The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2027. Through this recruitment process, UPSC will fill 127 tentative vacancies in the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).
Eligible candidates with relevant postgraduate qualifications in Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry, Hydrogeology, or related disciplines can submit their applications online. The last date for application submission is 22 September 2026, up to 6:00 PM, while the Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 10 January 2027.
UPSC Geo-Scientist 2027: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination name | Combined Geo-Scientist Examination, 2027 |
| Notification number | 01/2027-GEOL |
| Total vacancies | 127 tentative posts |
| Departments | Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) |
| Application mode | Online |
| Notification date | 2 September 2026 |
| Application closing date | 22 September 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Preliminary Exam date | 10 January 2027 |
| Main Exam dates | 19 and 20 June 2027 |
| Notification PDF | UPSC Recruitment 2026 Notification |
| Official website | upsc.gov.in |
| Apply Online | https://www.upsc.gov.in/exams-related-info/exam-notification |
UPSC will conduct the recruitment in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test/Interview. Candidates must clear each applicable stage to progress in the selection process.
Vacancy Details
The 127 vacancies are tentative and are distributed among Group A and Group B scientific posts under GSI and CGWB. The notification covers positions such as Geologist, Chemist, Assistant Geologist, Assistant Geophysicist, Assistant Chemist, Scientist ‘B’, and Assistant Hydrogeologist.
| Department / Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Geological Survey of India (GSI) | |
| Geologist, Group A | 29 |
| Chemist, Group A | 7 |
| Assistant Geologist, Group B | 34 |
| Assistant Geophysicist, Group B | 35 |
| Assistant Chemist, Group B | 6 |
| Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) | |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology), Group A | 5 |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical), Group A | 1 |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics), Group A | 1 |
| Assistant Hydrogeologist, Group B | 7 |
| Assistant Chemist, Group B | 1 |
| Assistant Geophysicist, Group B | 1 |
| Total | 127 |
No vacancy has been listed for the Geophysicist, Group A post in GSI in this notification. Since these vacancies are tentative, UPSC may revise the numbers before final appointment.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates should carefully read the detailed UPSC notification before applying, especially because educational eligibility varies according to the post and examination stream.
Educational qualification
In general, candidates must possess a relevant Master’s degree from a recognised university or institution. The applicable disciplines include:
- Geology or Applied Geology
- Geophysics or Applied Geophysics
- Chemistry or Applied Chemistry
- Hydrogeology
- Marine Geology
- Other prescribed earth-science-related subjects, depending on the post
For posts in the Geological Survey of India, candidates are generally required to have a Master’s degree in the relevant subject. For CGWB posts such as Scientist ‘B’ or Assistant Hydrogeologist, the qualification requirements may include a Master’s degree in Geology, Applied Geology, Hydrogeology, or allied subjects specified in the official notice. Applicants should match their exact degree title and subjects with the post-wise requirements in the UPSC notification before submitting the form.
Age limit
For most posts, the candidate must be between 21 and 32 years of age as on 1 January 2027. Age relaxations apply to candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, ex-servicemen, and other eligible categories as per Government of India and UPSC rules.
Candidates should not assume that one common age limit applies to every post. Certain Group A or Group B positions may have post-specific conditions, so verifying the official notification is essential.
Selection Process and Exam Dates
The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is a competitive three-stage recruitment process:
- Preliminary Examination – Objective-type screening test scheduled for 10 January 2027.
- Main Examination – Descriptive examination scheduled for 19 and 20 June 2027.
- Personality Test/Interview – Conducted for candidates who qualify in the Main Examination and meet UPSC’s cutoff and eligibility conditions.
The Preliminary Examination is used to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. Final selection is based on performance in the Main Examination and Personality Test, subject to medical fitness, document verification, category eligibility, and other UPSC conditions.
How to Apply Online
Candidates need to apply through the UPSC online application system. Before applying, keep academic certificates, category or disability certificates where applicable, identity details, photograph, signature, and payment method ready.
- Visit the UPSC website and access the online application portal.
- Complete the Universal Registration Number (URN) process if you are a new applicant.
- Fill in the Common Application Form with personal, educational, and communication details.
- Select the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination, 2027 examination-specific module.
- Choose the eligible post or subject stream carefully.
- Upload the prescribed photograph and signature.
- Pay the examination fee, if applicable.
- Select the examination centre, review the declaration, and submit the form before the deadline.
- Download and save a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
The application window is open until 22 September 2026 at 6:00 PM. Candidates should avoid waiting until the final day because UPSC’s application portal may face heavy traffic near the closing time.
Application Fee
The application fee is generally ₹200 for applicable candidates. Female candidates and candidates belonging to SC, ST, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and certain other exempt categories do not have to pay the fee, subject to the conditions in the UPSC notice. Payment may be made through online banking, cards, UPI, or other modes made available by UPSC.
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Apply only after confirming that your postgraduate degree meets the post-wise eligibility conditions.
- Enter the name, date of birth, educational details, and category information exactly as they appear in official certificates.
- Select the preferred examination centre early, as centres may be allotted on a first-apply-first-allot basis.
- Keep the application number, registration details, and final submitted PDF safely for admit card download and later stages.
- Follow only announcements published through the UPSC website for correction-window details, admit cards, examination instructions, results, and interview schedules.
- The vacancies are tentative; UPSC may add, reduce, or revise them based on the requisitions received from concerned departments.
For candidates aiming for central-government scientific careers in geology, groundwater, geophysics, and geochemistry, UPSC CGSE 2027 is a major opportunity. Applicants should complete the form well before 22 September 2026 and begin focused preparation for the Preliminary Examination scheduled on 10 January 2027.