MSc Geology: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Subjects, Colleges, Careers

• Updated on  Jul 14, 2025, by Hafsha Qureshi

M Sc Geology is a 2-year postgraduate degree course with four semesters. The course teaches students about the environment and focuses on the scientific study of the Earth's workings and layers. MSc Geology Syllabus comprises disciplines such as Economic Geology, Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, Natural Resource Management, and Dissertation.

 

Students must have a Bachelor's degree in Science with an overall grade point average of at least 60% to be considered for admission to M Sc Geology program. Admission to the MSc Geology course is based on the entrance exam scores of the candidate in National entrance exams such as CUET PG, . However, some institutions also take admission based on the merit of the candidate.

 

Colleges that offer this M.Sc Geology charge an average annual cost ranging from INR 2,00,000 to INR 6,00,000. Some of the colleges that offer the MSc in Geology course are IGNOU, University of Madras, Banaras Hindu University, and Punjab University.

 

Table of Contents

  1. M Sc Geology Highlights
  2. What is M Sc Geology?
  3. Why Study M Sc Geology?
  4. Who Should Study M Sc Geology?
  5. M.Sc Geology Eligibility Criteria
  6. M Sc Geology Entrance Exams 2025
  7. MSc Geology Colleges in India
  8. M Sc Geology Admission Process 2025
  9. M Sc Geology Syllabus
  10. M Sc Geology Job Opportunities in India
  11. M Sc Geology FAQs

 

M Sc Geology Highlights

Below are the key highlights of the M Sc Geology course in India:

Particulars

Details

Course Name

Master of Science in Geology (M.Sc. Geology)

Course Level

Postgraduate/Master’s

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Course Type

Full-Time

Admission Process

Entrance-Based (CUET PG, IIT JAM, BHU PET, DU PG, JNU Entrance Exam) + University-Level Counselling

Eligibility Criteria

Passed B.Sc. in Geology or related science stream (with Geology as one of the core subjects) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks

Average Course Fees

INR 2,00,000 – 6,00,000

Subjects

Mineralogy, Petrology, Structural Geology, Paleontology, Stratigraphy, Geochemistry, Sedimentology, Economic Geology, Remote Sensing & GIS, Tectonics, Hydrogeology

Top Colleges

IIT Bombay, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Presidency University Kolkata, Osmania University, University of Delhi, Kumaun University

Job Profiles

Geologist, Hydrogeologist, Seismologist, Petrologist, Environmental Geologist, GIS Analyst, Mineralogist, Research Scientist, Academic Lecturer

Top Recruiters

Geological Survey of India (GSI), ONGC, ISRO, Coal India, WAPCOS, Hindustan Zinc, SAIL, DRDO, IMD, NGRI, Environment & Planning Consultancies

Average Salary in India

INR 4–6 LPA (Freshers)

 

INR 8–12 LPA (Mid-Level)

 

INR 15–25 LPA (Experienced)

 

What is M Sc Geology?

M.Sc Geology is a postgraduate degree that studies the Earth's physical structure, substances, history, and processes. Mineralogy, structural geology, sedimentology, geophysics, and paleontology are among the academic areas of emphasis.

 

The course focuses on understanding and learning how the Earth's whole system works. It covers landscapes, processes, ingredients, and history. MSc Geology course includes the study of various layers of the earth from prehistoric times to the present, as well as an assessment of evolution across time.

 

Why Study M Sc Geology?

There are numerous reasons why a student should pursue an MSc Geology. Students can pursue this course because it offers the following benefits:

  • M Sc Geology course provides you with a good understanding and appreciation of natural forces and everything we see around us, as well as a realistic grasp of time (i.e. geological time) as it applies to everything else in science.
  • Students also have the option to conduct research in their respective fields. Many research laboratories in India hire MSc Geology students to conduct research.
  • MSc Geology income package ranges between INR 2,00,000 and 13,00,000 per year. The remuneration is mostly determined by the job description for which they have been appointed.

 

Who Should Study M Sc Geology?

M.Sc Geology is perfect for students interested in Earth sciences who wish to learn about the planet's physical structure, resources, and evolutionary history.

