UPSC CGSE 2027 Notification has been released for the Combined Geo-Scientist Preliminary Examination 2027 to fill a total of 127 vacancies in various Geo-Scientist posts. Candidates who are looking for a prestigious UPSC government job and meet the required educational qualifications can apply for the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam 2027 through the prescribed online application process. Interested applicants should carefully check the UPSC CGSE 2027 eligibility criteria, age limit, vacancy details, selection process, application fee, important dates, exam pattern and other recruitment instructions before submitting their application.
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Introduction (UPSC CGSE 2027: Apply for 127 GSI & CGWB Posts)
The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 notification, opening a highly sought-after pathway for postgraduate science aspirants into Group A and Group B scientific services. This recruitment drive offers 127 tentative vacancies across the Geological Survey of India under the Ministry of Mines and the Central Ground Water Board under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. For candidates holding master’s degrees in geology, geophysics, chemistry, hydrogeology and allied disciplines, this examination represents one of the most prestigious central government opportunities in the earth sciences domain.
Securing a position through the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination brings long-term career security, structured pay scales under the central government pay matrix, regular promotions, and the chance to contribute directly to national priorities such as mineral exploration, groundwater management, and geological mapping. These roles provide professional stability that few private-sector scientific positions can match, along with the respect and responsibility that come with serving key scientific organisations of the Government of India.
With the online application window already open and closing on 22 September 2026 at 6:00 PM, eligible candidates must act promptly. The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 10 January 2027, leaving limited time for preparation after the application deadline. Aspiring geo-scientists who meet the educational and age criteria should carefully review the vacancy distribution, eligibility norms and fee structure detailed below before submitting their applications through the official UPSC portal.
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam Overview Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Names | Geologist, Chemist, Assistant Geologist, Assistant Geophysicist, Assistant Chemist (GSI); Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology/Chemical/Geophysics), Assistant Hydrogeologist, Assistant Chemist, Assistant Geophysicist (CGWB) |
| Total Vacancies | 127 (Tentative) |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Online Registration Dates | 2 September 2026 to 22 September 2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
| Selection Process | Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, Personality Test/Interview |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
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UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam Post-wise Vacancy Details
The Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 has announced a total of 127 tentative vacancies distributed between two major scientific organisations. These numbers are subject to alteration by the Commission as per administrative requirements. Candidates may apply for posts under one or both categories through a single application.
Category-I: Geological Survey of India (Ministry of Mines) – 111 Posts
| Post Name | Group | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Geologist | A | 29 |
| Geophysicist | A | 00 |
| Chemist | A | 07 |
| Assistant Geologist | B | 34 |
| Assistant Geophysicist | B | 35 |
| Assistant Chemist | B | 06 |
Within the GSI vacancies, eight posts are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities: one Geologist (OH – OA/OL), one Chemist (HH), two Assistant Geologists (one OH – OA/OL and one HH), three Assistant Geophysicists (HH), and one Assistant Chemist (HH).
Category-II: Central Ground Water Board (Ministry of Jal Shakti) – 16 Posts
| Post Name | Group | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) | A | 05 |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical) | A | 01 |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics) | A | 01 |
| Assistant Hydrogeologist | B | 07 |
| Assistant Chemist | B | 01 |
| Assistant Geophysicist | B | 01 |
Two vacancies under CGWB are reserved for PwBD candidates: one Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) under the HH category and one Assistant Hydrogeologist under the LDCP category. The overall vacancy figure of 127 remains tentative and may be revised by UPSC before final allocation.
These posts cover core scientific functions including geological mapping, mineral resource assessment, groundwater exploration, chemical analysis of water and minerals, and geophysical surveys. Group A positions generally involve higher levels of scientific responsibility and leadership, while Group B roles provide strong entry-level scientific careers with clear promotional pathways into senior scientific cadres.
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UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or integrated Master’s degree of minimum two years duration after graduation) from a recognised university incorporated by an Act of Central or State Legislature in India, or declared deemed university under the UGC Act, 1956. The specific qualification varies by post and stream as follows.
For Geologist (Group A, GSI): 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.
For Assistant Geologist (Group B, GSI): Master’s or Integrated Master’s degree in Geology, Applied Geology, Mineral Exploration, Marine Geology, or Earth Science.
For Geophysicist-related posts (including Scientist ‘B’ Geophysics and Assistant Geophysicist): M.Sc. in Physics or Applied Physics, M.Sc. (Geophysics), Integrated M.Sc. (Exploration Geophysics), M.Sc. (Applied Geophysics), M.Sc. (Marine Geophysics), or M.Sc. (Tech.) (Applied Geophysics). For Assistant Geophysicist posts, Applied Geology is also acceptable in certain combinations.
