Application Portal |
UPSC Geo-Scientist Vacancy 2027
The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 has announced 127 tentative vacancies across the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board.
Category-I – Geological Survey of India
| Post | Group | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Geologist | Group A | 29 |
| Geophysicist | Group A | 00 |
| Chemist | Group A | 07 |
| Assistant Geologist | Group B | 34 |
| Assistant Geophysicist | Group B | 35 |
| Assistant Chemist | Group B | 06 |
| Total | 111 |
Category-II – Central Ground Water Board
| Post | Group | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) | Group A | 05 |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical) | Group A | 01 |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics) | Group A | 01 |
| Assistant Hydrogeologist | Group B | 07 |
| Assistant Chemist | Group B | 01 |
| Assistant Geophysicist | Group B | 01 |
| Total | 16 |
Total tentative vacancies: 127
The vacancy numbers are provisional and may be altered by the Commission.
Important Dates
Candidates should keep track of the following dates for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027:
- Notification Date: 02 September 2026
- Online Application Starts: 02 September 2026
- Last Date for Application: 22 September 2026 up to 6:00 PM
- Preliminary Examination: 10 January 2027
- Main Examination: 19 & 20 June 2027
- Personality Test/Interview: To be announced later by UPSC
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
Candidates must have attained 21 years and must not have attained 32 years as on 1 January 2027.
Therefore, the candidate should have been born:
Not earlier than 2 January 1995 and not later than 1 January 2006.
Age relaxation is available to eligible reserved and other specified categories as per the UPSC rules.
The upper age limit is relaxable by:
- Up to 5 years for SC/ST candidates.
- Up to 3 years for eligible OBC candidates.
- Up to 5 years for specified Government servants.
- Up to 5 years for eligible Ex-Servicemen/ECOs/SSCOs as prescribed.
- Up to 10 years for eligible Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.
- Other relaxations are available according to the applicable rules.
Candidates should carefully check the detailed rules before claiming age relaxation.
Educational Qualification
The educational qualification differs according to the post and stream.
Geologist – Group A
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in subjects such as:
- Geological Science
- Geology
- Applied Geology
- Geo-Exploration
- Mineral Exploration
- Engineering Geology
- Marine Geology
- Earth Science and Resource Management
- Oceanography and Coastal Areas Studies
- Petroleum Geosciences
- Geochemistry
from a recognized university/institution.
Geophysicist – Group A / Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics)
Candidates should have an M.Sc. in:
- Physics
- Applied Physics
- Geophysics
- Exploration Geophysics
- Applied Geophysics
- Marine Geophysics
or an applicable M.Sc. (Tech.) in Applied Geophysics or equivalent qualification prescribed in the notification.
Chemist – Group A / Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical)
Candidates should possess an M.Sc. in:
- Chemistry
- Applied Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
from a recognized university/institution.
Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) / Assistant Hydrogeologist
Candidates should possess a Master’s degree in:
- Geology
- Applied Geology
- Marine Geology
- Hydrogeology
from a recognized university/institution.
Assistant Chemist – Group B
Candidates should have an M.Sc. or Integrated M.Sc. in Chemistry or relevant branches such as:
- Applied Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Hydro-Chemistry
- Industrial Chemistry
Assistant Geologist – Group B
Candidates should possess a Master’s or Integrated Master’s degree in:
- Geology
- Applied Geology
- Mineral Exploration
- Marine Geology
- Earth Science
Assistant Geophysicist – Group B
Candidates should possess M.Sc., M.Sc. (Tech.) or Integrated M.Sc. in relevant disciplines including:
- Geophysics
- Exploration Geophysics
- Applied Geophysics
- Geo-Exploration
- Marine Geophysics
- Physics
- Applied Physics
- Applied Geology
Candidates should refer to the official examination notice for the exact post-wise qualification and applicable conditions.
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam Pattern 2027
The examination is conducted in three stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Personality Test/Interview
Stage-I: Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination is objective type and carries 400 marks.
There are three streams.
Stream-I – Geology/Hydrogeology
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Paper-II | Geology/Hydrogeology | 2 Hours | 300 |
| Total | 400 |
Stream-II – Geophysics
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Paper-II | Geophysics | 2 Hours | 300 |
| Total | 400 |
Stream-III – Chemistry
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Paper-II | Chemistry | 2 Hours | 300 |
| Total | 400 |
There is negative marking in the objective papers. One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for an incorrect answer. No penalty is imposed for an unanswered question.
