Union Public Service Commission has invited online applications for the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027. The examination covers 127 tentative Group A and Group B vacancies in the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board.
Latest Update
Overview
| Recruiting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Examination | Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 |
| Notice Number | 01/2027-GEOL |
| File Number | 04/01/2026-E.I(B) |
| Posts | Geologist, Chemist, Scientist B and Assistant-level scientific posts |
| Departments | Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board |
| Total Vacancies | 127 tentative vacancies |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Application Last Date | 22 September 2026 at 6:00 PM |
Important Dates
| Notification Date | 2 September 2026 |
| Online Application Starting Date | 2 September 2026 |
| Application and Fee Deadline | 22 September 2026 at 6:00 PM |
| Preliminary Examination | 10 January 2027 |
| Main Examination | 19 and 20 June 2027 |
| Preliminary e-Admit Card | Scheduled for the last working day of the week preceding the examination |
| Personality Test | To be announced after the Main Examination result |
Vacancy Details
Geological Survey of India
| 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 |
| GSI Total | 111 |
Central Ground Water Board
| 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 |
| CGWB Total | 16 |
| Combined Total | 127 |
Ten vacancies are identified for eligible Persons with Benchmark Disabilities within the notified total. The vacancy figures are tentative and may be altered.
Salary
The notification identifies the posts as Group A and Group B appointments but does not provide one common numerical pay scale. Pay, allowances and service benefits will be governed by the rules applicable to the post and department allotted to the selected candidate.
Appointments will be made on a temporary basis initially, subject to the applicable government service conditions.
Age Limit
| General Age Limit | 21–32 years as on 1 January 2027 |
| Eligible Date of Birth | 2 January 1995 to 1 January 2006 |
| SC and ST | Up to 5 years |
| OBC | Up to 3 years |
| Eligible Government Servants | Up to 5 years for corresponding notified departmental posts |
| Eligible Ex-Servicemen | Up to 5 years under the notification conditions |
| Eligible Defence Personnel Disabled in Operations | Up to 3 years |
| Eligible PwBD Candidates | Up to 10 years |
Qualification
Geologist and Assistant Geologist
- Geologist requires a 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.
- Assistant Geologist requires a master’s or integrated master’s degree in Geology, Applied Geology, Mineral Exploration, Marine Geology or Earth Science.
Geophysics Posts
- M.Sc., M.Sc. Tech or integrated M.Sc. in an eligible field such as Geophysics, Exploration Geophysics, Applied Geophysics, Geo-Exploration, Marine Geophysics, Physics, Applied Physics or Applied Geology, according to the post.
Chemistry Posts
- Chemist and Scientist B—Chemical require an M.Sc. in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry.
- Assistant Chemist posts accept an M.Sc. or integrated M.Sc. in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Hydro-Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry.
Hydrogeology Posts
- Scientist B—Hydrogeology and Assistant Hydrogeologist require a master’s degree in Geology, Applied Geology, Marine Geology or Hydrogeology.
Experience
The notification does not prescribe a common previous-employment requirement. Candidates must possess the post-specific postgraduate qualification, age eligibility and applicable physical and medical standards.
Application Fee
| General, OBC and EWS Candidates | ₹200 |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
| SC and ST Candidates | Exempted |
| Eligible PwBD Candidates | Exempted |
| Payment Methods | Net banking, Visa, MasterCard, RuPay credit or debit card, or UPI |
The fee is non-refundable. OBC and EWS candidates are not exempted from payment.
Selection Process
- Online application and provisional eligibility acceptance
- Stage I—Combined Geo-Scientist Preliminary Examination
- Shortlisting for the Main Examination
- Stage II—Combined Geo-Scientist Main Examination
- Shortlisting for the Personality Test
- Stage III—Personality Test or interview
- Original-document verification
- Physical and medical-standard verification
- Final merit preparation using marks from all three stages
- Post allocation based on merit, eligibility, preference and vacancies
Exam Pattern
Stage I—Preliminary Examination
| Paper I—General Studies | 2 hours | 100 |
| Paper II—Geology/Hydrogeology, Geophysics or Chemistry | 2 hours | 300 |
| Preliminary Total | 4 hours | 400 |
- Both papers are objective-type and conducted using OMR answer sheets.
