Last Updated: 03 September 2026 | Source: Official UPSC Geo-Scientist Recruitment Notification 2027 | Posted By: GovtJobDeck | Estimated Time to Read: 8 Minutes
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027. The examination is being conducted for recruitment to various Group A and Group B posts in the Geological Survey of India (GSI) under the Ministry of Mines and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027 recruitment has 127 tentative vacancies. Online applications are invited for the Preliminary Examination, and eligible candidates can apply through the UPSC online application portal. The last date to submit the application is 22 September 2026.
For more opportunities, check our UPSC Jobs and Central Government Jobs pages.
UPSC Geo-Scientist Recruitment 2027: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Notice No. | 01/2027-GEOL |
| Notification Date | 2 September 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 127 (Tentative) |
| Posts | Group A and Group B Geo-Scientist posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 2 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 September 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | 10 January 2027 |
| Main Examination | 19 and 20 June 2027 |
| Official Website | UPSC |
The notification states that applications are currently invited for the Preliminary Examination only. Candidates who qualify in Stage-I will be allowed to appear in the Main Examination as per the prescribed rules.
Quick Access Links
- Official Notification PDF: Download UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027 Notification
- Apply Online: UPSC Online Application Portal
- UPSC Official Website: UPSC Official Website
Get direct exam notifications, admit cards, and PDF updates delivered daily.
Get Instant Job Alerts →UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 2 September 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 2 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 September 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | 10 January 2027 |
| Main Examination | 19–20 June 2027 |
The dates above are given in the UPSC examination notice. The Commission may change examination centres or dates if required.
UPSC Geo-Scientist Vacancy 2027
UPSC has announced 127 tentative vacancies across the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board.
Category I: Geological Survey of India (GSI)
| Post | 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 |
The notification separately identifies 8 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) in the GSI posts.
Category II: Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
| Post | 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 |
The CGWB category includes 2 vacancies reserved for PwBD, comprising one Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) vacancy and one Assistant Hydrogeologist vacancy.
Total Vacancies: 127
- GSI: 111 vacancies
- CGWB: 16 vacancies
- Total: 127 tentative vacancies
The number of vacancies is liable to alteration.
Which Posts Are Included in UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027?
The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 covers posts under the Geology/Hydrogeology, Geophysics and Chemistry streams across the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).
| Stream | Organisation | Posts Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Geology / Hydrogeology | GSI | Geologist, Group A; Assistant Geologist, Group B |
| Geology / Hydrogeology | CGWB | Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology), Group A; Assistant Hydrogeologist, Group B |
| Geophysics | GSI | Geophysicist, Group A; Assistant Geophysicist, Group B |
| Geophysics | CGWB | Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics), Group A; Assistant Geophysicist, Group B |
| Chemistry | GSI | Chemist, Group A; Assistant Chemist, Group B |
| Chemistry | CGWB | Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical), Group A; Assistant Chemist, Group B |
Important: Candidates do not simply apply to every post listed above. The stream and posts for which a candidate can compete depend on their educational qualification and the eligibility conditions prescribed in the examination notice.
For similar scientific and technical opportunities, see our Government Research Jobs guide.
Eligibility Criteria or Who Can Apply for UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027?
UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027 is not a graduation-level recruitment. Candidates need the prescribed Master’s-level qualification in the relevant discipline for the post they want to apply for. The qualification must be from a recognized university or institute as specified in the notification.
Educational Qualification
| Post | Required Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Geologist, Group A – GSI | Master’s degree in 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, or Geochemistry. |
| Geophysicist, Group A – GSI / Scientist B (Geophysics), Group A – CGWB | M.Sc. in Physics, Applied Physics, Geophysics, Applied Geophysics, Marine Geophysics, or Integrated M.Sc. in Exploration Geophysics, or M.Sc. (Tech.) in Applied Geophysics. |
| Chemist, Group A – GSI / Scientist B (Chemical), Group A – CGWB | M.Sc. in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, or Analytical Chemistry. |
| Scientist B (Hydrogeology), Group A – CGWB / Assistant Hydrogeologist, Group B – CGWB | Master’s degree in Geology, Applied Geology, Marine Geology, or Hydrogeology. |
| Assistant Geologist, Group B – GSI | Master’s degree or Integrated Master’s degree in Geology, Applied Geology, Mineral Exploration, Marine Geology, or Earth Science. |
| Assistant Chemist, Group B – GSI/CGWB | M.Sc. or Integrated M.Sc. in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Hydro-Chemistry, or Industrial Chemistry. |
| Assistant Geophysicist, Group B – GSI/CGWB | M.Sc., M.Sc. (Tech.) or Integrated M.Sc. in Geophysics, Exploration Geophysics, Applied Geophysics, Geo-Exploration, Marine Geophysics, Physics, Applied Physics, or Applied Geology. |
The above qualifications are prescribed directly in the UPSC examination notice.