Stage-II: Main Examination
The Main Examination is conventional/descriptive and carries 600 marks.
For the Geology stream, there are three Geology papers of 200 marks each.
For the Geophysics stream, there are three Geophysics papers of 200 marks each.
For the Chemistry stream, there are three Chemistry papers of 200 marks each.
For Hydrogeology, the Main Examination consists of:
- Paper-I: Geology – 200 Marks
- Paper-II: Geology – 200 Marks
- Paper-III: Hydrogeology – 200 Marks
Each paper has a duration of 3 hours.
Stage-III: Personality Test/Interview
Candidates who qualify for the Main Examination and meet the prescribed standards are called for the Personality Test/Interview.
The Personality Test carries 200 marks and has no minimum qualifying marks.
The interview assesses qualities such as leadership, initiative, intellectual curiosity, practical application, integrity, social qualities and aptitude for field work.
UPSC Geo-Scientist Preliminary Exam Syllabus
The General Studies paper is common to all streams and covers:
- Current events of national and international importance
- Indian history and the Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Economic and Social Development
- Sustainable Development
- Poverty and Inclusion
- Demographics
- Social Sector initiatives
- Environmental Ecology
- Biodiversity
- Climate Change
- General Science
The stream-specific papers cover subjects at approximately the M.Sc. degree standard.
Geology/Hydrogeology
Major areas include:
- Physical Geology
- Structural Geology
- Mineralogy
- Igneous Petrology
- Metamorphic Petrology
- Sedimentology
- Paleontology
- Stratigraphy
- Economic Geology
- Hydrogeology
Geophysics
Important areas include:
- Solid Earth Geophysics
- Mathematical Methods in Geophysics
- Electromagnetism
- Geophysical Prospecting
- Remote Sensing
- Thermodynamics
- Nuclear Physics
- Radiometry
Chemistry
Major areas include:
- Chemical Periodicity
- Chemical Bonding and Structure
- Acids and Bases
- Quantitative Inorganic Analysis
- Kinetic Theory and Gaseous State
- Chemical Thermodynamics
- Chemical Equilibrium
- Other prescribed M.Sc.-level Chemistry topics
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Application Fee
The application fee is ₹200.
Candidates can pay the fee through the prescribed online payment methods, including:
- Net Banking
- Visa/Master/RuPay Credit or Debit Card
- UPI
Who is exempt from the fee?
The following candidates are exempted from payment of the examination fee, subject to the applicable conditions:
- Female candidates
- SC candidates
- ST candidates
- Eligible Persons with Benchmark Disabilities
OBC and EWS candidates are not exempted from the application fee and are required to pay the prescribed fee.
How to Apply for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027?
Candidates must apply online through the UPSC online application system.
Step-by-step application process
- Visit the UPSC online application portal.
- Complete/create the required Universal Registration Number (URN) profile.
- Complete the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Select the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027.
- Select the appropriate stream/category of posts.
- Enter personal, educational and other required information.
- Upload the photograph and other required documents.
- Capture the required live photograph.
- Upload the signature as per the prescribed instructions.
- Provide the details of an acceptable Photo ID.
- Pay the examination fee, if applicable.
- Select the examination centre carefully.
- Review all details before final submission.
- Submit the application before 22 September 2026, 6:00 PM.
- Save/print a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
Candidates should note that applications cannot be withdrawn after submission and corrections/alterations are not generally permitted after submission.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep scanned copies of relevant documents ready, including:
- Date of Birth/Age Certificate
- Educational Qualification Certificate
- SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificate, where applicable
- Age or fee concession certificate, where applicable
- PwBD certificate, where applicable
- Valid Photo ID details
Original documents will be required during the later verification stage as prescribed by UPSC.
UPSC Geo-Scientist Exam Centres
Preliminary Examination Centres
The Preliminary Examination is scheduled to be conducted at:
- Ahmedabad
- Bengaluru
- Bhopal
- Chandigarh
- Chennai
- Cuttack
- Delhi
- Dispur
- Ghaziabad
- Gurugram
- Hyderabad
- Jaipur
- Jammu
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Mumbai
- Patna
- Prayagraj
- Shillong
- Shimla
- Thiruvananthapuram
Centre allotment is subject to capacity and other conditions. Candidates are advised to apply early because some centres are allotted on a first-apply-first-allot basis.
