MSc Geology is a postgraduate degree course of 2- year duration, divided into four semesters. This course basically teaches students about the surrounding environment and focuses on the scientific study of the workings and design of the earth and its layers.
Check top MSc Geology colleges in India here.
To be considered eligible to apply to this program, students are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree in Science with an aggregate of at least 60% marks.
The MSc Geology Syllabus includes subjects like Economic Geology, Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, Natural Resource Management, Dissertation etc.
Admission to MSc Geology course will be done either on the basis of the candidate's performance in the Bachelor’s degree exam or on the basis of their performance in the entrance exams conducted by admission authorities.
The average fee charged by colleges offering this MSc Geology ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 6,00,000 per annum. It can vary depending upon the college the student has chosen. Students can opt this course through distance learning mode as well. The top colleges and universities offering MSc Geology course through distance learning mode are IGNOU, University of Madras, Banaras Hindu University, Punjab University, etc. provide this course through distance learning mode. The average annual fees for studying Masters of Science in Geology through distance learning ranges from INR 5000 to INR 30,000.
Some of the major highlights of the MSc Geology course have been tabulated below.
| Course | MSc Geology |
| Full form | Masters of Science in Geology |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Bachelor of Science degree in any relevant discipline with minimum 60% marks |
| Admission Process | Merit/ Entrance-Based |
| Level | Post-Graduation |
| Average Fees | INR 25,000 to 1,08,000 |
| Average salary | INR 2,00,000 to 13,00,000 |
| Top recruiting companies | GSPC, Schlumberger, Reliance Industries Limited, Physical Research Laboratory, Oil India Limited, NMDC, ONGC, NIO etc. |
| Job Positions | Project Assistant, Geologist, Geological Technologists, Assistant Geologist, Geo-Scientist, Assistant Chemist, Hydro Geologist, ONGC Chair Professor etc. |
Information and details about the MSc Geology course are as follows.
- This course describes ‘Geology’ and identifies some of its main principles and identifies the main branches of geology.
- In this course, students will get to study Earth Sciences concerned with the solid earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the process by which they change over time.
- The MSc Geology program also includes the study of the solid features of any terrestrial planet or natural satellite such as Mars or the Moon.
- A course in Geology is concerned with the understanding and learning of how the entire system of Earth does its work. It includes the landforms, various processes, constituents and history.
- MSc Geology course encompasses the study of various layers of the earth from prehistoric times to the contemporary time, it also assesses the evolution throughout the years.
- It provides students with a detailed insight into the diverse processes of the atmosphere and the evolution of life.
Why Study MSc Geology?
There are so many reasons why an individual should pursue an MSc Geology course. Students can pursue this course because of the following benefits of the course:
- This course prepares students for other careers in business, law, education and others.
- A course in Geology gives you a good insight and appreciation of natural forces and everything that we see around us, plus a realistic grasp of time (i.e. geological time) as applied to everything else in Science.
- Some of the common job profiles for the MSc Geology postgraduates are Project Assistant, Geologist, Geological Technologists, Assistant Geologist, Geo-Scientist, Assistant Chemist, Hydro Geologist, ONGC Chair Professor etc.
- The students also have the opportunity to carry out research works in their field. There are a lot of research labs in India that appoints MSc Geology students for carrying out their research.
- The MSc Geology salary package ranges between INR 2,00,000 and 13,00,000 annually. The salary largely depends on the job profile for which they have been appointed.
What is the MSc Geology Admission Process?
Admission to the course is usually based on the score obtained by a candidate in an entrance exam. Some of the major all India entrance exams conducted for this purpose are BHU PET, IIT JAM, DUET etc. Some colleges also offer admission on merit basis. The various steps involved in the admission process are given below.
Merit-based selection
- Submit the application to the colleges or universities you are interested in.
- Maintain a good score throughout your Bachelor’s degree exams.
- In due course of time, colleges release their cutoff lists. Check if you are eligible for admission into the desired course.
- If eligible, visit the college and submit all the required documents.
Entrance based selection
The guide to apply for entrance exam based admission is as follows.
- Registration: Candidates have to register themselves for the entrance exams.
- Application form: Fill up the application form with all necessary details carefully.
