UPSC CGS PRELIMS EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE

The UPSC CGS Prelims exam will be held on 9 February 2025 in two shifts. The UPSC IES Notification 2025 had been released on 9 September 2024. The individuals who clear the preliminary examination will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination to be organized on 21 June 2025.

OVERVIEW

Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is popularly known as CGS. UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist exam is the National Level Competitive examination conducted by UPSC under the Indian Govt. The selected candidates work under the Geological Survey of India (GSI) i.e. Ministry of Mines and Central water board (CWB) under the Government of India for Grade ‘A’ and Grade ‘B’ posts. The main aim of this examination is to recruit the candidate for the post of Category I - Geologist, Chemist, Junior Hydrologist, and Geophysicist under the central government. The examination is the initial port of entry into the Union Public Service Commission.

SYLLABUS

Paper-I: General Studies (Common for all streams)

Paper-II: Geology/Hydrogeology

Paper-II : Geophysics

UPSC CGS PRELIMS EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE

The UPSC CGS Prelims exam will be held on 9 February 2025 in two shifts. The UPSC IES Notification 2025 had been released on 9 September 2024. The individuals who clear the preliminary examination will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination to be organized on 21 June 2025.

OVERVIEW

Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is popularly known as CGS. UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist exam is the National Level Competitive examination conducted by UPSC under the Indian Govt. The selected candidates work under the Geological Survey of India (GSI) i.e. Ministry of Mines and Central water board (CWB) under the Government of India for Grade ‘A’ and Grade ‘B’ posts. The main aim of this examination is to recruit the candidate for the post of Category I - Geologist, Chemist, Junior Hydrologist, and Geophysicist under the central government. The examination is the initial port of entry into the Union Public Service Commission.

SYLLABUS

Paper-I: General Studies (Common for all streams)

Paper-II: Geology/Hydrogeology

Paper-II : Geophysics

Paper-II : Chemistry

NOTE 1. Paper-I in General Studies of Stage-I is common for all streams, and its standard will be such as may be expected of a science graduate.

NOTE 2. Paper-II of Stage-I (Stream specific) and 3 compulsory papers of Stage-II each on Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry and Hydrogeology subjects will be approximately of the M.Sc. degree standard of an Indian University and questions will generally be set to test the candidate’s grasp of the fundamentals in each subject.

NOTE 3. There will be no practical examination in any of the subjects.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS

For General Studies

1. An Introduction to the Constitution of India D D Basu

2. Perspectives on Indian Constitution Edited by Subash Kashyap

3. An Evolution of Indian Economy I. C. Dhingra (Sultan Chand & Co)

4. Indian Economy Dutt & Sundaram

5. General Principles of World Geography Charles Farro

For Geology
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1. Structural Geology by Haakon Fossen

2. Concise Glossary of Geology by Mathur

For Hydrogeology

1. Petrology of Sedimentary Rocks

2. Marine Geology: A scenario around Indian Coasts by T.K. Mallik

3. Geology and Evolution of Indian Plate by Naqvi

For Geophysics

1. Dana’s textbook on Mineralogy

2. Physical Geography by Savindra Singh

3. Mine Closure by Naresh Chandra Saxena

4. Mineral Exploration: Recent Strategies by S. Rajendran

5. Amanda K. Coomaraswamy Writings on Geology and Mineralogy: Scientific Papers and Comments

For Chemistry

1. Inorganic Chemistry: Principles of Structure and Reactivity

2. Basic Organometallic Chemistry

3. Vogel’s Quantitative Chemical Analysis

4. Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms and Structure

IMPORTANT LINKS:

For Official Website: Click here

For Official Notification: Click here

UPSC CGS PRELIMS EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE

The UPSC CGS Prelims exam will be held on 9 February 2025 in two shifts. The UPSC IES Notification 2025 had been released on 9 September 2024. The individuals who clear the preliminary examination will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination to be organized on 21 June 2025.

OVERVIEW

Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is popularly known as CGS. UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist exam is the National Level Competitive examination conducted by UPSC under the Indian Govt. The selected candidates work under the Geological Survey of India (GSI) i.e. Ministry of Mines and Central water board (CWB) under the Government of India for Grade ‘A’ and Grade ‘B’ posts. The main aim of this examination is to recruit the candidate for the post of Category I - Geologist, Chemist, Junior Hydrologist, and Geophysicist under the central government. The examination is the initial port of entry into the Union Public Service Commission.

EXAM PATTERN

Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination is held as an Objective Type Computer-based test divided into two papers namely Paper -I & Paper -II. Paper-I contains questions from General Studies, which is common to all streams. Paper II contains questions from respective streams.

Stream-I: Scientist 'B' (Hydrogeology)

Stream-II: Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics)

Stream-III: Chemist and Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical)

UPSC CGS PRELIMS EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE

The UPSC CGS Prelims exam will be held on 9 February 2025 in two shifts. The UPSC IES Notification 2025 had been released on 9 September 2024. The individuals who clear the preliminary examination will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination to be organized on 21 June 2025.

OVERVIEW

Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is popularly known as CGS. UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist exam is the National Level Competitive examination conducted by UPSC under the Indian Govt. The selected candidates work under the Geological Survey of India (GSI) i.e. Ministry of Mines and Central water board (CWB) under the Government of India for Grade ‘A’ and Grade ‘B’ posts. The main aim of this examination is to recruit the candidate for the post of Category I - Geologist, Chemist, Junior Hydrologist, and Geophysicist under the central government. The examination is the initial port of entry into the Union Public Service Commission.

