MTech Applied Geophysics: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Subjects, Colleges, Careers

• Updated on  20 Jun, 2025 by Shruti Garg

The 2-year MTech Applied Geophysics is a PG level program designed to provide an advanced and comprehensive understanding of all the aspects of the geophysics discipline. This specialized engineering degree allows students to understand earth's interiors, as well as the different processes and qualities of the earth and its atmosphere, while also equipping them with the industry-relevant technical, analytical, and research abilities.

 

In India, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Kurukshetra University and Dibrugarh University are considered as the leading MTech Applied Geophysics colleges with the average course fee ranging from INR 1,00,000 to INR 3,00,000. In addition, MTech Applied Geophysics eligibility is determined on either a merit or an entrance basis, depending on the university's requirements.

 

For the course’s merit-based eligibility, the candidates are required to have a minimum of 55%-60% in MSc / BTech / BE / Bsc Geophysics / BSc in Geology or BSc Applied Geology with Mathematics and Physics as mandatory studied subjects in each of them.This merit criteria is combined with the necessity to pass the relevant university or state level entrance exam under the entrance-based eligibility requirements, with the most well-known MTech Applied Geophysics entrance exams being GATE, KUKCEE, DUPGET, IIT JAM and CUET PG.

 

With entry-level salaries ranging from INR 5-12 LPA, middle-level salaries ranging from INR 10-15 LPA, and experienced professional salaries ranging from INR 20-40 LPA, the leading MTech Applied Geophysics job opportunities include Junior Geophysicist, Seismic Data Processor, Field Geophysicist, Senior Seismic Interpreter, Hydrogeophysics Consultant, Geotechnical Specialist etc.

 

Table of Contents

  1. MTech Applied Geophysics Highlights
  2. What is MTech Applied Geophysics?
  3. Why Study MTech Applied Geophysics?
  4. Who should study MTech Applied Geophysics?
  5. MTech Applied Geophysics Eligibility Criteria
  6. MTech Applied Geophysics Entrance Exams 2025
  7. MTech Applied Geophysics Colleges in India
  8. MTech Applied Geophysics Admission Process 2025
  9. MTech Applied Geophysics Syllabus
  10. MTech Applied Geophysics Job Opportunities in India
  11. MTech Applied Geophysics FAQs

 

MTech Applied Geophysics Highlights

The major highlights of the 2-year specialized engineering degree, MTech Applied Geophysics are listed below:

Details

Particulars

Course Name

MTech Applied Geophysics

Course Level

Postgraduate / Master’s Degree

Duration

2 Years

Course Type

Full-Time

Admission Process

Merit or Entrance Based

Eligibility Criteria

Merit Based: Requires candidates to have a minimum of 55%-60% score in MSc / BTech / BE / Bsc Geophysics / BSc in Geology / BSc Applied Geology with Mathematics and Physics as mandatory studied subjects.

Course Fees

INR 1,00,000 - INR 3,00,000

Top Colleges

IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Kurukshetra University, Dibrugarh University

Job Profiles

Junior Geophysicist, Seismic Data Processor, Field Geophysicist, Senior Seismic Interpreter, Hydrogeophysics Consultant, Geotechnical Specialist, Data Analytics (Geo-tech), Technical Director, E&P Manager

Top Recruiters

ONGC, Oil India, SLB, Cairn Energy, Alphageo, AspenTech, CGWB, GSI, ISRO, L&T, Jacobs, WAPCOS

Average Salary in India

Entry Level: INR 5-12 LPA

 

Middle Level: INR 10-15 LPA

 

Experienced Level:INR 20-40 LPA

 

What is MTech Applied Geophysics?

MTech Applied Geophysics is a 2-year, specialised postgraduate engineering degree with a curriculum that has been designed to enable comprehensive student development, ensuring both classroom and hands-on learning experiences and possibilities by combining core and elective subjects with the relevant dissertation and internship opportunities.

 

This -year course study essentially focuses on the application of physical techniques to investigate the earth's interior and at times, exterior. It entails the study of subsurface phenomena such as volcanic activity, earthquakes, and groundwater reservoirs, as well as exterior phenomena such as the processes that occur in the earth's atmosphere, allowing graduates to work in exploration and geothermal energy industries.

