How To Prepare For UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist And Geology Exam 2018

General English

This paper carries 100 marks. It comprises essay-type questions and other questions to test comprehension skills. The essays have to be short and yet hold all the necessary details. So write down the key points and curate it succinctly.

As for the comprehension section, keep browsing the dictionary whenever you are free because your understanding of a word, used in a given context, will be tested. So build on your grammar and vocabulary.

Geology Paper I

Geology is the study of earth. Paper I will cover all basic concepts like the formation, evolution and history of earth including geomorphic concepts, natural phenomenons such as weathering and erosion, etc.

Since paper I will have the introductory syllabus, focus on topics such as techniques of paleontology, fossil studies, the features on earth and its components that will give you a better and deeper understanding and help you cover the sections of paleontology and geodynamics easily.

Geology Paper II

Minerals, magmas, metamorphism, sedimentary textures and the natural hazards caused by pollution are the key topics of focus for this paper. Since paper I gives an overall understanding of the features of the earth, paper II will drive you further into topics related to the composition and conservation of earth.

Geology Paper III

While the paper I and II focus on the fundamentals, composition and conservation, paper III will test your knowledge of the geography and distribution of various features and minerals.

Also, give importance to ores, metals and other precious elements on earth, its usages and locations. The 3-hour paper will comprise questions regarding the engineering technology of converting ores into metals and the properties of each of them along with the area of distribution.

Geophysics Paper I

Geophysics is basically the physics of the earth. Solar system, seismology, and arithmetic calculations in geophysics are the overall topics to be covered. Focus on various laws and theories such as Ampere's law and complex variables in potential theory. Also master vector algebra and analytical equations to ace the paper.

Geophysics Paper II

This paper covers more topics under physics than geology. Magnetic fields, laws, formulae and some parts of chemistry, such as nuclear particles and collisions, comprise this paper. Write down the name of the laws and try to recollect them during revisions so that you do not leave out on anything. Key words play an important role in the definition and laws here. So make a note of all of them while studying.

Geophysics Paper III

The final paper will cover the ocean and radar systems. If you understand the geography of the oceans such as sediments, minerals, locations, etc., you could easily score in various topics such as seafloor features and radioactive processes. Also, study signal processing topics, such as fourier transformation and satellite remote sensing, to be able to solve the problems and explain the theory behind each; they are important topics in this section.

Chemistry Paper I

Periodic table is the foremost topic to be covered in this paper as questions about all the elements, its presence and properties will be asked based on that. Once you have byhearted the table, try to recollect the atomic structure and reactions with other elements.

Some other theories such as Arrhenius concept, redox reactions, metal clusters and nucleus models also carry significant importance and weightage.

Chemistry Paper II

This paper is more theory-oriented and comparatively easier in terms of physical chemistry. So quickly go through the gas laws, electrochemistry and catalysis concepts. A good understanding about the basics in the mentioned topics will help you answer even tricky questions.

Chemistry Paper III

Paper III is based on inorganic and organic chemistry. Inorganic chemistry is more practical-oriented and is about the chemical reactions that include the inference of experiments, types of solutions and titrations. In case you would like to visually see them, you could look up videos on YouTube or other pictures available on the Internet for easy understanding. As for organic chemistry, study the bonding of chemicals and spectroscopy.

Hydrogeology

This paper is completely based on groundwater and its hydraulics. Water tables, water wells, purifying processes and conservation techniques are the key aspects that you must study overall to crack this paper. If you have time, then delve into additional topics such as groundwater quality data and aquifer parameters.

Click here to apply for the exams.

Important Instructions For The UPSC Geologist Examination 2018

• Submit your applications online before Apr 16, 2018. Avoid multiple registrations.
• Do not carry any gadgets inside the exam hall lest this action be mistaken for malpractice.
• In case of any doubts regarding the exam, use the helpline no. 011-23385271/011-23381125/01123098543.
• Use only international form of Indian numerals (1, 2, 3..) while answering the questions. Write clear and legible answers only in English.