UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination
Introduction
Home / Recruitment Exams / UPSC / UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination
UPSC CGSE is a central-level Group A recruitment exam conducted by UPSC for scientific posts in Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).
The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination recruits qualified candidates for scientific Group A posts such as Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist, and Hydrogeologist. The examination is used to fill central geoscience cadres under Government of India organizations, primarily GSI and CGWB.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam name | UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination |
| Short form | UPSC CGSE |
| Conducting body | UPSC |
| Scope | Central |
| Posts | Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist, Hydrogeologist |
| Exam stages | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Mode of application | Online |
| Official website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
| Apply portal | https://upsconline.nic.in |
At a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational qualification | M.Sc / M.Tech in Geology, Applied Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry, or Hydrogeology |
| Age limit | 21 to 32 years |
| Age relaxation | OBC +3 years, SC/ST +5 years |
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Application fee | ₹200 for General/OBC/EWS; exempted for SC/ST/PwBD/women |
| Reservation | As per Government of India rules, including PwBD horizontal reservation |
| Salary range | Level 8–10; approximately ₹56,100+ basic pay |
About UPSC CGSE
UPSC CGSE is a national competitive examination conducted to recruit scientists for India’s geoscience and groundwater organizations. The posts are professional scientific roles with field, laboratory, and analytical responsibilities.
Services / Posts Recruited
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Chemist
- Hydrogeologist
Departments Served
- Geological Survey of India (GSI)
- Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
Important Dates / Timeline
UPSC CGSE is usually conducted on an annual cycle with:
1. Notification release
2. Online application window
3. Preliminary examination
4. Mains examination
5. Personality test / interview
6. Final result
Previous Exam Dates
| Cycle | Notification Date | Exam Date(s) | Result Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Sep 2024 | Prelims Feb 2025, Mains Jun 2025 | 2026 |
| 2024 | Sep 2023 | Prelims Feb 2024 | 2024 |
| 2023 | Sep 2022 | Prelims Feb 2023 | 2023 |
| 2022 | Sep 2021 | Prelims Feb 2022 | 2022 |
| 2021 | Sep 2020 | Prelims Feb 2021 | 2021 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold the prescribed postgraduate qualification for the relevant post:
- Geologist / Geology-related posts: M.Sc / M.Tech in Geology or Applied Geology
- Geophysicist: M.Sc / M.Tech in Geophysics or allied specialization
- Chemist: M.Sc / M.Tech in Chemistry
- Hydrogeologist: M.Sc / M.Tech in Hydrogeology or relevant specialization
Age Limit
- Minimum age: 21 years
- Maximum age: 32 years
Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC | 5 years |
| ST | 5 years |
Nationality
- Candidate must be an Indian citizen
Reservation
UPSC CGSE follows Government of India reservation rules.
Vertical Reservation
- General: around 50.5%
- OBC: around 27%
- SC: around 15%
- ST: around 7.5%
- EWS: around 10%
Horizontal Reservation
- PwBD reservation applies as per Government of India rules
Exam Pattern
Stages
1. Preliminary Examination
2. Main Examination
3. Personality Test / Interview
Pattern Overview
| Stage | Papers | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | GS + Geo subjects (MCQ) | 600 | 2 papers × 2 hours | 1/3 |
| Mains | Descriptive subject papers | 600 | 3 hours each | None |
| Interview | Personality Test | 200 | — | None |
Selection Process
- Candidates must clear each stage to progress to the next
- Final merit is prepared on the basis of Mains + Interview
- Prelims is a screening stage for Mains qualification
Syllabus
1) Geology
- Mineralogy and crystallography
- Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic petrology
- Structural geology
- Stratigraphy and Indian geology
- Paleontology
- Economic geology
- Geochemistry
- Remote sensing and geological mapping
- Engineering geology
- Environmental geology
- Applied and field geology
2) Geophysics
- Mathematical methods in geophysics
- Geomagnetism and gravity
- Seismology
- Electrical and electromagnetic methods
- Radiometric methods
- Well logging
- Exploration geophysics
- Geophysical data interpretation
- Earth’s interior and geodynamics
- Instrumentation and survey techniques
3) Chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Analytical chemistry
- Instrumental methods of analysis
- Environmental chemistry
- Applied chemistry relevant to geological materials
- Thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium
- Solution chemistry and electrochemistry
4) Hydrogeology
- Groundwater occurrence and movement
- Aquifers and groundwater hydraulics
- Wells and pumping tests
- Groundwater exploration
- Recharge and discharge
- Hydrochemistry
- Groundwater modeling
- Groundwater quality and contamination
- Surface water-groundwater interaction
- Water resources management
5) General Studies
- Current affairs
- Indian polity and governance
- Economy
- Geography
- Science and technology
- Environment and ecology
- Basic analytical and comprehension skills
Vacancies / Post Distribution
| Year | Total Posts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 200+ | Recruitment across CGSE cadres |
| 2024 | 56 | UPSC CGSE cycle |
| 2023 | 285 | UPSC CGSE cycle |
| 2022 | 192 | UPSC CGSE cycle |
| 2021 | 192 | UPSC CGSE cycle |
Posts Offered
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Chemist
- Hydrogeologist
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the UPSC portal.
