UPSC has issued notification for Geologist Exam 2013. Eligible candidates can apply for the test 23^rd September 2013. The written test is conducted in essay model for 900 marks. Topics such as Geomorphology, Stratigraphy, Metamorphic Petrology, Environmental Geology, Ore genesis, and Engineering Geology are asked for the entrance test.

Exam Pattern for UPSC Geologist Exam 2013

The Written test is conducted in essay model. Questions for the test are asked from the following subjects.

• (i)General English
• (ii)Geology Paper I
• (iii)Geology Paper II
• (iv)Geology Paper III
• (v)Hydrogeology

Candidates competing for the positions of Geologist Group ‘A’, and Assistant Geologist Grade-I Group ‘B’, should have to attend papers (i) to (iv). Those applying for the profiles of Junior Hydro-geologists (Scientist B) Group ‘A’ or Asst Hydro-geologists Group ‘B’, have to appear for papers from (i) to (iii) and (v). Three hours are given for answering each paper. Except General English, all papers carry 200 marks each. For General English, 100 marks are given.

Syllabus for UPSC Geologist Exam 2013

Geology Paper I – Syllabus

Geomorphology and Remote Sensing

• Weathering and soils
• Influence of climate on processes
• Geomorphology of fluvial tracts
• Geomorphology of India
• Digital image processing
• Geographic Information System (GIS)

Structural Geology

• Geological mapping and map reading
• Stress strain relationships of viscous materials
• Structural analysis of folds
• Time-relationship between crystallization and deformation
• Structural behavior of igneous rocks

Geotectonics

• Earth and the solar system
• Planetary evolution of the earth
• Heterogeneity of the earth’s crust
• Continental drift
• Gravity and magnetic anomalies at Mid-ocean ridges
• Palaeomagnetism

Stratigraphy

• Nomenclature and the modern stratigraphic code
• Radioisotopes
• Precambrian stratigraphy of India

Palaeontology

• Evidence of life in Precambrian times
• Fossil record and geological time-scale
• Morphology and time-ranges of fossil groups
• Principles of evolution

Geology Paper II – Syllabus

Mineralogy

• Application of universal stage in finding out optical properties
• Common minerals of igneous and metamorphic rocks
• Dispersion
• Optical properties of common rock forming silicate minerals
• Structural classification of silicates
• Twinned crystals

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

• Appraisal of metamorphic reactions
• Igneous rocks
• Metasomatism and granitization
• Paired metamorphic belts
• Petrology and geotectonic evolution
• Plate tectonics and metamorphic zones
• Textures and structures of metamorphic rocks

Sedimentology

• Biogenic and chemical sedimentary structures
• Cyclic sediments
• Elements of hydraulics
• Provenance and digenesis of sediments
• Sedimentary basins of India
• Sedimentary environment and facies
• Sedimentary textures
• Structure contours and isopach maps
• Tectonics and sedimentation

Geochemistry

• Earth in relation to the solar system and universe
• Elementary crystal chemistry
• Geochemical cycle
• Geochemistry
• Isotope geochemistry
• Principles of geochemical prospecting
• Structure and composition of earth and distribution of elements
• Thermodynamics

Environmental Geology

• Environment protection
• Impact assessment of anthropogenic activities
• Natural hazards
• Organic and inorganic contamination of ground water and their remedial measures
• Soil degradation and remedial measures

Geology Paper III – Syllabus

Indian mineral deposits and mineral economics

• metalliferous deposits
• Indian deposits of non-metals
• Building stones
• Phosphorite deposits
• India’s status in mineral production
• Changing patterns of mineral consumption
• National Mineral Policy

Ore genesis

• Magma related mineralization through geological time
• Magmatic processes of mineralization
• Ore deposits and ore minerals
• Ores and metamorphism
• Stratiform and stratabound ores

Mineral Exploration

• Geo-botanical and geochemical methods
• Geo-morphological and remote sensing techniques
• Geophysical techniques
• Methods of surface and subsurface exploration

Geology of fuels

• Detection and measurement of radioactivity
• Diagenesis of organic materials
• Distribution of radioactive minerals in India
• Fundamentals of coal petrology
• Indian coal deposits
• Industrial application of coal petrology
• Mineralogy and geochemistry of radioactive minerals
• Nuclear waste disposal
• Radioactive methods for prospecting and assaying of mineral deposits
• Radioactive methods in petroleum exploration
• Stratigraphy of coal measures

Engineering Geology

• Mechanical properties of rocks and soils
• Aseismic designing
• Geotechnical case studies of major projects in India

Hydrogeology — Syllabus

Origin, occurrence and distribution of water

• Hydrologic cycle
• Hydrological properties of rocks
• Classification of rocks

Well hydraulies and well design

• Darey’s Law and its applications
• Evaluation of aquifer parameters
• Groundwater modeling
• Theory of groundwater flow
• Types of wells

Groundwater chemistry

• Groundwater contamination
• Groundwater Quality
• Radioisotopes in hydrogeological studies
• Saline water intrusion in coastal and other aquifers

Groundwater exploration

• Geological – lithological and structural mapping
• Hydrogeological – lithological classification
• Remote sensing
• Shallow groundwater potential zone mapping
• Surface geophysical methods

Groundwater problems and management

• Artificial recharge methods
• Groundwater balance and methods of estimation
• Groundwater development in urban areas
• Groundwater legislation
• Groundwater problems
• Rain water harvesting

In general English candidates are asked to write a short essay in English. Candidate’s written skills and their understanding of English language are evaluated through this paper.