UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the recruitment notification for the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination (CGSE) 2027 on 2 September 2026 under Examination Notice No. 01/2027-GEOL. The examination is conducted for recruitment to prestigious Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ scientific posts in the Geological Survey of India (GSI) under the Ministry of Mines, and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
A total of 127 tentative vacancies have been announced across specialized earth science disciplines. Eligible postgraduate candidates holding prescribed Master's degrees in Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry, Hydrogeology, and related subjects can submit their applications online starting from 2 September 2026. The last date to apply online on the UPSC portal is 22 September 2026 up to 6:00 PM.
The Combined Geo-Scientist Preliminary Examination 2027 is officially scheduled to be conducted on 10 January 2027 across various exam centers in India, while the Main Examination will take place on 19 and 20 June 2027.
📌 UPSC CGSPE 2027 – Overview
The Union Public Service Commission conducts the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination annually to select scientific officers for India's leading geological research and groundwater exploration bodies. Below is the quick factual overview of the 2027 cycle:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 (CGSE 2027) |
| Examination Notice No. | 01/2027-GEOL |
| Notification Release Date | 02 September 2026 |
| Total Tentative Vacancies | 127 Posts |
| Category-I (Ministry of Mines) | Geological Survey of India (GSI) – 111 Posts |
| Category-II (Ministry of Jal Shakti) | Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) – 16 Posts |
| Post Classification | Central Civil Services • Group 'A' & Group 'B' Scientific Cadres |
| Pay Scale / Pay Level | Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) for Group A & Level 8 (₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100) for Group B |
| Application Mode | Online (via upsconline.nic.in) |
| Online Application Start Date | 02 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 22 September 2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Examination Date | 10 January 2027 |
| Main Examination Date | 19 & 20 June 2027 |
| Selection Process | Preliminary Exam (Objective) → Main Exam (Conventional) → Personality Test (Interview) |
| Age Limit | 21 to 32 Years (As on 01 January 2027) |
| Educational Qualification | Master's Degree (M.Sc / M.Tech / M.Sc Tech) in relevant earth science subject |
| Application Fee | ₹200 for General/OBC/EWS Male | Exempted (Nil) for Female, SC, ST, PwBD |
| Job Location | All India (Headquarters, Regional Offices & Field Stations) |
| Official Portal | upsc.gov.in |
Disclaimer: Vacancies are provisional and subject to alteration as per requisition by the Government.
📄 Official Notification PDF Download
Candidates must download and review the official notification document published by UPSC before filling out the online application. It contains comprehensive Syllabus guidelines, post-specific qualifications, physical fitness standards, and examination rules:
📅 UPSC CGSPE 2027 Important Dates
The complete recruitment schedule for the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 cycle has been formally published by the Commission:
| Event / Recruitment Milestone | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 02 September 2026 |
| Online Application Process Begins | 02 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | 22 September 2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
| Online Application Correction / Modification Window | 23 September to 29 September 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination Admit Card | Late December 2026 / Early January 2027 |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination | 10 January 2027 (Sunday) |
| Declaration of Preliminary Result | February 2027 |
| Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) for Qualified Candidates | March / April 2027 |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination | 19 & 20 June 2027 |
| Declaration of Main Exam Results | August / September 2027 |
| Personality Test / Interview | To be notified post-Mains result |
| Final Recommendation List & Cadre Allocation | Late 2027 |
📊 UPSC Geo-Scientist Vacancy Details (127 Posts)
A total of 127 vacancies have been announced across two premier departments of the Government of India. Below is the detailed post-wise, group-wise, and department-wise distribution:
Category-I: Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines
| Post Designation | Group Classification | Notified Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Geologist | Group 'A' | 29 Posts |
| Geophysicist | Group 'A' | 00 Posts |
| Chemist | Group 'A' | 07 Posts |
| Assistant Geologist | Group 'B' | 34 Posts |
| Assistant Geophysicist | Group 'B' | 35 Posts |
| Assistant Chemist | Group 'B' | 06 Posts |
| Total Category-I (GSI) Vacancies | Group 'A' & 'B' | 111 Posts |
Category-II: Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Ministry of Jal Shakti
| Post Designation | Group Classification | Notified Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) | Group 'A' | 05 Posts |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical) | Group 'A' | 01 Post |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics) | Group 'A' | 01 Post |
| Assistant Hydrogeologist | Group 'B' | 07 Posts |
| Assistant Chemist | Group 'B' | 01 Post |
| Assistant Geophysicist | Group 'B' | 01 Post |
| Total Category-II (CGWB) Vacancies | Group 'A' & 'B' | 16 Posts |
| Combined Recruitment Summary | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Grand Total (Category-I GSI + Category-II CGWB) | 127 Tentative Vacancies |
🎓 Eligibility Criteria & Age Limit
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed nationality, age, and academic qualifications as on the crucial cutoff date:
Age Limit (As on 01 January 2027)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Born Between: A candidate must have been born not earlier than 2 January 1995 and not later than 1 January 2006.