EXAM PATTERN

Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination is held as an Objective Type Computer-based test divided into two papers namely Paper -I & Paper -II. Paper-I contains questions from General Studies, which is common to all streams. Paper II contains questions from respective streams.

Stream-I: Scientist 'B' (Hydrogeology)

Stream-II: Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics)

Stream-III: Chemist and Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical)

Mod of Examination

Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination is held as a Computer based test. Questions will be Multiple choice Objective Type.

Medium of Examination

The Question Papers will be set in English only.

Marking Scheme

There will be penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate in the objective-type question papers.

1. There are four alternatives for the answers to every question. For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as penalty.

2. If a question is left blank, i.e. no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that question.

NOTE: The candidates are not permitted to use calculators for answering Objective Type Papers. They should therefore not bring the same inside the Examination Hall.

EXAM FAST FACTS

1. Acronym - CGS

2. Conducting Body/ Administrator - Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

3. Exam Purpose - For recruitment and selection to the job of Geophysicist, Chemist Group 'A' in GSI and Junior Hydro-geologist (Scientist 'B'), Group 'A' for Central Ground Water Board

4. Exam Mode - Both Computer-based & Pen & Paper Based Test

5. Offered - Once a Year

IMPORTANT LINKS:

For Official Website: Click here

For Official Notification: Click here

UPSC CGS PRELIMS EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE

The UPSC CGS Prelims exam will be held on 9 February 2025 in two shifts. The UPSC IES Notification 2025 had been released on 9 September 2024. The individuals who clear the preliminary examination will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination to be organized on 21 June 2025.

OVERVIEW

Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is popularly known as CGS. UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist exam is the National Level Competitive examination conducted by UPSC under the Indian Govt. The selected candidates work under the Geological Survey of India (GSI) i.e. Ministry of Mines and Central water board (CWB) under the Government of India for Grade ‘A’ and Grade ‘B’ posts. The main aim of this examination is to recruit the candidate for the post of Category I - Geologist, Chemist, Junior Hydrologist, and Geophysicist under the central government. The examination is the initial port of entry into the Union Public Service Commission.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Candidates willing to apply for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist are required to fulfil certain conditions to be eligible for it. The candidate who does not satisfy the Eligibility criteria like Age, Minimum educational qualification etc., their candidature shall be rejected by the authorities. The criteria for eligibility UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist are decided by the conduction body itself. The candidate’s eligibility for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is based on the fulfilment of the following conditions:-

1. Nationality

2. Age Limit & Relaxations

3. Educational Qualifications

Nationality

A candidate must be either:

1. A citizen of India or

2. A subject of Nepal or A subject of Bhutan or

3. A Tibetan refugee who came to India before the 1^st of January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India or

4. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or from Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Provided that a candidate belongs to categories (2), (3) and (4) above shall be a person in whose favor a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.

Age Limit & Relaxation

A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years on the first day of the month of January of the year in which the Examination is to be held [i.e. as on 1st January, 2025] i.e. he/she must have been born not earlier than 2nd January, 1993 and not later than 1st January, 2004.NB: Candidates should ensure that they meet the age eligibility criteria for each post mentioned above for which they are applying.


For government servants

The upper age limit will be relaxable upto a maximum of 7 years in the case of Government servants, if they are employed in a Department mentioned in Column I below and apply for the corresponding post mentioned in column II.

Further Relaxations

Education Qualification

1. For Geologist Group ‘A’ in Geological Survey of India: Master’s degree in Geological Science or Geology or Applied Geology or Geo- Exploration or Mineral Exploration or Engineering Geology or Marine Geology or Earth Science and Resource Management or Oceanography and Coastal Areas Studies or Petroleum Geosciences or Geochemistry from a University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or an educational institution established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed university under section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956) i.e. recognized University.

2. For Geophysicist Group ‘A’ in Geological Survey of India and Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics) Group ‘A’ in C.G.W.B.: M.Sc. in Physics or Applied Physics or M.Sc. (Geophysics) or Integrated M.Sc. (Exploration Geophysics) or M.Sc (Applied Geophysics) or M.Sc. (Marine Geophysics) or

UPSC CGS PRELIMS EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE

The UPSC CGS Prelims exam will be held on 9 February 2025 in two shifts. The UPSC IES Notification 2025 had been released on 9 September 2024. The individuals who clear the preliminary examination will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination to be organized on 21 June 2025.

OVERVIEW

Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is popularly known as CGS. UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist exam is the National Level Competitive examination conducted by UPSC under the Indian Govt. The selected candidates work under the Geological Survey of India (GSI) i.e. Ministry of Mines and Central water board (CWB) under the Government of India for Grade ‘A’ and Grade ‘B’ posts. The main aim of this examination is to recruit the candidate for the post of Category I - Geologist, Chemist, Junior Hydrologist, and Geophysicist under the central government. The examination is the initial port of entry into the Union Public Service Commission.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Candidates willing to apply for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist are required to fulfil certain conditions to be eligible for it. The candidate who does not satisfy the Eligibility criteria like Age, Minimum educational qualification etc., their candidature shall be rejected by the authorities. The criteria for eligibility UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist are decided by the conduction body itself. The candidate’s eligibility for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is based on the fulfilment of the following conditions:-

1. Nationality

2. Age Limit & Relaxations

3. Educational Qualifications

Nationality

A candidate must be either:

1. A citizen of India or

2. A subject of Nepal or A subject of Bhutan or

3. A Tibetan refugee who came to India before the 1^st of January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India or

4. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or from Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Provided that a candidate belongs to categories (2), (3) and (4) above shall be a person in whose favor a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.

