UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2027: 127 Posts, Apply Online
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027: Apply Online for 127 Group A and Group B Posts
Last updated: 7 September 2026
The Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 notification for recruitment to 127 tentative Group A and Group B vacancies.
The recruitment includes Geologist, Chemist, Assistant Geologist, Assistant Geophysicist, Assistant Chemist, Scientist ‘B’ and Hydrogeologist posts under the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board.
Eligible postgraduate candidates can submit their applications online through the UPSC portal until 22 September 2026 at 6:00 PM. Candidates should read the complete notification and ensure that their postgraduate subject matches the qualification prescribed for the selected post.
Important Instructions Before Submitting the Application
The UPSC application system now includes account creation, Universal Registration Number (URN), Common Application Form (CAF) and an examination-specific application module. The URN remains common for future UPSC examinations, while a separate application number is generated for this examination.
- Applicants must upload a clear photograph and complete live-photo capture.
- The signature must be written three times, one below another, on plain white paper using black ink.
- Check the exact postgraduate degree required for the selected post.
- Choose the correct examination stream—Geology/Hydrogeology, Geophysics or Chemistry.
- Confirm the category, post preferences and examination centre before submission.
- No correction, alteration or withdrawal is allowed after final submission.
- Download and preserve the submitted application, URN, application number and fee receipt.
Application Checklist for Candidates
Before clicking the final submission button, candidates should confirm the following:
- Name and date of birth agree with the Class 10 certificate.
- Postgraduate degree title matches the qualification listed by UPSC.
- OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST or PwBD certificate is valid and in the prescribed format.
- Photograph, live photograph and signature satisfy UPSC specifications.
- Correct post category and subject stream have been selected.
- Application fee of ₹200 has been paid, where applicable.
- The application status shows successful final submission.
Important: Women, SC, ST and eligible PwBD candidates are exempted from paying the examination fee. General, OBC and EWS male candidates must pay ₹200.
Important Official Links
| Purpose | Official Link |
|---|---|
| UPSC CGSE 2027 Examination Page | Open Official Page |
| Detailed Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Online Application | Apply Online |
| UPSC Previous Question Papers | View Previous Papers |
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UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2027 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Examination | Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 |
| Notice number | 01/2027-GEOL |
| Total vacancies | 127 tentative posts |
| Post categories | Group A and Group B |
| Departments | Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board |
| Application mode | Online |
| Last date | 22 September 2026, up to 6:00 PM |
| Preliminary examination | 10 January 2027 |
| Main examination | 19 and 20 June 2027 |
| Official website | UPSC |
UPSC Geo-Scientist Vacancy Details
The 127 vacancies are divided between the Geological Survey of India under the Ministry of Mines and the Central Ground Water Board under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Category I: Geological Survey of India
| Post | Group | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Geologist | A | 29 |
| Geophysicist | A | 0 |
| Chemist | A | 7 |
| Assistant Geologist | B | 34 |
| Assistant Geophysicist | B | 35 |
| Assistant Chemist | B | 6 |
| Category I total | 111 |
Although the Geophysicist Group A post is included in the examination structure, no vacancy has been indicated for that post in the present notification.
Category II: Central Ground Water Board
| Post | Group | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist ‘B’ – Hydrogeology | A | 5 |
| Scientist ‘B’ – Chemical | A | 1 |
| Scientist ‘B’ – Geophysics | A | 1 |
| Assistant Hydrogeologist | B | 7 |
| Assistant Chemist | B | 1 |
| Assistant Geophysicist | B | 1 |
| Category II total | 16 |
The vacancy numbers are tentative and may be altered by the Government or UPSC. The notification also identifies PwBD-reserved vacancies in both categories. Applicants should examine the disability-suitability codes given against each post in the official PDF.
Educational Qualification
A relevant Master’s degree from a recognised university or institution is required. The exact qualification depends on the post selected.
Geologist Group A
Candidates should possess a Master’s degree in subjects such as:
- Geological Science
- Geology
- Applied Geology
- Geo-Exploration
- Mineral Exploration
- Engineering Geology
- Marine Geology
- Earth Science and Resource Management
- Oceanography and Coastal Area Studies
- Petroleum Geosciences
- Geochemistry
Assistant Geologist Group B
A Master’s or Integrated Master’s degree in Geology, Applied Geology, Mineral Exploration, Marine Geology or Earth Science is generally required.