Permissible Age Relaxations (Beyond 32 Years)
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SC) / Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 5 Years (Up to 37 Years) |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC - Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 Years (Up to 35 Years) |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD - General/EWS) | 10 Years (Up to 42 Years) |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD - OBC) | 13 Years (Up to 45 Years) |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD - SC/ST) | 15 Years (Up to 47 Years) |
| Ex-Servicemen (including ECOs/SSCOs) | 5 Years as per Central Government norms |
| Departmental Candidates / Government Servants | Up to 7 Years for specified government servants in GSI/CGWB |
🔬 Educational Qualification by Stream & Post
Educational qualifications must be obtained from a university recognized by Central or State Government or UGC. A post-specific degree matrix is outlined below:
| Post Designation & Department | Prescribed Minimum Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Geologist (Group 'A') & Assistant Geologist (Group 'B') Geological Survey of India |
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 from a recognized university. |
| Geophysicist (Group 'A') & Assistant Geophysicist (Group 'B') GSI & CGWB |
M.Sc. in Physics, Applied Physics, Geophysics, Applied Geophysics, Marine Geophysics, Integrated M.Sc. (Exploration Geophysics), or M.Sc. (Tech.) / M.Tech in Applied Geophysics. |
| Chemist (Group 'A') & Assistant Chemist (Group 'B') GSI & CGWB |
Master's degree in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Hydro-Chemistry, or Industrial Chemistry from a recognized university. |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) & Assistant Hydrogeologist Central Ground Water Board |
Master's degree in Geology, Applied Geology, Marine Geology, or Hydrogeology; OR Master's degree in Water Resource Management from a recognized university. |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical) Central Ground Water Board |
Master's degree in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, or Analytical Chemistry from a recognized university. |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics) Central Ground Water Board |
Master's degree in Geophysics, Applied Geophysics, Marine Geophysics; OR M.Sc. in Physics or Applied Physics from a recognized university. |
Final Year Students: Candidates appearing at the qualifying degree examination are also provisionally eligible to apply for the Preliminary stage, provided they produce proof of passing the qualifying examination when submitting the Detailed Application Form (DAF) for the Main Examination.
💰 UPSC Geo-Scientist Salary & Pay Matrix
Appointees receive central government pay structures under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) along with Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA):
| Post Classification | 7th CPC Pay Matrix | Pay Scale Range | Approx. Gross Starting Emoluments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group 'A' Scientific Posts (Geologist, Chemist, Geophysicist, Scientist 'B') |
Pay Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | ₹90,000 – ₹1,05,000 / month (plus official perks & allowances) |
| Group 'B' Scientific Posts (Asst Geologist, Asst Geophysicist, Asst Chemist, Asst Hydrogeologist) |
Pay Level 8 | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 | ₹75,000 – ₹88,000 / month (plus allowances) |
💳 Application Fee & Payment Mode
| Candidate Category | Application Fee | Exemption Status |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) / OBC / EWS Male Candidates | ₹200 (Rupees Two Hundred Only) | Payable Online / SBI Challan |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | Nil (Exempted) | 100% Fee Exemption |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) / Scheduled Tribes (ST) | Nil (Exempted) | 100% Fee Exemption |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | Nil (Exempted) | 100% Fee Exemption |
Payment Modes: Payment can be remitted online using any Visa, MasterCard, RuPay Debit or Credit Card, UPI, or through Internet Banking of State Bank of India or any major authorized bank.