Age Limit & Relaxation

A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years on the first day of the month of January of the year in which the Examination is to be held [i.e. as on 1st January, 2025] i.e. he/she must have been born not earlier than 2nd January, 1993 and not later than 1st January, 2004.NB: Candidates should ensure that they meet the age eligibility criteria for each post mentioned above for which they are applying.


For government servants

The upper age limit will be relaxable upto a maximum of 7 years in the case of Government servants, if they are employed in a Department mentioned in Column I below and apply for the corresponding post mentioned in column II.

Further Relaxations

Education Qualification

1. For Geologist Group ‘A’ in Geological Survey of India: Master’s degree in Geological Science or Geology or Applied Geology or Geo- Exploration or Mineral Exploration or Engineering Geology or Marine Geology or Earth Science and Resource Management or Oceanography and Coastal Areas Studies or Petroleum Geosciences or Geochemistry from a University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or an educational institution established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed university under section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956) i.e. recognized University.

2. For Geophysicist Group ‘A’ in Geological Survey of India and Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics) Group ‘A’ in C.G.W.B.: M.Sc. in Physics or Applied Physics or M.Sc. (Geophysics) or Integrated M.Sc. (Exploration Geophysics) or M.Sc (Applied Geophysics) or M.Sc. (Marine Geophysics) or M.Sc. (Tech.) (Applied Geophysics) from a University incorporated by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature in India or other educational institutes established by an Act of the Parliament or declared to be deemed universities under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956

3. For Chemist Group ‘A’ in Geological Survey of India and Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical) under C.G.W.B.: M. Sc. in Chemistry or Applied Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry from a University incorporated by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature or other educational Institutes established by an Act of the Parliament or declared to be deemed Universities under section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 i.e. recognized University.

4. For Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) Group ‘A’ and Assistant (Hydrogeologist) Group ‘B’ in C.G.W.B.: Master’s degree in Geology or applied Geology or Marine Geology or Hydrogeology from a University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational Institutes established by an act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as Universities under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.

5. For Assistant (Chemist) Group ‘B’ in C.G.W.B.: Master of Science or Integrated Master of Science in Chemistry or Applied Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry or Physical Chemistry or Inorganic Chemistry or Organic Chemistry or Hydro-Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry from a recognized university or institute.

NOTE 1. Master's degree in respective discipline means the postgraduate degree or post-graduate diploma of minimum two years duration after graduation from aforesaid University or Institute in the respective discipline, whether be it an integrated course or otherwise.

NOTE 2. A candidate who has appeared at an examination, the passing of which would render him/her educationally qualified for this examination but has not been informed of the result, may apply for admission to the Examination. A candidate who intends to appear at such a qualifying examination may also apply.

NOTE 3. A candidate who is otherwise qualified but who possesses the Master's degree from a foreign University approved by the Government may also be admitted to the Examination by the Commission.

IMPORTANT LINKS

For Official Website: Click here

For Official Notification: Click here

UPSC CGS PRELIMS EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE

The UPSC CGS Prelims exam will be held on 9 February 2025 in two shifts. The UPSC IES Notification 2025 had been released on 9 September 2024. The individuals who clear the preliminary examination will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination to be organized on 21 June 2025.

OVERVIEW

Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is popularly known as CGS. UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist exam is the National Level Competitive examination conducted by UPSC under the Indian Govt. The selected candidates work under the Geological Survey of India (GSI) i.e. Ministry of Mines and Central water board (CWB) under the Government of India for Grade ‘A’ and Grade ‘B’ posts. The main aim of this examination is to recruit the candidate for the post of Category I - Geologist, Chemist, Junior Hydrologist, and Geophysicist under the central government. The examination is the initial port of entry into the Union Public Service Commission.

IMPORTANT DATES

IMPORTANT LINKS:

For Official Website: Click here

For Official Notification: Click here

UPSC CGS PRELIMS EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE

The UPSC CGS Prelims exam will be held on 9 February 2025 in two shifts. The UPSC IES Notification 2025 had been released on 9 September 2024. The individuals who clear the preliminary examination will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination to be organized on 21 June 2025.

OVERVIEW

Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is popularly known as CGS. UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist exam is the National Level Competitive examination conducted by UPSC under the Indian Govt. The selected candidates work under the Geological Survey of India (GSI) i.e. Ministry of Mines and Central water board (CWB) under the Government of India for Grade ‘A’ and Grade ‘B’ posts. The main aim of this examination is to recruit the candidate for the post of Category I - Geologist, Chemist, Junior Hydrologist, and Geophysicist under the central government. The examination is the initial port of entry into the Union Public Service Commission.

EXAM ANALYSIS

Analysis has been done on the paper which has been recently successfully conducted for Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination on 19^th Jan 2020.

Stream-I: Scientist 'B' (Hydrogeology)

Paper I: General Studies

Overall Analysis

Cutoffs/Good Attempts

Based on the Overall Analysis of Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination previous year paper. one could say that it shall be expected to be in the range of 50-55+ Questions.

Paper-II: Geology/Hydrogeology

Cutoffs/ Good Attempts

Based on the Overall Analysis of Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination previous year paper. one could say that it shall be expected to be in the range of 60-65+ Questions.

Stream-II: Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics)

Paper I: General Studies

Paper-I in General Studies is common for all streams.

UPSC CGS PRELIMS EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE

The UPSC CGS Prelims exam will be held on 9 February 2025 in two shifts. The UPSC IES Notification 2025 had been released on 9 September 2024. The individuals who clear the preliminary examination will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination to be organized on 21 June 2025.

