Geologists are skilled professionals who study the earth: its history, nature, materials, and processes. There are different types of Geologists such as Marine Geologists, Environmental Geologists, and Planetary Geologists. Many geologists have expertise in specific types of natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides. Employment for geologists is expected to be strong because of increased demand for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management.
In order to become a Geologist, aspiring candidates after clearing Class 12th can pursue various undergraduate and postgraduate Geology courses such as B.Tech Earth Science, BA Geology, and B.Sc in Geology, from any of the Top Geology Colleges across the country some of them being Banaras Hindu University, Fergusson College, St. Xavier’s College. Admissions to these colleges are done both on the basis of merit as well as on the basis of entrance exams such as CUET, GSAT and OUAT. Read More: BSc Geology Colleges in India
The average course fee to pursue a Geology Course ranges from INR 10,000 to 2.10 L per year. Some of the top Companies that hire fresh graduates as well as experienced candidates for various positions are Coal India Ltd, IISCO, Geological Survey of India, and many more. The average salary of a Geologist is INR 9.93 LPA. While the average salary of candidates with substantial years of experience can be up to INR 24.19 LPA.
Table of Content
- How to Become a Geologist: Quick Facts
- Qualifications Required to Become a Geologist
- Types of a Geologists
3.2 Geochemist
3.3 Geoscientist
3.4 Hydrogeologist
5.1 How to Become a Geologist After 12th
6.1 Entrance Exams
8.1 India
8.2 Abroad
How to Become a Geologist: Quick Facts
| Industry | Research and Mining |
| Eligibility | Candidate must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as main subjects Candidates must have acquired a minimum aggregate of 55%. |
| Top Recruiters | Coal India Ltd IISCO Geological Survey of India Indian Bureau of Mines ONGC |
| Related Industries | Petroleum and mining company's Contracting firms |
| Required Skills | Organizational skills Communication skills Digital literacy Analyzing skills |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 4.93 LPA |
| Highest Salary | INR 24 LPA & above |
Qualifications Required to Become a Geologist
The major qualifications required in order to become a Geologist are listed below for your reference,
- Aspiring candidates must clear class 12 board exams with a minimum score of 55% and above from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry Mathematics as their mandatory subjects.
- The candidate must clear the entrance test for getting enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate courses such as CUET, VITEEE, etc.
- For pursuing a postgraduate course, the candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in geology, earth sciences, related scientific fields, etc,
- The candidate must clear the GATE exam in order to get enrolled in government colleges for pursuing post-graduation.
Types of Geologists
There are various job profiles in the field of Geology. They work in private companies, government organizations, universities, etc. Some of the top job profiles are discussed below for your reference,
Geological Technologist
| Definition | As a Geological technologist, one must specialize in measuring and quantifying geological conditions for infrastructure engineering, oil, and gas exploration, and mining. They are responsible for gathering data. They provide support to scientists, engineers, etc for analyzing the data. |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 7.03 L |
Geochemist
| Definition | Their main role is to analyze the age, nature, and components of rock, minerals, soil, and other environmental samples. They map specific geochemical areas for research and analysis |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 6.33 L |
Geoscientist
| Definition | They interpret geophysical, geochemical, and geological data to develop models of the surface and subsurface of the earth. They plan and implement new technologies in geological modeling and seismic processing. |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 20.80 L |
Hydrogeologist
| Definition | A hydrogeologist works as someone who monitors, manages, and protects water and water resources in commercial, environmental, and academic configurations. Their job includes water resources planning, reservoir, and river flood risk assessment, drainage, etc. |
| Average Annual Salary | 20.73 L |
Steps to Become a Geologist
The below-mentioned steps would help students to know what needs to be done to become a Geologist.
| Complete Graduation | The candidate must get a Bachelor's degree in relevant subjects along with a core understanding of Geology such as a B.Tech in Earth Science, BA in Geology, B.Sc in Geology, etc along with some key skills. This will help in gaining a basic idea about the subject as well as help in creating a solid foundation on the same. |
| Adapt technical skills | There are various technical skills that can be adapted such as Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Structural geology, etc. There are several courses which are available online to acquire these skills. |
| Pursue Relevant Certifications | There are a number of certifications that can be pursued in order to become a Geologist such as Environmental Management & Ethics, Physical Geology, Open Pit Design 101, 3D geological Modeling |
| Pursue Masters Degree | Post gaining some substantial years of experience, candidates can choose to pursue a Master's degree in relevant subjects. A master’s degree may help you advance the career of the candidate by teaching additional skills. |
| Pursue Doctorate Degree | Candidates can also pursue doctorate courses if they want to work in a research field. After doing Ph.D., candidates can opt for teaching or lectureship. |
How to become a Geologist in India
After clearing Class 10 board exams one must preferably choose the Science stream along with some mandatory subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Post clearing Class 12th board exams candidates have to pursue relevant courses such as B.Tech in Earth Sciences, B.Sc in Geology B.Sc. Honors Geology and likewise courses by clearing several entrance exams that would help them understand the crux of the subject that would help them to become Geologists in India.
