UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 – Apply Online for 127 GSI & CGWB Posts

Vacancies: 127 (tentative) · Posts: 12 designations · Type: Regular Government Service · Mode: Online · Fee: ₹200 (Female/SC/ST/PwBD exempt) · Apply: 02 September–22 September 2026 · Salary: Level-10 / Level-8 (7th CPC) · Selection: Prelims + Mains + Interview · Location: All India

Union Public Service Commission has opened the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 for 127 tentative posts in the Geological Survey of India under the Ministry of Mines and the Central Ground Water Board under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Applications are open only on upsconline.nic.in from 02 September 2026 to 22 September 2026 (6:00 PM).

This cycle is larger than the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2026 (85 posts). Most seats this year are in Group B Assistant grades at GSI, not in Group A Geologist lines.

Prelims is on 10 January 2027. Mains is on 19 and 20 June 2027. Final merit uses Prelims + Mains + Personality Test. No domicile is required. Posting is an all-India field and office work in earth sciences and groundwater.

Also Read: UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 80 Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner Posts

Who Should Apply?

• M.Sc (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 / Geochemistry) → Group A, GSI – 29 posts
• M.Sc or Integrated M.Sc (Geology / Applied Geology / Mineral Exploration / Marine Geology / Earth Science) → Assistant Geologist, Group B, GSI – 34 posts
• M.Sc (Physics / Applied Physics / Geophysics) / Integrated M.Sc (Exploration Geophysics) / M.Sc (Applied Geophysics / Marine Geophysics) / M.Sc (Tech) Applied Geophysics → Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics), Group A, CGWB – 1 post (GSI Geophysicist Group A is 0 this cycle)
• M.Sc, M.Sc (Tech) or Integrated M.Sc (Geophysics / Exploration Geophysics / Applied Geophysics / Geo-Exploration / Marine Geophysics / Physics / Applied Physics / Applied Geology) → Assistant Geophysicist, Group B, GSI – 35 posts; Assistant Geophysicist, Group B, CGWB – 1 post
• M.Sc (Chemistry / Applied Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry) → Chemist, Group A, GSI – 7 posts; Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical), Group A, CGWB – 1 post
• M.Sc or Integrated M.Sc (Chemistry / Applied Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry / Physical Chemistry / Chemistry / Organic Chemistry / Hydro-Chemistry / Industrial Chemistry) → Assistant Chemist, Group B, GSI – 6 posts; Assistant Chemist, Group B, CGWB – 1 post
• M.Sc (Geology / Applied Geology / Marine Geology / Hydrogeology) → Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology), Group A, CGWB – 5 posts; Assistant Hydrogeologist, Group B, CGWB – 7 posts
• PwBD candidates in identified categories → 10 reserved seats (8 in GSI, 2 in CGWB). Suitability is post-specific: OH (OA/OL) for selected Geology posts; HH for several Chemistry and Geophysics Assistant lines; LDCP for Assistant Hydrogeologist.
• Serving GSI / CGWB staff within age relaxation → same posts, +5 years in age if covered by the notice.

Who cannot apply

• You have already attained 32 years on 01 January 2027 and do not qualify for a listed relaxation.
• Your master’s subject is not in the exact list for the stream you want.
• You hold a Geo-Exploration / Applied Geology degree and try to sit for two streams. The notice allows one stream only.
• You are not an Indian citizen and do not fall under Nepal, Bhutan, pre-1962 Tibetan refugee, or specified PIO rules.

Important Dates

Age is reckoned as on 01 January 2027, not on the application date.

Quick Overview – UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2027

• Organisation: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Employers: Geological Survey of India (Ministry of Mines); Central Ground Water Board (Ministry of Jal Shakti)
• Exam: Combined Geo-Scientist Examination, 2027 (CGSE)
• Notification Number: Examination Notice No. 01/2027-GEOL; File No. 04/01/2026-E.I(B)
• Sector: Earth sciences, mineral exploration and groundwater
• Job Location: All India (field camps and offices)
• Official Website: UPSC official website
• Apply Portal: UPSC Online Application Portal
• Last Date: 22 September 2026, 6:00 PM
• Apply Online: Apply for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027
• Notification PDF: Download UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 PDF
• Vacancies: 127 (tentative, liable to alteration)
• Job Type: Regular Government Service; first appointment is temporary
• Selection Basis: Stage-I Prelims (400) + Stage-II Mains (600) + Stage-III Interview (200)
• Domicile: No state domicile. Indian citizenship / notified nationality rules apply.