  • M Sc Geology course is suitable for anyone with a background in geology or allied subjects such as environmental science, geography, or chemistry who are interested in rocks, minerals, fossils, and geophysical processes.
  • Students who enjoy working outside, doing surveys, and interpreting data using tools such as GIS and remote sensing may find this course particularly enjoyable.
  • M Sc Geology course will help those who want to participate to catastrophe management, sustainability planning, or climate impact research develop relevant skills.
  • Finally, students who are technically minded, detail-oriented, and want to understand and safeguard natural resources can pick M.Sc Geology as a career-defining academic path.

 

M.Sc Geology Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for MSc Geology candidates are straightforward and are as follows. It should be noted that the eligibility requirements will vary from institute to institute.

  • A candidate must have completed a bachelor’s degree in Geology, like a BSc in Geology or a related course from a recognized university.
  • Students must have completed Geology as a required course and any two of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology as subsidiary subjects.
  • To be eligible for the MSc Geology course, students must also perform well on the entrance exam, such as CUET PG.

 

M Sc Geology Entrance Exams 2025

Most colleges make M Sc Geology admissions based on the results of entrance exams. The forms for the entrance tests are typically released in December and January, with the exams taking place shortly thereafter.

Exam Name

Application Date (Tentative)

Exam Date (Tentative)

Application Fee

IIT JAM (Geology)

Early Sep – mid‑Oct 2025

February 1–2, 2026

INR 900–1,800 (single/double paper)

CUET PG 2026

March 2026

April - May 2026

INR 1,400 (General)INR 1,200 (OBC-NCL)INR 1,100 (SC/ST/TG)

 

MSc Geology Colleges in India

M Sc Geology course is taught at some of India's leading educational institutions. Some of the top M Sc Geology colleges in India have been mentioned below, along with their total course fee, NIRF Ranking, and entrance exams required for admission:

College Name

Location

Total Course Fees (Approx.)

NIRF Ranking 2024 (Category)

IIT Bombay (M.Sc. Applied Geology)

Mumbai

INR 2,85,400

4 (Overall)

Banaras Hindu University (M.Sc Geology)

Varanasi

INR 90,000

5 (Overall)

Presidency University

Kolkata

INR 18,000 (approx.)

Not ranked (NIRF)

Osmania University

Hyderabad

INR 40,000 (approx.)

Not ranked (NIRF)

University of Delhi (Geology)

New Delhi

INR 20,000 (approx.)

3 (University)

Pune University (Savitribai Phule Pune)

Pune

INR 16,000 (official fees)

35 (University)

Madras University

Chennai

INR 24,000 (official schedule)

25 (University)

Panjab University

Chandigarh

INR 14,000 (official fees)

20 (University)

Shri Guru Ram Rai University

Uttarakhand

INR 1,25,892

-

MAHE

MAHE

INR 1,99,000

4

Parul University

Vadodara

INR 1,44,000

-

 

M Sc Geology Admission Process 2025

Here is the M.Sc Geology Admission Process 2025, with BHU (Banaras Hindu University) as a reference university and following your specified structure:

 

Step 1: Go to the official BHU Online Admission Portal (https://bhuonline.in) and fill out the registration form with your personal, academic, and contact information. Please provide scanned copies of your photo, signature, and graduation transcript. Pay the application cost online using the payment gateway.

 

Step 2: Attend the BHU PET (or CUET PG, if appropriate) on the scheduled exam date. Prepare thoroughly using the B.Sc Geology syllabus, as the test covers significant undergraduate-level topics in geology and associated disciplines.

 

Step 3: After the admission exam results are released, check in to the BHU portal to see your score and All India Rank (AIR). Check the official cut-off for M.Sc Geology to ensure your eligibility for the counseling round.

 

Step 4: Sign up for BHU's postgraduate counseling. Enter your course options, then prioritize M.Sc Geology. During the selection procedure, indicate your chosen campus or department (for example, Faculty of Science).

 

Step 5: Seats will be assigned based on your entrance rank and preferences. If you are awarded a place, please confirm your acceptance by paying the provisional M Sc Geology admission fee using the online portal.

 

Step 6: Go to BHU for physical verification of your documentation. Bring original and photocopies of any required certificates, such as B.Sc marksheets, ID proof, admission scorecard, and category certificate (if applicable).

 

Step 7: Pay the remaining academic expenses as per BHU's published timetable. Your admission to the M Sc Geology program will be verified after successful verification and payment of the fee.