The sections below will discuss in detail the steps that must be taken in order to become a Geologist in India.
School Level Preparation: In order to become a Geologist the steps that are to be followed are mentioned below,
- Those who want to become a Geologist have to study Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Mathematics at higher secondary levels in school.
- Candidates can also choose Biotechnology, and biology as their optional subjects.
- They have to qualify for an entrance exam to get admission into a Bachelor’s degree program in Geology.
- Candidates can prepare for the entrance exam by taking admission to the various coaching centers.
- Apart from that, the candidates can solve the previous year's paper and the different mock test samples released by the examination authorities.
How to Become a Geologist After 12th
Undergraduate Preparations: Some of the crucial steps that are to be followed to become a Geologist after completing Class 12th board exams are mentioned below for your reference,
- At the undergraduate level, students aspiring to become Geologists should first focus on clearing the entrance test and getting enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program.
- It can be a B.Tech or B.Sc in Geology, etc. The candidates can also enroll in alternative courses such as a diploma or Post graduate diploma in Geologists such as Diploma in Mining & Engineering, Diploma in GeoPhysics, etc.
- Candidates during their undergraduate courses should focus on developing a deep understanding by pursuing certification in Physical Geology, 3D Geological Modeling, etc.
- Candidates should try to maintain an average score of 50% overall during their undergraduate degree.
- Candidates opting for post-graduation courses should start preparing for the GATE exam.
Post-Graduation Preparation: The key steps to be followed to become a Geologist after completing Undergraduate courses are,
- After the completion of the UG course, the candidates shall start preparing for entrance exams such as GATE, BITSAT, NEST, IIT JAM, VIITMEE, etc.
- Candidates must have scored a minimum aggregate of 50% in order to be eligible to pursue master's in Geology courses.
- The candidates must choose their specialization while pursuing masters such as Environmental Engineering, Ecosystems, Oceanography, Geotechnical engineering, oil, and Petroleum, etc.
- After completion of the PG course, the candidates can opt for Ph.D. courses and carry on with their research or can pursue jobs as Geologists.
Geologist Courses
Some of the top courses that can be pursued in order to become a Geologist are tabulated below for your reference,
| Parameters | B.Sc in Geology | M.Sc Geology |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Candidates must have cleared Undergraduate courses with at least 55% marks. The candidate must have Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Biology in Class 12th. | Candidate must have completed bachelor in Geology degree with at least 60% marks or above |
| Top Colleges | Hansraj College Fergusson College Presidency College Banaras Hindu University |
BHU SPPU Pune Mumbai University Presidency College |
| Average course fees | INR 10,000- INR 70,000 per year | INR 25000- 1.10 L per year |
| Average Salary | INR 5 LPA - 8 LPA | INR 6 LPA - 13 LPA |
How to Become a Geologist Abroad
Apart from India, there are several other countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia that offer Geology courses. There are several renowned Universities and Colleges as well offering both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Geology courses. However, before applying for these courses one should fulfill the basic prerequisites that are discussed below for your reference.
- Candidates should clear their class 12th boards or equivalent exam and must have Mathematics, Physics, and chemistry in their 12th.
- The candidates must pass either of the English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- The candidate must score a minimum of 6.5 in IELTS.
- Candidates must produce a Statement of Purpose (SOP) for studying across any of the counties abroad
- Candidates must produce Letters of recommendation from academic professionals.
- In the case of PG programs, the candidates must obtain a minimum of 70% score in their Graduate Examination.
- Apart from the English proficiency tests candidates must also take the GRE exam, SAT, GMAT (any of these) etc.
- Candidates would have to provide proof of work experience in the relevant field (if any).
- Finally, candidates also need to submit proof of their finances.
Top Geology Colleges
India is home to almost 294 Geology colleges. Some of the top colleges in India are BITS Pilani, IIT Kharagpur, VIT, and many more. Similarly, there are several universities abroad such as Stanford University, Yale University, etc.
Some of the top colleges that help candidates become Geologists are tabulated below for your reference.
India
| Name of the Colleges | Location | Average Course Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Loyola College | Chennai | 16,790 |
| IIT Mumbai | Mumbai | 74,000 |
| Presidency College | Chennai | 25,000 |
| Jain University | Bangalore | 80,000 |
| IIT Madras | Chennai | 17,670 |
| IIT Guwahati | Guwahati, Assam | 23,750 |
| IIT Indore | Indore | 48,300 |
| Vellore Institute of Technology | Vellore | 77,000 |
| St. Xavier’s College | Mumbai | 70,000 |
| Symbiosis International University | Pune | 3.98 L |
Abroad
| Name of the Colleges | Location | Average Annual Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | USA | 13.56 L |
| Princeton University | USA | 14.49 L |
| Harvard University, Massachusetts | USA | 16.78 L |
| University of Oxford | UK | 16.89 L |
| University of Leeds | UK | 17.31 L |
| University of British Columbia | Canada | 16.76 L |
| McGill University | Canada | 23.97 L |
| Dalhousie University | Canada | 16 L |
| Australian National University | Australia | 11.71 L |
| University of Melbourne | Australia | 12.12 L |
Geology Industry
Despite the downturn in the mineral resources sector, the long-term job outlook for geologists is positive. The need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management is expected to increase the demand for geologists.