Candidates looking for more opportunities after graduation can also explore Government Jobs After Graduation.
Other Eligibility Conditions
Master’s degree duration: For this examination, UPSC defines a Master’s degree in the respective discipline as a postgraduate degree of at least two years’ duration after graduation, whether it is an integrated course or otherwise.
Final-year candidates: Candidates who have already appeared in the qualifying examination and are awaiting results can apply. Candidates who intend to appear in the qualifying examination may also apply provisionally. However, candidates who qualify for the Personality Test must provide proof of passing the required qualification within the 10-day window provided by UPSC after the Main Examination result.
UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027 Age Limit
The basic age requirement is:
- Minimum age: 21 years
- Maximum age: 32 years
- Age calculated on: 1 January 2027
Therefore, candidates must have been born not earlier than 2 January 1995 and not later than 1 January 2006.
Age Relaxation
Major relaxations prescribed in the notification include:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | Up to 5 years |
| OBC | Up to 3 years |
| Eligible Defence Services Personnel disabled in operations | Up to 3 years |
| Eligible Ex-Servicemen | Up to 5 years |
| Eligible ECOs/SSCOs | Up to 5 years |
| PwBD categories specified by UPSC | Up to 10 years |
Other conditions apply to specific relaxation categories, so candidates should check the notification before claiming an age concession.
UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027 Nationality
A candidate must satisfy one of the nationality conditions prescribed by UPSC.
Eligible categories include:
- Citizen of India
- Subject of Nepal
- Subject of Bhutan
- Certain Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India
- Certain persons of Indian origin who migrated from the countries listed in the notification
Candidates belonging to specified categories other than Indian citizens require the applicable Government of India eligibility certificate.
UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027 Salary
The UPSC notification does not specify the pay level or monthly salary for the Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist, Scientist B and Assistant-level posts. Therefore, a fixed salary figure should not be stated as part of the official 2027 notification details.
The notification confirms that appointments to the advertised posts will initially be made on a temporary
UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027 Application Fee
| Candidate Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / eligible fee-paying candidates | ₹200 |
| Female candidates | No fee |
| SC candidates | No fee |
| ST candidates | No fee |
| PwBD candidates | No fee, subject to eligibility |
OBC and EWS candidates are not exempted from the fee and must pay the prescribed ₹200 fee.
The fee can be paid through the payment methods prescribed by UPSC, including net banking, Visa/Master/RuPay cards and UPI. Fee once paid is not refundable.
For other current openings, visit our Latest Government Jobs page.
How to Apply for UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027?
Candidates must apply online only through the UPSC online application portal. The application process consists of account creation, Universal Registration (URN), the Common Application Form (CAF), and the examination-specific application module.
Step 1: Visit the official portal at Apply Portal.
Step 2: Complete Account Creation and generate your Universal Registration Number (URN). The URN is lifetime valid and common for all UPSC exams.
Step 3: Fill the Common Application Form (CAF):
- Upload a recent photograph
- Capture live photograph during form filling
- Upload signature (sign three times one below the other on white paper using black ink)
- Provide Aadhaar/Photo ID details (Aadhaar strongly recommended)
Step 4: Fill the Examination Specific Module for Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027:
- Select category preference (GSI / CGWB / Both)
- Choose examination centre
- Enter educational qualifications and preferences
Step 5: Pay the application fee (₹200) via Net Banking / Card / UPI (if applicable).
Step 6: Review all details and Submit. No correction/modification/withdrawal is allowed after final submission.
Step 7: Download and save a soft copy/printout of the application for future reference.
Important: The Commission provides a one-time edit facility for the URN profile. However, changes made to URN will not reflect in already submitted applications.