For Chemist and related posts (including Scientist ‘B’ Chemical and Assistant Chemist): M.Sc. in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, or Analytical Chemistry. For Assistant Chemist, additional specialisations such as Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Hydro-Chemistry, or Industrial Chemistry are accepted.
For Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) and Assistant Hydrogeologist (CGWB): Master’s degree in Geology, Applied Geology, Marine Geology, or Hydrogeology.
A candidate possessing a degree that qualifies under more than one stream (for example Geo-Exploration or Applied Geology) must choose only one stream while filling the application and can compete only for posts under that chosen stream. Final-year students who have not yet received their degree may apply provisionally, subject to producing proof of qualification at the time of interview or as directed by the Commission.
Age Limit and Relaxations
A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years as on 1 January 2027. This means the candidate must have been born not earlier than 2 January 1995 and not later than 1 January 2006. The same age limits apply across all posts notified under both categories.
Upper age limit relaxations are available as per government rules:
- Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe candidates: up to 5 years
- Other Backward Classes (eligible for reservation): up to 3 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disability: up to 10 years
- Ex-servicemen: up to 5 years (subject to conditions prescribed in the rules)
- Government servants employed in the corresponding department (GSI or CGWB) applying for matching posts: up to 5 years (in certain cases up to 7 years as per detailed rules)
Candidates claiming age relaxation must produce valid supporting certificates in the prescribed format at the time of document verification. The Commission determines age eligibility strictly on the basis of the date of birth recorded in the matriculation or equivalent certificate. No subsequent change in the date of birth is permitted.
Application Fee and Payment Mode
The examination fee for the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 is Rs. 200 (Rupees Two Hundred only). This fee is payable by male candidates belonging to the Unreserved (General), Other Backward Classes, and Economically Weaker Sections categories.
Female candidates of all categories, candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Persons with Benchmark Disability are completely exempted from payment of the application fee. OBC and EWS candidates are not exempt and must pay the full amount of Rs. 200.
Payment can be made only through online modes: net banking of any bank, or Visa/Master/RuPay Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI. No offline payment options such as bank challan or demand draft are available. The fee, once paid, is non-refundable under any circumstances, including cancellation of candidature or withdrawal of application. Candidates are advised to complete the payment process well before the closing time of 6:00 PM on 22 September 2026 to avoid last-minute technical issues.
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UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Salary, Stipend and Pay Scale Details
Selected candidates for Group A posts such as Geologist, Chemist and Scientist ‘B’ are placed in Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix. The basic pay starts at Rs. 56,100 per month and can go up to Rs. 1,77,500 with annual increments. Group B posts such as Assistant Geologist, Assistant Geophysicist and Assistant Chemist also follow the same pay structure under Level 10 in most cases, ensuring a competitive starting package.
In addition to basic pay, officers receive Dearness Allowance (revised periodically), House Rent Allowance based on the city of posting (ranging from 8% to 27% of basic pay), Transport Allowance, and other admissible central government benefits. The gross monthly salary at entry level typically ranges between Rs. 76,000 and Rs. 85,000, while the in-hand salary after statutory deductions is approximately Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 65,000. Over a career spanning decades, promotions to Senior Time Scale, Junior Administrative Grade and higher levels bring substantial increases in pay and responsibility, along with lifetime pension and medical benefits under central government rules.
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Detailed Selection Process
The Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 follows a three-stage selection process designed to assess both scientific knowledge and overall suitability for central government scientific services.
Stage I is the Preliminary Examination, an objective-type screening test consisting of two papers totaling 400 marks. Marks obtained in this stage are counted for final merit. Only candidates who clear the prescribed cut-off qualify for the next stage.
Stage II is the Main Examination, a conventional descriptive examination comprising three papers of 200 marks each (total 600 marks). This stage tests in-depth subject knowledge through detailed written answers. Candidates who meet the qualifying standards in the Main Examination are shortlisted for the final stage.
Stage III is the Personality Test or Interview carrying 200 marks. There is no minimum qualifying mark for the interview. The final merit list is prepared on the basis of marks secured in the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Personality Test combined. Document verification and a medical examination as per prescribed physical standards are conducted before final appointment. The entire process ensures selection of candidates with strong academic foundation and the temperament required for scientific work in GSI and CGWB.
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UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The examination is conducted in three streams: Geology/Hydrogeology, Geophysics and Chemistry. Candidates must choose one stream at the time of application.
Preliminary Examination Pattern (Objective Type – 400 Marks)
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies (Common to all streams) | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Paper II | Stream-specific (Geology/Hydrogeology or Geophysics or Chemistry) | 2 Hours | 300 |
| Total | 400 |
There is negative marking of one-third of the marks assigned to a question for every wrong answer. No penalty is applied for unanswered questions. The question papers are set in English only.
General Studies covers current events of national and international importance, Indian history and national movement, Indian and world geography, Indian polity and governance, economic and social development, environment, ecology, biodiversity, climate change, and general science.