Geophysics Posts
Depending on the post, eligible qualifications include a relevant M.Sc., Integrated M.Sc. or M.Sc. (Tech.) in subjects such as:
- Physics or Applied Physics
- Geophysics
- Exploration Geophysics
- Applied Geophysics
- Geo-Exploration
- Marine Geophysics
- Applied Geology
Chemistry Posts
For Chemist Group A and Scientist ‘B’ Chemical posts, the prescribed subjects include Chemistry, Applied Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry.
For Assistant Chemist posts, the accepted subjects also include Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Hydro-Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, subject to the conditions in the notification.
Hydrogeology Posts
Applicants for Scientist ‘B’ Hydrogeology and Assistant Hydrogeologist posts should possess a relevant Master’s degree in Geology, Applied Geology, Marine Geology or Hydrogeology.
Candidates awaiting the result of their qualifying examination may be permitted to apply provisionally, subject to fulfilling the conditions and producing proof within the period prescribed by UPSC.
Important: Having a postgraduate science degree does not automatically make a candidate eligible for every post. Match the exact degree title on your certificate with the post-wise qualification in the official notification before paying the fee.
Age Limit
Candidates must have attained 21 years and must not have attained 32 years as of 1 January 2027.
The normal date-of-birth range is:
- Not earlier than 2 January 1995
- Not later than 1 January 2006
Upper-age relaxation is available as per Government rules:
| Category | Maximum relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC and ST | 5 years |
| OBC–Non-Creamy Layer | 3 years |
| Eligible PwBD candidates | 10 years |
| Eligible ex-servicemen | As prescribed in the notification |
| Eligible GSI/CGWB Government servants | Up to 5 years for corresponding posts |
Candidates claiming relaxation must possess valid supporting certificates in the required format.
Application Fee
The application fee is ₹200.
- Female candidates: No fee
- SC candidates: No fee
- ST candidates: No fee
- PwBD candidates: No fee
- General, OBC and EWS male candidates: ₹200
Applicable candidates can pay the fee using the online payment methods available on the UPSC application portal. The fee is generally non-refundable.
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Selection Process
The examination is conducted in three stages carrying a total of 1,200 marks.
Stage I: Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination is objective-type and carries 400 marks.
| Paper | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I – General Studies | 2 hours | 100 |
| Paper II – Relevant subject | 2 hours | 300 |
| Total | 400 |
Paper II will be based on the selected stream, such as Geology/Hydrogeology, Geophysics or Chemistry.
One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for an incorrect answer. There is no penalty for a question left unanswered.
The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are counted towards the final merit. Candidates should therefore not treat the Preliminary Examination as merely a qualifying test.
Stage II: Main Examination
The Main Examination is conventional or descriptive in nature.
| Paper | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Subject Paper I | 3 hours | 200 |
| Subject Paper II | 3 hours | 200 |
| Subject Paper III | 3 hours | 200 |
| Total | 600 |
Candidates must answer papers relating to their selected scientific discipline. Those preparing for the Preliminary Examination should begin descriptive-answer practice early instead of waiting for the preliminary result.
Stage III: Personality Test
Candidates shortlisted after the Main Examination will be called for a Personality Test or Interview carrying 200 marks.
The interview evaluates subject knowledge, clarity of thought, practical understanding, communication ability, judgement and suitability for scientific responsibilities in Government service.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 2 September 2026 |
| Last date for online application | 22 September 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Preliminary Examination | 10 January 2027 |
| Main Examination | 19 and 20 June 2027 |
| Personality Test | To be announced |
UPSC may change examination dates if circumstances require. Candidates should monitor the official website regularly.
Examination Centre Information
Hyderabad is included among the examination centres for both the Preliminary and Main examinations. Telangana candidates may select Hyderabad while applying, subject to availability and UPSC’s centre-allotment rules.
Applicants should submit early if they want a preferred examination centre. Requests to change the allotted centre may not be accepted.
How to Apply Online
Follow these steps to submit the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist application:
- Visit the UPSC Online Application Portal.
- Create an account if you are a new applicant.
