Gateway to GSI & CGWB Careers
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist
(CGSE - GSI)
Annual Examination for Recruitment of Geologists, Geophysicists, Chemists & Hydrogeologists
About UPSC CGSE
What is UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination?
UPSC CGSE is conducted annually for direct recruitment to Group 'A' posts in GSI and CGWB. The exam consists of Preliminary, Mains, and Interview stages with competitive selection process.
Geological Survey of India (GSI)
Recruitment for Geologist, Geophysicist, and Chemist positions in GSI - India's apex organization for geological research and mineral exploration.
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
Recruitment for Hydrogeologist positions in CGWB - national agency responsible for groundwater assessment and management across India.
Excellent Career Growth
Group A gazetted officer positions with excellent salary, perks, field allowances, and career progression opportunities in government service.
Job Security & Benefits
Government job security, pension benefits, medical facilities, housing, travel allowances, and prestigious positions in geological services.
Free Resources
Free UPSC CGSE Resources
Access quality study materials to kickstart your CGSE preparation
Download UPSC CGSE previous year question papers with solutions. Practice authentic papers from past years and understand exam pattern.
Get the detailed UPSC CGSE syllabus covering Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry, Hydrogeology, and General Studies topics.
Access the official UPSC CGSE notification PDF with exam dates, eligibility criteria, vacancy details, and application process.
Why Choose GeoArth for UPSC CGSE?
Expert coaching for GSI & CGWB recruitment examination
Ex-ONGC & GSI Experience
Learn from Ex-ONGC Geologist (E-1) with PhD, faculty who understand both the exam and actual field work in geological organizations.
Complete Syllabus Coverage
Comprehensive coverage of Geology, Geophysics, General Studies, and interview preparation. All subjects covered systematically.
Extensive Test Series
30+ prelims mock tests and full-length mains papers simulating actual CGSE pattern with detailed performance analysis.
General Studies Coaching
Dedicated General Studies preparation covering History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Technology, Current Affairs.
Interview Preparation
Mock interviews, personality development, current affairs discussion, and guidance on technical and general knowledge questions.
Field Work Guidance
Practical insights on GSI field work, geological mapping, mineral exploration techniques from experienced field geologists.
UPSC CGSE Exam Pattern
Understanding the three-stage selection process
Stage 1: Preliminary Exam
Objective type exam with two papers: General Studies (200 marks) and Subject Paper Geology/Geophysics (200 marks).
Stage 2: Mains Exam
Descriptive exam with three papers of subject (Geology/Hydrogeology) - 200 marks each. Tests conceptual understanding and answer writing.
Stage 3: Interview
Personality test of 200 marks. Tests knowledge, aptitude, communication skills, and suitability for geological field work.
Total Marks: 1200
Mains Paper 1: 400 marks, Mains Paper 2: 600 marks, Interview: 200 marks. Final merit list based on Mains + Interview.
Vacancies
Annual vacancies vary (50-100 posts typically). Positions for Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist, Hydrogeologist in GSI & CGWB.
Exam Frequency
Conducted once a year by UPSC. Notification usually in January, Prelims in June, Mains in November, Interview next year.
Complete CGSE Syllabus Coverage
Comprehensive preparation for all stages of examination
Geology
Mineralogy, Petrology, Structural Geology, Stratigraphy, Paleontology, Economic Geology, Engineering Geology.
Hydrogeology
Aquifer Characteristics, porosity, permeability, Hydraulic Conductivity, transmissivity; Darcy's Law.
General Studies
Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Technology, Environment, Current Affairs, Indian Culture, Ethics.
Answer Writing
Diagram drawing, cross-sections, geological maps, flowcharts, and structured descriptive answer writing for mains examination.
Current Affairs
Mining policy, mineral exploration, environmental issues, geological disasters, government schemes, and scientific developments.
Interview Preparation
Technical knowledge, field work awareness, communication skills, current affairs, and personality development for interview stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About UPSC CGSE
Common queries about Combined Geo-Scientist Examination
What is the eligibility for UPSC CGSE?
Masters degree in Geology/Applied Geology/Geophysics for Geologist/Geophysicist posts. Age limit: 21-30 years (relaxation for reserved categories). Indian nationality required.
How many stages are there in UPSC CGSE?
Three stages: (1) Preliminary Exam - qualifying nature, (2) Mains Exam - 400 marks, (3) Interview - 100 marks. Final merit list based on Mains + Interview.
What is the selection ratio in CGSE?
Competition varies yearly based on vacancies. Typically 50-100 posts advertised with thousands of applicants. Requires serious preparation and good rank.
What is the salary and benefits in GSI?
Level 10 pay scale (₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500). Additional field allowances, house rent allowance, travel allowances, medical benefits, and pension on retirement.
What kind of work do GSI officers do?
Geological mapping, mineral exploration, mining projects, disaster management, groundwater studies, geotechnical investigations, and research in various geological domains.
Who teaches CGSE at GeoArth?
Our faculty includes Ex-ONGC Geologist (E-1), Ph.D. and M.Phil. holders from Delhi University, GATE AIR 25, CSIR-UGC JRF AIR 2, SSC Phase XI selected educators with 10+ years of teaching experience in geology competitive exams.
Does GeoArth provide General Studies coaching?
Yes, we provide comprehensive General Studies coaching covering all topics: History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Current Affairs for CGSE Prelims.
Are mock tests included in CGSE coaching?
Yes, our program includes 30+ prelims mock tests, full-length mains papers, and mock interviews with detailed evaluation and performance analysis.
Can I join online classes for CGSE?
Yes, we offer both offline classes at Karol Bagh, Delhi and live online classes for students across India. Study material and test series provided for both.
How long is the CGSE coaching program?
Our complete CGSE program is 12 months long covering entire syllabus, General Studies, and interview preparation systematically.
Ready to Join GSI or CGWB?
Start your UPSC CGSE preparation with GeoArth and achieve your dream of becoming a Geo-Scientist!