🏆 Selection Process (3 Stages)
The Combined Geo-Scientist recruitment framework is structured into three rigorous sequential assessment stages:
| Selection Stage | Nature & Format | Total Marks | Role in Merit Formulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage-I: Preliminary Examination | Computer Based / OMR Objective Type (2 Papers) | 400 Marks | Screening test to qualify candidates for Stage-II; marks are counted in final aggregate merit. |
| Stage-II: Main Examination | Conventional Descriptive Papers (3 Papers) | 600 Marks | Decisive core technical evaluation; marks counted in final aggregate merit. |
| Stage-III: Personality Test (Interview) | In-Person Board Interview | 200 Marks | Final interview assessing scientific acumen, personality, and leadership potential. |
| Combined Aggregate Selection Base | Prelims (400M) + Mains (600M) + Interview (200M) | 1,200 Marks | Final merit ranking determining selection and cadre allocation. |
📝 Preliminary & Main Examination Pattern
Stage-I: Preliminary Examination Pattern (Objective Type)
| Paper | Subject / Stream | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies (Common for all streams) | 100 Marks | 2 Hours |
| Paper-II | Stream-Specific Technical Subject (Geology / Geophysics / Chemistry / Hydrogeology) | 300 Marks | 2 Hours |
| Total | Stage-I Preliminary Examination | 400 Marks | 4 Hours Total |
Negative Marking in Prelims: There is a penalty of one-third (0.33) mark for every wrong answer marked by a candidate.
Stage-II: Main Examination Pattern (Conventional / Descriptive)
| Stream | Papers & Subjects | Marks Breakdown | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geology Stream | Paper-I: Geology (200M) Paper-II: Geology (200M) Paper-III: Geology (200M) |
600 Marks | 3 Hours per paper (2 Days) |
| Geophysics Stream | Paper-I: Geophysics (200M) Paper-II: Geophysics (200M) Paper-III: Geophysics (200M) |
600 Marks | 3 Hours per paper (2 Days) |
| Chemistry Stream | Paper-I: Chemistry (200M) Paper-II: Chemistry (200M) Paper-III: Chemistry (200M) |
600 Marks | 3 Hours per paper (2 Days) |
| Hydrogeology Stream | Paper-I: Geology (200M) Paper-II: Geology (200M) Paper-III: Hydrogeology (200M) |
600 Marks | 3 Hours per paper (2 Days) |
📚 Stream-Wise Syllabus Breakdown
The syllabus for the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is designed to test advanced theoretical and analytical understanding across specialized domains:
| Stream | Key Subject Areas & Modules |
|---|---|
| General Studies (Paper-I Prelims) | Current events of national and international importance, History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, Indian Polity and Governance, Economic and Social Development, General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change, General Science. |
| Geology / Hydrogeology Stream | Physical Geology, Geomorphology, Remote Sensing, Structural Geology, Plate Tectonics, Paleontology, Stratigraphy, Mineralogy, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Sedimentary Petrology, Economic Geology, Applied Geology, Groundwater hydrology, Well hydraulics, Hydrogeochemistry, Groundwater management. |
| Geophysics Stream | Solid Earth Geophysics, Earthquake Seismology, Mathematical Methods in Geophysics, Geophysical Potential Fields (Gravity and Magnetic), Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods, Seismic Prospecting, Borehole Geophysics (Well Logging), Geophysical Inversion, Radioactive Methods, Remote Sensing and GIS. |
| Chemistry Stream | Chemical bonding, Periodic properties, Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry, Chemical kinetics, Coordination chemistry, Organometallics, Spectroscopy (UV-Vis, IR, NMR, Mass), Separation techniques, Chromatography, Analytical chemistry, Water chemistry and Environmental pollution analysis. |
🖥️ How to Apply Online at upsconline.nic.in
Candidates must submit their applications through the UPSC One-Time Registration (OTR) platform. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
| Step | Stage | Action to be Taken by Candidate |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | OTR Registration | Visit upsconline.nic.in. If you haven't registered on OTR yet, click on 'New Registration' and fill your basic details, email, and mobile number. |
| Step 2 | Login to Dashboard | Log in to the candidate dashboard using your Registered Email / Mobile / OTR ID with OTP verification. |
| Step 3 | Select CGSE 2027 | Navigate to 'Latest Notifications' tab and locate Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027. |
