UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2026 offers an incredible opportunity to secure roles like Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist, or Junior Hydrogeologist in the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). With the application deadline approaching on September 23, 2025, now is the time to act! This SEO-optimized blog post covers everything you need to know about the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2025 recruitment, including exam dates, eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, and preparation tips to help you succeed.
Key Highlights of UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2026
- Notification Release Date: September 3, 2025
- Application Period: September 3, 2025 – September 23, 2025
- Preliminary Exam Date: February 8, 2026
- Mains Exam Date: June 20, 2026
- Vacancies: Approximately 85 posts (Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist, and more)
- Official Website: upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in
The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is a national-level competitive exam conducted annually to recruit talented candidates for Group A and B posts under the Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced professional in geology, geophysics, or chemistry, this exam is your gateway to a rewarding career in geosciences.
Important Dates for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2026
Mark these key dates to stay on track with your preparation and application:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | September 3, 2025 |
| Online Application Start | September 3, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 23, 2025 (6:00 PM IST) |
| Application Correction Window | September 24, 2025 – October 1, 2025 |
| Preliminary Exam | February 8, 2026 |
| Mains Exam | June 20, 2026 |
| Interview/Personality Test | To be announced |
Note: The last date to submit the application form is September 23, 2025. Ensure you complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) and application process before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2026
Before applying, confirm you meet the eligibility requirements for the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2025. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Nationality
- Must be a citizen of India, or
- A Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, with the intent to settle permanently, or
- A person of Indian origin migrated from specific countries (check the official notification for details).
2. Age Limit (as of January 1, 2025)
- Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist: 21 to 32 years (born between January 2, 1993, and January 1, 2004).
- Junior Hydrogeologist (Scientist B): 21 to 35 years.
- Age Relaxation: Available for SC/ST, OBC, PwD, and other categories as per government norms.
3. Educational Qualifications
- Geologist: Master’s degree in Geological Science, Geology, Applied Geology, Geo-Exploration, Mineral Exploration, Engineering Geology, Marine Geology, or related fields.
- Geophysicist: M.Sc. in Physics, Applied Physics, Geophysics, or equivalent.
- Chemist: M.Sc. in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, or Analytical Chemistry.
- Junior Hydrogeologist: Master’s degree in Geology, Applied Geology, or Marine Geology.
Note: Candidates with degrees from foreign universities are also eligible, provided they meet the required standards. Physical fitness is mandatory as per UPSC guidelines.
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2026 Application Process
The application process is entirely online and requires One-Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC portal. Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete OTR: If not already registered, complete the One-Time Registration by providing personal details like name, date of birth, and contact information.
- Fill Application Form:
- Log in using your OTR credentials.
- Select “Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination 2025.”
- Complete Part I (personal and educational details) and Part II (upload documents, select exam center, and pay the fee).
- Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies of your photo, signature, and a valid photo ID.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay via Visa/Master/RuPay Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking. Fee details are available in the official notification.
- Submit and Save: Verify all details, submit the form, and download a copy for future reference.
Important: Candidates can modify their OTR profile once within 7 days after the application window closes (October 1, 2025). If multiple applications are submitted, only the one with the higher Registration ID (RID) will be considered.
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2026 Exam Pattern
The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination consists of three stages:
1. Preliminary Examination (400 Marks)
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (Objective Type)
- Papers:
- Paper I (General Studies): Common for all streams, 100 marks.
- Paper II (Subject-Specific): Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry, or Hydrogeology, 300 marks.
- Duration: 2 hours per paper.
- Purpose: Screening for the Mains exam.
2. Mains Examination (600 Marks)
- Mode: Descriptive/Written Exam.
- Papers:
- Geology: Paper I, Paper II (Geology), and Paper III (Hydrogeology for Junior Hydrogeologist).
- Geophysics: Paper I, Paper II, and Paper III.
- Chemistry: Paper I, Paper II, and Paper III.
- Duration: 3 hours per paper.
- Dates: June 20, 2026 (specific papers for Junior Hydrogeologist on June 21).
3. Interview/Personality Test (200 Marks)
- Assesses candidates’ suitability for the role through knowledge, skills, and personality evaluation.
Total Marks: 1200 (Prelims + Mains + Interview).
Vacancies and Roles
The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2025 recruitment targets approximately 85 vacancies across the following posts:
- Geologist, Group A (Geological Survey of India)
- Geophysicist, Group A (Geological Survey of India)
- Chemist, Group A (Geological Survey of India)
- Scientist B (Hydrogeology), Group A (Central Ground Water Board)
- Assistant Hydrogeologist, Group B (Central Ground Water Board)
The in-hand salary for selected candidates is approximately INR 50,000, including basic pay, grade pay, and allowances (subject to deductions like provident fund).
Syllabus Overview
The syllabus varies by stream but generally includes:
- Preliminary Exam:
- General Studies: Current affairs, Indian geography, polity, and environment.
- Subject-Specific: Core concepts in Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry, or Hydrogeology.
- Mains Exam:
- Detailed topics in respective disciplines, such as mineral exploration, organic chemistry, seismic methods, or groundwater management.
- For example, Chemistry Paper III includes organic chemistry topics like addition reactions, Diels-Alder reactions, and carbonyl group reactions.
Download the detailed syllabus from the official UPSC website to tailor your preparation.
Preparation Tips for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2026
- Understand the Syllabus: Break down the syllabus for your stream (Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry, or Hydrogeology) and prioritize high-weightage topics.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern and question types.
- Time Management: Create a study schedule that balances General Studies and subject-specific preparation.
- Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy for the Prelims.
- Stay Updated: Follow official UPSC announcements and reliable sources for exam updates.
- Use Quality Resources: Refer to standard textbooks like Geology by K.M. Bangar or Physical Chemistry by P. Bahadur for in-depth study.
Why Choose a Career as a UPSC Geo-Scientist?
A career as a UPSC Geo-Scientist offers:
- Job Security: Prestigious Group A and B government roles.
- Impactful Work: Contribute to India’s geological resource exploration and water management.
- Competitive Salary: Starting at ~INR 50,000 with additional perks.
- Growth Opportunities: Scope for professional development and promotions.
How to Stay Updated
- Official Website: Regularly check upsc.gov.in for notifications, admit cards, and results.
- Download Admit Card: Available one week before the Prelims (early February 2026) and Mains (mid-June 2026).
- Answer Key: UPSC releases provisional answer keys post-exam, allowing candidates to raise objections.
Conclusion
The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2025 is a golden opportunity for aspirants in earth sciences to secure a rewarding career in government service. With the application deadline on September 23, 2025, act quickly to complete your registration and start preparing. Focus on the syllabus, practice consistently, and stay updated with official announcements to ace the exam.
Ready to take the first step? Visit upsconline.nic.in to apply now and kickstart your journey toward becoming a UPSC Geo-Scientist!
Download UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2025 Recruitment Official Notification pdf