How to Become Geologist in India

Does mountains, rocks, earthquakes and various geological structures attracts you? If yes, then you can choose career in geology. This Shiksha article will guide you to become a geologist in India, step by step, from eligibility to top colleges, careers, and salary scope.

How to Become Geologist in India

Geologist is a scientist who studies planet’s materials, structure, and history. These researchers analyze rocks, soils, minerals, fossils, and geological processes to understand Earth’s evolution. Geologists plays a very crucial role where they locate natural resources (like oil, minerals, and groundwater) and assess natural hazards (such as earthquakes and volcanoes).

Also Read: What is Geology? 

Geology is a type of a fundamental science which tells about Earth’s history and its various allinged processes. For example, when someone studies gelogy, it will help them to identify the economic importance and other usage of minerals and fossil fuels.

Who Is a Geologist?

Geologists are explorers of Earth. They research about the nature, history, materials, and processes of the Earth.  
They conduct fieldwork, gather samples of rock and soil, and perform laboratory analyses, study rock formations, make geological maps, and interpret data using instruments like seismographs and microscopes.

Also Read: BSc Geology 

Geologists are further classified in various sub categories. For example, engineering geologists evaluate ground conditions for building projects, economic geologists investigate mineral and energy resources, and environmental geologists investigate the effects of human activity on Earth's systems. Petroleum geologists, marine geologists, hydrogeologists, seismologists, and other experts include

Why Choose Geology as a Career?

Candidates who wish to become a geologist in India should identify reasons why they want to choose career in this field:

•  Who loves adventure and new discovery: Career in geology are impactful and varied. By locating the resources (minerals, oil, and groundwater) that drive agriculture and industry, geologists benefit society. By researching natural hazards, they also help people stay safe. 
• Personal growth and job satisfaction: In contrast to a typical desk job, you will spend a lot of time in the field, whether it be hiking in mountains, studying rock outcrops, or diving in the ocean (for marine geology). Because you can immediately see how your discoveries are being used in the real world, the work can be both physically demanding and rewarding. Geology provides a special fusion of field experience, laboratory research, and societal impact for inquisitive, science-loving students.

Also Read: Geology: A life of Adventure 

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Geologist in India

In order to become a geologist in India below are basic educational qaulification:

• Minimal Educational Qualifications: For undergraduate programmes like B.Sc. or B.Tech in Geology, a candidate must complete 10+2 with the Science stream. 
• Minimum Marks Required: Generally, any student with a minimum marks or percentage of 50 aggregate in Class 12 is required. 
• Stream Selection in Class 11-12: It is most advisable to choose PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) or a combination of PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) in class 11 and 12. 

How to Become a Geologist: Step-by-Step Guide

Check out whole process to become a geologist in India.

Choose the Science Stream in 10+2

From Class 11 onwards, candidates need to select the science stream. Excelling in these subjects is crucial, since geology builds on concepts from physics (for geophysics), chemistry (mineral chemistry), and maths (data analysis). A strong science background at 10+2 level makes you eligible for geology degrees later.

Appear for Relevant Entrance Exams

There are various entrance exams students can appear in after Class 12. The options are - Common University Entrance Test/CUET or universities own entrance exams for B.Sc. (Geology). If you intend to join an IIT for a five year integrated geology program, they need to appear for JEE Advanced exam. Some state level colleges also give admissions based on the state level exams like Maharashtra’s MHT-CET.

Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology or Related Field

Enroll in a Bachelor’s program in Geology. Several universities offer B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geology or related degrees like Earth Sciences or Environmental Science. During your bachelor’s, you will study courses such as mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology, structural geology, and earth processes. 
This formal education is required to become a geologist in India. Some students choose broader degrees e.g. B.Sc. in Environmental Science and specialize later, but a B.Sc. in Geology is the most direct route.

Specialize with a Master’s Degree 

To grow better in this career, students can opt for a Master’s degree in Geology. For an entry level job, it is not a requirement but for high position and research roles, students can do the MSc course.  Students can also enter the workforce after B.Sc. and pursue a master’s later on. Admission to MSc programs may require qualifying in exams like IIT JAM (for geology) or entrance tests of universities.

Appear for UPSC/GSI Exams 

If you aim for prestigious government positions (e.g. in the Geological Survey of India or other ministries), you will need to clear competitive exams. UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist/Geologist exam is conducted nationally, and GSI (Geological Survey of India) periodically recruits geologists through this exam. State public service commissions also hold exams for geologist posts (e.g. state mineral development corporations). Prepare accordingly if a government job is your goal.

Gain Field and Lab Experience

Practical experience is crucial. During and after your studies, participate in fieldwork, internships, and lab work. Join geology field trips, summer projects, or internships with research institutions, mining companies, oil & gas firms (like ONGC), or environmental agencies. Hands-on work—collecting rock/mineral samples, using GIS mapping tools, and analyzing data—builds your skills. In fact, field sampling and data analysis are key skills listed for geologists. By gaining field and laboratory experience early, you will enhance your resume and practical knowledge, making you job-ready after graduation.

Top Entrance Exams for Geology in India

Admission to geology programs often involves national entrance tests. Key exams include:

• IIT JAM 2026 (Joint Admission Test for M.Sc.)
• GATE (Geotechnical Aptitude Test in Engineering) 
• JEE Advanced (for Integrated Programmes) 
• CUET UG/ CUET PG (Common University Entrance Test) 

Top Colleges and Universities in India for Geology

India has several renowned institutions offering geology courses. Some of the top ones include:

IITs are famous for science and engineering. IIT Kharagpur and IIT Bombay offer 5 year integrated B.Tech/M.Sc. programs in Applied Geology and are consistently rated among the best geology schools in India. Other IITs with geology and geoscience programs include IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, IIT Roorkee, and IIT Chennai (for applied geosciences).

Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore

IISc Bangalore has a strong Centre for Earth Sciences, offering integrated science research programs with geology components. It is known for cutting-edge research in Earth and atmospheric sciences.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

BHU’s Institute of Sciences has a well-established Department of Geology. BHU offers B.Sc. (Hons.), M.Sc., and Ph.D. programs in Geology. It regularly ranks among the top geology colleges in India.

Presidency University (Kolkata)

Presidency (formerly Presidency College) hosts India’s oldest Geology Department, founded in 1892. It offers B.Sc. (Hons.) and M.Sc. courses in Geology, with a strong legacy of alumni and research in structural and environmental geology.

St. Xavier’s College (Mumbai)

St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai offers a respected M.Sc. in Geology programmes. It has qualified faculty and good laboratory facilities. (St. Xavier’s, Kolkata also has a geology department.)

Career Opportunities and Jobs

Government Jobs (GSI, ONGC, ISRO, etc.)

Many government agencies hire geologists. Geological Survey of India is a major employer, with roles in resource exploration and mapping. Other public sector opportunities include the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Mineral Exploration Corporation, Central Ground Water Board, Coal India, and even space agencies like ISRO. 

Private Sector Roles

In the private sector, geologists work for energy, mining, and environmental consulting companies. For example, oil and gas companies (ONGC is PSU but also private consultancies exist) employ petroleum geologists. 

Research and Academia

Universities and research institutes like CSIR labs, IISc, IITs offer positions for teaching and conducting research in geology and Earth sciences. Here, geologists might study fundamental Earth processes, climate history, or develop new exploration technologies.

Salary of a Geologist in India