UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2020 — Revised Scheme, Pattern & Syllabus
Union Public Service Commission · All India · Updated 10 Aug 2026
UPSC, in consultation with the Ministry of Mines (nodal ministry), has revised the scheme, pattern and syllabi of the Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist Examination, which is renamed as the 'Combined Geo-Scientist Examination'. The revised three-stage pattern (Preliminary computer-based objective exam, Main descriptive exam and Personality Test) is effective from the 2020 examination.
Important Dates
| Notification date | 20 Jul 2018 |
| Exam date | Revised scheme, pattern and syllabi effective from the 2020 Combined Geo-Scientist Examination |
Selection Process
- Stage-I: Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination — Computer Based, objective type, two papers, 400 marks (Paper-I General Studies 100 marks / 2 hours; Paper-II stream subject 300 marks / 2 hours). Marks count towards final merit
- Stage-II: Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination — descriptive type, three papers per stream, 200 marks each, total 600 marks (3 hours per paper). Marks count towards final merit
- Stage-III: Personality Test — 200 marks
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new name of the Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist Examination?
It has been renamed as the 'Combined Geo-Scientist Examination'.
From which year is the revised scheme and syllabus applicable?
The revised scheme, pattern and syllabi are effective from the 2020 examination, to give aspirants sufficient preparation time.
What are the stages of the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination?
There are three stages: Stage-I Preliminary Examination (objective, computer based), Stage-II Main Examination (descriptive) and Stage-III Personality Test.
How many marks does each stage carry?
The Preliminary Examination carries 400 marks (Paper-I General Studies 100 marks and Paper-II subject paper 300 marks), the Main Examination carries 600 marks (three papers of 200 marks each) and the Personality Test carries 200 marks.
Do Preliminary Examination marks count towards the final merit?
Yes. Marks secured in both the Preliminary and the Main Examination are counted for deciding the final merit.
Which streams and papers are covered?
Streams are Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist and Jr. Hydrogeologist. In the Preliminary stage Paper-II is Geology/Hydrogeology, Geophysics or Chemistry as per stream; the earlier General English paper has been discontinued.
Data extracted from the official notification and verified before publishing. Always confirm on the official website before applying. ↗