UPSC Geo-Scientist Recruitment 2027: 127 Geologist, Chemist & Scientist Vacancies, Eligibility, Salary & Apply Online
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 for recruitment to scientific and geological posts in the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines, and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Ministry of Jal Shakti. The recruitment offers 127 tentative vacancies across Group A and Group B posts including Geologist, Chemist, Assistant Geologist, Assistant Geophysicist, Assistant Chemist, Scientist B and Assistant Hydrogeologist.
🔔 Don't miss our latest updates!
Tap the bell icon at the top of this channel to turn on notifications.
The UPSC Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 notification was issued on 2 September 2026. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the UPSC application portal up to 22 September 2026 at 6:00 PM. The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 10 January 2027, while the Main Examination is scheduled for 19 and 20 June 2027.
Candidates with relevant postgraduate qualifications in Geology, Applied Geology, Geophysics, Physics, Chemistry, Hydrogeology and related disciplines can apply for the posts for which they meet the prescribed educational requirements.
UPSC Geo-Scientist Recruitment 2027 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination | Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 |
| Examination Notice No. | 01/2027-GEOL |
| Total Vacancies | 127 Tentative |
| Posts | Geologist, Chemist, Assistant Geologist, Assistant Geophysicist, Assistant Chemist, Scientist B & Assistant Hydrogeologist |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 2 September 2026 |
| Last Date | 22 September 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Preliminary Exam | 10 January 2027 |
| Main Exam | 19–20 June 2027 |
| Selection Process | Preliminary, Main & Personality Test/Interview |
| Job Location | All India |
The official UPSC notice states that the vacancies are tentative and may be altered.
UPSC Geo-Scientist Vacancy 2027
The 127 vacancies are divided between Category-I posts under the Geological Survey of India and Category-II posts under the Central Ground Water Board.
Geological Survey of India – 111 Vacancies
| Post | 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 |
The notification specifically lists zero vacancies for Geophysicist Group A in GSI for this cycle. Eight vacancies in Category-I are reserved for PwBD candidates across specified posts.
Central Ground Water Board – 16 Vacancies
| Post | 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 |
Two vacancies in Category-II are reserved for PwBD candidates as specified in the official notification.
UPSC Geo-Scientist Eligibility Criteria 2027
Candidates must satisfy the nationality, age, educational qualification and physical-standard requirements prescribed in the examination notice.
Educational Qualification
The educational qualification depends on the stream and post.
Geologist, Group A: Candidates should possess 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, Geochemistry or another qualification specifically listed by UPSC.
Geophysicist and Scientist B (Geophysics): Candidates require an M.Sc. in Physics, Applied Physics, Geophysics or specified related qualifications such as Integrated M.Sc. in Exploration Geophysics, Applied Geophysics or Marine Geophysics.
Chemist and Scientist B (Chemical): Candidates require an M.Sc. in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry from a recognized university or institute.
Scientist B (Hydrogeology) and Assistant Hydrogeologist: A Master’s degree in Geology, Applied Geology, Marine Geology or Hydrogeology is prescribed.
Assistant Chemist: Candidates can qualify with an M.Sc. or Integrated M.Sc. in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Hydro-Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry or other specified disciplines.
Assistant Geologist: A Master’s or Integrated Master’s degree in Geology, Applied Geology, Mineral Exploration, Marine Geology or Earth Science is required.
Assistant Geophysicist: The prescribed qualifications include 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.
Candidates whose qualifying examination results are awaited may also apply provisionally where permitted by the notification, but they must produce proof of the required qualification within the prescribed period if they reach the Personality Test/Interview stage.
UPSC Geo-Scientist Age Limit 2027
The normal age limit is 21 to 32 years as on 1 January 2027. Candidates must have been born between 2 January 1995 and 1 January 2006.
Age relaxation is available according to Government of India rules. The notification provides, among other concessions:
- SC/ST candidates: up to 5 years
- Eligible OBC candidates: up to 3 years
- PwBD candidates: up to 10 years
- Eligible government servants, defence personnel and ex-servicemen: relaxation as prescribed
Candidates should check the detailed conditions before claiming any relaxation.
UPSC Geo-Scientist Salary 2027
The posts covered by the examination include Group A and Group B scientific positions. The applicable pay level depends on the post and cadre.
Group A scientific posts such as Geologist, Chemist and Scientist B are generally associated with Pay Level 10, with a basic pay beginning at ₹56,100 under the 7th CPC pay matrix. Assistant-level Group B posts are generally associated with the applicable higher assistant-grade pay structure. Allowances such as Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance and Transport Allowance are provided according to applicable government rules.
Candidates should refer to the service rules and appointment terms applicable to the post allotted to them for the exact pay and benefits.
UPSC Geo-Scientist Application Fee
Candidates who are required to pay the examination fee have to pay ₹200.
Female candidates, SC candidates, ST candidates and eligible Persons with Benchmark Disabilities are exempt from payment of the fee. OBC and EWS candidates are not automatically exempt and must pay the prescribed fee where applicable.
The fee can be paid through the payment methods permitted by UPSC, including net banking, eligible debit/credit cards and UPI.
UPSC Geo-Scientist Exam Pattern 2027
The Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is conducted in three stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Personality Test/Interview
The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination and Main Examination are counted for determining the final merit.
Stage 1 – Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination is objective type and consists of two papers.
