Geology paper is the study of evolution of earth, the materials of its soil, rocks etc. The paper of Geology is taken in 3 parts and UPSC conducts this examination every year to select candidates in grade IV in the department of geological survey of India and central ground water board.

Qualification for appearing in this exam:

Only citizen of India are eligible for sitting in the paper. Minimum educational qualification for the examination is master degree in geology/marine geology/applied geology/hydrogeology/mineral exploration from a recognised board or University or diploma of Associate-ship in applied geology of ISM, Dhanbad. Age limitation of the examination is 21-32 years for general students whereas there is relaxation for SC/ST candidates as per UPSC norms.

Scoring and Negative Marking:

There are only subjective questions asked, each question is divided into 5-6 sections. Questions asked follow a same pattern. There is no provision of negative marking in it.

Mode of Exam:

Paper contains only long answer type questions and these questions are to be answered by students in conventional way in their answer sheet.

Format:

Paper is a subjective kind of paper and questions are kept in 6 different sections.

Paper Pattern:

Paper of Geology III contains 6 questions in it and these questions are kept in 6 different groups. Section A consist of 10 short notes, there are no alternative for the section. Remaining sections are given with internal alternative in it to choose one question. Almost all questions are of short notes and description type

Marking:

Total marks in the paper are 200 and each question carries 30 marks of each section except from Section A which is of 50 marks. Marks depend on the content of answers.

Schedule:

The paper is given total time of 3 hours.

Recommended Books:

• Simple Geological Structure by Plate and Charlincr
• Geology: An Introduction by Kronaris and Krambine