- Question papers are provided in English only.
- One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for an incorrect answer.
- No penalty applies to an unanswered question.
- Calculators are not permitted during the Preliminary Examination.
- Preliminary marks are counted when preparing the final merit list.
Stage II—Main Examination
| Subject Paper I | 3 hours | 200 |
| Subject Paper II | 3 hours | 200 |
| Subject Paper III | 3 hours | 200 |
| Main Examination Total | 9 hours | 600 |
The Main Examination uses conventional descriptive papers in Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry or the notified Geology and Hydrogeology combination. Papers must be answered in English. Non-programmable pocket calculators are permitted.
Stage III—Personality Test
| Personality Test or Interview | 200 |
| Minimum Interview Marks | No separate minimum qualifying mark |
| Overall Maximum | 1,200 marks |
Documents Required
- Certificate showing date of birth
- Post-specific educational qualification certificates
- SC, ST, OBC-NCL or EWS certificate where applicable
- Certificate supporting an age or fee-concession claim
- PwBD certificate where applicable
- Eligible EWS Income and Asset Certificate based on financial year 2025-26
- Eligible OBC-NCL certificate issued under the notification’s prescribed period
- Uploaded photograph and live photograph captured through the application portal
- Signature written three times, one below another, using black ink on white paper
- Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN card, passport, driving licence or another government-issued photo ID
- URN and examination-specific application number
- Original supporting certificates for the Personality Test or interview
How to Apply
- Open the official UPSC examination page and download Notice No. 01/2027-GEOL.
- Read the vacancy, qualification, age, disability and physical-standard conditions.
- Open the UPSC online application portal.
- Create an account if not registered previously.
- Complete the Universal Registration Number profile.
- Complete and lock the Common Application Form with the required personal and qualification details.
- Upload the prescribed photograph, live photograph, three signatures and supporting certificates.
- Open the examination-specific module for Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027.
- Select the eligible category, stream, posts and examination centre.
- Pay the ₹200 fee online unless exempted.
- Verify every entry carefully because submitted applications cannot be withdrawn or corrected.
- Submit the application by 22 September 2026 at 6:00 PM.
- Save the application number and download the submitted application for reference.
- Do not send a hard copy to UPSC.
Important Links
Download Official UPSC CGSE 2027 Notification PDF Open Official UPSC Examination Page Apply Online through the UPSC Portal UPSC Official Examination Notifications Union Public Service Commission Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
How many UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist vacancies are available?
There are 127 tentative vacancies: 111 in the Geological Survey of India and 16 in the Central Ground Water Board.
What is the last date to apply?
Online applications close on 22 September 2026 at 6:00 PM.
When will the Preliminary Examination be held?
The Combined Geo-Scientist Preliminary Examination will be conducted on 10 January 2027.
When is the Main Examination?
The Main Examination is scheduled for 19 and 20 June 2027.
What is the general age limit?
Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years as on 1 January 2027, subject to the notified relaxations.
Is a postgraduate degree required?
Yes. Candidates require the relevant master’s or integrated master’s qualification prescribed for their chosen post.
What is the application fee?
The fee is ₹200. Female, SC, ST and eligible PwBD candidates are exempted.
Does the Preliminary Examination have negative marking?
Yes. One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
Are Preliminary marks counted in final merit?
Yes. Final merit uses marks from the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Personality Test.
Must candidates send a printed application to UPSC?
No. Applications must be submitted online, and no hard copy is required.
Can an application be edited after submission?
No. UPSC states that correction, alteration, withdrawal or modification is unavailable after final submission.
Does the notification specify one salary for every post?
No. The notification classifies the vacancies as Group A and Group B posts but does not provide one common numerical pay scale.
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