logoNitiExam
← Back to State PSC exams

State PSC

UPSC Geo Scientist 2026

Union Public Service Commission

Mode

Online + Offline

Level

Graduate

Vacancies

100+

Fee

₹200 (Gen/OBC), ₹0 (SC/ST/Female/PH)

Key dates

Notification

Dec 2025

Application Last Date

Jan 2026

Stage I (Prelims)

May 2026

Stage II (Mains)

Aug 2026

Personality Test

Nov 2026

Eligibility

  • Post-graduation (M.Sc.) in Geology, Applied Geology, Geo-physics, Hydrogeology, Chemistry, or Hydrochemistry from a recognized university
  • Some posts accept B.Sc. in relevant disciplines with 2 years of experience
  • Age limit: 21 to 32 years for general category
  • Indian citizenship required
  • Age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC candidates

Syllabus

  • Geology Part I and Part II (for Geologist posts in GSI)
  • Hydrology and Water Management (for Hydrogeologist posts in CGWB)
  • Geophysics I and II (for Geophysicist posts)
  • Geochemistry and Environmental Chemistry (for respective posts)
  • General English (common compulsory paper)

Exam Pattern

  • Stage I: Objective Prelims with discipline-specific paper (Geology/Geophysics/Chemistry/Hydrology)
  • Stage II: Descriptive Mains with 3 papers in specialization
  • Personality Test (Interview) for Stage II qualifiers
  • Separate merit lists for Geologist (GSI), Geophysicist, Junior Hydrogeologist (CGWB), and Chemist posts

Exam overview

UPSC Geo Scientist 2026 is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit scientists and technical officers for the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), and other scientific organizations under the Government of India. Posts include Geologist, Junior Hydrogeologist, Geophysicist, and Chemist. The exam has 100+ vacancies and targets candidates with M.Sc. in Earth Sciences, making it a niche but prestigious central government scientific recruitment.

Preparation for UPSC Geo Scientist requires in-depth post-graduate level knowledge in Geology, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, or Chemistry depending on the post applied for. The exam has three stages: objective Prelims, descriptive Mains (3 papers), and Personality Test. Selected scientists work on mineral exploration, groundwater assessment, earthquake studies, and geological mapping across India. The salary at Pay Level 8-11 with scientific allowances makes this an attractive career for M.Sc. graduates in Earth Sciences.

Preparation tip

Start with the syllabus topics listed above, then practice timed mock tests and revise previous year questions weekly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility for UPSC Geo Scientist 2026?▼
Candidates must hold an M.Sc. degree in Geology, Applied Geology, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Chemistry, or Hydrochemistry from a recognized university. For some posts, B.Sc. in relevant disciplines with 2 years of experience may be accepted. Age limit is 21 to 32 years for general category, with 5 years relaxation for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC. SC/ST/Female/PH candidates are exempt from the Rs. 200 fee.
What is the salary of UPSC Geo Scientist selected candidates?▼
UPSC Geo Scientist officers are placed at Pay Level 8 to 11 (Rs. 47,600–67,700/month basic pay) depending on the post. GSI/CGWB posts also come with scientific allowances specific to field survey work. Total in-hand compensation including DA, HRA, and scientific allowances ranges from approximately Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 per month.
How many attempts are allowed in UPSC Geo Scientist?▼
There is no fixed attempt limit for UPSC Geo Scientist; candidates can appear as long as they are within the age limit of 32 years for general category, 35 years for OBC, and 37 years for SC/ST. Most M.Sc. graduates enter the eligibility window at age 23-24 and have approximately 8-9 attempts for general category candidates.
What is the UPSC Geo Scientist syllabus 2026?▼
The syllabus varies by post: Geologist posts (GSI) require Geology Part I and Part II papers. Hydrogeologist posts (CGWB) require Hydrology and Hydrogeology papers. Geophysicist posts require Geophysics papers. All posts include a General English paper in Stage II (Mains). Stage I (Prelims) is objective type with discipline-specific questions at M.Sc. level.
When is the UPSC Geo Scientist 2026 notification date?▼
The UPSC Geo Scientist 2026 notification was released in December 2025 with the application deadline in January 2026. Stage I (Prelims) is scheduled for May 2026, Stage II (Mains) for August 2026, and Personality Tests for November 2026. The notification is published on the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in).