- Submit documents: Scan and upload all required documents like mark sheets. Documents need to be uploaded in a specific format only, as specified by the institute’s application portal.
- Application fee: A minimal application fee is to be paid online during the submission of the application form. Payment can be done by all online payment modes.
- Download admit card: Admit cards are released once all applicants are judged for eligibility. The admit card must be downloaded and printed out to be used on the day of the examination.
- Examination: Prepare for the exam as per the syllabus and past papers. Appear for the examination on the date announced.
- Results: Based on candidates performance in the entrance exam, results will be announced.
What is the MSc Geology Eligibility Criteria?
The eligibility criteria for MSc Geology aspirants is not complicated and is as follows. It must be noted that the eligibility criteria will differ from institute to institute.
- A candidate must complete his/her bachelor degree in Geology or any such relevant course from a recognized university.
- Students must have studied Geology as a compulsory subject and any two of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology as subsidiary subjects.
- The students will also have to score well in the entrance test and clear the cut-off in order to stand eligible for the MSc Geology course.
Which are the popular MSc Geology Entrance Exams?
In most of the colleges, the MSc Geology admissions are done on the basis of the results in the entrance tests. The forms for the entrance tests are mostly released in the months of December and January and the examinations are held shortly after that.
| Entrance Exams | Registration | Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
| CUET PG | December 27, 2023 | 11th March to 28th March, 2024 |
| BITSAT | Last week of January 2024 | Last week of May 2024 |
| NEST | February 2024 | June 2024 |
| IIT JAM | September 5, 2023 | February 11, 2024 |
| DUET | February 2024 | 15th – 31st May 2024 |
| TISS NET | February 2024 | 11th March to 28th March, 2024 |
How to prepare for MSc Geology Entrance Exams?
If your college includes an entrance test in the admission procedure, then you must be well prepared for it. So, here we are with some interesting preparation tips for you:
- You must be completely familiar with the exam pattern. Get to know the number of sections and the total number of questions that you have to answer.
- Knowing the syllabus properly is also of primary importance. You need to download the syllabus from the official website of the university.
- In most cases, you will be dealing with multiple-choice questions. If that is the case, then check whether there is negative marking or not.
- Another very good way to perform well is to appear for regular mock tests. This will make you accustomed to the type of questions and the examination patterns. Various educational institutes hold regular mock tests for the students.
- Revision is also an integral part of preparation. You need to revise all the chapters and the important topics properly. Otherwise, even after preparing all the chapters, you might not get a really good rank.
How to get admission in a good MSc Geology college?
To secure admission into a top-ranked MSc Geology college, a number of factors come into play. Some of the following tips will be helpful in that regard.
- Your percentage in BSc Geology or any other equivalent degree should be according to the university’s eligibility criteria.
- Be updated with the deadlines of filling the application forms through websites, newspapers and magazines.
- Practice previous year’s papers to improve your time management skills at the time of entrance exams.
- Keep checking the notifications released by the colleges and universities, about their application deadline, admit card release and exam date.
- You must take your undergraduate course really seriously. Until and unless you perform well in your Bachelor degree course, you will not be able to get admitted to a college of your choice.
- Try to find out whether the college where you would like to get admitted to is sufficiently good or not. For that, you may have to take the advice of other people and also check out the ranking of that college. Get an idea about the placement scenario as well.
What is the Syllabus of MSc Geology?
The MSc Geology course includes various important subjects and topics. Here, we have given the semester-wise breakup of the syllabus for the MSc Geology course:
| SEMESTER 1 | SEMESTER 2 |
|---|---|
| Geochemistry | Sedimentary Petrology |
| Structural Geology | Metamorphic Petrology |
| Paleontology | Igneous Petrology |
| Mineralogy, Crystal Optics & X-Ray Crystallography | Geomorphology, Remote Sensing |
| Geochemical Thermodynamics | Mining Geology |
| Lab practical | Lab practical |
| __ | Fieldwork |
| SEMESTER 3 | SEMESTER 4 |
| Solid Earth and Exploration Geophysics | Geological and Geochemical Prospecting |
| Statistical Methods in Geology | Mineral Fuel Resources |
| Ore Petrology | Economic Geology |
| Engineering & Groundwater Geology | Stratigraphy and Indian Geology |
| __ | Elective for Project |
Which are the Top MSc Geology Colleges?
