UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Recruitment 2026: Career Vacancy for Masters Graduates @upsc.gov.in
The Union Public Service Commission is opening doors for earth science specialists. This recruitment for the 2027 exam cycle targets Geologists, Geophysicists, and Chemists for high-ranking roles in the Geological Survey of India and the Central Ground Water Board. It is a premier opportunity for post-graduates to secure Group A and Group B government positions.
Important Details at a Glance
Organization: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Name: Combined Geo-Scientist Examination, 2027
Post Categories: Group A and Group B
Job Type: Direct Recruitment
Selection Stages: Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test
Application Mode: Online only
Vacancy Distribution for Geo-Scientist Jobs
The vacancies are split between two major departments. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) holds the majority of seats, while the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) focuses on hydrological specialties.
Category-I: Geological Survey of India (Ministry of Mines)
Post Name | Group | Number of Vacancies |
Geologist | Group A | 29 |
Geophysicist | Group A | 00 |
Chemist | Group A | 07 |
Assistant Geologist | Group B | 34 |
Assistant Geophysicist | Group B | 35 |
Assistant Chemist | Group B | 06 |
Category-II: Central Ground Water Board (Ministry of Jal Shakti)
Post Name | Group | Number of Vacancies |
Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) | Group A | 05 |
Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical) | Group A | 01 |
Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics) | Group A | 01 |
Assistant Hydrogeologist | Group B | 07 |
Assistant Chemist | Group B | 01 |
Assistant Geophysicist | Group B | 01 |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Career 2026
Age Limit for Geo-Scientist Vacancy
You must be between 21 and 32 years old as of January 1, 2027. Specifically, your birth date must fall between January 2, 1995, and January 1, 2006. Government servants may receive a relaxation of up to five years. Reserved categories like SC/ST and OBC also have standard age relaxations.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must hold a Master's degree from a recognized university. The specific field depends on the post you target:
Geologist: Master's in Geological Science, Geology, Applied Geology, or Marine Geology.
Geophysicist: M.Sc. in Physics, Applied Physics, or Geophysics.
Chemist: M.Sc. in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, or Analytical Chemistry.
Application Fee for UPSC Recruitment 2026
Most candidates must pay a fee of Rs. 200. You can pay this via net banking, Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, or UPI.
Exempted Categories:
All Female candidates
Scheduled Castes (SC)
Scheduled Tribes (ST)
Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD)
Selection Process and Examination Scheme
The path to selection involves three distinct stages. You must clear the preliminary hurdle to reach the descriptive papers.
Stage-I: Preliminary Examination (400 Marks). This involves two objective-type papers. Paper I covers General Studies, while Paper II is stream-specific.
Stage-II: Main Examination (600 Marks). This stage consists of three conventional descriptive papers. You must answer these in English only.
Stage-III: Personality Test (200 Marks). An interview board will assess your leadership, initiative, and intellectual curiosity.
How to Apply for UPSC Vacancy @upsconline.nic.in
The application process is strictly online. Follow these steps to register:
One-Time Registration (OTR): Visit the official portal at upsconline.nic.in. If you haven't registered before, create your profile to get a Universal Registration Number (URN).
Fill the Form: Log in and complete the four required modules: Account creation, Universal Registration, Common Application Form (CAF), and the Examination Specific Module.
Upload Documents: You must upload a clear photograph and signature. You also need to capture a live photograph during the process.
Final Submission: Pay the fee (if applicable) and choose your preferred exam center. Apply early. Centers are allotted on a "first-apply-first-allot" basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a negative marking in the UPSC Prelims? Yes, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer.
Can I withdraw my application after submission? No, the commission does not allow the withdrawal of applications once they are submitted.
Are calculators allowed in the examination hall? Calculators are banned in the Preliminary (Objective) exam but non-programmable pocket calculators are permitted in the Main (Descriptive) exam.
What is the last date to apply? The online application window closes on September 22, 2026, at 18:00 Hours.
Do I need an Aadhaar Card for the application? While not mandatory, applicants are strongly advised to use Aadhaar Cards for seamless ID verification.
Can I apply for both Geologist and Geophysicist posts? You can apply for multiple posts if you have common qualifications, but you must opt for only one Stream/Discipline (Geology or Geophysics) during the application.
When will the Preliminary Exam be conducted? The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for January 10, 2027.