Career in Geology

Introduction

Geology is the branch of science that deals with the study of earth, its environment, history, minerals etc. There are different branches of geology viz. structural geology, mineralogy, planetology, geomorphology, geological engineering, etc.

Scope

Geologists play an important role in exploring the mineral wealth and natural resources. Geologist assesses natural disasters, explores oil, natural gas and mineral resources. The construction of reservoirs, roads, bridges, underground tunnels, etc. is based on the report of the geologist about the composition of the locality. Geologists work for private industries, government, colleges and Universities. The career in Geology has become highly remunerative due to privatization, globalization and the increasing number of developmental projects.

Remuneration

Salaries in Government sector are decent. Public sector organizations viz. ONGC, HPCL, IOC etc. offer good perks as well as good working conditions to Geologists. Salaries in private sectors are extremely high. A fresh geologist can expect to start with anything between 25000/- to 35000/- per month this salary rises with experience and acquired skilled.

Eligibility

For admission to B.Sc 10+2 with Science at least 50% marks are required. For master degree, a bachelor degree with Geology is essential and for Ph.D. there is requirement of at least 55% marks in master degree. The rules for admission to bachelor, masters and doctorate degree vary from university to University/Institutes.

Employabilty Skills

  • Perceptive and probing mind.
  • Keen observation.
  • Analytical and logical thinking.
  • Physically fit and be healthy to work in any situation & locale.
  • Enjoy travelling.
  • Work independently.
  • Ability to work orderly, patiently and methodically.
  • Good documentation skill.
  • A passion for field work and laboratory work.
  • Compatibility with computers.
  • Problem solving, analysing and interpreting skills.
  • Ability to handle huge data.

Career test

If you record “Yes” for maximum questions then it indicates that you have potential for perusing career in the field of Geology.

  • Do I like to study rocks, hills, mountains, rivers and oceans?
  • Do I have perceptive and probing mind?
  • Do I have ability to handle enormous amount of data handling?
  • Do I like to travel frequently?
  • Am I ready to bear inconvenience if I am in remote areas?
  • Do I love systematic way of working?
  • Do I enjoy laboratory environment as well as field work?
  • Do I have ability to work independently?
  • Do I have analysing and interpreting skills?
  • Do I accept failure in experiment as a challenge?
  • Do I draw some positive conclusions and reasons out of it?
  • Do I read latest scientific news, books and research magazines?
  • Do I have a creative mind and deep thinking?
  • Do I study for 10-14 hours per day as normal routine?
  • Do I have keen observation?
  • Am I ready to learn and adopt new techniques?
  • Do I like to work as a team?
  • Do I like to apply theoretical knowledge in some practical applications?
  • Do I like to integrate different subjects and come to worthwhile conclusion?

Career opportunities

  • Government agencies: Geologists get employment in Central Government agencies viz. Central Ground Water Board, Geological Survey of India, Coal India, Oil & Natural Gas Corporation, Mineral Exploration Authority, Hindustan Zinc and many other organizations. This entry is through UPSC examination.
  • Defence and para-military forces: Geologists services related to the earth issues and resource management for defence and paramilitary.
  • Oil, gas and mineral exploration: Provides tremendous job opportunities in public and private sector to geologist. This is highly remunerative field.
  • Teaching: Colleges and Universities provide numerous job opportunities. PhD/NET University Grants Commission. 
  • Research: Petrology (study of rocks), Palaeontology, Geophysics, Mining, Environmental Education, etc. offers good job opportunities. Geologist can serve as scientist in research institutes in India and abroad.
  • Disaster managment: Predicting natural disasters and minizing the disastorous effects. 
  • Construction field: Building big structures the consultancy of geologies is essential. 

Job options

  • Senior Geologist
  • Junior Geologist
  • Manager (Geology)
  • Petrophysicist
  • Exploration Geologist
  • Survey manager
  • Petroleum Engineering business analyst
  • Technicians
  • Professors

Scientists Working condition: Field work is an integral part of the job so at least some period needs to be spent in field. Many a times the sites are in remote areas. Hard physical labour, long hours and limited companionship are all part of fieldwork. In the oil, mining and quarrying industries Geologists work in exploration, surveying and surface mapping. However, those are in higher positions usually works in regular hours.

Employers

  • Geological Survey of India.
  • Private companies.
  • Colleges and Uinversities.
  • Petroleum companies.
  • Non-Government Organizations.

Courses

Courses after 12th standard

  • B.Sc (Geology) Eligibility: 12 th std. Duration: 3 years Centres: Most of reputed colleges in India.

Courses after graduation

  • M.Sc. Applied (Geology)
  • Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
  • Indian Institute of Technology Rookee
  • Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra
  • University of Madras, Chennai
  • M.Sc. Geology
  • Centres: Most of the Universities in India.
  • M.Sc. Geology (Tech)
  • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai (Maharashtra)
  • Punjab University, Chandigarh , Chandigarh (Chandigarh)
  • PhD (Geology) Centres: Most reputed Universities of India.

Important Institutes

  • Geological Survey of India.
  • Indian Institute of Technologies

Examinations

Abroad opportunities