For the Geology/Hydrogeology stream:
- General Studies – 100 marks
- Geology/Hydrogeology – 300 marks
- Total – 400 marks
- Duration – 2 hours for each paper
For the Geophysics stream:
- General Studies – 100 marks
- Geophysics – 300 marks
- Total – 400 marks
For the Chemistry stream:
- General Studies – 100 marks
- Chemistry – 300 marks
- Total – 400 marks.
There is negative marking for incorrect answers. For each wrong answer, one-third of the marks assigned to that question is deducted. No penalty is imposed for questions left unanswered.
The Preliminary Examination is conducted on OMR sheets.
Stage 2 – Main Examination
Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination are admitted to the Main Examination.
The Main Examination consists of three conventional/descriptive papers for the relevant stream. Each paper carries 200 marks and has a duration of three hours, giving a total of 600 marks.
The subjects vary according to the selected stream. Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry and Hydrogeology candidates are required to attempt the papers prescribed for their respective streams.
Stage 3 – Personality Test/Interview
Candidates who qualify in the Main Examination are called for the Personality Test/Interview.
The Personality Test carries 200 marks. UPSC assesses candidates for qualities such as leadership, initiative, intellectual curiosity, practical application, integrity, field adaptability and other qualities relevant to the scientific services.
The final merit is prepared using the marks secured in the examination stages as prescribed by UPSC.
UPSC Geo-Scientist Exam Dates 2027
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification | 2 September 2026 |
| Application Start | 2 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 September 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Preliminary Examination | 10 January 2027 |
| Main Examination | 19–20 June 2027 |
| Personality Test | To be announced |
The UPSC examination page confirms 10 January 2027 as the Preliminary Examination date and 22 September 2026 as the application deadline.
How to Apply for UPSC Geo-Scientist Recruitment 2027
Candidates have to submit the application online through the UPSC online application portal.
The application process can be completed through the following steps:
- Visit the UPSC official website.
- Open the UPSC online application portal.
- Complete the required account creation and Universal Registration Number (URN) process.
- Complete the Common Application Form.
- Select the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027.
- Enter personal, educational and category details.
- Select the applicable stream/category of posts.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and supporting documents.
- Pay the examination fee, if applicable.
- Select the examination centre.
- Review the application carefully.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Save the application details and confirmation for future reference.
UPSC states that candidates must apply online only through its prescribed portal and should keep the required documents ready before starting the application.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep scanned copies of relevant documents ready, including:
- Matriculation or equivalent certificate
- Educational qualification certificates
- Category certificate, where applicable
- OBC-NCL certificate, where applicable
- EWS certificate, where applicable
- PwBD certificate, where applicable
- Age-relaxation documents, where applicable
- Valid photo identity document
- Photograph and signature
UPSC specifically advises candidates to keep certificates relating to age, educational qualification, reservation and applicable concessions ready for submission through the application system.
Important Points for UPSC Geo-Scientist Applicants
Candidates should remember that the 127 vacancies are tentative and may be changed by the Commission.
Applicants can compete for one or both categories where they are eligible, but they need to submit only one application and pay the fee only once.
The examination has a specialized syllabus, so candidates should select their stream carefully. A candidate with a qualification such as Geo-Exploration or Applied Geology may have specific options regarding the stream under which they apply, subject to the conditions mentioned in the notification.
Candidates should also apply early because UPSC has a ceiling on the number of candidates that can be allotted to several Preliminary Examination centres. Allotment is generally on a first-apply-first-allot basis until the capacity of a centre is reached.
Why UPSC Geo-Scientist Recruitment 2027 Is Important
The Combined Geo-Scientist Examination provides a specialized government career opportunity for postgraduate candidates from science and earth-science disciplines.
Selected candidates may work in organizations such as the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board. The roles can involve geological surveys, groundwater studies, scientific analysis, exploration, field investigations, technical assessments and other responsibilities associated with the concerned department.
For candidates with postgraduate qualifications in geology, geophysics, chemistry and related fields, this recruitment can provide an opportunity to enter specialized Central Government scientific services through a UPSC examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in UPSC Geo-Scientist Recruitment 2027?
There are 127 tentative vacancies in the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027.
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.
When will the UPSC Geo-Scientist Preliminary Exam be held?
The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 10 January 2027.
What is the age limit?
Candidates should normally be between 21 and 32 years as on 1 January 2027, subject to applicable relaxations.
What qualification is required?
The qualification is post-specific. Candidates generally need a relevant Master’s degree in subjects such as Geology, Applied Geology, Geophysics, Physics, Chemistry or Hydrogeology.
What is the application fee?
The prescribed fee is ₹200 for candidates required to pay it. Female, SC, ST and eligible PwBD candidates are exempt.
Is there negative marking?
Yes. One-third of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for an incorrect answer in the objective Preliminary Examination.
What is the selection process?
Selection consists of the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Personality Test/Interview.
Final Words
UPSC Geo-Scientist Recruitment 2027 is a major opportunity for postgraduate candidates looking for specialized Central Government scientific careers. The examination has announced 127 tentative vacancies across the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board, covering Geologist, Chemist, Assistant Geologist, Assistant Geophysicist, Assistant Chemist, Scientist B and Assistant Hydrogeologist posts.
The application process is currently open, and eligible candidates can apply online until 22 September 2026 at 6:00 PM. The Preliminary Examination will be conducted on 10 January 2027, followed by the Main Examination in June 2027.
Candidates should carefully check the post-wise educational qualification, age requirements, reservation rules and physical standards before submitting the application. Since the examination is highly specialized, preparation should focus on both General Studies and the candidate’s selected technical stream.