 

Why Study MTech Applied Geophysics?

MTech Applied Geophysics, like any other specialised MTech degree, is undeniably a niche option that has yet to establish itself among learners as a highly sought after or beneficial study option.

  • MTech Applied Geophysics graduates are extremely scarce, and with the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field, combined with the high technicality of the work that they must perform, job opportunities for this degree graduates are highly lucrative, even offering as much as 10-12 LPA for a fresher.
  • Pursuing an MTech Applied Geophysics, an advanced engineering degree with a specialized curriculum that focuses solely on the field of geophysics, gives students access to a variety of research opportunities. The geophysics discipline itself is vast and much unexplored, making it easier and even more fascinating for students to conduct their research in this field.
  • Geophysics is a relatively uncharted field that has emerged rapidly in recent decades as a result of increased human curiosity and technical advancements. As a result, this sector has experienced up to a 15% job growth rate in the recent few years, with even higher projections for the future decade.

 

Who should study MTech Applied Geophysics?

Since this is a somewhat specialized and niche master’s degree in the field of engineering, it's even more crucial for an individual to consider his/her key interest areas and passions to evaluate whether this degree would be an ideal choice for them or not. MTech Applied Geophysics can therefore be considered as a perfect study option for:

  • Individuals holding MSc / BTech / BE / Bsc Geophysics / BSc in Geology or BSc Applied Geology degrees with Mathematics and Physics as mandatory studied subjects in each and at least 55%-60% score.
  • Detail oriented and focused individuals capable of dealing with large scale data and its analyses.
  • Bold people who are willing to take on risky jobs in the exploration field.
  • Mathematics and programming nerds who can apply their skills to operate and use numerous technical tools and equipments.
  • Physically strong and fit individuals who can take physically challenging jobs.

 

MTech Applied Geophysics Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for MTech Applied Geophysics, interested candidates must review the eligibility requirements for this degree at various universities to assess whether they are actually eligible to apply or not. While some favor merit-based admissions, the majority of Indian universities only provide entrance-based admissions to this engineering program and the main conditions of both of these eligibility criterias are as follows:

  • The candidate must have a minimum of 55%-60% score in MSc / BTech / BE / Bsc in Geophysics / BSc in Geology / BSc in Applied Geology with Mathematics and Physics as mandatory studied subjects.
  • The candidate must pass the relevant entrance exam as accepted by the university. The key MTech Applied Geophysics entrance exams being GATE, KUKCEE, DUPGET, IIT JAM, etc.
  • The candidate must also meet the basic merit criteria- having a minimum of 55%-60% score in MSc / BTech / BE / Bsc Geophysics / BSc in Geology / BSc Applied Geology with Mathematics and Physics as mandatory studied subjects.

 

MTech Applied Geophysics Entrance Exams 2025

As a postgraduate level engineering degree that is extremely technical and practical in nature, most universities only accept candidates based on their entrance exam scores. The details of the various university and state level MTech Applied Geophysics entrance exams are thus provided below:

Exam Name

Application Date

Exam Date

Application Fee

GATE 2026

August 2025

February 2026

INR 1,800 (General)

 

INR 900 (Female candidates / SC / ST / PwD)

KUK CEE 2026

April 2026 - June 2026

July 2026

INR 800 (General)

 

INR 200 (SC/ST/PH from Haryana)

DUPGET 2026

May 2026 onwards

July 2026

INR 1,000

IITJAM 2026

September 2025 - October 2025

February 2026

INR 1,800 (General / OBC)

 

INR 900 (SC / ST / PwD /Females)

CUET PG 2026

January 2026 onwards

March 2026

INR 1,200 (General)

 

INR 1,000 (OBC-NCL/ EWS)

 

INR 900 (SC/ST/Third gender)

 

MTech Applied Geophysics Colleges in India

MTech Applied Geophysics is a highly practical degree that demands high-scale lab infrastructures and equipment, as well as a highly experienced and specialized faculty, to enable smooth learning and skill development among the learners.

 

In India, however, all of these resources are extremely scarce, hence only a few universities offer this engineering program. The table below lists the names of the top MTech Applied Geophysics colleges in India, along with their average course fee:

College Name

Location

Fees (INR) (Approx.)