Can You Apply for Both GSI and CGWB?
Yes, if you are eligible for both categories.
A candidate can apply for admission to the Preliminary Examination for one or both categories—GSI and CGWB—through a single application. A separate examination fee is not required for each category.
However, eligibility for the relevant posts and stream must be satisfied.
UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027 Exam Pattern
The examination has three stages:
- Stage-I: Preliminary Examination
- Stage-II: Main Examination
- Stage-III: Personality Test/Interview
The Preliminary Examination is objective, the Main Examination is conventional/descriptive, and the Personality Test is the final stage.
Stage-I: Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers for each stream.
| Stream | Paper | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geology/Hydrogeology | General Studies | 2 hours | 100 |
| Geology/Hydrogeology | 2 hours | 300 | |
| Total | 400 | ||
| Geophysics | General Studies | 2 hours | 100 |
| Geophysics | 2 hours | 300 | |
| Total | 400 | ||
| Chemistry | General Studies | 2 hours | 100 |
| Chemistry | 2 hours | 300 | |
| Total | 400 |
The question papers are set in English only.
Negative Marking
There is negative marking in the objective papers.
For a wrong answer, one-third of the marks assigned to that question is deducted.
There is no penalty for an unanswered question.
Who Qualifies for the Main Examination?
UPSC will prepare the list of candidates qualifying for Stage-II based on the prescribed minimum qualifying marks in:
- General Studies Paper-I, and
- the stream-specific Paper-II.
The number of candidates admitted to the Main Examination will be approximately six to seven times the total approximate vacancies.
Stage-II: Main Examination
The Main Examination consists of conventional-type papers.
Geologist / Assistant Geologist
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Geology | 3 hours | 200 |
| Paper II | Geology | 3 hours | 200 |
| Paper III | Geology | 3 hours | 200 |
| Total | 600 |
Geophysicist / Related Geophysics Posts
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Geophysics | 3 hours | 200 |
| Paper II | Geophysics | 3 hours | 200 |
| Paper III | Geophysics | 3 hours | 200 |
| Total | 600 |
Chemist / Related Chemistry Posts
The Chemistry stream also has three conventional papers of 200 marks each, for a total of 600 marks.
For the Main Examination, conventional papers must be answered in English only, and the question papers are set in English only.
Stage-III: Personality Test/Interview
The third stage is the Personality Test/Interview.
The examination scheme assigns:
- Stage-I: 400 marks
- Stage-II: 600 marks
- Stage-III: 200 marks
The official examination plan totals the three stages accordingly.
The Preliminary marks are also counted in determining the final order of merit for candidates who qualify for the Main Examination.
UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027 Syllabus
The syllabus differs according to the stream.
General Studies
General Studies is common to all streams and includes:
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Economic and Social Development
- Environmental ecology, biodiversity and climate change
- General Science
The standard is such as may be expected of a science graduate.
Geology / Hydrogeology
Major areas include:
- Physical Geology
- Structural Geology
- Mineralogy
- Igneous Petrology
- Metamorphic Petrology
- Other prescribed geology/hydrogeology topics
The notification states that the stream-specific Preliminary paper and the Main Examination papers are approximately at the M.Sc. degree standard of an Indian university, with questions generally intended to test understanding of fundamentals. There is no practical examination.
Geophysics
The Geophysics stream follows the subject-specific syllabus prescribed by UPSC for Stage-I and Stage-II.
Chemistry
The Chemistry stream follows the Chemistry syllabus prescribed for the Preliminary and Main examinations.
For the complete topic-by-topic syllabus, candidates should refer to the official UPSC notification rather than relying on a shortened third-party syllabus list.
UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027 Exam Centres
Preliminary Examination Centres
The Preliminary Examination will be held at 21 centres: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cuttack, Delhi, Dispur, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Shillong, Shimla and Thiruvananthapuram.
Centre allotment is subject to capacity. Except Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata and Ahmedabad, centres are allotted on a first-apply-first-allot basis until capacity is reached. UPSC may change centres, and requests for a change are not ordinarily accepted.
Main Examination Centres
The Main Examination will be held at 9 centres: Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Dispur (Guwahati), Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and Shimla.
Important Instructions for UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027
- Face authentication is mandatory at the examination venue.