OVERVIEW

Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is popularly known as CGS. UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist exam is the National Level Competitive examination conducted by UPSC under the Indian Govt. The selected candidates work under the Geological Survey of India (GSI) i.e. Ministry of Mines and Central water board (CWB) under the Government of India for Grade ‘A’ and Grade ‘B’ posts. The main aim of this examination is to recruit the candidate for the post of Category I - Geologist, Chemist, Junior Hydrologist, and Geophysicist under the central government. The examination is the initial port of entry into the Union Public Service Commission.

EXAM ANALYSIS

Analysis has been done on the paper which has been recently successfully conducted for Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination on 19^th Jan 2020.

Stream-I: Scientist 'B' (Hydrogeology)

Paper I: General Studies

Overall Analysis

Cutoffs/Good Attempts

Based on the Overall Analysis of Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination previous year paper. one could say that it shall be expected to be in the range of 50-55+ Questions.

Paper-II: Geology/Hydrogeology

Cutoffs/ Good Attempts

Based on the Overall Analysis of Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination previous year paper. one could say that it shall be expected to be in the range of 60-65+ Questions.

Stream-II: Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics)

Paper I: General Studies

Paper-I in General Studies is common for all streams.

Paper-II: Geophysics

Cutoffs/ Good Attempts

Based on the Overall Analysis of Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination previous year paper. one could say that it shall be expected to be in the range of 70+ Questions.

Stream-III: Chemist and Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical)

Paper I: General Studies

Paper-I in General Studies is common for all streams.

Paper-II: Chemistry

Cutoffs/ Good Attempts

Based on the Overall Analysis of Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination previous year paper. one could say that it shall be expected to be in the range of 60-65+ Questions.

IMPORTANT LINKS

For Official Website: Click here

For Official Notification: Click here

UPSC CGS PRELIMS EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE

The UPSC CGS Prelims exam will be held on 9 February 2025 in two shifts. The UPSC IES Notification 2025 had been released on 9 September 2024. The individuals who clear the preliminary examination will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination to be organized on 21 June 2025.

OVERVIEW

Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is popularly known as CGS. UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist exam is the National Level Competitive examination conducted by UPSC under the Indian Govt. The selected candidates work under the Geological Survey of India (GSI) i.e. Ministry of Mines and Central water board (CWB) under the Government of India for Grade ‘A’ and Grade ‘B’ posts. The main aim of this examination is to recruit the candidate for the post of Category I - Geologist, Chemist, Junior Hydrologist, and Geophysicist under the central government. The examination is the initial port of entry into the Union Public Service Commission.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process for the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist will be completed via the following stages.

1. Preliminary Examination: It is a Computer Based examination which contains multiple choice-based questions. One will have to attempt two papers. One for general studies which will be common for all posts. The other paper will be stream specific.

2. Main Examination:The main exam has three papers. All have descriptive questions. One will have to answer questions based on the course prescribed for the Masters of the subject required for their stream.

3. Personal Interview: It is a personality test. The interview is held to judge the practical knowledge and the soft skills of the selected candidates. 

IMPORTANT TOPICS

TIPS & TRICKS

1. Candidates must selectively point out the important topics from the enormous ocean of topics linked to the Geo-scientist examination while studying for the exam.

2. The most crucial aspect of your preparation is taking notes. While preparing for Geo-scientist, you should take notes in your language. This will assist you in remembering the material in greater detail and for a longer amount of time. Self-made notes, on the other hand, will come in helpful during the last stages of exam revision

3. Learning alone will not help you remember the stuff you have studied for Geo-scientist . Topics should be revised on a regular basis to ensure that information is retained. Schedule your study so that you can complete at least two rounds of revision.

4. Candidates must complete as many Geo-scientist sample test papers as possible prior to the exam date. The most significant benefit of taking online mock tests is that it familiarises participants with the exam format, which reduces anxiety. Candidates can also maintain track of their time management skills by taking online Geo-scientist  pra

UPSC CGS PRELIMS EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE

The UPSC CGS Prelims exam will be held on 9 February 2025 in two shifts. The UPSC IES Notification 2025 had been released on 9 September 2024. The individuals who clear the preliminary examination will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination to be organized on 21 June 2025.

OVERVIEW

Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is popularly known as CGS. UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist exam is the National Level Competitive examination conducted by UPSC under the Indian Govt. The selected candidates work under the Geological Survey of India (GSI) i.e. Ministry of Mines and Central water board (CWB) under the Government of India for Grade ‘A’ and Grade ‘B’ posts. The main aim of this examination is to recruit the candidate for the post of Category I - Geologist, Chemist, Junior Hydrologist, and Geophysicist under the central government. The examination is the initial port of entry into the Union Public Service Commission.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process for the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist will be completed via the following stages.

1. Preliminary Examination: It is a Computer Based examination which contains multiple choice-based questions. One will have to attempt two papers. One for general studies which will be common for all posts. The other paper will be stream specific.

2. Main Examination:The main exam has three papers. All have descriptive questions. One will have to answer questions based on the course prescribed for the Masters of the subject required for their stream.

3. Personal Interview: It is a personality test. The interview is held to judge the practical knowledge and the soft skills of the selected candidates. 

IMPORTANT TOPICS

TIPS & TRICKS

1. Candidates must selectively point out the important topics from the enormous ocean of topics linked to the Geo-scientist examination while studying for the exam.

