UPSC CGGE (Combined Geo-Scientist) Eligibility 2026
Who can apply for UPSC CGGE (Combined Geo-Scientist) in 2026 — the age limit, educational qualification, nationality and attempt rules as specified by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Always confirm against the official notification before applying.
Stream I — Geologist (GSI, Group A) and Stream IV — Junior Hydrogeologist (CGWB, Scientist B, Group A)
- Age
- 21 to 32 years for Geologist / Geophysicist / Chemist; 21 to 35 years for Junior Hydrogeologist (CGWB, Scientist B) on the reference date specified in the notification. Relaxations: SC/ST +5 years, OBC (non-creamy layer) +3 years, PwBD +10 years (further additive over SC/ST/OBC), ex-servicemen as per rules.
- Education
- Master's degree in Geological Science / Geology / Applied Geology / Geo-Exploration / Mineral Exploration / Engineering Geology / Marine Geology / Earth Science and Resource Management / Oceanography and Coastal Areas Studies / Petroleum Geosciences / Petroleum Exploration from a recognised university (the notification lists the exact equivalent courses each cycle). Final-year MSc candidates may apply provisionally and must submit proof of passing by the Mains stage.
- Nationality
- Citizen of India, or subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee who came before 1 Jan 1962 with intent to settle permanently, or person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with intent to settle.
- Attempts
- No upper cap on attempts as long as the candidate is within the prescribed age limit on the notification's cut-off date.
Stream II — Geophysicist (GSI, Group A)
- Age
- 21 to 32 years on the reference date specified in the notification. Same category-wise relaxations as above.
- Education
- MSc or MSc (Tech) or Integrated MSc in Physics / Applied Physics / Geophysics / Applied Geophysics / Marine Geophysics, OR an Integrated MSc / M.Tech course in Exploration Geophysics from a recognised university (or specified equivalents).
- Nationality
- Same nationality criteria as Stream I. Physical fitness as per UPSC Geo-Scientist medical standards (field-going cadre — basic vision, hearing, and cardio-pulmonary fitness required).
- Attempts
- No cap on attempts within the age window.
Stream III — Chemist (GSI, Group A)
- Age
- 21 to 32 years on the reference date specified in the notification. Same category-wise relaxations.
- Education
- Master's degree in Chemistry / Applied Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry from a recognised university. The qualification must be in hand by the Mains-stage cut-off if a candidate appears provisionally at Prelims.
- Nationality
- Same nationality criteria as the other streams. Physical fitness category is somewhat less stringent than Streams I/II/IV given more laboratory-based postings, but a medical examination is still mandatory.
- Attempts
- No cap on attempts within the age window.
UPSC CGGE (Combined Geo-Scientist) eligibility — common questions
What is the educational qualification for UPSC CGGE (Combined Geo-Scientist)?
Master's degree in Geological Science / Geology / Applied Geology / Geo-Exploration / Mineral Exploration / Engineering Geology / Marine Geology / Earth Science and Resource Management / Oceanography and Coastal Areas Studies / Petroleum Geosciences / Petroleum Exploration from a recognised university (the notification lists the exact equivalent courses each cycle). Final-year MSc candidates may apply provisionally and must submit proof of passing by the Mains stage. That is for Stream I — Geologist (GSI, Group A) and Stream IV — Junior Hydrogeologist (CGWB, Scientist B, Group A); the other 2 posts under this notification are listed in the table above.
What is the age limit for UPSC CGGE (Combined Geo-Scientist)?
21 to 32 years for Geologist / Geophysicist / Chemist; 21 to 35 years for Junior Hydrogeologist (CGWB, Scientist B) on the reference date specified in the notification. Relaxations: SC/ST +5 years, OBC (non-creamy layer) +3 years, PwBD +10 years (further additive over SC/ST/OBC), ex-servicemen as per rules.
Do I need to be an Indian citizen to apply for UPSC CGGE (Combined Geo-Scientist)?
Citizen of India, or subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee who came before 1 Jan 1962 with intent to settle permanently, or person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with intent to settle.
Are there attempt limits or extra requirements for UPSC CGGE (Combined Geo-Scientist)?
No upper cap on attempts as long as the candidate is within the prescribed age limit on the notification's cut-off date.
Where should I confirm my UPSC CGGE (Combined Geo-Scientist) eligibility?
Always check against the official Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) notification — eligibility rules can change from one cycle to the next. The official links are at the bottom of this page.
Official sources
Every figure on this page traces back to the official notification. Rules change from cycle to cycle — confirm before you apply.
UPSC — Official Portal (notification, syllabus, results) · UPSC Online Application Portal · Geological Survey of India (GSI) — Ministry of Mines (Streams I, II, III cadre) · Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (Ministry of Jal Shakti)
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