MSc Geology is taught in some of the best educational institutes in India. Here, we have mentioned a few popular MSc Geology Colleges of India:
| College Name | Admission Process | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| BHU, Varanasi | Entrance- based | INR 6,720 |
| SPPU, Pune | Entrance-based | INR 21,000 |
| MGU, Kottayam | Merit/Entrance based | INR 20,200 |
| Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur | Entrance-based | INR 1,17,500 |
| Mumbai University, Mumbai | Entrance-based | INR 46,835 |
| Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur | Merit-Based | INR 30,885 |
| Presidency College, Kolkata | Merit/ Entrance-Based | INR 3,960 |
| Gossner College, Ranchi | Entrance based | INR 31,020 |
| Deogiri University, Kolkata | Merit-Based | INR 14,943 |
| St. Xavier’s College | Entrance based | INR 15,674 |
Source: College Websites
MSc Geology College Comparison
The tabulation below depicts the comparison made among the three top MSc Geology colleges in India.
| College/ University Name | BHU, Varanasi | SPPU, Pune | MGU, Kottayam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | BHU is a central university located in Varanasi which offers courses in multiple disciplines at the undergraduate, postgraduate and the doctorate level. | SPPU is one of the premier universities in India which comprises a total of 43 academic departments. The University ranks 4th in state of Maharashtra and 10th in NIRF rankings of the country. | Mahatma Gandhi University is a State University located in Kottayam, Kerala. The university offers more than 300 academic programmes (Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Research) in diverse fields including Engineering, Management, Medical, Arts, Commerce, Journalism and many more. |
| NIRF ranking | 10 | 19 | 49 |
| Location | Varanasi | Pune | Kottayam |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s degree in Geology or equivalent | Bachelor’s degree in Geology or equivalent | Bachelor’s degree in Geology or equivalent |
| Admission process | Entrance-Based | Entrance-Based | Merit/ Entrance-Based |
| Average Fees | INR 6,720 | INR 21,000 | INR 20,200 |
| Average Salary | INR 4,20,000 | INR 6,50,000 | INR 2,80,000 |
| Top Recruiters | GSPC, Schlumberger, Reliance Industries Limited, Physical Research Laboratory, Oil India Limited, NMDC, ONGC, NIO etc. | GSPC, Schlumberger, Reliance Industries Limited, Physical Research Laboratory, Oil India Limited, NMDC, ONGC, NIO etc. | GSPC, Schlumberger, Reliance Industries Limited, Physical Research Laboratory, Oil India Limited, NMDC, ONGC, NIO etc. |
Source: College Websites
Where can I pursue an MSc Geology course from Distance Learning?
There are a large number of colleges in India offering MSc Geology courses through distance learning mode. Here is the list of a few colleges according to their NIRF ranking.
| NIRF Ranking | Name of the College/ University | Average Fees | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | BHU Varanasi | INR 6,720 | INR 3,85,000 |
| 41 | University of Madras, Chennai | INR 15,250 | INR 2,80,000 |
| 44 | Punjab University, Chandigarh | INR 10,755 | INR 4,50,000 |
| 53 | Osmania University, Hyderabad | INR 2,260 | INR 2,60,000 |
MSc Geology vs MSc Geography
MSc Geology and MSc Geography are quite similar, however, there is a minute difference between them. Also check top MSc Geography Colleges in India.
Here, we have compared the two courses:
| Parameters | MSc Geography | MSc Geology |
|---|---|---|
| Course Overview | MSc in Geography course basically deals with writing/describing the earth. It is the study of the earth and its relation with humans and its effect. | This course is basically the scientific study of the workings and design of the earth and its layers. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelors’ of Science in Geography with a minimum of 50% marks | Bachelors’ of Science in Geology with a minimum of 60% marks |
| Admission Process | Entrance/ Merit based | Entrance/ Merit based |
| Average Fees | INR 10,000 to INR 1,00,000 | INR 25,000 to 1,08,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 3,50,000 to 7,00,000 | INR 2,00,000 to 13,00,000 |
| Top Job Profiles | Lecturer, Research fellow, Geographic Information systems (GIS) analyst, Geographer, Cartographer, Marine Geologists, Oceanographer etc. | Project Assistant, Geological Technologists, Geoscientist, Assistant Chemist, Hydro geologist, ONGC Chair Professor etc. |
Source: College Websites
Source: College Websites
What are Job Prospects and Career Options after MSc Geology?
