Candidates seeking admission to M.Sc (Geology) in IIT’s must essentially qualify IIT JAM. Topics like geomorphology, stratigraphy, petrology, and mineralogy are mainly asked for the exam. Subtopics such as weathering, isomorphism, genesis of igneous rocks, and mineral exploration are included under the main topics.

Syllabus (brief) for IIT JAM (Geology)

• The Planet Earth
• Structural Geology
• Stratigraphy
• Petrology
• Palaeontology
• Mineralogy
• Geomorphology
• Economic Geology
• Applied Geology

Detailed Syllabus for IIT JAM (Geology)

The Planet Earth

• Dating rocks and age of the Earth
• Earth-moon system
• Earthquakes
• Earth’s magnetism and gravity
• Elements of Plate tectonics
• Energy in the earth system
• Formation of continents and oceans
• Geosphere and the composition of the Earth
• Interior of earth
• Isostasy
• Origin of the Solar System and the Earth
• Orogenic cycles
• Shape and size of the earth
• Volcanism and volcanic landforms

Geomorphology

• Weathering
• Soil Erosion
• Transportation and deposition of soil
• Structurally controlled landforms

Structural Geology

• Stratum
• Outcrop patterns
• Dip and strike
• Shear zones
• Contour
• Maps and cross sections
• Classification and origin of folds
• Origin of faults, joints, foliation and lineation

Palaeontology

• Fossils - their mode of preservation and utility
• Fossils in India
• Major steps in the evolution of life forms
• Morphological characters

Stratigraphy

• Distribution and classification of the stratigraphic horizons of India
• Litho-, chronoand biostratigraphic classification
• Principles of stratigraphy

Mineralogy

• Classification of minerals
• Isomorphism
• Mineralogy of common rock-forming minerals
• Mode of occurrence of minerals in rocks
• Optical properties of uniaxial and biaxial minerals
• Physical properties of minerals
• Polymorphism
• Structure of silicates
• Symmetry and forms in common crystal classes
• Transmitted polarised light microscopy

Petrology

• Definition and classification of rocks
• Crystallization from magma
• Forms of igneous bodies
• Genesis of igneous rocks
• Igneous rocks
• Metamorphic rocks - classification, texture and properties
• Sedimentary rocks – classification
• Size and shape of sedimentary bodies
• Texture and structure of sedimentary rocks

Economic Geology

• Coal and petroleum occurrences in India
• General processes of formation of mineral deposits
• Metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits — distribution in India
• Mode of occurrence of metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits
• Physical characters
• Properties of common economic minerals

Applied Geology

• Elements of Mining Geology
• Environmental Geology
• Ground Water
• Mineral exploration
• Principles of Engineering Geology

Prescribed text books under M.Sc/M.A Geography can be used for exam preparation. Books collected from book stores and e-books can be used for studies. Practicing questions of previous years is very useful to clear the test. This enables students to gain an insight on the type of questions asked and the level of difficulty associated.