 

Required Documents:

  • B.Sc degree mark sheet and certificate
  • Entrance exam scorecard (BHU PET or CUET PG)
  • ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport/PAN)
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Character certificate
  • Medical certificate
  • Category certificate (if applicable)

 

M Sc Geology Syllabus

M Sc Geology course covers a variety of essential disciplines and themes. The syllabus for the M.Sc Geology course is divided into semesters as follows:

 

Below is the syllabus structure for M Sc Geology course based on Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

Semester I

Semester II

Crystallography & Mineralogy

Geomorphology & Geotectonics

Stratigraphy & Micropaleontology

Geochemistry & Sedimentology

Sedimentary & Structural Geology

Paleontology (Invertebrate & Vertebrate)

Petroleum Geology Basics

Igneous Petrology & Structural Geology

Field Training I

Field Training II

Semester III

Semester IV

Fuel Geology (including Coal & Petroleum)

Environmental Geology & Natural Hazards

Metamorphic Petrology & Hydrogeology (§ detailed)

Engineering Geology & Surveying

Geological Field Training III

Dissertation / Research Project

Elective Modules (e.g., Life Through Ages, Ore Geology)

Lab Practicals & Field Report Work

 

M Sc Geology Job Opportunities in India

M Sc Geology course students can work in a variety of industries, including mining, oil & gas, petroleum, and gemstones. Candidates may conduct research on a variety of geology-related technologies and disciplines.

 

The most popular employment profiles for MSc Geology postgraduates include Project Assistant, Geological Technologists, Geoscientists, Assistant Chemists, Hydrogeologists, and ONGC Chair Professors. The average income would range from INR 2,00,000 to 13,00,000.

Job Title

Recruiters

Experience Level

Average Salary (INR)

Geologist

GSI, ONGC, Coal India, MECL

0–2 years

INR 4–6 LPA

Hydrogeologist

Central Ground Water Board, WAPCOS, CWC

1–3 years

INR 5–7 LPA

Seismologist

ISRO, IMD, NGRI, State Disaster Management Authorities

2–4 years

INR 6–8 LPA

Environmental Geologist

AECOM, ERM India, NEERI, Private EIA Consultancies

2–5 years

INR 5–7 LPA

Petrologist

Oil India, Essar Oil, Vedanta, Reliance Industries

3–6 years

INR 6–9 LPA

GIS Analyst

RMSI, ESRI, IMD, Remote Sensing Agencies

0–2 years

INR 4–6 LPA

Mining Geologist

NMDC, Hindustan Zinc, SAIL, Tata Steel

2–5 years

INR 5–8 LPA

Paleontologist

Geological Survey, Academia, Museums

1–3 years

INR 4–6 LPA

Research Scientist

NGRI, IITs, CSIR, IISc, MoES

3+ years

INR 6–10 LPA

Academic Lecturer/Professor

Central/State Universities, IITs, BHU, JNU

0–3 years (entry)

INR 5–7 LPA (entry-level)

 

M Sc Geology FAQs

What is the scope of the MSc Geology?

M.Sc Geology provides diverse job prospects in mining, petroleum, groundwater management, seismology, GIS, and environmental consultancy. Graduates can work for government institutions like GSI, ONGC, and IMD, or they can pursue careers in academia and research. The course also serves as a good foundation for pursuing PhD programs, providing long-term growth opportunities in both applied and theoretical Earth sciences.

What are the MSc Geology fees at IIT Bombay?

The M.Sc Applied Geology program at IIT Bombay costs around INR 2,85,400. Tuition fees are INR 2,69,400, with an additional INR 16,000 for entrance and registration. The program is a two-year full-time postgraduate degree, with admission via the IIT JAM entrance exam. Fee waivers may be available for reserved categories.

Which is the best College for MSc Geology?

Top selections for M.Sc Geology include IIT Bombay for Applied Geology, BHU for its integrated academic-research program, and JNU for Earth Sciences. These institutes provide exceptional teaching, infrastructure, and field training. IIT JAM and CUET PG are popular entry points. The finest university is determined by your specialist interests, research objectives, and financial constraints.

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Birla Institute of Technology and Science|
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West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board|
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Consortium of National Law Universities|
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ExamDec 1, 2024
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National Testing Agency (NTA)|
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ExamMay 10, 2025 - May 16, 2025
ResultJul 15, 2025
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Central Board of Secondary Education
ExamJan 1, 2025 - Jan 22, 2025
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ExamMay 4, 2025
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