BSc Geology Course- Admission, Eligibility, Syllabus, College, Subjects, Exams, Scope, Jobs & Salary

Updated November 28, 2022

BSc Geology or Bachelor of Science in Geology is an undergraduate course in natural science that spans three years and spreads over six semesters of study. The program comprises subjects related to solid surfaces such as solid earth, the rocks it is composed of, minerals, and other natural solid substances, including studying their compositions, properties, structures, history, and other related aspects. Geology can also involve looking at the stable features of any astronomical object like a terrestrial planet, natural satellite, meteor, etc.

Candidates aspiring to pursue the course must meet the minimum eligibility criteria, which include passing 12th or equivalent degree in the science stream with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology with English as a compulsory language from any recognized educational board. They must have scored at least 55% marks in their 12th board (HSC). Admission offered to BSc Geology is generally based on the merit of candidates in their HSC. However, some institutes may provide entranced-based access.

Almost every reputed institution in India offers BSc Geology courses. Some top institutes/universities that provide this UG course includes Hansraj College (Delhi), Maharshi Dayanand University (Rohtak), Indian Institute of Technology (Bombay), Fergusson College (Pune), Ram Lal Anand College (Delhi), M G Science Institute (Ahmedabad), Presidency College (Chennai), Dibrugarh University (Assam), etc. The average tuition fee for this course in India ranges from INR 20K to 50K per year, depending on the selection of institutes.

Important BSc Geology Course Details

Mentioned in the table below are some key highlights of the BSc Geology program. So, check out the below to get an overview of the course.

Course NameBSc Geology
Course LevelUndergraduate
Full-FormBachelor of Science in Geology
Course DurationThree-year
Examination TypeSemester-wise
Minimum Eligibility12th in PCM/PCB and English with a minimum aggregate of 55% marks from a recognized educational Board
Admission ProcessMerit-based/Entranced-based
Average Course FeesINR 50K to 50K Per Year
Average initial Salary      INR 2 to 6 Lakh Per Year
Top Recruiting CompaniesONGC, Geological Survey of India (GSI), GAIL, Coal India, ISRO, Hindustan Zinc Ltd, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, etc.
Top Job PositionsGeologist, Seismologist, Hydrogeologist, Petroleum Geologist, Paleontologist, Mines Supervisor, Geology Teacher, etc.

B.Sc. in Geology Admission Process

Admission to BSc Geology is generally based on the Merit of the candidates in their 12th board (HSC). However, some colleges/institutes also provide entranced-based access to the program. The program’s different admission processes are discussed below for the aspirants’ reference.

Merit-Based Admission

  • Once the application window is opened, candidates must apply for this course after the 12th through the official website or admission office of the respective college.
  • After the application window is closed, colleges release the Merit list of candidates who meet the required criteria for the course.
  • The cutoffs of the reputed colleges generally range between 75- 85 percent, and it can even go above 90 percent in colleges like presidency college.

Entranced-Based Admission

  • Some colleges, like BHU, Jain University, etc., conduct their own entrances to admit students into BSc Geology. So, candidates must apply and appear for the entrance test if they decide to attend such sort of institutes/colleges that follow an entranced-based admission procedure for the program.
  • After the entrance, colleges release the result, and candidates who clear the entrance examination are allocated admission seats.

BSc in Geology Eligibility Criteria

Candidates aspiring to pursue the BSc Geology program must comply with the eligibility criteria prescribed by the college. Discussed below are the essential eligibility criteria for the BSc Geology course.

  • Candidates must have completed their HSC (10+2) in the science stream with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics, and English as compulsory subjects from any recognized educational board.
  • They should have also scored the minimum aggregate of 55% marks in their 12th board. However, a relaxation of 5% marks may also be given to candidates of reserved categories, depending on the institute’s norms.

Popular B.Sc. Geology Entrance Exams

Various national, state, and university-level entrances are conducted to offer admission to the BSc Geology course. While some colleges/universities considered the score of national or state-level entrances, some conduct their own to provide access to BSc Geology programs. Some of the most popular entrance tests for admission to the course are given below:

  • JET (Joint Entrance Examination)              
  • SUAT (Sharda University Admission Test)              
  • CUET (Common University Entrance Test)
  • NPAT (National Test for Programs After Twelfth)
  • BHU-UET (Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test)          

Top BSc Geology Colleges in India

Candidates aspiring to pursue a BSc in Geology must aim to attend the top colleges. Below are some top colleges and universities offering BSc Geology courses across India.

