UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2026: Exam Date, Schedule & Syllabus

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the schedule for the upcoming recruitment cycle. If you are preparing for the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam 2026, this is the most critical update for your preparation journey.

The commission has released the specific Time Table and notification details for the Preliminary stage. Candidates aiming for the post of Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist, and Scientist ‘B’ must strictly adhere to this schedule. This year, the competition is expected to be tougher, and the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Exam 2026 will follow shortly after the Prelims results.

Below, we have provided a detailed analysis of the exam dates, eligibility, syllabus changes, and a direct link to download the official PDF.

UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist 2026 Overview

Before diving into the complex details, here is a quick overview of the examination for the 2026 session.

Latest Update: Exam Date & Time Table

According to the latest notice released by UPSC (Referencing file TT-CGeoScnstPre26), the time table for the Preliminary Examination has been finalized. The exam serves as the screening test for the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Exam 2026.

The Preliminary exam will be conducted in two shifts:

• Paper-I (General Studies): Morning Shift (Usually 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM).
• Paper-II (Specific Subject): Afternoon Shift (Usually 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM).

It is mandatory to appear for both papers. Candidates who qualify in this stage will be eligible for the Main examination, which is descriptive in nature.

Note: The Time Table PDF link is available in the “Direct Links” section at the bottom of this article.

Important Dates for 2026 Cycle

Mark these dates in your calendar to ensure you do not miss any deadlines regarding the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam 2026.

• Notification Release Date: September 2025 (Expected/Refer Notice)
• Online Application Start: September 2025
• Last Date to Apply: October 2025
• Admit Card Release: 2 Weeks before the exam
• UPSC Geo-Scientist Prelims Exam Date: February 2026
• Prelims Result Declaration: March/April 2026
• UPSC Geo-Scientist (Mains) Exam Date: June 2026 (Tentative)

Read: Check here for other upcoming UPSC Exams in 2026.

UPSC Geo-Scientist Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this prestigious exam, candidates must meet specific criteria. If you do not meet these, your candidature can be cancelled at any stage.

Age Limit

• Minimum Age: 21 Years
• Maximum Age: 32 Years
• (Relaxation available for OBC/SC/ST as per Government rules).

Educational Qualification

• For Geologist: Master’s degree in Geological Science or Geology or Applied Geology or Geo-Exploration.
• For Geophysicist: M.Sc. in Physics or Applied Physics or M.Sc. (Geophysics) or Integrated M.Sc. (Exploration Geophysics).
• For Chemist: M.Sc. in Chemistry or Applied Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry from a recognized University.

Exam Pattern & Syllabus (Prelims & Mains)

The selection for the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Exam 2026 is a three-stage process. Understanding the pattern is crucial for high scores.

Stage I: Preliminary Exam (Computer Based / OMR)

This stage is objective type. Marks secured here count towards the final merit list (unlike Civil Services).

• Paper I: General Studies (100 Marks) – Common for all streams.
• Paper II: Stream Specific (Geology/Geophysics/Chemistry) (300 Marks).
• Total: 400 Marks.
• Negative Marking: Yes, 1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers.

Stage II: Main Examination (Descriptive)

Only for those who clear Prelims.

• Consists of three papers (Paper I, II, and III) for each stream.
• Each paper is of 200 Marks.
• Total: 600 Marks.

Stage III: Personality Test (Interview)

• Total: 200 Marks.

Syllabus Highlights:

• General Studies: Current events, History of India, Geography, Economic and Social Development, General Science.
• Geology/Chemistry: Advanced topics at the Master’s degree level.

How to Download Notification & Admit Card

Follow this step-by-step guide to download the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam 2026 notification or admit card:

1. Visit the official website: upsc.gov.in.
2. Scroll down to the “What’s New” section on the right side.
3. Click on the link titled “Exam Notification: Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2026”.
4. A PDF will open. Check your eligibility and dates.
5. To apply, go to upsconline.nic.in and complete the One Time Registration (OTR).
6. Save the PDF and Application form for future reference.

Direct Important Links

Here are the direct official links for the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam 2026.

FAQs Regarding UPSC Geo-Scientist Exam

Q1: Is there negative marking in the UPSC Geo-Scientist Prelims 2026?

Ans: Yes, there is a penalty of 1/3rd marks for every incorrect answer in the Objective Type (Prelims) papers.

Q2: Can final year students apply for the UPSC Geo-Scientist Exam?

Ans: Yes, final year students can apply for the Prelims, but they must produce proof of passing the requisite examination along with their Detailed Application Form (DAF) for the Main Examination.

Q3: When will the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Exam 2026 be held?

Ans: The Main examination is usually scheduled for June 2026. The exact dates will be confirmed in the official calendar.

Q4: Is the Prelims score counted for the final selection?

Ans: Yes, unlike the Civil Services Exam, the marks obtained in the Combined Geo-Scientist Preliminary Examination are counted for the final merit list.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is based on the official notification released by the UPSC. Dates and details are subject to change by the commission. Please verify all details from the official website upsc.gov.in before applying. We are an information portal and not associated with the UPSC.