Some of the major sectors in which geologists work are given below for your reference,
- Petroleum and Mining Companies- Petroleum geologists play a key role in exploring oil and gas development and production of oil and gas fields.
- Construction Industry: To study the general suitability of the site for an engineering project and to enable a safe, practical, and economic design to be prepared. They also determine the possible difficulties that may arise from a specific construction method for any project.
- Environment protection firms: Geologists contribute their knowledge about the subsurface soil and rock permeability, and groundwater movement characterizing subsurface conditions that will help to determine how to remove and control chemicals to meet a safe level of risk.
Skills Required to be a Geologist
Some of the most crucial skills that are required in order to become a Geologist are tabulated below for your reference,
| Analytical Skills | Petrology | Attention to detail |
| Communication Skills | Mapping Techniques | Enthusiasm |
| The passion for the geological and natural environment | Structural Geology | Graphical data |
Pros and Cons of being a Geologist
Pros of being a Geologist
- Field Work: This job is most suited for candidates who are willing to work in the field. Geologists get to different sites for conducting research and surveys. This is not an office-bound job.
- High Pay: Geologists earn a very decent amount in today’s time. Candidates who are freshers get a starting salary of INR 4.5 LPA and the highest salary of a Geologist can go up to INR 16.44 LPA with other medical and promotional benefits.
- International opportunities: Geologists get a lot of opportunities to work abroad and travel around the world to collect samples, conduct research, and analyze data.
Cons of being a Geologist
- High Competition – Geologists are highly competitive. You need to work hard and be determined to stay focused on your work.
- Physically Challenging- The job of a geologist can be physically challenging sometimes because they have to visit several risky locations where the oxygen level is low or some other challenges.
Top Recruiters of Geologists
Some of the top recruiting organizations, both government and private are provided below for your reference,
| Coal India Ltd. | IISCO | Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) |
| Oil & Natural gas corporation | National Mineral Development Corporation | Hindustan Copper ltd. |
| Bharat Gold Mines Ltd. | Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) | Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) |
Salary of a Geologist in India
Job opportunities are very good for fresh graduates. They are offered a very good salary package. The starting salary of a Geologist is around INR 4.10 LPA. while the highest can be INR 16.17 LPA
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary(INR) |
|---|---|
| Geologist | 5.10 L |
| Geographer | 6.00 L |
| Petroleum Geologist | 9.40 L |
| Marine Geologist | 6.80 L |
| Oceanographers | 8.00 L |
| Meteorologists | 8.70 L |
How to Become a Geologist: FAQs
Ques. Who are Geologists?
Ans. Geologists are those who understand and study various natural processes such as earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, etc. Their main role also includes understanding the history of our planet and how the materials, structure, and processes have evolved and changed over time.
Ques. What are the options after completing Geology?
Ans. The career options after completing Geology are:
- Geologists
- Geological Technologists
- Geological Technicians
- Geochemist
- Geoscientist
Ques. What is the salary of a Geologist after completing Master’s?
Ans. The average salary of a Geologist after they have completed an M.Tech in Geology is around INR 7 L- 13 LPA, but the same is also dependent on the years of experience, the company in which he is working, etc.
Ques. What are the Skills required to be a Geologist?
Ans. The main skills required to be a successful Geologist are:
- Analytical skills
- Leadership
- Organizational skills
- Knowledge about Science and their applications
- Computer Literacy
- Communication skills
Ques. What are the certificate courses required to be a Geologist?
Ans. The certificate courses required to be a Geologist are:
- Environmental and Management Ethics
- Physical Geology
- Geology: Earth for everyone
- 3D Geological Modeling
- Open Pit Design 101
Ques. What is the highest salary of a Geologist?
Ans. According to Glassdoor, the highest salary of a geologist is around INR 17.96 LPA.
Ques. How many semesters are there in B.Tech geology?
Ans. There are a total of 8 semesters in the undergraduate course. The duration of the course is 4 years.
Ques. What entrance should a Geologist take?
Ans. The most common entrance exams for admission to B.Tech Geology include JEE Main & Advanced, WBJEE, BITSAT, and CUCET.
Ques. Is Geology a good career option?
Ans. Yes, the scope of Geologisting is very vast and popular among the aspirants. The employment opportunities for Geologists are very good. After getting the degree from reputed institutes/universities, one can work in private companies or consulting firms in domestic as well as international firms and even government organizations.
Ques. Do Geologists have a scope in the Government sector?
Ans. Yes, Geologists do have a lot of scope in the Government Sector. The Governmental organizations offer them a great salary package. Some of the top government organizations that hire geologists are
- Geological Survey of India (GSI)
- Central Groundwater Board
- Oil & Natural Gas Commission (ONGC)
- Indian Bureau of mines
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