UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam Pattern 2024: Complete Guide to Prelims, Mains, and Interview Stages

UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam Pattern: A Comprehensive Guide

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination to recruit candidates for various scientific positions in central government departments. The exam is structured in a three-tier process: Preliminary (Stage-I), Main (Stage-II), and Personality Test/Interview (Stage-III). Understanding the detailed exam pattern is crucial for aspirants aiming to secure a position through this prestigious examination.

Scheme of Examination: Overview

The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is divided into three stages:

1. Stage-I: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
2. Stage-II: Main Examination (Conventional Type)
3. Stage-III: Personality Test/Interview

Each stage serves as a filtering process, ensuring only the most qualified candidates progress to the next level.

Stage-I: Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination is the first hurdle that candidates must clear. It consists of two objective-type papers for each stream, designed to test the candidates’ general and subject-specific knowledge. The question papers are set in English and must be answered in English.

Streams and Paper Details

Stream-I: Geologist & Scientist B (Hydrogeology)

• Paper-I: General Studies (2 Hours | 100 Marks)
• Paper-II: Geology/Hydrogeology (2 Hours | 300 Marks)
• Total: 400 Marks

Stream-II: Geophysicist and Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics)

• Paper-I: General Studies (2 Hours | 100 Marks)
• Paper-II: Geophysics (2 Hours | 300 Marks)
• Total: 400 Marks

Stream-III: Chemist and Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical)

• Paper-I: General Studies (2 Hours | 100 Marks)
• Paper-II: Chemistry (2 Hours | 300 Marks)
• Total: 400 Marks

Important Notes on Stage-I

1. Negative Marking: There is a penalty for incorrect answers. For each wrong answer, one-third of the marks assigned to the question will be deducted. However, if a question is left unanswered, no penalty will be imposed.
2. Calculator Prohibition: Candidates are not allowed to use calculators during the objective-type papers. Bringing them into the examination hall is strictly prohibited.
3. Eligibility for Stage-II: Only those candidates who qualify in Stage-I are eligible for Stage-II. The qualifying marks are determined by the Commission, and the number of candidates selected for Stage-II is approximately six to seven times the number of vacancies available.
4. Determination of Merit: The marks obtained in Stage-I will be considered when determining the final merit list for candidates who proceed to the Main Examination.

Stage-II: Main Examination

The Main Examination is the second stage and consists of conventional-type papers. It is more rigorous and tests the candidates’ in-depth knowledge of their chosen subject. Like the Preliminary Examination, the question papers are set in English and must be answered in English.

Streams and Paper Details

Stream-I: Geologist

• Paper-I: Geology (3 Hours | 200 Marks)
• Paper-II: Geology (3 Hours | 200 Marks)
• Paper-III: Geology (3 Hours | 200 Marks)
• Total: 600 Marks

Stream-II: Geophysicist and Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics)

• Paper-I: Geophysics (3 Hours | 200 Marks)
• Paper-II: Geophysics (3 Hours | 200 Marks)
• Paper-III: Geophysics (3 Hours | 200 Marks)
• Total: 600 Marks

Stream-III: Chemist & Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical)

• Paper-I: Chemistry (3 Hours | 200 Marks)
• Paper-II: Chemistry (3 Hours | 200 Marks)
• Paper-III: Chemistry (3 Hours | 200 Marks)
• Total: 600 Marks

Stream-IV: Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology)

• Paper-I: Geology (3 Hours | 200 Marks)
• Paper-II: Geology (3 Hours | 200 Marks)
• Paper-III: Hydrogeology (3 Hours | 200 Marks)
• Total: 600 Marks

Evaluation and Merit

Candidates must score above the minimum qualifying marks in each paper to be eligible for the next stage. The Commission reserves the right to set these minimum marks. The scores obtained in the Main Examination play a significant role in the final ranking and selection process.

Stage-III: Personality Test/Interview

The Personality Test/Interview is the final stage of the selection process. It carries 200 marks and is designed to assess a candidate’s overall suitability for a career as a Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist, or Scientist B in various streams.

Objectives of the Personality Test

The interview panel evaluates the following attributes:

• Leadership and Initiative: The ability to take charge and drive teams or projects.
• Intellectual Curiosity: A candidate’s passion for learning and exploring new ideas.
• Tact and Social Skills: The ability to handle situations diplomatically and interact effectively with others.
• Mental and Physical Energy: The stamina and resilience to endure the demands of the job.
• Integrity and Character: Ethical conduct and honesty in professional life.
• Field Adaptability: The aptitude to adjust to field conditions, which is critical for on-ground scientific work.

Document Verification

After the Personality Test, the candidates’ original documents are verified to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria. This step is crucial as it confirms the candidates’ qualifications, age, and other necessary conditions before final selection.

Conclusion

The UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is a comprehensive and challenging process designed to select the best candidates for scientific roles in the government. Each stage requires meticulous preparation, a deep understanding of the subject matter, and the ability to perform under pressure. By familiarizing themselves with the exam pattern and focusing on the key areas outlined above, aspirants can significantly enhance their chances of success.

Official Website : https://upsc.gov.in/