2. The most crucial aspect of your preparation is taking notes. While preparing for Geo-scientist, you should take notes in your language. This will assist you in remembering the material in greater detail and for a longer amount of time. Self-made notes, on the other hand, will come in helpful during the last stages of exam revision

3. Learning alone will not help you remember the stuff you have studied for Geo-scientist . Topics should be revised on a regular basis to ensure that information is retained. Schedule your study so that you can complete at least two rounds of revision.

4. Candidates must complete as many Geo-scientist sample test papers as possible prior to the exam date. The most significant benefit of taking online mock tests is that it familiarises participants with the exam format, which reduces anxiety. Candidates can also maintain track of their time management skills by taking online Geo-scientist  practise examinations.

5. Candidates will receive the right kind of coaching during their preparation stages if they use appropriate study resources or books. Rather of focusing on quantity, candidates should keep in mind that quality is more important. In comparison to a list of books that may contain irrelevant material, one decent book will enough.

Recommended Books

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

FAQ RELATED TO EXAM GENERAL QUERY

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IMPORTANT LINKS:

For Official Website: Click here

For Official Notification: Click here

UPSC CGS PRELIMS EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE

The UPSC CGS Prelims exam will be held on 9 February 2025 in two shifts. The UPSC IES Notification 2025 had been released on 9 September 2024. The individuals who clear the preliminary examination will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination to be organized on 21 June 2025.

OVERVIEW

Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is popularly known as CGS. UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist exam is the National Level Competitive examination conducted by UPSC under the Indian Govt. The selected candidates work under the Geological Survey of India (GSI) i.e. Ministry of Mines and Central water board (CWB) under the Government of India for Grade ‘A’ and Grade ‘B’ posts. The main aim of this examination is to recruit the candidate for the post of Category I - Geologist, Chemist, Junior Hydrologist, and Geophysicist under the central government. The examination is the initial port of entry into the Union Public Service Commission.

CAREER PROSPECTS

UPSC Combined Geo Scientist is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates for various positions like Geoscientist, Geochemist, and Geologists. The roles and responsibilities of these positions are given below:

1. In the first place, they supervise the work of technicians and coordinate work with other scientists, and both in the field and in the lab.

2. Further, the aims to plan and conduct the field studies and they visit varipus locations to collect samples and conduct surveys.

3. They are responsible for the geologic maps, charts, and scientific reports.

4. Besides, Geologists work on the materials, processes, and history of the earth. Further, they investigate how rocks were formedand what has happened to them since their formation. Besides, there are sub-groups of geologists, such as stratigraphers, who study on the stratified rock. Then, mineralogists, who study the structure and composition of minerals

5. Besides, to analyze aerial photographs, and detailed records of geologic formations found during drilling, rock samples. Further, other data sources to locate natural resource deposits and estimate their size.

6. Then, to present findings to clients, colleagues, and other interested parties.

SALARY STRUCTURE

IMPORTANT DATES

UPSC CGS PRELIMS EXAMINATION 2025: LATEST UPDATE

The UPSC CGS Prelims exam will be held on 9 February 2025 in two shifts. The UPSC IES Notification 2025 had been released on 9 September 2024. The individuals who clear the preliminary examination will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination to be organized on 21 June 2025.

OVERVIEW

Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is popularly known as CGS. UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist exam is the National Level Competitive examination conducted by UPSC under the Indian Govt. The selected candidates work under the Geological Survey of India (GSI) i.e. Ministry of Mines and Central water board (CWB) under the Government of India for Grade ‘A’ and Grade ‘B’ posts. The main aim of this examination is to recruit the candidate for the post of Category I - Geologist, Chemist, Junior Hydrologist, and Geophysicist under the central government. The examination is the initial port of entry into the Union Public Service Commission.

CAREER PROSPECTS

UPSC Combined Geo Scientist is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates for various positions like Geoscientist, Geochemist, and Geologists. The roles and responsibilities of these positions are given below:

1. In the first place, they supervise the work of technicians and coordinate work with other scientists, and both in the field and in the lab.

2. Further, the aims to plan and conduct the field studies and they visit varipus locations to collect samples and conduct surveys.

3. They are responsible for the geologic maps, charts, and scientific reports.

4. Besides, Geologists work on the materials, processes, and history of the earth. Further, they investigate how rocks were formedand what has happened to them since their formation. Besides, there are sub-groups of geologists, such as stratigraphers, who study on the stratified rock. Then, mineralogists, who study the structure and composition of minerals

5. Besides, to analyze aerial photographs, and detailed records of geologic formations found during drilling, rock samples. Further, other data sources to locate natural resource deposits and estimate their size.

6. Then, to present findings to clients, colleagues, and other interested parties.

SALARY STRUCTURE

IMPORTANT DATES

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Nationality

A candidate must be either:

1. A citizen of India or

2. A subject of Nepal or A subject of Bhutan or

3. A Tibetan refugee who came to India before the 1^st of January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India or

4. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or from Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Provided that a candidate belongs to categories (2), (3) and (4) above shall be a person in whose favor a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.

Age Limit

A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years on the first day of the month of January of the year in which the Examination is to be held [i.e. as on 1st January, 2025] i.e. he/she must have been born not earlier than 2nd January, 1993 and not later than 1st January, 2004.NB: Candidates should ensure that they meet the age eligibility criteria for each post mentioned above for which they are applying.

Age Relaxations

For government servants

The upper age limit will be relaxable upto a maximum of 7 years in the case of Government servants, if they are employed in a Department mentioned in Column I below and apply for the corresponding post mentioned in column II.