What Posts Are Available? – UPSC Vacancy & Eligibility 2027

Vacancies are tentative and can change. Appointments start temporarily. Category-wise UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS split is not printed as a single roster table in the extracts used here; SC, ST, OBC, EWS and PwBD reservation will apply as reported to the Commission.

Practical takeaway: 84 of 127 seats are Group B Assistant posts. Assistant Geophysicist (GSI) is the single largest line at 35. GSI Geophysicist Group A has zero seats this year. Geology and hydrogeology candidates still have both Group A and Group B routes.

Category-I — Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Mines (111 posts)

PwBD in GSI (8): 1 Geologist [OH(OA/OL)]; 1 Chemist [HH]; 2 Assistant Geologist [1-OH(OA/OL), 1-HH]; 3 Assistant Geophysicist [HH]; 1 Assistant Chemist [HH].

Category-II — Central Ground Water Board, Ministry of Jal Shakti (16 posts)

PwBD in CGWB (2): 1 Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) [HH]; 1 Assistant Hydrogeologist [LDCP].

Cross-eligibility note: A degree in Geo-Exploration or Applied Geology can sit in the Geology/Hydrogeology stream or the Geophysics stream, not both. Pick one paper set before you submit.

One application and one fee cover both Category-I and Category-II. Final recommendation still follows merit, preference and vacancies in each post group.

Degrees must be from a university incorporated by a Central or State Act, an institution created by Parliament, or a deemed university under the UGC Act, 1956, and of a minimum of two years after graduation.

Result-awaited candidates may apply. Proof of the qualifying master’s must be produced before the Personality Test, not on the last application date.

What Is the Age Limit for Combined Geo-Scientist Exam?

Birth window for UR: not earlier than 02 January 1995 and not later than 01 January 2006.

Examples:
✅ A 31-year-old UR candidate born on 02 January 1996 — eligible (within the 32-year limit as of 01 January 2027).
❌ A 33-year-old UR candidate born on 01 January 1994 — not eligible (exceeds maximum age by 1 year).

Use our Age Eligibility Calculator to check instantly.

PwBD and community relaxations can be combined only as the examination rules allow. EWS follows the UR age cap. OBC and EWS do not get fee exemption.

What Is the Geo-Scientist Salary in Central Government?

The 2027 notice does not reprint a pay matrix. GSI cadre rules place Geologist / Geophysicist / Chemist / Scientist ‘B’ at Level-10 (basic ₹56,100) and Assistant Geologist / Assistant Geophysicist / Assistant Chemist at Level-8 (basic ₹47,600). CGWB Scientist ‘B’ follows the same Group A Level-10 entry used in earlier Combined Geo-Scientist cycles. Treat the figures below as indicative 7th CPC estimates. Verify from the appointment order.

Claim + proof: X-city estimate uses DA near 55% of basic (2026 rates), HRA at 30% in the eight X-class cities, and transport allowance as per Level. NPS is at 10% of basic + DA, and CGHS come off the top. Y-class HRA is 20%. Z-class HRA is 10%. Field areas may add special compensatory or hardship allowances under department rules. Those are not guaranteed in the examination notice.

Calculate a city-wise slip on the 7th CPC Salary Calculator. This calculator provides an indicative estimate. The official formula in the notification and institute rules prevails.

Other central benefits after confirmation typically include NPS, CGHS, LTC, and central leave rules. First posting is temporary. Confirmation follows probation and fitness, not the offer letter alone.

What Is the Application Fee?

Pay on the UPSC portal by net banking, Visa / Mastercard / RuPay card or UPI. The fee is non-refundable. Applications without the prescribed fee, unless exemption is claimed correctly, are rejected.

OBC and EWS male candidates pay ₹200. Do not copy the SC/ST exemption onto those categories.

How to Apply?

Applications are accepted only through the UPSC Online Application Portal. There is no offline form.

1. Open UPSC Online (upsconline.nic.in) and create or log in to your account.
2. Complete One Time Registration and generate the Universal Registration Number (URN), if you do not already have one.
3. Fill the Common Application Form (CAF): photo ID, live photograph, and signature (sign three times on plain white paper in black ink).
4. Resize the live photo and signature with the Photo & Signature Resizer before uploading if the portal rejects the file size.
5. Open the Examination Specific Module for Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027. Choose stream, category, PwBD status and centre.
6. Pay ₹200 if you are not exempt. Submit before 22 September 2026, 6:00 PM.
7. Save the Application Number / RID. Keep a printout of the final form.

OTR profile change is allowed only once in a lifetime, and only within the window UPSC opens after your first final application. Employed candidates must inform their department in writing before applying.

