Note: All dates for Mains and Interview will be announced after the Prelims result. Candidates must confirm dates from https://upsc.gov.in.

The UPSC has announced approximately 85 vacancies for various posts under the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination. The distribution is across different categories and posts as per the official advertisement 01/2026 GEOL.

Note: Final year appearing candidates are also eligible to apply, subject to conditions. Detailed post-wise vacancy distribution (UR, SC, ST, OBC, EWS) is available in the official notification.

Payment Mode: Fee can be paid Online Only through the following methods on the UPSC portal:

• Debit Card (Visa/MasterCard/Maestro/RuPay)
• Credit Card
• Internet Banking (SBI and other associated banks)
• UPI (Unified Payments Interface)
• Cash at any SBI Branch (via Challan during application process)

Important: The application fee is non-refundable. Transaction failure must be resolved within the application period.

The following eligibility norms must be met as of 01 January 2026.

1. Nationality: Candidate must be a citizen of India.

2. Educational Qualification: As specified in the vacancy table above. Master's degree in the relevant scientific discipline from a recognized university. Final year students can apply provisionally.

3. Age Limit (As on 01 January 2026):

Age Relaxation Details (As per Govt. norms): SC/ST: Up to 5 years; OBC: Up to 3 years; PwBD: Up to 10 years; Ex-Servicemen: As per rules. Candidates must refer to the official notification for exact, post-specific relaxation details.

The selection of candidates for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist posts is a rigorous three-stage process:

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type): Screening test consisting of two papers (General Studies & Subject-specific). Qualifying in nature; marks are not counted for final ranking.
2. Main Examination (Descriptive/Conventional Type): Only candidates who qualify in the Prelims are eligible. This stage tests in-depth subject knowledge through descriptive papers.
3. Personality Test (Interview): Candidates who qualify the Mains are called for a Personality Test conducted by the UPSC. This assesses the candidate's suitability for a career in public service.

Final Merit: The final selection is based on the combined marks obtained in the Main Examination and the Personality Test only.

A. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type):

Note: Paper-I is qualifying in nature (minimum 33% marks required). Only marks of Paper-II are considered for shortlisting for Mains. There is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for each wrong answer in both papers.

B. Main Examination (Descriptive Type): Consists of three papers in the candidate's chosen subject (Geology/Geophysics/Chemistry), each of 200 marks and 3 hours duration. Total = 600 marks.

C. Personality Test (Interview): 200 Marks.

Grand Total (for final merit): Mains (600) + Interview (200) = 800 Marks.

The syllabus is extensive and subject-specific. Below is a broad outline:

Admit Card: The UPSC Geo-Scientist Prelims Admit Card 2026 has been released on 30 January 2026. Candidates must download it exclusively from upsconline.nic.in. Along with the admit card, a valid photo ID proof (Aadhar, Driving License, Passport, Voter ID) is mandatory for exam hall entry.

Result: The result of the Preliminary Examination will be declared a few weeks after the exam. Only roll numbers of qualified candidates will be published. The Mains admit card will be issued separately to Prelims qualifiers.

Cutoff: UPSC determines category-wise and stream-wise cutoff marks for the Prelims and Mains based on factors like vacancy, difficulty, and candidate performance. Previous years' cutoffs are available on the UPSC website for reference.

Follow these step-by-step instructions to download your Prelims Admit Card:

1. Visit the official UPSC online portal: https://upsconline.nic.in.
2. On the homepage, find and click on the link titled "e-Admit Card: Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2026".
3. You will be redirected to the admit card download page.
4. Enter your required credentials: Registration ID / Roll Number and Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY format).
5. Enter the provided security code (Captcha) exactly as shown.
6. Click on the 'Submit' button.
7. Your UPSC Geo-Scientist Prelims Admit Card 2026 will be displayed on the screen.
8. Verify every detail meticulously: Name, Roll Number, Photograph, Signature, Exam Date (08 Feb 2026), Exam Time, Venue Address, and Instructions.
9. Download the admit card in PDF format and save it securely.
10. Take 2-3 clear printouts on A4-size paper. Carry one printout to the exam centre along with original photo ID proof.

Clearing the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination opens the door to some of the most prestigious and intellectually stimulating scientific careers in the Government of India. Selected candidates are appointed as Group 'A' Officers in organizations like the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), and other ministries. The career offers an exceptional pay scale as per Level-10 and above of the 7th Central Pay Commission, along with all government benefits including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), Medical facilities, and Pension under the National Pension System (NPS). The job involves critical work in mineral exploration, groundwater management, environmental protection, and national resource planning, offering immense professional growth, field exposure, and the satisfaction of contributing to national development.