Further Relaxations

Educational Qualifications

1. For Geologist Group ‘A’ in Geological Survey of India: Master’s degree in Geological Science or Geology or Applied Geology or Geo- Exploration or Mineral Exploration or Engineering Geology or Marine Geology or Earth Science and Resource Management or Oceanography and Coastal Areas Studies or Petroleum Geosciences or Geochemistry from a University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or an educational institution established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed university under section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956) i.e. recognized University.

2. For Geophysicist Group ‘A’ in Geological Survey of India and Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics) Group ‘A’ in C.G.W.B.: M.Sc. in Physics or Applied Physics or M.Sc. (Geophysics) or Integrated M.Sc. (Exploration Geophysics) or M.Sc (Applied Geophysics) or M.Sc. (Marine Geophysics) or M.Sc. (Tech.) (Applied Geophysics) from a University incorporated by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature in India or other educational institutes established by an Act of the Parliament or declared to be deemed universities under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956

3. For Chemist Group ‘A’ in Geological Survey of India and Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical) under C.G.W.B.: M. Sc. in Chemistry or Applied Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry from a University incorporated by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature or other educational Institutes established by an Act of the Parliament or declared to be deemed Universities under section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 i.e. recognized University.

4. For Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology) Group ‘A’ and Assistant (Hydrogeologist) Group ‘B’ in C.G.W.B.: Master’s degree in Geology or applied Geology or Marine Geology or Hydrogeology from a University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational Institutes established by an act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as Universities under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.

5. For Assistant (Chemist) Group ‘B’ in C.G.W.B.: Master of Science or Integrated Master of Science in Chemistry or Applied Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry or Physical Chemistry or Inorganic Chemistry or Organic Chemistry or Hydro-Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry from a recognized university or institute.

EXAM PATTERN

The CGS Prelims exam is the first stage of the selection process. The CGS Prelims Exam has two papers as tabulated below.

1. The UPSC Combined Geo Scientist Prelims Exam comprises two papers, Paper I and Paper II, both consisting of multiple-choice questions.

2. Paper I covers General Studies, while Paper II includes questions from Geology/Hydrogeology, Geophysics, and Chemistry.

3. The total duration of the CGS Prelims exam is 4 hours.

SYLLABUS

General Studies (Common for all streams)

1. Current events of national and international importance.

2. History of India and Indian National Movement.

3. Indian and World Geography -Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.

4. Indian Polity and Governance -Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.

5. Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion,

6. Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc.

7. General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialisation.

8. General Science 

Geology/Hydrogeology

1. Physical Geology

Principle of uniformitarianism; origin, differentiation and internal structure of the Earth; origin of atmosphere; earthquakes and volcanoes; continental drift, sea-floor spreading, isostasy, orogeny and plate tectonics; geological action of rivers, wind, glaciers, waves; erosional and depositional landforms; weathering processes and products.

2. Structural Geology

Stress, strain and rheological properties of rocks; planar and linear structures; classification of folds and faults; Mohr's circle and criteria for failure of rocks; ductile and brittle shear in rocks; study of toposheets, V-rules and outcrop patterns; stereographic projections of structural elements.

3. Mineralogy

Elements of symmetry, notations and indices; Bravais lattices; chemical classification of minerals; isomorphism, polymorphism, solid solution and exsolution; silicate structures; physical and optical properties of common rock forming minerals- olivine, garnet, pyroxene, amphibole, mica, feldspar and quartz.

4. Igneous Petrology

Magma types and their evolution; IUGS classification of igneous rocks; forms, structures and textures of igneous rocks; applications of binary and ternary phase diagrams in petrogenesis; magmatic differentiation and assimilation; petrogenesis of granites, basalts, komatiiites and alkaline rocks (carbonatite, kimberlite, lamprophyre and nepheline syenite).

5. Metamorphic Petrology

Limits, types and controls of metamorphism; metamorphic structures- slate, schist and gneiss; metamorphic textures- pre, syn and post tectonic porphyroblasts; concept of metamorphic zone, isograd and facies; geothermal gradients, facies series and plate tectonics.

6. Sedimentology

Origin of sediments; sedimentary textures, grain-size scale; primary sedimentary structures; classification of sandstone and carbonate rocks; siliciclastic depositional environments and sedimentary facies; diagenesis of carbonate sediments.

7. Paleontology

Fossils and processes of fossilization; concept of species and binomial nomenclature; morphology and classification of invertebrates (Trilobites, Brachiopods, Lamellibranchs, Gastropods and Cephalopods); evolution in Equidae and Hominidae; microfossils-Foraminifera, Ostracoda; Gondwana flora.

8. Stratigraphy

Law of superposition; stratigraphic nomenclature- lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy; Archaean cratonic nucleii of Peninsular India (Dharwar, Singhbhum, and Aravalli cratons); Proterozoic mobile belts (Central Indian Tectonic Zone, Aravalli-Delhi and Eastern Ghats); Purana sedimentary basins (Cuddapah and Vindhyan); Phanerozoic stratigraphy of IndiaSpiti, Kashmir, Damodar valley, Kutch, Trichinopoly, Siwaliks and Indo-Gangetic alluvium.

9. Economic Geology

Properties of mineral deposits- form, mineral assemblage, texture, rock-ore association and relationship; magmatic, sedimentary, metamorphic, hydrothermal, supergene and weatheringrelated processes of ore formation; processes of formation of coal, and petroleum; distribution and geological characteristics of major mineral and hydrocarbon deposits of India.

10. Hydrogeology

Groundwater occurrence and aquifer characteristics, porosity, permeability, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity; Darcy's Law in homogenous and heterogenous media; Bernoulli equation, Reynold's number; composition of groundwater; application of H and O isotopes in groundwater studies; artificial recharge of groundwater.