If more than one application is submitted, follow the notice wording: only the complete application with the higher RID is considered. Fee paid on an earlier RID is not transferred.

Centres are allotted on a first-apply-first-allot basis. Popular cities can close before 22 September 2026.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Selecting Geophysics when GSI Geophysicist Group A has 0 seats, unless you also want CGWB Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics) or Assistant Geophysicist lines.
• Claiming fee exemption as an OBC or EWS male. Those categories pay ₹200.
• Uploading an old passport photo instead of the live capture the portal asks for.
• Sitting two streams with a Geo-Exploration / Applied Geology degree.
• Waiting for the last evening. Centre capacity fills early.
• Treating a result-awaited master’s as enough for joining. The degree must be in hand before the Personality Test.

यूपीएससी संयुक्त भू-वैज्ञानिक परीक्षा 2027 – 127 पदों के लिए ऑनलाइन आवेदन

संघ लोक सेवा आयोग ने संयुक्त भू-वैज्ञानिक परीक्षा 2027 की अधिसूचना 02 सितंबर 2026 को जारी की है। भारतीय भूवैज्ञानिक सर्वेक्षण और केंद्रीय भूमि जल बोर्ड में कुल 127 अस्थायी रूप से घोषित पद हैं। आवेदन 22 सितंबर 2026 शाम 6:00 बजे तक केवल upsconline.nic.in पर स्वीकार होंगे।

कौन आवेदन कर सकता है?
आयु 01 जनवरी 2027 को 21 से 32 वर्ष होनी चाहिए। जन्म 02 जनवरी 1995 से पहले का नहीं होना चाहिए। योग्यता संबंधित विषय में दो वर्षीय मास्टर डिग्री है। भूविज्ञान, भूभौतिकी, रसायन विज्ञान या हाइड्रोजियोलॉजी की सूचीबद्ध शाखाएँ ही मान्य हैं। अंतिम वर्ष के विद्यार्थी आवेदन कर सकते हैं, पर पर्सनैलिटी टेस्ट से पहले डिग्री प्रमाण पत्र देना होगा।

वेतन और चयन क्या हैं?
ग्रुप A पद आमतौर पर लेवल-10 और ग्रुप B सहायक पद लेवल-8 पर हैं। चयन तीन चरणों में है: प्रारंभिक परीक्षा 10 जनवरी 2027 (400 अंक), मुख्य परीक्षा 19–20 जून 2027 (600 अंक) और साक्षात्कार (200 अंक)। प्रारंभिक में गलत उत्तर पर एक-तिहाई नकारात्मक अंकन है।

आवेदन कैसे करें?
पहले यूआरएन और कॉमन आवेदन फॉर्म पूरा करें, फिर परीक्षा मॉड्यूल भरें। सामान्य/ओबीसी/ईडब्ल्यूएस पुरुषों की फीस ₹200 है। महिला, एससी, एसटी और दिव्यांग उम्मीदवार मुक्त हैं। विस्तृत सूचना upsc.gov.in और upsconline.nic.in पर है।

How Are Combined Geo-Scientists Selected?

Selection is in three stages. Marks from all three count in the final merit list of 1,200. The present notice invites applications for the Preliminary stage only.

1. Stage-I Preliminary Examination (objective, English only) — 400 marks — screens candidates for Mains and also counts in merit.
2. Stage-II Main Examination (conventional/descriptive, English only) — 600 marks.
3. Stage-III Personality Test / Interview — 200 marks. No separate minimum mark is fixed for the interview in the scheme used for this exam.
4. Document verification against age, degree, community, EWS, PwBD and nationality claims.
5. Medical fitness as per Appendix-II of the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination rules.
6. Recommendation by post group, then ministry appointment. First posting is temporary.

No stage by itself is an appointment. A high interview score does not override a weak written total if you miss the merit line for that post group.

Preliminary Examination — 10 January 2027 (1 day)

Negative marking: one-third of the marks for that question. Unanswered questions carry no penalty. Calculators are not allowed in Prelims.

Paper-I standard is that of a science graduate.

Main Examination — 19 and 20 June 2027 (2 days)

Three conventional papers per stream, 200 marks × 3 = 600. The duration of each paper is 3 hours. Non-programmable pocket calculators are allowed. Papers are set and answered in English only.

Exact paper titles and syllabus follow the scheme printed in the official notice and Appendix-I. Use that PDF as the reading list. Do not prepare from an old “Geologist Examination” booklet that predates the Combined Geo-Scientist pattern.

Physical/medical standard

This is not a police PET. Candidates must be medically fit for field geological or groundwater work under Appendix-II of the rules. Colour vision, locomotor fitness for field travel and any post-specific PwBD identification decide suitability. Standards are confirmed by the medical board after recommendation.

