Career as a Geologist: Courses, Scope, Jobs & Salaries

A geologist is a scientist who studies the Earth’s structure, how it is made, its origin & history. A geologist’s work helps in understanding the physical environment, scientific exploration and environmental conservation.

If you are passionate about the earth’s composition and exploration of natural resources then pursuing a career as a geologist or earth scientist can be an excellent career choice for you.

Are you interested in deep exploration of the earth? 

Then this article will cover in-depth details about a career in Geology, and how can one become a geologist in India. Learn about Geology career scope, admission process and top colleges here.

What is Geology?

“Geology is the scientific study of the Earth in which we study about Earth’s materials, structure, what it is made of & the processes that affect it over time.”

James Hutton was a Scottish physician, chemist and naturalist, whose ideas laid the foundation for understanding the earth’s processes and History. He was often referred to as the “Father of Modern Geology”

Geology plays a key role in industries like mining, exploration of natural resources, environmental consultancy etc.

Candidates interested in Geological science can pursue various UG and PG programs in Geology. In this article, we have discussed in detail about courses, eligibility criteria, admission process and job prospects.

Some of the famous Indian geologists are Darashaw Nosherwan (1883-1969), Khadg Singh Valdiya, Birbal sahni (1891-1949), Rabi Narayan Bastia, Dasika Durga Prasada Rao, Pramatha Nath Bose (1855-1934) and more like them.

Geologists studies, earth processes such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, and volcanic eruptions.

In a simple terms we can say that:

Geologists play a key role in exploring the earth to locate metals, oils and other natural resources for mining and energy industries.

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Courses in Geology

In India, various universities & Institution offers undergraduate, postgraduate & a doctorate degree in Geology. You can pursue the given courses to make your career as a Geologist.

Below is the list of some of the popular UG and PG courses in Geology:

Undergraduate Courses

The duration of these courses is three to four years.

• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Geology, Earth science, Environmental science
• Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Geology
• B.Sc. Geology
• B.Sc. Applied Geology
• B.Sc. Geophysics
• B.Sc. Environmental Geology

Postgraduate Courses

Candidates can also pursue PG courses in Geology. The duration of PG courses is two years:

M.Sc. in Geology
M.Sc. in Applied Geology
M.Sc. in Petroleum Geology
M.Sc. in Geophysics
M.Sc. in Environmental Geology
M.Tech. in Geological Technology

Doctoral Courses

• M.Phil. or Ph.D. in Geology

Candidates may also check career and scope in Mining Engineering.

Areas of Specialization

• Economic geology
• Petrology
• Geochemistry
• Hydrogeology
• Marine geology
• Engineering geology
• Structural geology
• Volcanology
• Mineralogy
• Geomorphology

Eligibility Criteria

For pursuing Geology courses, candidated have to meet the following eligibile conditions:

Candidates must have completed 10+2 with science stream having Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics subjects.

The percentage in the qualifying examination (10+2) varies by university, but atleast 50-60% percentage is required for admission in UG courses.

For admission to PG programs, candidates must have bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline.

Admission Process

How can i become a Geologist?

• For admission in the UG geology courses, the student must complete their 10+2 examination with Science subjects.
• For a career as a geologist, candidates must complete a bachelor and master’s degree in the Geology.
• The admission in UG geology courses like B.Sc is based on the CUET UG scores. For admission to PG programs like M.Tech or M.Sc candidates must qualify GATE 2025.
• Candidates interested in higher education, can also go for doctoral degree courses.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) also conducts Geologist exam for recruiting professionals in geology and allied fields in prestigious government roles.

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Top Geology Colleges in India

Here is the list of college’s in India that offers UG & PG courses in Geology are:

• Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
• Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
• Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee
• Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar
• St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
• Presidency College, Chennai
• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
• Jadavpur University, Kolkata
• University of Delhi
• Banaras Hindu University
• Aligarh Muslim University

Career & Jobs

Where do geologists work?

Geologist can have diverse career opportunities in various industries involving in the study of earth’s processes, ground water research and mineral exploration. Candidates after completing their master’s work in the following roles:

• Environmental Geologist
• Mining Geologist
• Hydrogeologist
• Geophysicist
• Seismologist
• Academician/Researcher

The job opportunities for geologists are increasing day by day. After getting the degree from reputed institutes or universities, you can work both in domestic as well international companies or research organizations. Many private companies working in oil exploration, refining or extraction of minerals actively hire geologist.

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Geologist are also employed in the Government sector. Many government organizations recruit candidates having degree or specialization in Geology. Some of the key organizations are:

• Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
• Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)
• Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
• State mining and irrigation departments

Skills Required

To become geologist student should have the bachelor’s degree as the required qualification. The other skills required within you to become successful geologist are:

• Observation: While collecting data and mapping areas, it is necessary to be well-focused on your work. Your sense of observation should be effective.
• Analysis: You have to be good analyzer. The data collected by you and analysis made by you should be correct and accurate.
• Team Work: You have to be skilled in communication with other people so, that at the time of team work you can put your thought in front. You should have ability to work in the team.
• Instruments: In study of geology subjects the gathered data will take lots of time to study them to the depth. So, the proper and accurate use of instruments should be essential. You should have the knowledge of instruments used in geology study.

There are many other area where you can work like mineralogy, volcanology, hydrology or oceanography. Those working in environmental geology can work for private companies or consulting firms to help them in managing water resources.

Geologists can work in the industries related to mining, oil and gas, minerals and water resources. They can also work with schools, colleges and universities as a teacher, professor or researcher.

Top Job Profiles

• Volcanologists
• Petroleum Geologists
• Environmental Geologists
• Earth Science Teachers
• Glacial or Quaternary Geologists
• Structural Geologists
• Hydrogeologists
• Engineering Geologists
• Paleontologist

Experienced professionals can also be self-employed as geological consultants or work with environmental consulting firms. The U.S. Geological Survey or Department of Energy employed the geologists for research and solving various assignments.

Professional geologists work in a wide range of private firms and government organizations. They are usually employed on an agreement basis or hold permanent positions within private firms or official organizations (like as the USGS).

Some geologists are hired by the Local, state, and national governments work on geological projects. In upcoming years, the scope and job prospects in geology field will increase according to U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics.

Top Recruiters

• Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
• Cairn Energy
• Vedanta Ltd
• Geological Survey of India (GSI)
• Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
• Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC)
• Hindustan Zinc Ltd
• Minerals and Metals Trading Corporation (MMTC)
• Coal India
• Mineral Exploration Ltd.
• Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)
• Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)

Salary & Pay Scale

In India, the starting salary of the Geologist can range between Rs. 5 Lakh to Rs. 8 Lakhs per annum. The salary depend on their proficiency, designation & experience of the candidates.

In Government area, Geologist can earn salary package as per the government payscale, that can range between Rs. 6 to 12 lakh per year. In USA, the median salary for Geologist is around $91,920.

Books & Study Material

• Annals of the Former World, by John McPhee
• The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert
• The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean by Susan Casey
• The Universe Within: Discovering the Common History of Rocks, Planets, and People by Neil Shubin
• The Story of Earth: The First 4.5 Billion Years, from Stardust to Living Planet by Robert M. Hazen

Career as a Geologist FAQ’s

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