Geophysics

1. Solid Earth Geophysics:

Introduction to Geophysics and its branches. Solar system: origin, formation and characteristics of planets, Earth: shape and rotation. Gravity and magnetic fields of earth. Geomagnetism, elements of earth's magnetism, Rock and mineral magnetism, Elastic waves, types and their propagation characteristics, internal structure of earth, variation of physical properties in the interior of earth. Plate tectonics, Earthquakes and their causes, focal depth, epicenter, Intensity and Magnitude scales, Energy of earthquakes, Seismicity.

2. Mathematical Methods in Geophysics:

Elements of vector analysis, Vector algebra, Properties of scalars, vectors and tensors, Gradient, Divergence and Curl, Gauss's divergence theorem, Stoke’s theorem. Matrices, Eigen values and Eigen vectors and their applications in geophysics. Newton's Law of gravitation, Gravity potential and gravity fields due to bodies of different geometric shapes. Basic Forces of Nature and their strength: Gravitational, Electromagnetic, Strong and Weak forces. Conservation Laws in Physics: Energy, Linear and angular momentum. Rigid body motion and moment of inertia. Basics of special theory of relativity and Lorentz transformation.

Fundamental concepts of inverse theory, Definition of inversion and application to Geophysics. Forward and Inverse problems. Probability theory, Random variables, binomial, Poisson and normal distributions. Linear algebra, Linear ordinary differential equations of first and second order. Partial differential equations (Laplace, wave and heat equations in two and three dimensions). Elements of numerical techniques: root of functions, interpolation, and extrapolation, integration by trapezoid and Simpson's rule, solution of first order differential equation using Runge-Kutta method, Introduction to finite difference and finite elements methods.

3. Electromagnetism:

Electrostatic and magneto-static fields, Coulomb's law, Electrical permittivity and dielectric constant, Lorentz force and their applications. Ampere's law, Biot and Savart's law, Gauss’s Theorem, Poisson's equation. Laplace's equation: solution of Laplace's equation in Cartesian coordinates, use of Laplace's equation in the solutions of geophysical and electrostatic problems. Displacement current, Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Maxwell's equations. Boundary conditions. Wave equation, plane electromagnetic waves in free space, dielectric and conducting media, electromagnetic vector and scalar potentials.

4. Geophysical Prospecting:

Elements of geophysical methods: Principles, data reduction and applications of gravity, magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic and well logging methods. Fundamentals of seismic methods: Fermat’s Principle, Snell’s Law, Energy portioning, Reflection and transmission coefficients, Reflection and Refraction from layered media. Signals and systems, sampling theorem, aliasing effect, Fourier series and periodic waveforms, Fourier transform and its application, Laplace transforms, Convolution, Auto and cross correlations, Power spectrum, Delta function, unit step function.

5. Remote Sensing and Thermodynamics:

Fundamentals of remote sensing, electromagnetic spectrum, energy- frequency-wavelength relationship, Stefan-Boltzmann Law, Wien’s Law, electromagnetic energy and its interactions in the atmosphere and with terrain features. Planck’s Radiation Law. Laws of thermodynamics and thermodynamic potential.

6. Nuclear Physics and Radiometry:

Basic nuclear properties: size, shape, charge distribution, spin and parity; Binding energy, semi-empirical mass formula; Fission and fusion. Principles of radioactivity, Alpha, beta and gamma decays, Photoelectric and Compton Effect, Pair Production, radioactivity decay law, radioactivity of rocks and minerals, Radiation Detectors: Ionization chamber, G-M counter, Scintillation counter and Gamma ray spectrometer. Matter Waves and wave particle duality, Electron spin, Spectrum of Hydrogen, helium and alkali atoms.

Chemistry

1. Chemical periodicity:

Schrödinger equation for the H-atom. Radial distribution curves for 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 3d orbitals. Electronic configurations of multi-electron atoms. Periodic table, group trends and periodic trends in physical properties. Classification of elements on the basis of electronic configuration. Modern IUPAC Periodic table. General characteristics of s, p, d and f block elements. Effective nuclear charges, screening effects, atomic radii, ionic radii, covalent radii. Ionization enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy and electronegativity. Group trends and periodic trends in these properties in respect of s-, p- and d-block elements. General trends of variation of electronic configuration, elemental forms, metallic nature, magnetic properties, catenation and catalytic properties, oxidation states, aqueous and redox chemistry in common oxidation states, properties and reactions of important compounds such as hydrides, halides, oxides, oxy-acids, complex chemistry in respect of s-block and p-block elements.

2. Chemical bonding and structure:

Ionic bonding: Size effects, radius ratio rules and their limitations. Packing of ions in crystals, lattice energy, Born-Landé equation and its applications, Born-Haber cycle and its applications. Solvation energy, polarizing power and polarizability, ionic potential, Fajan's rules. Defects in solids. Covalent bonding: Valence Bond Theory, Molecular Orbital Theory, hybridization. Concept of resonance, resonance energy, resonance structures. Coordinate bonding: Werner theory of coordination compounds, double salts and complex salts. Ambidentate and polydentate ligands, chelate complexes. IUPAC nomenclature of coordination compounds. Coordination numbers, Geometrical isomerism. Stereoisomerism in square planar and octahedral complexes.

3. Acids and bases:

Chemical and ionic equilibrium. Strengths of acids and bases. Ionization of weak acids and bases in aqueous solutions, application of Ostwald's dilution law, ionization constants, ionic product of water, pH-scale, effect of temperature on pH, buffer solutions and their pH values, buffer action & buffer capacity; different types of buffers and Henderson's equation.

