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[Exam Pattern] UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 202

[Exam Pattern] UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 202

[Exam Pattern] UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 202

📅 Last Updated: June 26, 2026⏱️ 5-7 min read
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📑 Table of Contents
  1. 1Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CGS Recruitment 2025: 85 Vacancies | Apply Now
  2. 2Vacancy Details / Post-wise Breakdown
  3. 3Application Fee Details
  4. 4Key Takeaways
  5. 5Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Union Public Service Commission has officially announced the UPSC CGS Recruitment 2025: 85 Vacancies | Apply Now initiative to recruit qualified geoscientists across India. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official portal to secure prestigious Group A positions in central government departments.

📋 Quick Overview
OrganizationUnion Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Total Posts85 Vacancies
Application Start04/09/2024
Last Date to Apply24/09/2024
Application Fee₹200 (Exempted for Female/SC/ST/PwBD)
Apply ModeOnline

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Geo-Scientist (CGS) examination annually to select highly skilled professionals for key scientific positions in the country. The official notification marks the beginning of a highly competitive selection procedure designed to fill critical roles within the Geological Survey of India (GSI) under the Ministry of Mines, and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. For geoscientists, geologists, geophysicists, and chemists across India, this recruitment drive represents one of the most prestigious career paths in the public sector, offering both professional growth and the opportunity to contribute directly to the nation's resource management and scientific research.

With a total of 85 vacancies distributed across various specialized categories, candidates must prepare thoroughly to navigate the multi-stage examination process. The online application portal is currently active, allowing eligible candidates to register and submit their details. It is essential for all aspirants to carefully verify their eligibility criteria, understand the syllabus, and complete the registration process well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical difficulties.

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CGS Recruitment 2025: 85 Vacancies | Apply Now

To participate in the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist recruitment drive, candidates must satisfy the detailed eligibility criteria specified in the official notification. The primary parameters include nationality, age limits, and specific educational qualifications tailored to each scientific discipline. Candidates must possess these qualifications from a recognized Indian university or institution by the prescribed deadline.

1. Nationality

A candidate must be either a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal, a subject of Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in the country. Candidates from other categories must possess a valid certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

2. Age Limit & Age Relaxation

The general age limit for candidates applying for the posts of Geologist, Geophysicist, and Chemist in GSI is 21 to 32 years. For the post of Scientist 'B' in CGWB, the age limit is also 21 to 32 years. The crucial date for determining the age limit is calculated as of January 1 of the examination year. Government rules provide significant age relaxation for various reserved categories, as detailed in the table below:

Category Age Relaxation Permissible Maximum Age Limit
General / EWS No Relaxation 32 Years
Other Backward Classes (OBC - Non-Creamy Layer) 3 Years 35 Years
Scheduled Castes (SC) / Scheduled Tribes (ST) 5 Years 37 Years
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) 10 Years 42 Years
Ex-Servicemen (including Commissioned Officers) 5 Years 37 Years

3. Educational Qualifications

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in the relevant scientific field to be eligible for these technical Group A positions. The specific educational requirements for each post are as follows:

  • Geologist (Group A): Master's degree in Geological Science, Geology, Applied Geology, Geo-Exploration, Mineral Exploration, Engineering Geology, Marine Geology, or Earth Science and Resource Management from a recognized university.
  • Geophysicist (Group A): M.Sc. in Physics, Applied Physics, Geophysics, Applied Geophysics, Marine Geophysics, or M.Tech. in Exploration Geophysics.
  • Chemist (Group A): M.Sc. in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, or Analytical Chemistry from a recognized university.
  • Scientist 'B' (Hydrogeology/Geophysics/Chemical): Master's degree in Geology, Applied Geology, Marine Geology, Geophysics, or Chemistry depending on the specific sub-discipline chosen within the Central Ground Water Board.

Vacancy Details / Post-wise Breakdown

The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2025 offers a total of 85 vacancies. These vacancies are distributed across two major organizations: the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). The post-wise distribution, along with the required minimum qualification and pay scale details, is outlined in the comprehensive table below:

Post Name Vacancies Qualification Pay Scale (7th CPC)
Geologist (Group 'A') in GSI 50 Master's Degree in Geological Sciences Level 10 (₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500)
Geophysicist (Group 'A') in GSI 10 Master's Degree in Geophysics / Physics Level 10 (₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500)
Chemist (Group 'A') in GSI 15 Master's Degree in Chemistry Level 10 (₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500)
Scientist 'B' (Hydrogeology) (Group 'A') in CGWB 05 Master's Degree in Geology / Hydrogeology Level 10 (₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500)
Scientist 'B' (Geophysics) (Group 'A') in CGWB 03 Master's Degree in Geophysics / Applied Geophysics Level 10 (₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500)
Scientist 'B' (Chemical) (Group 'A') in CGWB 02 Master's Degree in Chemistry Level 10 (₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500)

In addition to the basic pay scale of Level 10, selected candidates are eligible for various central government allowances. These include Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and other medical and retirement benefits as per the prevailing rules of the Government of India.

Application Fee Details

To successfully register for the examination, candidates must pay the required application fee. The fee structure is designed to promote inclusivity, with complete exemptions provided to female candidates and individuals belonging to reserved categories. The payment can be made online or offline through authorized banking channels.

Key Takeaways

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    1. What is the age limit for the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist (CGS) Exam 2025?

    Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years of age as of January 1, 2025. Age relaxation is provided for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and PwBD candidates as per government norms.

    2. Can final-year students apply for the UPSC CGS 2025 recruitment?

    Yes, candidates appearing for their final year degree examination in relevant streams like Geology, Geophysics, or Chemistry are eligible to apply, provided they produce proof of passing at the time of the Detailed Application Form (DAF) submission.

    3. What is the selection process for the 85 CGS vacancies?

    The selection process consists of three stages: a Preliminary Examination (Objective type), a Main Examination (Descriptive type), and a Personality Test (Interview) conducted by the UPSC.

    4. Is there any negative marking in the UPSC CGS Preliminary Exam?

    Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers marked in the objective-type Preliminary Examination. One-third (1/3rd) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer.

    5. What is the application fee for the UPSC CGS 2025 exam?

    The application fee is ₹200 for General and OBC male candidates. Female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.