What’s changed this year

The 2027 cycle shifted towards GSI Assistant (Group B) strength. Group A geology seats fell. Geophysicists targeting only GSI Group A have no vacancies on that line this year.

Previous year cut-offs (CGSE 2025, UPSC published)

Final-stage cut-off for Geologist Group A (out of 1,200): General 599; OBC 582; SC 535. Stage-I marks out of 400 for that post were about General 175, OBC 174, SC 139. Other post groups had separate boards. Use these only as a floor, not a 2027 target.

Estimate a safe written score with the Cut-off Marks Calculator. Actual 2027 cut-offs will depend on vacancies and paper difficulty.

Why Does Geological Survey of India Matter?

Geological Survey of India is the national earth-science organisation under the Ministry of Mines. Officers map rocks, minerals, landslides and geohazards, and support mineral policy for the Union Government.

Central Ground Water Board, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, assesses aquifers, regulates groundwater studies and supports drinking-water planning. Scientist ‘B’ and Assistant Hydrogeologist posts in this exam feed that cadre.

UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is the main all-India gate into both services. Candidates also search “GSI geologist vacancy”, “CGWB scientist B”, “UPSC geo scientist syllabus” and “भू-वैज्ञानिक भर्ती 2027”.

The honest limit: much of the work is seasonal field camp, not a fixed metro lab. Transfers follow cadre need. If you want only a Delhi desk, this employer will disappoint. Read more on the UPSC organisation page and the earth sciences/mining sector hub.

The SahisarkariJobs.in Analyst’s Take

This is the specialised science exam sitting next to UPSC Engineering Services and IFoS on the 2027 calendar, not a smaller copy of Civil Services. A geology master’s targeting ONGC or MECL through GATE is chasing PSU IDA pay and project postings. Combined Geo-Scientist 2027 is a CDA / 7th CPC cadre in GSI or CGWB, with NPS and all-India field liability. Those two paths are the tabs this candidate actually has open.

Best fit: M.Sc holders in the listed geology, geophysics, chemistry or hydrogeology subjects who accept field seasons and want a Group A or Group B scientific badge without writing CSE General Studies at CSE depth. Assistant Geophysicist (35) and Assistant Geologist (34) are the realistic volume seats.

Also Read: NPOL Kochi Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 – DRDO Fellowship at Thrikkakara

Skip this if your only aim is GSI Geophysicist Group A (zero seats), or you cannot produce the master’s before the interview, or you need a guaranteed metro first posting.

Practical tip: Lock the stream on day one and drill Paper-II of Prelims harder than GS. Prelims Paper-II is 300 of 400 and also feeds the final 1,200. A weak GS paper is recoverable; a weak geology/geophysics/chemistry paper is not.

Expect nine to twelve months from this application window to a joining letter if the 2026 cycle timing repeats.

What Documents Are Required for Central Govt Scientific Posts?

Keep originals and scans ready before you fill the CAF.

• Class 10 certificate for date of birth
• Master’s degree and marksheets (or result-awaited proof, then final certificate before PT)
• Photo ID (Aadhaar is preferred by UPSC)
• Live photograph and signature as per portal specs
• SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS certificate in the Central format, if claimed
  OBC income years cited in aggregator extracts: FY 2023–24, 2024–25 and 2025–26, issued on or after 01 April 2026 and not later than 22 September 2026
  EWS based on FY 2025–26, same issue window
• PwBD certificate in the identified category for that post
• Discharge book/service certificate for Ex-servicemen or departmental age claim
• No-objection intimation if already employed

Document alert: A state OBC certificate without the non-creamy-layer clause for Central posts will fail at PT. EWS issued after the closing date is unsafe. PwBD on a post not identified for that disability is not interchangeable.

Service Conditions

Appointments are temporary at first. Confirmation depends on probation, medical fitness and cadre rules of GSI or CGWB.

Posting is all-India. GSI work includes field mapping tours. CGWB work includes aquifer studies and station duty. You do not choose the first station.

Pension for new Central recruits is NPS unless a later rule changes that. There is no CSE-style service allocation across IAS/IPS. You enter one scientific cadre.

What Happens After Selection?