4. Theoretical basis of quantitative inorganic analysis:

Volumetric Analysis: Equivalent weights, different types of solutions, normal and molar solutions. Primary and secondary standard substances. General principles of different types of titrations: i) acid-base, ii) redox, iii) complexometric, iv) Precipitation. Types of indicators - i) acid-base, ii) redox iii) metal-ion indicators.

5. Kinetic theory and the gaseous state:

Kinetic theory of gases, average kinetic energy of translation, Boltzmann constant and absolute scale of temperature. Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of speeds. Calculations of average, root mean square and most probable velocities. Collision diameter; collision number and mean free path; frequency of binary collisions; wall collision and rate of effusion.

6. Chemical thermodynamics and chemical equilibrium:

First law and its applications to chemical problems. Thermodynamic functions. Total differentials and state functions. Free expansion, Joule-Thomson coefficient and inversion temperature. Hess’ law. Applications of Second law of thermodynamics. Gibbs function (G) and Helmholtz function (A), Gibbs-Helmholtz equation, criteria for thermodynamic equilibrium and spontaneity of chemical processes.

7. Solutions of non-electrolytes:

Colligative properties of solutions, Raoult's Law, relative lowering of vapour pressure, osmosis and osmotic pressure; elevation of boiling point and depression of freezing point of solvents. Solubility of gases in liquids and solid solutions.

8. Electrochemistry:

Cell constant, specific conductance and molar conductance. Kohlrausch's law of independent migration of ions, ion conductance and ionic mobility. Equivalent and molar conductance at infinite dilution. Debye-Hückel theory. Application of conductance measurements. Conductometric titrations. Determination of transport number by moving boundary method.

9. Basic organic chemistry:

Delocalized chemical bond, resonance, conjugation, hyperconjugation, hybridisation, orbital pictures of bonding sp3, sp2, sp: C-C, C-N and C-O system), bond polarization and bond polarizability. Reactive intermediates: General methods of formation, relative stability and reactivity of carbocations, carbanions and free radicals.

10. Stereochemistry:

Configuration and chirality (simple treatment of elements of symmetry), optical isomerism of compounds containing two to three stereogenic centres, R,S nomenclature, geometrical isomerism in compounds containing two C=C double bonds (E,Z naming), and simple cyclic systems, Newman projection (ethane and substituted ethane).

11. Types of organic reactions:

Aliphatic substitution reactions: SN1, SN2 mechanisms, stereochemistry, relative reactivity in aliphatic substitutions. Effect of substrate structure, attacking nucleophile, leaving group and reaction medium and competitive reactions.

Elimination reactions:

E1, E2, mechanisms, stereochemistry, relative reactivity in aliphatic eliminations. Effect of substrate structure, attacking base, leaving group, reaction medium and competitive reactions, orientation of the double bond, Saytzeff and Hoffman rules.

Addition reactions:

Electrophilic, nucleophilic and radical addition reactions at carbon-carbon double bonds.

Electrophilic and nucleophilic aromatic substitution:

Electrophilic (halogenation, sulphonation, nitration, Friedal-Crafts alkylation and acylation), nucleophilic (simple SNAr, SN1 and aryne reactions).

12. Molecular Rearrangements:

Acid induced rearrangement and Wagner-Meerwein rearrangements. Neighbouring group participation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process is online, Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria can fill out the application form. The application process involves several steps, such as registering, completing the application form, uploading the required documents, paying the fee, and final submission. Candidates only need to fill out the application form with correct details, otherwise, you are responsible for rejection.

Step To Fill Online Application Form

1. Registration: Candidate follow the below-mentioned steps to complete registration process for UPSC CGS:

STEP 1- Search the official website of UPSC

STEP 2- There will be an “Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC, click on it.

STEP 3- Provide details to complete the registration process, after successful registration login details 

STEP 4- From the application list “click on Part I” Combined Geo-Scientist Pre Examination.

STEP 5- Click on new registration and complete the registration process by filling in all the required details like community, nationality, and more.

STEP 6- Upload all the required documents in good quality and submit them.

3.  Filling up the UPSC CGS application form: In this part, candidates are required to enter their educational qualifications,UPSC CGS exam centres, choices of participating banks, languages, etc.

4. Fee payment: The payment can be done by using debit cards/credit cards, internet banking, IMPS, cash cards/mobile wallets. The fee structure is given below:

5. Print the Confirmation page: On successful completion of the transaction, an e-receipt is generated. Candidates can take a printout of the e-receipt and online UPSC CGS application form.

ADMIT CARD

Follow the following steps to download the CGS admit card:

Step 1 - Visit the UPSC official website

Step 2 - Look for the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist (PRELIMS) Examination,  Admit Card Link, and click on it.

Step 3 - You will get this link ‘E-Admit Cards for various Examinations of UPSC’ click on it.

Step 4 - Fill in your registration id and date of birth.

Step 5 - Your UPSC Geo-Scientist Admit Card will appear on your screen. Download it for future purposes.

RESULT

Step 1 - Go to the UPSC official website

Step 2 - Look for the UPSC Geo-Scientist and Geologists Pre/Mains result option on the homepage and click on it.

Step 3 - Fill up your roll number and date of birth and click on login.

Step 4 - The UPSC Geo-Scientist and Geologists Exam Result will appear on your screen

Step 5 - Download the CGS result for future reference.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

For Official Website: Click here

For Official Notification: Click here