| Step 4 | Fill Application Form | Review personal data from OTR, choose post preferences (Category-I GSI / Category-II CGWB), enter postgraduate qualifications, and select preferred examination center. |
| Step 5 | Upload Photo & Signature | Upload recent passport photograph (JPG format, 350x350 to 1000x1000 pixels) and scanned signature as per UPSC specifications. Upload Government Photo ID card PDF. |
| Step 6 | Fee Remittance | Pay ₹200 fee via online gateway (Net Banking/Debit/Credit/UPI). Female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates can skip fee payment directly. |
| Step 7 | Final Submission | Verify all details in the application preview, submit the form before 22 September 2026, 6:00 PM, and download the printout for record. |
🔗 Important Links & Official Portals
| Resource / Portal | Official Link & Action |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download Notice 01/2027-GEOL |
| UPSC Online Application Portal (Apply Online) | Apply Online on upsconline.nic.in |
| UPSC Official Website | Visit upsc.gov.in |
| All India Central Government Jobs | Browse Active Central Govt Jobs Hub |
| Admit Card Hub | Check Central Examination Hall Tickets |
| Answer Key Hub | Download Official Answer Keys |
| Results & Merit Lists | View Final Selection Lists |
🎯 Preparation Strategy & Expert Advice
- Balance General Studies & Core Technical: While Paper-II carries 300 marks in Prelims, General Studies (100 marks) is frequently the deciding factor for clearing the screening cutoff. Dedicate at least 2 hours daily to standard GS subjects and current affairs.
- Master Descriptive Answer Writing for Mains: The Main examination carries 600 marks with 3 conventional subjective papers. Practice drawing clear geological cross-sections, chemical mechanisms, geophysical equations, and structured long-form explanations.
- Previous 10-Year Question Papers: Solve official UPSC Geo-Scientist question papers from 2016 to 2026. This gives precise insight into high-yield topics in mineral exploration, structural geology, geophysics, and analytical chemistry.
- Mock Test & Time Management: Preliminary Paper-II has 120 questions to be attempted in 120 minutes. Rigorous timed mock practice is vital to minimize negative marking penalties.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – UPSC CGSPE 2027
1. What is the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination (CGSPE) 2027?
UPSC CGSPE 2027 is a national-level competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit Geologists, Geophysicists, Chemists, and Scientist ‘B’ officers for the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).
2. How many total vacancies are notified in UPSC CGSE 2027?
A total of 127 tentative vacancies have been announced: 111 posts in the Geological Survey of India (Category-I) and 16 posts in the Central Ground Water Board (Category-II).
3. What is the last date to apply online for UPSC CGSPE 2027?
The online application facility on upsconline.nic.in will close at 6:00 PM on 22 September 2026.
4. When is the UPSC Geo-Scientist Preliminary Examination scheduled?
The Preliminary Examination is scheduled to be held on 10 January 2027 across designated exam centers nationwide.
5. What is the date for the UPSC Geo-Scientist Main Examination 2027?
The Main Examination for candidates qualifying the Preliminary stage will be held on 19 and 20 June 2027.
6. What is the prescribed age limit for UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027?
Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years of age as on 1 January 2027 (born between 02.01.1995 and 01.01.2006). Standard age relaxations apply for SC, ST, OBC, and PwBD candidates.
7. What is the required qualification for UPSC CGSPE?
Candidates must hold a Master's degree (M.Sc / M.Tech / M.Sc Tech) in Geology, Applied Geology, Geophysics, Applied Geophysics, Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, or Hydrogeology depending on the post chosen.
8. What is the application fee for UPSC CGSPE 2027?
The fee is ₹200 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates. Female candidates and SC/ST/PwBD candidates are completely exempt from paying any application fee.
9. What is the salary of an officer selected through UPSC Geo-Scientist?
Group 'A' posts carry Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) with gross initial salary around ₹90,000–₹1,05,000/month. Group 'B' posts carry Pay Level 8 (₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100) with gross initial salary around ₹75,000–₹88,000/month.
10. Where can I download the official UPSC CGSPE 2027 notification PDF?
You can download it directly from the UPSC official website: Notif-CGSPE-2027-Engl-020926.pdf.