UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2027. The recruitment is being conducted for various Group A and Group B scientific posts under the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines, and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Ministry of Jal Shakti.
A total of 127 tentative vacancies have been announced for Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist, Assistant Geologist, Assistant Geophysicist, Assistant Chemist, Scientist ‘B’ and Assistant Hydrogeologist posts. The online application process started on 2 September 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications through the UPSC online application portal up to 22 September 2026 at 6:00 PM.
The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Preliminary Examination 2027 is scheduled to be conducted on 10 January 2027, while the Main Examination is scheduled for 19 and 20 June 2027. The selection process consists of Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Personality Test/Interview.
Candidates interested in UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027 should carefully check the post-wise educational qualification, age limit, application fee, examination pattern and other eligibility conditions before submitting the online application.
UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 |
| Examination Notice No. | 01/2027-GEOL |
| Notification Date | 02 September 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 127 Tentative Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 02 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 September 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 10 January 2027 |
| Main Exam Date | 19 & 20 June 2027 |
| Selection Process | Preliminary, Main Examination & Personality Test |
| Job Location | All India |
| Official Website | UPSC |
The official UPSC examination page confirms that the notification was uploaded on 2 September 2026, the Preliminary Examination will commence on 10 January 2027, and applications close on 22 September 2026 at 6:00 PM.
UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027 Important Dates
Candidates should keep track of all important dates related to the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 02 September 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 02 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 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 |
The UPSC has officially confirmed 10 January 2027 as the date of the Preliminary Examination. The Main Examination is scheduled for 19 and 20 June 2027 according to the examination rules and current recruitment information.
Candidates are advised not to wait until the last day because the online application portal closes at 6:00 PM on 22 September 2026.
UPSC Geo Scientist Vacancy 2027
UPSC has announced a total of 127 tentative vacancies under the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027. The vacancies are divided between the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board.
The vacancy numbers are tentative and may be changed by UPSC depending on government requirements.
Category-I – Geological Survey of India
A total of 111 vacancies are available under Category-I.
| Post Name | Group | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Geologist | Group A | 29 |
| Geophysicist | Group A | 0 |
| Chemist | Group A | 7 |
| Assistant Geologist | Group B | 34 |
| Assistant Geophysicist | Group B | 35 |
| Assistant Chemist | Group B | 6 |
| Total | 111 |
There are currently no vacancies reported for Geophysicist, Group A in GSI under this recruitment cycle.
Category-II – Central Ground Water Board
A total of 16 vacancies are available under Category-II.
| Post Name | Group | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) | Group A | 5 |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical) | Group A | 1 |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics) | Group A | 1 |
| Assistant Hydrogeologist | Group B | 7 |
| Assistant Chemist | Group B | 1 |
| Assistant Geophysicist | Group B | 1 |
| Total | 16 |
Therefore, the total number of tentative vacancies under UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027 is 111 + 16 = 127 posts.
UPSC Geo Scientist 2027 Post Details
The recruitment provides opportunities in geology, geophysics, chemistry and hydrogeology-related government services.
Geological Survey of India Posts
The GSI vacancies include:
- Geologist, Group A
- Geophysicist, Group A
- Chemist, Group A
- Assistant Geologist, Group B
- Assistant Geophysicist, Group B
- Assistant Chemist, Group B
Central Ground Water Board Posts
The CGWB vacancies include:
- Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology), Group A
- Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical), Group A
- Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics), Group A
- Assistant Hydrogeologist, Group B
- Assistant Chemist, Group B
- Assistant Geophysicist, Group B
These posts are governed by the respective service rules of GSI and CGWB.
UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027 Eligibility
Educational qualification is different for different posts. Generally, candidates need a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification.
Geologist – Group A
Candidates applying for Geologist posts should possess a Master’s degree in an eligible subject 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
The degree must be from a recognized university/institution as prescribed by the recruitment rules.
Geophysicist – Group A
Eligible qualifications include relevant Master’s-level qualifications in subjects such as:
- Physics
- Applied Physics
- Geophysics
- Exploration Geophysics
- Applied Geophysics
- Marine Geophysics
The exact qualification should be checked against the post-specific requirements in the official notification.
Chemist – Group A
Candidates applying for Chemist posts generally require an M.Sc. in:
- Chemistry
- Applied Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
or another qualification specifically prescribed in the notification.