- The MSc Geology students can take up jobs in various sectors like Mining Industry, Oil and Gas Industry, Petroleum and the Gems Industry.
- The candidates may conduct research activities in various technologies and subjects related to Geology. They may work at research labs and earn a handsome stipend at the end of each month.
- The most common job profiles for the MSc Geology postgraduates are Project Assistant, Geological Technologists, Geoscientist, Assistant Chemist, Hydro geologist, ONGC Chair Professor etc. The average salary would be around INR 2,00,000 to 13,00,000.
We have Listed some of the popular job positions offered to successful graduates of the discipline along with the corresponding job descriptions and average annual salaries offered to the graduates of MSc Geology:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Geologist | The responsibilities of a Geologist includes communicating geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, and/or teaching Geological Science at universities. | INR 9,84,000 |
| Hydrologist | The responsibilities of a Hydrologist is to measure the properties of water bodies such as volume and stream flow. Hydrologists collect water and soil samples to test for certain properties. | INR 8,47,000 |
| Mining and Geological Engineer | The responsibilities of Mining and Geological Engineers are to design open-pit and underground mines, to supervise construction of mine shafts, to oversee construction of underground tunnels, to ensure workers are practicing safe extraction methods, to solve problems and obstacles related to land reclamation and water and air pollution and so on. | INR 6,05,000 |
| Environmental Officer | The Environmental Officer’s duties are to devise solutions for wastewater management, water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and public health. An environmental officer is in-charge of environmental issues that range from advocacy, awareness and event organizing to draft environmental policies.. | INR 4,62,000 |
| Geophysicist | The duties of a Geophysicist includes studying the physical aspects of the earth using a range of methods including gravity, magnetic, electrical and seismic. | INR 10,30,000 |
Source: College Websites
What are the Future Scope of MSc Geology?
Being a very popular discipline, MSc in Geology course has excellent future scope. The students are exposed to numerous ways in which they can build their career:
- PhD: If one wishes to continue in the same field of education, the first program of choice is a PhD Geology. It is a three to five year duration course and the eligibility criteria include having a MSc degree in Geology or other related disciplines.
Check out the Top PhD Geology Colleges in India here.
- DSc - Students can also opt for a Doctor of Science degree in a relevant field on completion of this course.
MSc Geology FAQs
Some of the most frequently asked questions pertaining to the MSc Geology program are as follows:
Ques. What are the average fees of pursuing an MSc Geology course?
Ans. The average fees to pursue MSc Geology program ranges between INR 25,000 and 1,08,000.
Ques. What is the duration of MSc in Geology course?
Ans. The total duration of this course is 2 years.
Ques. What is the basic admission process of pursuing Masters of Science in Geology course from Indian Colleges/ Universities?
Ans. Admission to this course will be done based on the candidate's performance in the entrance exam conducted by admission authorities or on the basis of the candidate's merit in the qualifying exam.
Ques. What are the job profiles available after doing MSc Geology course?
Ans. The job profiles available after completing MSc Geology course are Project Assistant, Geological Technologists, Assistant Geologist, Geoscientist, Assistant Chemist, Hydro geologist, ONGC Chair Professor etc.
Ques. What is the average salary package one can get after completing a Masters of Science in Geology program?
Ans. The average salary package that a student gets after completing this course ranges from INR 2,00,000 to 13,00,000.
Ques. What subjects do we need to study in the Master’s of Science in Geology program?
Ans. This course includes subjects like Economic Geology, Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, Natural Resource Management, Dissertation etc.
Ques. What is the scope of doing an MSc Geology program?
Ans. If a candidate wants to go for higher studies, he/she can pursue MPhil Geology, PhD Geology. After completing this course, you can either go into research or do a job.
Ques. Can I pursue this course from distance learning also?
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