- Entry closes 30 minutes before each session; late candidates will not be allowed.
- Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, cameras and other electronic devices are prohibited, even when switched off.
- Calculators are not allowed in Objective Type Papers.
- e-Admit Card does not confirm final eligibility. Admission remains provisional, and original documents are verified after qualifying for the Personality Test/Interview.
Scribe and Compensatory Time for PwBD Candidates
Eligible PwBD candidates may get scribe and compensatory-time facilities subject to UPSC’s prescribed conditions and certificates. For eligible categories, compensatory time is 20 minutes per hour of examination. Candidates should also check the post-specific physical and functional requirements before applying.
What Happens After the Preliminary Examination?
The selection process is:
Preliminary Examination → Main Examination → Personality Test/Interview → Final Merit
Candidates qualifying the Preliminary Examination can appear for the Main Examination. Final selection for GSI and CGWB posts is based on merit, post preference and available vacancies.
UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027 Helpdesk
Candidates facing issues with the application process can contact the UPSC helpdesk:
Phone: 011-24041001 / 011-40303444
Email: upscsoap@nic.in
The helpdesk is stated to operate from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on working days during the application window, from 2 September to 22 September 2026.
Important Links
- Official Notification PDF: Download UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027 Notification
- Apply Online: UPSC Online Application Portal
- UPSC Official Website: UPSC Official Website
Get direct exam notifications, admit cards, and PDF updates delivered daily.
Get Instant Job Alerts →UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027 FAQs
When is the last date to apply for UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027?
The last date to submit the online application is 22 September 2026.
How many vacancies are available in UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027?
There are 127 tentative vacancies across GSI and CGWB.
When will the UPSC Geo-Scientist Preliminary Exam 2027 be held?
The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 10 January 2027.
When will the UPSC Geo-Scientist Main Exam 2027 be held?
The Main Examination is scheduled for 19 and 20 June 2027.
Can I apply for both GSI and CGWB?
Yes. An eligible candidate may apply for one or both categories through a single application and does not have to pay the examination fee separately for each category.
Is UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027 a graduation-level examination?
No. The relevant posts generally require the prescribed Master’s-level qualification in Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry or specified related disciplines.
What is the age limit for UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027?
The basic age limit is 21 to 32 years as on 1 January 2027, subject to applicable relaxations.
What is the UPSC Geo-Scientist application fee?
The prescribed fee is ₹200 for candidates who are not exempted. Female, SC and ST candidates are exempt, and eligible PwBD candidates are also exempt subject to the conditions prescribed by UPSC. OBC and EWS candidates are required to pay the full prescribed fee.
Is there negative marking in the Preliminary Examination?
Yes. One-third of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for an incorrect answer. There is no penalty for leaving a question unanswered.
Is the Preliminary Examination counted in final merit?
Yes. The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination by candidates who qualify for the Main Examination are counted in determining the final order of merit.
Is face authentication compulsory?
Yes. Candidates are required to undergo face authentication at the examination venue.
Can I change my examination centre after allotment?
Candidates should choose their centre carefully. UPSC states that no request for change of centre will be granted, and the Commission reserves the right to change centres if required.
Can I edit my application after submission?
UPSC states that no addition, deletion or change is allowed in the submitted online application under the specified examination instructions. The URN has a separate one-time edit facility, but changes to the URN profile do not automatically update an application already submitted.
Do I need Aadhaar for the application?
Aadhaar is not stated as a mandatory requirement merely for applying. However, UPSC strongly advises candidates to use Aadhaar as an ID document for easier identity verification and authentication.
Final Takeaway
The UPSC Geo-Scientist Recruitment 2027 offers 127 tentative vacancies across GSI and CGWB. The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 10 January 2027, followed by the Main Examination on 19–20 June 2027. Candidates should first verify their post-specific Master’s qualification, age, nationality and applicable reservation conditions before applying.
Applications must be submitted online by 22 September 2026. Because the examination includes post-specific eligibility requirements and a multi-stage selection process, candidates should rely on the official UPSC notification and examination rules when making eligibility or application decisions.
Official source: UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027, Examination Notice No. 01/2027-GEOL, dated 2 September 2026.
Engineers can also explore more opportunities through our Government Jobs for Engineers guide.