Assistant Geologist – Group B
Candidates should possess a Master’s or Integrated Master’s degree in relevant disciplines including:
- Geology
- Applied Geology
- Mineral Exploration
- Marine Geology
- Earth Science
Assistant Geophysicist – Group B
Relevant qualifications include Master’s-level degrees in areas such as:
- Geophysics
- Exploration Geophysics
- Applied Geophysics
- Geo-Exploration
- Marine Geophysics
- Physics
- Applied Physics
- Applied Geology
Assistant Chemist – Group B
Candidates require a Master’s or Integrated Master’s qualification in relevant chemistry disciplines such as:
- Chemistry
- Applied Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Hydro-Chemistry
- Industrial Chemistry
Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology)
Candidates applying for Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) should possess a Master’s degree in relevant subjects such as:
- Geology
- Applied Geology
- Marine Geology
- Hydrogeology
Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical)
Candidates need a relevant Master’s degree in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry or another prescribed qualification.
Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics)
Candidates require an eligible Master’s-level qualification in Physics, Applied Physics, Geophysics, Exploration Geophysics, Applied Geophysics or Marine Geophysics, as prescribed.
Assistant Hydrogeologist
Candidates generally require a Master’s degree in:
- Geology
- Applied Geology
- Marine Geology
- Hydrogeology
The detailed post-wise qualification should always be matched with the official UPSC notification before application.
UPSC Geo Scientist Age Limit 2027
For the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027, candidates must have:
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
The age will be calculated as on 1 January 2027.
Candidates must have been born:
Not earlier than 2 January 1995 and not later than 1 January 2006.
The upper age limit is relaxable for eligible categories according to the applicable government rules. The rules provide, among other relaxations, up to 5 years for SC/ST candidates, up to 3 years for OBC candidates, and applicable relaxations for PwBD, ex-servicemen and eligible defence personnel. Certain government employees working in specified GSI/CGWB departments may also receive relaxation subject to the prescribed conditions.
Candidates should use the age cut-off of 01 January 2027 while determining eligibility.
UPSC Geo Scientist Application Fee 2027
The application fee for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 is:
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS Male Candidates | ₹200 |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
| SC Candidates | Exempted |
| ST Candidates | Exempted |
| PwBD Candidates | Exempted |
The applicable fee can be paid through online payment methods such as UPI, net banking and eligible debit/credit card facilities. The fee once paid is generally non-refundable.
Candidates should ensure that the payment is successfully completed before the application deadline.
How to Apply for UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027
Candidates have to submit the application online through the UPSC online application system.
Step 1: Visit the Official UPSC Website
Open the official UPSC website and go to the examination notification/application section.
Step 2: Complete Registration
Candidates who are new to the UPSC online system should complete the required registration/profile creation process.
Step 3: Complete the Common Application Details
Enter personal, educational and other required information carefully.
Step 4: Select Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027
Choose the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 application module.
Step 5: Select the Appropriate Stream/Post
Candidates should carefully select the stream and posts for which they satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions.
Step 6: Upload Required Information/Documents
Upload the required photograph, signature and other information/documents according to the specifications given by UPSC.
Step 7: Pay Application Fee
Pay the prescribed ₹200 application fee, if applicable.
Step 8: Submit the Application
Review all information carefully before final submission.
Step 9: Save the Confirmation
After successful submission, download or save the application confirmation for future reference.
The official UPSC page directs candidates to the new UPSC online application portal for examination applications.
UPSC Geo Scientist Exam Pattern 2027
The selection process consists of three stages:
- Stage-I: Preliminary Examination
- Stage-II: Main Examination
- Stage-III: Personality Test/Interview
The overall structure carries 1,200 marks:
| Stage | Examination | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Stage-I | Preliminary Examination | 400 |
| Stage-II | Main Examination | 600 |
| Stage-III | Personality Test | 200 |
| Total | 1200 |
The Preliminary and Main Examination marks are considered for final merit along with the Personality Test according to the prescribed rules.
UPSC Geo Scientist Preliminary Exam Pattern 2027
The Preliminary Examination is objective type and consists of two papers for each stream.
Geology / Hydrogeology Stream
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Paper-II | Geology / Hydrogeology | 2 Hours | 300 |
| Total | 400 |
Geophysics Stream
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Paper-II | Geophysics | 2 Hours | 300 |
| Total | 400 |
Chemistry Stream
| 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. For an incorrect answer, one-third of the marks assigned to that question is deducted. No penalty is imposed for an unanswered question.
UPSC Geo Scientist Main Exam Pattern 2027
Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination will be allowed to appear in the Main Examination.
The Main Examination is descriptive/conventional type.
For the Geology, Geophysics and Chemistry streams, there are three papers of 200 marks each, with each paper having a duration of 3 hours.
Geology Stream
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Geology | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-II | Geology | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-III | Geology | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Total | 600 |
Geophysics Stream
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Geophysics | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-II | Geophysics | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-III | Geophysics | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Total | 600 |
Chemistry Stream
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Chemistry | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-II | Chemistry | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-III | Chemistry | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Total | 600 |
Hydrogeology Stream
For Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) and Assistant Hydrogeologist, the Main Examination includes prescribed papers in Geology and Hydrogeology, with three papers carrying 200 marks each.