NIRF Ranking (Latest)

Admission Process

IIT (ISM) Dhanbad

Jharkhand

1,68,750

35th

Entrance Based (GATE)

Kurukshetra University

Haryana

1,35,050

Between 101-150

Entrance Based (GATE / KUKCEE)

Dibrugarh University

Assam

1,65,000

Between 101-150

Entrance Based (GATE / DUPGET)

 

MTech Applied Geophysics Admission Process 2025

In India, MTech Applied Geophysics admission procedure in almost all universities is carried out through a thorough counseling process in which candidates are required to fill out a number of choices of colleges and courses in which they want to apply, and then they are allotted the same according to their entrance and bachelor scores.

 

The step-by-step guide for applying to MTech Applied Geophysics at IIT (IMS) Dhanbad is provided below, the college accepts candidates on the basis of the GATE and bachelor degree scores:

 

Step 1: The candidate is required to visit https://gate2025.iitr.ac.in/ to register and appear for the GATE exam.

 

Step 2: Once the GATE results are announced, the IIT (IMS) Dhanbad opens its admission portal, allowing interested individuals to apply for their MTech Applied Geophysics course.

 

Step 3: The candidate is required to register at the official IIT (IMS) Dhanbad website, iitism.ac.in as well. To complete the registration procedure, he/she must provide his/her official email address and mobile number, as well as complete the email verification.

 

Step 4: The candidate will then receive the login credentials on his/her email which they must use to login to the admission portal and access the application form.

 

Step 5: The candidate can begin filling out his/her application form by providing personal and academic history information, as well as the necessary documents and GATE scorecard. The candidate must recheck all the information provided by him/her to avoid any future problems.

 

Step 6: The candidate must then pay the non-refundable registration fee of approximately INR 600 to submit the application form to the university.

 

Step 7: After submitting the form, the candidate must register at the COAP Portal in order to participate in the university's counseling process. All counselling updates are sent to the candidate via his/her admission dashboard and email address, and he/she can register for the counselling accordingly.

 

Step 8: During the counselling procedure, the candidate is required to provide his/her name, GATE scorecard, and GATE rank, as well as his/her intended course. The candidate can select more than one course to apply for and fill out up to ten preferences of colleges listed in order of priority.

 

Step 9: The candidates are then allocated colleges and courses under the counselling process on the basis of their selected preferences, GATE ranks and bachelor degree scores.

 

Step 10: If allocated the MTech Applied Geophysics course at IIT (IMS) Dhanbad, the candidate is required to pay the 1st semester fee to receive a provisional admission letter.

 

Step 11: For the final admission letter, the candidates are required to visit the college for physical verification of documents as per the schedule provided to him/her through email.Once the documents are verified, the final admission confirmation is provided to the candidate.

 

Documents Required:

  • 10th marksheet and passing certificate issued by the board.
  • 12th marksheet and passing certificate issued by the board.
  • School Leaving Certificate
  • Bachelor’s Marksheet
  • Bachelor’s Passing Certificate
  • Provisional Certificate
  • Coloured Passport Size Photographs
  • GATE Admit Card
  • GATE Scorecard
  • Caste Certificate (If applicable)
  • Identity Proof issued by the government (Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Passport, etc.)

 

MTech Applied Geophysics Syllabus

In India, the MTech Applied Geophysics syllabus is designed to incorporate core applied geophysics disciplines as well as elective areas to ensure that the learners are able to develop a thorough analytical, research aptitude, and data analysis skills.

 

Kurukshetra University provides this 2-year program, with the eligibility criteria being entrance-based. The MTech Applied Geophysics syllabus at this university is divided into 6 semesters in the following manner:

Semester I

Semester II

Mathematical Methods in Geophysics

Remote Sensing and GIS

Solid Earth Geophysics

Advanced Computing

Numerical Methods and Computer Programming

Geophysical Signal Processing

Basic Geology

Geophysical Fields and Waves

Geology Lab

Geophysical Lab I

Computer Lab

Geophysical Lab II

-

Geological Field Training

-

Dynamics of the Earth

-

Open Elective Paper

Semester III

Semester IV

Seismology

Petrophysics and Well Logging

Gravity and Magnetic Prospecting

Physical Oceanography and Marine Geophysics

Groundwater Geophysics

Seismic Prospecting

Electrical Prospecting

Geophysical Inversion

Geophysical Lab III

Geophysical Lab V

Geophysical Lab IV

Geophysical Lab VI

Earthquake Hazard and Mitigation

Geophysical Field Training - I

Open Elective Paper

-

Semester V

Semester VI

Near Surface Geophysics

Dissertation

Electromagnetic and Magnetotelluric Methods

Comprehensive Viva-Voce

Geophysical Lab VII

Seminar

Geophysical Lab VIII

Geophysical Field Training - II

Elective I

-

Elective II

-

 

