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

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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 can pursue

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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 method we can say that:

Geologists are also involved in exploration for mining industries in search of metals, oils, and other Earth resources.

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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 ( ) 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 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

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Areas of Specialization​

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

Admission Process​


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How 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 scores. For admission to PG programs like M.Tech or M.Sc candidates must qualify .
  • 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.

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.

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 have to be the bachelor’s degree as 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 employ in the college and universities as a teacher.

The course is perfect for someone interested in working on projects related to earth. This includes the exploration of minerals, protection of the environment exploration of oil, managing resources and many more

Top Job Profiles​

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

Most of the geologists are 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 problems 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​

Answer: Geologists work in industries like oil and gas, mining, environmental consulting, government organizations, and academic research.

Answer: A B.Sc. in Geology is essential for entry-level roles, while an M.Sc. or Ph.D. is needed for advanced positions.

Answer: Admissions to undergraduate geology programs are based on 12th-grade science marks or entrance exams, depending on the college.

Answer: Yes, graduates can appear in UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and GATE (for M.Sc. or PSU jobs) for a career in Geology field.

Answer: In India, entry-level salaries range from ₹4–6 LPA, while in the USA, the median salary is about $92,580 annually.

Answer: Yes, it offers diverse opportunities, high earning potential, and exciting fieldwork for those passionate about Earth sciences.

For more information about Career as Geologist, you can ask your queries below.

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