The Main Examination is scheduled for 19 and 20 June 2027.
UPSC Geo Scientist Syllabus 2027
General Studies
The General Studies paper broadly tests candidates on areas such as:
- Current Affairs
- Indian History
- Indian and World Geography
- Indian Polity
- Economic and Social Development
- Environmental Ecology
- General Science
- Basic scientific developments
- National and international issues
Candidates should prepare General Studies at the level prescribed by UPSC.
Geology / Hydrogeology
Important areas include:
- Physical Geology
- Geomorphology
- Structural Geology
- Mineralogy
- Igneous Petrology
- Metamorphic Petrology
- Sedimentology
- Paleontology
- Stratigraphy
- Economic Geology
- Hydrogeology
- Engineering Geology
- Applied Geology
- Groundwater-related concepts
Geophysics
Important areas include:
- Mathematical Methods
- Solid Earth Geophysics
- Geophysical Field Theory
- Seismology
- Electromagnetism
- Geophysical Prospecting
- Gravity Methods
- Magnetic Methods
- Electrical Methods
- Seismic Methods
- Remote Sensing
- Nuclear Geophysics
Chemistry
The Chemistry stream includes postgraduate-level chemistry topics, including areas such as:
- Atomic Structure
- Chemical Bonding
- Periodic Properties
- Thermodynamics
- Chemical Equilibrium
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Kinetics
- Organic Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Stereochemistry
- Coordination Chemistry
Candidates should use the detailed syllabus provided with the official examination rules and notification for complete preparation.
UPSC Geo Scientist Selection Process 2027
The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist selection process has three stages.
Stage 1 – Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination is objective type and carries 400 marks. It is used to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination.
Stage 2 – Main Examination
The Main Examination is descriptive/conventional type and carries 600 marks.
Candidates must appear in all prescribed papers of their respective stream.
Stage 3 – Personality Test
Candidates qualifying in the Main Examination are called for the Personality Test/Interview.
The Personality Test carries 200 marks. The interview evaluates the candidate’s suitability for the scientific services and relevant responsibilities.
The final merit is prepared according to the marks obtained at the prescribed stages and the applicable rules, subject to eligibility, preferences and available vacancies.
UPSC Geo Scientist Exam Centres 2027
The Preliminary Examination is expected to be conducted at designated centres including:
- Ahmedabad
- Bengaluru
- Bhopal
- Chandigarh
- Chennai
- Cuttack
- Delhi
- Dispur
- Ghaziabad
- Gurugram
- Hyderabad
- Jaipur
- Jammu
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Mumbai
- Patna
- Prayagraj
- Shillong
- Shimla
- Thiruvananthapuram
The Main Examination is conducted at a smaller number of designated centres, including Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Dispur (Guwahati), Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and Shimla.
Candidates should check the official admit card for the final examination centre allotted to them.
UPSC Geo Scientist Admit Card 2027
UPSC will release the e-Admit Card for the Preliminary Examination before the examination date.
Candidates should download the admit card from the official UPSC website or the designated online portal.
The admit card will contain important information such as:
- Candidate’s name
- Roll number
- Registration details
- Examination date
- Examination time
- Examination centre
- Reporting instructions
- Important examination guidelines
Candidates should carry the required documents and valid photo identity proof to the examination centre.
The UPSC Geo Scientist Preliminary Examination 2027 is scheduled for 10 January 2027.
UPSC Geo Scientist Answer Key 2027
After the Preliminary Examination, candidates will be able to check the UPSC Geo Scientist answer key when it is officially released.
The answer key can help candidates:
- Check their attempted answers
- Estimate probable marks
- Understand correct answers
- Analyse examination performance
- Compare performance with expected cut-offs
Candidates should rely on the official UPSC website for the final answer key and any official answer-key-related notice.
UPSC Geo Scientist Result 2027
UPSC will release the result after each stage of the examination.
The expected result sequence is:
- Preliminary Examination Result
- Main Examination
- Main Examination Result
- Personality Test
- Final Result
The Preliminary Result will determine which candidates are eligible to appear in the Main Examination.
The final result will be prepared after completion of the prescribed selection stages.
Candidates should regularly check the official UPSC result section for result PDFs and notices.
UPSC Geo Scientist Salary 2027
The recruitment includes both Group A and Group B scientific posts under GSI and CGWB.
According to the applicable service rules, the GSI hierarchy includes:
- Assistant Geologist: Pay Level 8, ₹47,600–₹1,51,100
- Geologist: Pay Level 10, ₹56,100–₹1,77,500
Similarly, the corresponding scientific positions under GSI and CGWB are governed by the prescribed government pay structures and service rules.
Apart from basic pay, selected candidates receive applicable government allowances and benefits according to the rules of the concerned department.
