The selection process for the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination involves three stages:
1. Preliminary Examination
- Objective Type: The Preliminary Examination is a computer-based test with multiple-choice questions.Papers: It consists of two papers for each category (Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist, and Scientist ‘B’).
- Paper I: General Studies (common for all categories) – 100 marks, 2 hours.
- Paper II: Subject-specific (Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry) – 300 marks, 2 hours.
- Negative Marking: One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer.Qualification: Candidates must qualify for both papers to be shortlisted for the Main Examination. The Preliminary Exam serves as a screening test; marks obtained are not counted in the final merit list.
2. Main Examination
- Descriptive Type: The Main Examination consists of three descriptive papers specific to the stream selected by the candidate (Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry, or Hydrogeology).Papers:
- Paper I: Subject-specific – 200 marks, 3 hours.
- Paper II: Subject-specific – 200 marks, 3 hours.
- Paper III: Subject-specific – 200 marks, 3 hours.
- Total Marks: 600 marks for each stream.Qualification: Candidates need to secure minimum qualifying marks in each paper as decided by UPSC. The marks obtained in the Main Examination are counted in the final merit list.
3. Interview
- Interview: Candidates who qualify for the Main Examination are called for a Personality Test/Interview.
- Marks: The interview carries 200 marks.
- Assessment: The interview assesses the candidate’s overall personality, including intellectual curiosity, critical powers of assimilation, balance of judgment, leadership, social qualities, and knowledge of the chosen subject.
4. Final Selection
- Merit List: The final selection is based on the combined marks obtained in the Main Examination and the Personality Test/Interview.
- Rank List: Candidates are ranked in the order of merit, and selections are made according to the number of vacancies available for each post.