Main Examination Centres
The Main Examination will be conducted at:
- Bhopal
- Chennai
- Dispur (Guwahati)
- Delhi
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Mumbai
- Shimla
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates should carefully follow UPSC examination instructions.
- Only black ball pen is permitted for marking answers in the OMR sheet.
- Mobile phones are strictly prohibited, even when switched off.
- Smart watches, Bluetooth devices, pagers, cameras and other prohibited electronic equipment are also banned.
- Candidates should reach the venue well before the reporting/entry closure time.
- Entry to the examination venue will close 30 minutes before the commencement of each session.
- Face authentication will be conducted at the examination venue.
- Calculators are not permitted in the Objective Type Preliminary Examination.
- Non-programmable pocket calculators may be used in the Conventional/Descriptive Main Examination as permitted by UPSC.
- Candidates should carefully follow the instructions printed on the e-Admit Card.
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2027 Selection Process
The selection process consists of:
Preliminary Examination → Main Examination → Personality Test/Interview → Final Merit/Service Allocation
Marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination and Main Examination are counted for final merit as prescribed by UPSC, along with the Personality Test marks.
Candidates must qualify at each applicable stage.
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2027 – Important Links
- Official UPSC Website: https://upsc.gov.in
- Online Application Portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Notification: Combined Geo-Scientist Examination Notice No. 01/2027-GEOL
- Application Last Date: 22 September 2026, 6:00 PM
- Preliminary Examination: 10 January 2027
- Main Examination: 19 & 20 June 2027
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 – Important Links
- Apply Online: Click here
- Detailed Notification PDF: Click here
- Official Website: Click here
Conclusion
The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 is a major opportunity for postgraduate candidates from Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry and Hydrogeology disciplines to join government scientific and technical services under the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board.
With 127 tentative vacancies, candidates who meet the prescribed age, educational qualification and other eligibility requirements can apply online from 2 September to 22 September 2026. The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 10 January 2027, followed by the Main Examination on 19 and 20 June 2027.
Applicants should read the complete official UPSC notification carefully before submitting their application and ensure that all information and documents provided are correct.
Frequently Asked Questions – UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam 2027
1. When was the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 notification released?
The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 notification was released on 2 September 2026.
2. What is the last date to apply for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2027?
The last date to submit the online application is 22 September 2026 up to 6:00 PM.
3. How many vacancies are announced for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2027?
There are 127 tentative vacancies for various posts under the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board.
4. What is the UPSC Geo-Scientist Preliminary Exam date?
The Combined Geo-Scientist Preliminary Examination 2027 will be held on 10 January 2027.
5. When will the UPSC Geo-Scientist Main Examination be conducted?
The Main Examination is scheduled for 19 June 2027 and 20 June 2027.
6. What is the age limit for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2027?
Candidates must be 21 to 32 years old as on 1 January 2027, subject to the prescribed age relaxations.
7. What is the application fee for Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027?
The application fee is ₹200. Female, SC, ST and eligible PwBD candidates are exempted from payment of the fee.
8. Can OBC candidates claim fee exemption?
No. OBC candidates are required to pay the prescribed application fee. The fee exemption mentioned in the notification applies to eligible Female, SC, ST and PwBD candidates.
9. What is the educational qualification for Geologist Group A?
Candidates need a relevant Master’s degree in subjects such as Geology, Applied Geology, Geological Science, Geo-Exploration, Mineral Exploration, Engineering Geology, Marine Geology, Earth Science and Resource Management, Oceanography and Coastal Areas Studies, Petroleum Geosciences or Geochemistry.
10. Is there negative marking in the UPSC Geo-Scientist Preliminary Examination?
Yes. One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for an incorrect answer in the objective papers.
11. How many stages are there in the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist selection process?
There are three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Personality Test/Interview.
12. What is the total marks of the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination?
The Preliminary Examination carries 400 marks, the Main Examination carries 600 marks, and the Personality Test carries 200 marks.
13. Where can candidates apply for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2027?
Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC online application portal at https://upsconline.nic.in.
14. Are mobile phones allowed in the UPSC Geo-Scientist examination?
No. Mobile phones and other prohibited electronic devices are strictly banned at the examination venue, even if switched off.
15. Can a candidate apply for both categories of posts?
Yes. A candidate may apply for admission to one or both categories, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements. One application and one prescribed fee are required.
Important: The vacancy figure of 127 is tentative, and candidates should rely on the official UPSC examination notice for the final vacancy position and all eligibility conditions.