MTech Applied Geophysics Job Opportunities in India

As a master's level engineering degree focusing on the applied geophysics element of science and engineering, a major portion of the MTech Applied geophysics jobs are found in the underground exploration and geothermal energy sectors. The table below represents the leading jobs for this degree graduates, along with the top recruiters for each:

Job Profile

Experience (In years)

Top Recruiters

Average Salary (INR)

Junior Geophysicist

0-2

ONGC, Oil India, SLB

6-12 LPA

Seismic Data Processor

0-2

SLB, Cairn Energy, Alphageo

5-10 LPA

Field Geophysicist

0-2

OIL India, ONGC (wells), EPC contractors

5-9 LPA

Senior Seismic Interpreter

3-7

SLB, AspenTech, Alphageo

10-15 LPA

Hydrogeophysics Consultant

3-7

CGWB, GSI, ISRO

10-14 LPA

Geotechnical Specialist

3-7

L&T, Jacobs, WAPCOS

10-15 LPA

Data Analytics (Geo-tech)

8+

AspenTech, Alphageo, SLB

20-38 LPA

Technical Director

8+

SLB, Cairn, Oil India, International EPCs

25-35 LPA

E&P Manager

8+

ONGC, Oil India, Cairn Energy

22-32 LPA

 

MTech Applied Geophysics FAQs

Is it possible to pursue MTech Applied Geophysics without having studied mathematics in bachelor's?

No, you cannot pursue an MTech Applied Geophysics degree if you have not studied mathematics in your undergraduate studies. MTech Applied Geophysics is a highly analytical degree that heavily relies on physical and mathematical disciplines to ensure large-scale data collection, analysis, and even the mathematical principles that are used to explore and develop geophysical models. All of these are extremely important components of this engineering degree.

What are core subjects taught under the MTech Applied Geophysics syllabus?

Some of the core theoretical MTech Applied Geophysics subjects include Solid Earth Geophysics, Mathematical Methods in Geophysics, Solid Earth Geophysics, Remote Sensing and GIS, Geophysical Fields and Waves, Seismology, Gravity and Magnetic Prospecting, etc., whereas the course's core lab subjects include Geophysical Labs, Computer Lab, and Geological Field Training.

Are there any government jobs for MTech Applied Geophysics graduates in India?

Yes, MTech Applied Geophysics graduates have multiple government career opportunities open to them at prestigious organisations such as DRDO, ISRO, and even the Ministry of Earth Sciences. ISRO, like DRDO, offers a variety of research projects and geophysical job opportunities throughout its many departments. Aside from that, other government organizations hire these degree graduates for exploratory projects in the mining and allied sectors.

What does a geophysicist do?

A geophysicist's primary responsibilities include analyzing and mining large-scale geophysical data to recreate geophysical models, conducting technical surveys to collect data about the earth's interior and exterior activities, analyzing records to assess the earth's environment, and providing solutions to scientific interior and exterior environmental issues.

What are the leading MTech Applied Geophysics job opportunities abroad?

MTech Applied Geophysics job opportunities abroad are truly vast and even better than that in India. Degree graduates can easily obtain high-paying jobs in the oil and gas business, mining sector, environmental consultancy, and research institutes as Junior Geophysicists, Seismic Data Processors, Field Geophysicists, Hydrogeophysics Consultants, Research Associates, and so on.

What is the difference between applied geology and applied geophysics?

Applied geology is a field of science and engineering that focuses on using existing resources on the earth's surface, such as rocks and minerals, to conduct analyses and research studies to provide answers to environmental issues, whereas applied geophysics is more concerned with using physics and mathematical concepts to explore and find resources from beneath the earth's surface to analyze for further study and answers.

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