1. UPSC publishes the Preliminary result and issues Mains admission for qualified roll numbers.
2. After Mains, a written-qualified list is issued. Those candidates fill/update DAF fields in the window UPSC opens.
3. Personality Test is held in New Delhi. Carry originals listed above.
4. A post-group merit list (Prelims + Mains + Interview = 1,200) goes to the Ministry of Mines or Ministry of Jal Shakti.
5. The department issues an offer, medical board and joining instructions. The first appointment is temporary.
6. Training/familiarisation at GSI Training Institute or CGWB units is followed by field or office posting. Probation confirmation is a separate order.
7. Promotion thereafter follows the GSI / CGWB cadre: Geologist → Senior Geologist (Level-11) → Superintending / Director grades, subject to vacancies and rules. Assistant grades have their own promotion channel into Group A where recruitment rules allow.

Contact & Helpline

Union Public Service Commission
Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi – 110069

Helpline (application window): 011-24041001 / 011-40303444
Email: upscsoap@nic.in
Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on working days, 02 September 2026 to 22 September 2026

Examination notices and admit cards: upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in

⚠️ Contact details sourced from the official notification/website. Verify before contacting. NEVER pay any money over the phone or to any person claiming to offer job assistance. Report fraud to cybercrime.gov.in.

Important Links – UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2027

FAQs – UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2027

What is the last date to apply for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2027?

22 September 2026, 6:00 PM. The portal does not accept late forms. No extension is announced as of 03 September 2026. Submit early because centres fill on a first-apply-first-allot basis.

What is the age limit for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist?

21 to 32 years as of 01 January 2027 for UR and EWS. OBC gets 3 extra years; SC/ST get 5, PwBD get 10. Birth dates for UR must fall between 02 January 1995 and 01 January 2006.

Is there an exam for Combined Geo-Scientist, or is it interview-based?

Yes. Prelims on 10 January 2027 (400 marks, one-third negative marking), Mains on 19–20 June 2027 (600 marks), then a 200-mark Personality Test. All three stages add to the 1,200-mark merit.

What is the salary of a Combined Geo-Scientist?

Group A entry is Level-10 (basic ₹56,100). Group B Assistant entry is Level-8 (basic ₹47,600). Indicative X-city in-hand is about ₹95,000–1,10,000 for Level-10 and ₹78,000–88,000 for Level-8, before field add-ons.

Can final-year students or result-awaited candidates apply for UPSC 2027?

Yes, if the notice’s result-awaited clause covers you. The master’s certificate must be produced before the Personality Test. Do not apply if you cannot finish the degree by that stage.

Is Combined Geo-Scientist a permanent government job?

Yes, these are regular Central scientific posts in GSI or CGWB. The first appointment is still temporary. Confirmation comes after probation, medical fitness and department orders. Recruits are under NPS.

Can candidates from other states apply for this recruitment?

Yes. This is an all-India UPSC examination. No state domicile is required. Nationality rules for Indian citizens and the notified Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan and PIO categories apply.

Where will I be posted if I get selected?

Anywhere in India under GSI or CGWB. First posting is departmental, not candidate-choice. Expect field camps, mapping tours or groundwater stations, not only a headquarters desk.

Is there negative marking in the Combined Geo-Scientist Prelims?

Yes. One-third of the marks for that question are cut for every wrong answer. Unanswered items have no penalty. Calculators are banned in Prelims and allowed (non-programmable) in Mains.

How many times can I attempt Combined Geo-Scientist?

There is no separate attempt cap in the usual rules. You may apply whenever you stay within the age window after relaxations. Age, not attempt count, is the hard stop.

What is the salary of a government geologist in India?

In GSI, a direct-recruit Geologist starts at Level-10. Assistant Geologist starts at Level-8. In-hand salary varies by city HRA. PSU geologists hired through GATE follow IDA scales, which are a different structure.

Is a geology master’s enough for central government scientific posts?

Yes, for the listed GSI and CGWB lines, if the exact subject names match the notice. A generic M.Sc without a listed title is unsafe. GATE remains a separate PSU route, not a substitute for this exam.

What are the disadvantages of a GSI or CGWB scientific posting?

Worth knowing before you apply: the job is field-heavy, the written cycle runs from September to the next year’s interview, and the first appointment is temporary. Geophysicist Group A at GSI is also closed this year. If you want only desk science in one metro, look at lab PSUs instead.

Final Checklist – Is This the Right Job for You?

• You meet the age and educational criteria as on 01 January 2027.
• You are comfortable with Regular Government Service that still starts as a temporary appointment and includes field posting.
• You can arrange degree, community and PwBD papers before the Personality Test.
• You are prepared for the hardest stage: stream Paper-II in Prelims plus three descriptive Mains papers.
• You accept an all-India posting in GSI or CGWB, including field camps.

📄 Source: Official notification released by UPSC on 02 September 2026 (Examination Notice No. 01/2027-GEOL). All details are sourced from the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027 official notification and the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027.