Application Steps
1. Visit https://upsconline.nic.in**
2. Complete registration
3. Fill the CGSE application form
4. Upload required details and documents
5. Pay the fee, if applicable
6. Submit the form and save the confirmation
Important Notes
- Apply only through the official UPSC online portal
- Read the notification carefully before submitting the form
- Keep your registration details and application printout सुरक्षित
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | Exempted |
| Women candidates | Exempted |
Payment Mode
- Online payment through the UPSC application portal
Salary
UPSC CGSE posts generally fall in Level 8 to Level 10 pay structure.
Salary Range
- Basic pay: ₹56,100+
- Approximate gross salary: ₹80,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month
Allowances and Benefits
- Dearness Allowance
- House Rent Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Government medical and service benefits
- Career progression in central scientific cadres
Cutoff Marks
UPSC releases cutoff marks with the final result. Since cutoffs vary by year, category, and stage, candidates should refer to the official result notice for the relevant cycle on the UPSC website.
Preparation
A strong CGSE preparation plan usually needs 8 to 12 months of focused study.
Strategy
- Build conceptual clarity in your core subject
- Revise standard geology/geophysics/chemistry/hydrogeology texts
- Solve previous year papers regularly
- Practice descriptive writing for Mains
- Keep up with current affairs and general studies
- Take full-length mocks and analyze mistakes
Useful Resources
- UPSC official website for notification and previous papers
- Standard postgraduate textbooks in your subject
- CSIR-NET-level study material for concept strengthening
Career Path
A typical service progression may include:
- Entry level: Geologist / Geophysicist / Chemist / Hydrogeologist
- Mid-level: Senior Geologist / Senior Scientist roles
- Senior roles: Deputy Director General and higher supervisory positions
Official Sources
- UPSC official website: https://www.upsc.gov.in
- Apply portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
FAQs
1. What is the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination (CGSE)?
UPSC CGSE is a central recruitment exam conducted by UPSC to appoint scientific Group A officers in geoscience-related services.
2. Which posts are recruited through UPSC CGSE?
The exam recruits Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist, and Hydrogeologist posts.
3. Which department or services does UPSC CGSE recruit for?
It recruits mainly for the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).
4. What is the official website for UPSC CGSE?
The official website is https://www.upsc.gov.in**.
5. What is the eligibility criteria for UPSC CGSE?
Candidates must have the prescribed postgraduate qualification in the relevant subject and must meet the age and nationality requirements.
6. What is the age limit for UPSC CGSE?
The age limit is 21 to 32 years.
7. Is there any age relaxation for OBC, SC, or ST candidates in UPSC CGSE?
Yes. OBC candidates get 3 years relaxation, while SC and ST candidates get 5 years relaxation.
8. What educational qualification is required for UPSC CGSE?
A candidate must have M.Sc or M.Tech in the relevant field such as Geology, Applied Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry, or Hydrogeology.
9. Is Indian citizenship mandatory for UPSC CGSE?
Yes, the candidate must be an Indian citizen.
10. What is the exam pattern of UPSC CGSE?
The exam has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
11. How many stages are there in UPSC CGSE?
There are three stages in UPSC CGSE.
12. Is there negative marking in UPSC CGSE?
Yes. Prelims has negative marking of 1/3 for wrong answers. Mains has no negative marking.
13. What subjects are included in the UPSC CGSE syllabus?
The syllabus includes Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry, Hydrogeology, and General Studies.
14. How can I apply for UPSC CGSE?
You can apply online through https://upsconline.nic.in** by registering, filling out the form, paying the fee if applicable, and submitting the application.
15. What is the application fee for UPSC CGSE?
The application fee is ₹200 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates.
16. Are women, SC/ST, and PwBD candidates exempted from the fee?
Yes. Women, SC/ST, and PwBD candidates are exempted from the application fee.
17. What is the salary for UPSC CGSE posts?
The posts generally fall in Level 8 to Level 10, with basic pay from ₹56,100 onwards and gross monthly salary around ₹80,000 to ₹1,00,000.
18. What are the vacancies in UPSC CGSE?
Vacancies vary by year and post. UPSC publishes the detailed vacancy notice in the official notification.
19. When is the UPSC CGSE exam usually conducted?
The exam is usually conducted on an annual cycle, with prelims commonly held in February and mains later in the year.
20. How should I prepare for UPSC CGSE?
Prepare with a strong subject foundation, revise standard books, solve previous year papers, practice descriptive answers, and follow a structured 8–12 month study plan.