The stream-specific paper tests postgraduate-level knowledge. For Geology/ Hydrogeology it includes physical geology, structural geology, geomorphology, remote sensing, sedimentology, palaeontology, stratigraphy, economic geology, engineering geology, environmental geology and hydrogeology. Geophysics covers solid earth geophysics, exploration geophysics, mathematical methods, electromagnetism, seismology and related topics. Chemistry includes inorganic, organic, physical and analytical chemistry with emphasis on applications relevant to geological and environmental analysis.
Main Examination Pattern (Descriptive Type – 600 Marks)
Each stream has three conventional papers of 200 marks each, with a duration of three hours per paper. There is no negative marking. For the Geology stream the three papers are all on Geology; for Hydrogeology the third paper focuses on Hydrogeology; for Geophysics and Chemistry the three papers cover advanced topics in the respective disciplines. Calculators of non-programmable type are permitted only in the Main Examination.
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Step-by-Step How to Apply for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam Recruitment 2026?
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal at upsconline.nic.in.
- If you are a first-time applicant, complete Universal Registration to generate a Universal Registration Number (URN). Existing candidates can log in with their URN.
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) carefully, providing personal details, educational qualifications, photo ID information and preferred examination centres.
- Capture a live photograph as instructed and upload a clear signature signed three times on white paper in black ink.
- Select the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 module and choose the appropriate stream (Geology/Hydrogeology, Geophysics or Chemistry) and category (GSI, CGWB or both).
- Upload supporting documents such as age proof, educational certificates, category certificate (if applicable) and disability certificate (if claiming PwBD benefits).
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 200 online through net banking, credit/debit card or UPI if you are not exempted. Female, SC, ST and PwBD candidates are exempt from fee payment.
- Review all entries thoroughly, submit the application before 6:00 PM on 22 September 2026, and download or print the confirmation page for future reference.
Candidates are strongly advised to use Aadhaar as the preferred photo ID for seamless verification and to complete the process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
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Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 2 September 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 2 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 22 September 2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 22 September 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | 10 January 2027 |
| Main Examination | 19 and 20 June 2027 |
| Admit Card Release | Expected 2–3 weeks before each examination |
| Personality Test / Interview | To be notified after Main Examination results |
All dates are as per the official notification and are subject to change by the Commission. Candidates must regularly check the UPSC website for updates regarding admit cards, results and interview schedules.
Important Links
Notification: UPSC Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF
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Comprehensive FAQs
1. Can I apply for both GSI and CGWB posts?
Yes. A single application allows candidates to apply for posts under one or both categories. The fee remains the same.
2. Is there any provision for application form correction?
UPSC generally does not provide a correction window after final submission. Candidates must review all details carefully before submitting the form.
3. What if I am in the final year of my Master’s degree?
Candidates who have not yet completed the required Master’s degree by the closing date are not eligible. Only those who have already obtained the degree or will produce proof as per UPSC instructions can apply.
4. Are there different age limits for different posts?
No. The age limit of 21 to 32 years as on 1 January 2027 applies uniformly to all posts notified under this examination.
5. How is the final merit list prepared?
Final ranking is based on the combined marks of Preliminary Examination (400), Main Examination (600) and Personality Test (200).
6. Is negative marking applicable in the Main Examination?
No. Negative marking applies only to the objective-type Preliminary Examination papers.
7. Can I change my examination centre after submission?
Centre allotment is done on a first-come-first-served basis. Once allotted and the application is submitted, change of centre is generally not permitted.
8. What documents are required at the time of interview?
Candidates must produce original certificates of age, educational qualifications, category (if applicable), disability certificate (if claimed), and other supporting documents as specified in the interview call letter.
9. Are female candidates required to pay the application fee?
No. All female candidates, irrespective of category, are exempted from payment of the application fee.
10. Where can I find the detailed syllabus?
The complete syllabus for both Preliminary and Main Examinations is available in the official Examination Notice No. 01/2027-GEOL on the UPSC website. Candidates should download and study it thoroughly.
Conclusion
The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for postgraduate science graduates to build a secure, prestigious and intellectually rewarding career in India’s premier scientific organisations. With only 127 tentative vacancies, competition will be intense. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria should complete their online applications well before the 22 September 2026 deadline and begin focused preparation for the Preliminary Examination scheduled on 10 January 2027.
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Success in this examination opens doors to Group A and Group B scientific posts that combine professional growth, national service and long-term stability. Apply early, prepare systematically, and stay updated through the official UPSC website.
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Disclaimer
Disclaimer: All information provided in this article is based on the official UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 notification and publicly available sources. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, candidates are strongly advised to verify all details, including vacancies, eligibility, dates, syllabus and application procedures, directly from the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) and the detailed Examination Notice before applying or making any career decisions. The author and publisher accept no responsibility for any loss arising from reliance on this content.