- Complete the Universal Registration Number and Common Application Form sections.
- Open the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 module.
- Select the appropriate category, post preferences and examination stream.
- Enter personal, educational and category information exactly as shown on the certificates.
- Upload the photograph, signature and supporting documents in the prescribed format.
- Select the examination centre carefully.
- Pay the ₹200 fee if applicable.
- Preview every entry before final submission.
- Submit the application before 6:00 PM on 22 September 2026.
- Download and preserve the submitted application and payment acknowledgement.
UPSC has stated that no correction, alteration or modification of application fields will be allowed after submission. Candidates should therefore verify their name, date of birth, degree, category, post preference and examination stream before clicking the final submission button.
Documents to Keep Ready
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Aadhaar or another accepted photo identity document
- Class 10 certificate as proof of date of birth
- Degree and postgraduate qualification certificates
- Recent photograph
- Scanned signature
- SC, ST, OBC-NCL or EWS certificate, if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- Fee-payment details
- Active mobile number and email address
The name and date of birth entered in the application should agree with the applicant’s official certificates.
Practical Preparation Strategy
Candidates can improve their preparation by following a structured plan:
- Download the official syllabus for the chosen stream.
- Analyse previous UPSC Geo-Scientist question papers before selecting study material.
- Allocate separate study time for General Studies and the technical subject.
- Revise postgraduate fundamentals instead of depending only on short notes.
- Practise objective questions with negative marking in mind.
- Maintain an error notebook for incorrectly answered questions.
- Begin descriptive Main-examination practice before the Preliminary Examination.
- Take timed tests of two hours for each preliminary paper.
- Revise scientific applications, field methods and current developments connected with the selected discipline.
- Avoid random guessing because of the one-third negative mark.
Previous papers help candidates understand the level and style of questions, but the latest official syllabus should always guide preparation.
Pay and Service Conditions
The notification covers Central Government Group A and Group B scientific posts. Pay level, allowances, probation, posting and service conditions vary according to the selected post and applicable recruitment rules.
Candidates should avoid depending on unverified social-media salary claims and consult the official notification for the conditions applicable to their preferred post.
Important Official Links
| Purpose | Official link |
|---|---|
| UPSC CGSE 2027 notification page | Open official examination page |
| Detailed notification PDF | Download UPSC notification |
| Online application | Apply through UPSC Online |
| Previous question papers | UPSC previous papers |
| UPSC examination calendar | UPSC exam calendar |
| Geological Survey of India | GSI official website |
| Central Ground Water Board | CGWB official website |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in UPSC CGSE 2027?
The notification contains 127 tentative vacancies—111 under the Geological Survey of India and 16 under the Central Ground Water Board.
What is the last date to apply?
The application must be submitted by 6:00 PM on 22 September 2026.
When will the Preliminary Examination be conducted?
The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 10 January 2027.
Is a Bachelor’s degree sufficient?
Generally, no. A relevant Master’s or Integrated Master’s qualification is required according to the selected post.
Can final-year postgraduate students apply?
Candidates awaiting the result of the qualifying examination may apply provisionally, subject to the conditions and documentary-proof requirements prescribed by UPSC.
Is there negative marking?
Yes. One-third of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for every incorrect answer in the objective Preliminary Examination.
Do Preliminary marks count in final selection?
Yes. Preliminary marks are included in the examination’s overall merit calculation.
Can candidates apply for both GSI and CGWB posts?
Eligible candidates may apply for one or both categories through a single application, but they must select only posts and streams for which their qualifications are valid.
Can the application be corrected after submission?
No correction or alteration is allowed after final submission. Candidates must preview the complete application carefully.
Conclusion
The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 offers an important opportunity for postgraduate candidates in Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry, Hydrogeology and allied disciplines to enter Central Government scientific services.
As the qualification differs from post to post, applicants should first match their degree with the official eligibility table and then submit the application well before 22 September 2026. Early preparation for both objective and descriptive papers will be particularly valuable because Preliminary Examination marks contribute to the final merit.
Disclaimer: This article is an informational summary intended to help candidates understand the recruitment process. Vacancy numbers, eligibility, reservations, dates and examination conditions may be revised. The official UPSC notification and subsequent notices will prevail in case of any difference.
