Geology is the scientific study of the Earth. The field of geology encompasses the study of the composition, structure, physical properties, dynamics, and history of Earth and the processes by which they are formed, moved, and changed. The field is a major academic discipline and is also important for mineral and hydrocarbon exploration and extraction, knowledge about and mitigation of natural hazards, some engineering fields, and understanding past climates and environments.
The application of geology is seen in everyday life. All around of us we see hills and valleys, rivers, seas and coastlines, rocks and soils . Geology tells why these things are there and how they are formed.
Some of the branches of Geology are:
Physical Geology (Study of Physical forms, physical processes of earth)
Mineralogy (Study of Minerals)
Petrology (Study of Rocks)
Structural Geology (Study of structure of the earth)
Palaeontology ( Study of fossils)
Stratigraphy (Study of geological strata and establishing order of superposition)
Geochronology (Measurement of geological time)
Mining Geology
Petroleum Geology
Geochemistry
Geophysics
Hydrogeology (Study of ground water)
Seismology (Study of earthquakes)
Volcanolgy (Study of Volanoes)
Marine Geology
Specialisation can be done in any of the above fields.
Now there is a scarcity for geologists. Recently the Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India stated that there is a requirement of 300 geologists a year but the availability is less than 100. The Central Government has plans to introduce reforms in mining sector to attract huge investments. The job prospects for geologists in the private sector is going to increase when the New National Mineral Policy is implemented. The Secretary General of Federation of Indian Mineral Industries has stated that the shortage of geologists is not only in India but also world-wide. Hence there is good scope for geologists in the country as well as in other countries.
Job opportunities in Geology
Post Graduates (M Sc/M Tech) in Geology or Applied Geology have openings in Government Departments, Public Sector Undertakings, Universities and Private companies some of which are described below:
- 1. Geological Survey of India, GSI, (Under Ministry of Mines):
Recruits Geologists in the grade of Junior Geologist (Group A, Gazetted) and Assistant Geologist (Group B, Gazetted) through Geologist’s Exam conducted by UPSC.
- 2. Central Ground Water Board, CGWB, (Under Ministry of Agriculture):
Recruits Hydrogeologists in the grade of Junior Hydrogeologist (Group A, Gazetted) and Assistant Hydrogeologist (Group B, Gazetted) through Geologist’s Exam conducted by UPSC.
- 3. Atomic Minerals Division, AMD, (Under Department of Atomic Energy):
Recruits Geologists in the grade of Geologists (Group A, Gazetted) through their own recruitment examinations.
- Postgraduates in Geo informatics can be absorbed in NRSA(National Remote Sensing Agency), Hyderabad and Remote Sensing Departments of State Governments.
- Students with specialization in Marine Geology (MSc) can opt a career in NIO (National Institute of Oceanography), Goa.
Pay Scale: Group A posts carry the pay scale of Rs.15600-39100 with grade pay Rs.5400 (Pay band -3) at the entry level.
Group B posts carry the pay scale of Rs.9300-34800 with grade pay Rs.4800 (Pay band -2) in the beginning.
Government undertakings like ONGC, National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) and Coal India Limited (CIL) recruit Geologists through their own examinations.
Department of Mines and Geology and Ground Water departments of State Governments recruit Geologists / Hydro-geologists through State PSC examinations.
Private Companies engaged in mineral exploration, oil exploration and mining industry recruit geologists.
Geologists who are interested in environmental sciences can work as consultants in the field of environmental compliance.
The students interested in teaching and research can join Universities or IITs. A doctorate degree in Geology or Applied Geology is essential for teaching posts in Universities and IITs.
Author,
K.Kumaran
Director,
Marine & Coastal Surveys Division,
Geological Survey of India
Sir,
I m a geologist working in a hydro-geological and geo-technical related consultant firm in india. I just wanted to know the current openings for me. I m having an ewperience of around 2 years.
Hi Ashish,
Thanks for writing to us. You have not written about your qualification, so I am guessing you have the relevant qualifications needed for the job in this field.There are good opportunities available in the hydro-geological and geo-technical front. On hydro geological front – If you are looking for govt jobs in India , do check out the UPSC website for Geologists exam , Posts can be found for Central Ground water board and others.
Different available positions in this are :
Senior Hydrogeologists
Hydrographic Surveyor
Conservation Hydrologist
Hydraulic Engineer
Field Operations Coordinator
Field Hydrogeologist
Design Team Leaders – Water
Senior hydrogeologist/Project Manager
Groundwater Modeller
Principal Mining Hydrogeologist
Research Professor Position in Hydrology
Geo-technical front:
Again to clear Geologist’s exam, you would be recruited as a geologist in Geological Survey of India. After a few years, based on interest and performance, you may get a post in Geo Technical wing.
Different available positions in this are :
Principal Design Geotechnical Engineer
Senior Geotech Engineer
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER
Geotechnical Design Engineer
Principal Environmental Consultant
Senior Contaminated Land Consultant
Tunnel / Grouting Engineers (Sewage / Infrastructure)
Geologist (Roads)
4D Geophysical Monitoring of Landslide Processes
Geotechnical Engineer – Rail Industry
Senior Catastrophe Risk Modeler
Senior Tailings Engineer
Landfill Engineers
Let me know if you need any other info.
Warm Regards,
sir,
do i have a 100% guaranteed job in field of geology after doing msc in geology.
if yes thn wht is the minimum beginners salary..(per month)
Hi,
Well, No one can say you will get 100% guaranteed job in any field. If you really work hard and shine what you do, you can easily get a job.
Salary depends on field in geology you choose. It ranges from 15-25k per month for beginners.
Hi, my name is Muthuraman I’m from Tamilnadu compeleted UG Degree in Mk university& Pg degree in Pondicherry university I’ve attended and cleared the UPSC written examination cönducted on dec5,6,7 2009 now i want to know when the interview is going to be conducted
Hi all
I study in University of Mongolia. Geology mining menegment Senior. il do my best. gies! cheer UP!!!
Hello,
Thank you for your comments.
GSG Team wishes you the very best in your career.
hi i am ayushi. I have passed my 10th standard and i am doing my intermediate. i am so much interested in becoming geologist. can i please know what subjects should i take presently and about my further studies (that include degree and all)
sir my name is abrar from mysore am studieng bsc geology1st year after msc in geology what work may i get and what will be the pay scala and in which city may i get