Candidates should refer to the official service rules for the exact salary, allowances and other benefits applicable to their allotted post.
Why Candidates Should Apply for UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027
The Combined Geo-Scientist Examination provides an important opportunity for candidates with postgraduate qualifications in geology, geophysics, chemistry and related subjects.
Some major benefits include:
- Central Government scientific services
- Group A and Group B positions
- Career opportunities in GSI and CGWB
- Work related to geology and earth sciences
- Opportunities in groundwater and geophysical studies
- Government salary and applicable allowances
- Long-term career growth
- Professional scientific work
- Opportunities for experienced scientific professionals
The recruitment is particularly relevant for candidates who have completed a Master’s degree in geology, geophysics, chemistry, hydrogeology or related disciplines.
Documents Required for UPSC Geo Scientist Application
Candidates should keep the following information/documents ready while completing the application:
- Recent photograph
- Signature
- Valid photo identity details
- Date of birth/Matriculation certificate details
- Master’s degree certificate/details
- Educational qualification documents
- Category certificate, if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- OBC/EWS documents, where applicable
- Other required certificates mentioned in the notification
Candidates should ensure that all information entered in the application matches their official documents.
Important Instructions for UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027
Before submitting the application, candidates should remember the following points:
- Read the official notification carefully.
- Verify the educational qualification for the selected post.
- Check the age eligibility as on 1 January 2027.
- Ensure that the relevant Master’s degree is recognized.
- Select the correct examination stream.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Complete the application before 22 September 2026, 6:00 PM.
- Save the final submitted application details.
- Keep checking UPSC announcements for admit card and examination instructions.
- Do not depend solely on unofficial websites for final recruitment decisions.
UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027 Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Check Official Notification | Click Here |
| Check Result | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
The UPSC’s official examination page confirms the notification date, Preliminary Examination date and application deadline.
UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027 – FAQs
1. When was UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027 notification released?
The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Preliminary Examination 2027 notification was released on 2 September 2026.
2. How many vacancies are available in UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027?
A total of 127 tentative vacancies have been announced across GSI and CGWB.
3. What is the last date to apply for UPSC Geo Scientist 2027?
The last date to submit the online application is 22 September 2026 up to 6:00 PM.
4. When will the UPSC Geo Scientist Preliminary Exam 2027 be conducted?
The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 10 January 2027.
5. When will the UPSC Geo Scientist Main Exam 2027 be conducted?
The Main Examination is scheduled for 19 and 20 June 2027.
6. What is the age limit for UPSC Geo Scientist 2027?
Candidates must generally be between 21 and 32 years as on 1 January 2027. The prescribed age relaxations apply to eligible categories.
7. What is the application fee?
The prescribed application fee is ₹200 for applicable candidates. Female candidates and candidates belonging to SC, ST and PwBD categories are exempted according to the recruitment rules.
8. What qualification is required for UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment?
Candidates generally need a relevant Master’s degree in subjects such as Geology, Applied Geology, Geophysics, Physics, Chemistry or Hydrogeology, depending on the post.
9. Is there negative marking in UPSC Geo Scientist Preliminary Exam?
Yes. One-third of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for an incorrect answer in the objective Preliminary Examination.
10. How many marks are there in the Preliminary Examination?
The Preliminary Examination carries 400 marks.
11. How many marks are there in the Main Examination?
The Main Examination carries 600 marks, with three conventional papers of 200 marks each for the applicable streams.
12. How many marks does the Personality Test carry?
The Personality Test/Interview carries 200 marks.
13. Is UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027 a government job?
Yes. The examination is conducted by UPSC for scientific posts in government organizations including the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board.
14. Can final-year candidates apply?
Candidates who are appearing for their qualifying examination may be permitted to apply provisionally subject to the conditions and deadline for production of proof of qualification prescribed in the official notification.
15. Where can candidates apply for UPSC Geo Scientist 2027?
Candidates should apply through the official UPSC online application portal.
Conclusion – UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027
The UPSC Geo Scientist Recruitment 2027 is an important opportunity for postgraduate candidates from geology, geophysics, chemistry and hydrogeology-related backgrounds. UPSC has announced 127 tentative vacancies under the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board.
The online application process has started from 2 September 2026, and candidates must submit their applications by 22 September 2026 at 6:00 PM. The Preliminary Examination will be held on 10 January 2027, followed by the Main Examination on 19 and 20 June 2027.
Candidates should carefully check their post-wise educational qualification, age limit and other eligibility requirements before applying. Since the examination includes a technical subject worth 300 marks in the Preliminary stage, candidates should begin preparation early and focus strongly on their chosen stream.
For the latest notification, application link, admit card, answer key, result and other updates, candidates should regularly visit the official UPSC website and the official online application portal.