  • Hansraj College, Delhi    
  • Fergusson College, Pune
  • Parul University, Vadodara          
  • Presidency College, Chennai       
  • Dibrugarh University, Assam
  • Ram Lal Anand College, Delhi     
  • Presidency University, Kolkata                  
  • M G Science Institute, Ahmedabad
  • Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
  • Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak
  • Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
  • Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur

Bachelor of Science in Geology Syllabus

B.Sc. Geology is a three-year-long course that spreads over six semesters. The course has both core and elective subjects. The semester-wise breakup of the BSc Geology syllabus as given by UGC (University Grants Commission of India) is discussed below in the table.

Particulars of BSc Geology Syllabus

SemestersSubjects/Topics/Practical Learnings
Semester IGE-I
Mineral Science
Earth System Science
Communicative English
Semester IIGE-II
Structural Geology
Environmental Science
Elements of Geochemistry
Semester IIIGE-III
Field Work-I
Paleontology
Igneous Petrology
Sedimentary Petrology
Semester IVGE-IV
Field Work-II
Hydrogeology
Metamorphic Petrology
Stratigraphic Principles and Indian Stratigraphy
Semester VElective I
Elective II
Geomorphology
Economic Geology
Semester IVElective III
Elective IV
Engineering Geology
Remote Sensing and GIS

Important Books for BSc Geology Course

Tabulated are some important BSc Geology books that aid students in getting a deeper understanding of the subjects.

Book NameAuthor
GeochemistryMason and Moore
Exploring GeologyReynolds
Igneous PetrologyJ.D. Winter
Structural GeologySK Ghosh
Elements of GeologyS.M. Mathur
Sedimentary PetrologyS.M. Sengupta
Essentials of GeologyFredrick K. Lutgens
Geology of PetroleumArville Irving Levorsen
Foundations of Earth ScienceFredrick K. Lutgens

After Completing BSc Geology Scope

Graduating with a B.Sc. in Geology opens up many opportunities and career options for candidates in various public and private sectors. They can work in capacities such as Geologist, Seismologist, Hydrogeologist, Petroleum Geologist, Paleontologist, Mines Supervisor, Geology Teacher, etc., and expect quite a decent pay package which goes higher with higher experience.

Besides pursuing professional options, students can opt for higher studies in the related field. Top higher study options after BSc in Geology include M.Sc. in Geology or other related disciplines, which brings higher opportunities for the graduates regarding higher job positions and salary packages. And once the candidates complete their master’s degree in geology, they can go for some research-oriented courses like MPhil Geology or Ph.D. Geology.  

BSc Geology Jobs and Career Options

After completing a B.Sc. in Geology, graduates can look for job options or opt for higher studies. There are multiple job options for students in government and private sectors, such as the oil industry, research area, mineral industry, mining industries, etc. Below are some top jobs in India that candidates can aspire to after completing a BSc in Geology.

  • Geologist
  • Paleontologist
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Mines Supervisor             
  • Marine Geologist                           
  • Petroleum Geologist      

Graduate of BSc Geology Salary in India

The average initial salary offered to the B.Sc. Geology Graduates in India stand around INR 2 to 6 Lakh Per Annum, depending on their job profiles, job locations, recruiters, etc. However, obtaining higher education or work experience brings them higher salary packages. Below are some top jobs in India after BSc Geology with average salary trends.

  • Geologist:- INR 5 Lakh Per Annum
  • Hydrogeologist:- INR 6 Lakh Per Annum
  • Paleontologist:- INR 5.5 Lakh Per Annum
  • Marine Geologist:- INR 7 Lakh Per Annum
  • Mines Supervisor:- INR 2.5 Lakh Per Annum
  • Petroleum Geologist:- INR 8 Lakh Per Annum

FAQs on Bachelor of Science in Geology Course

Q. Is BSc geology a good course?

Ans:- Yes, BSc Geology is an excellent course to be pursued as it promises the graduates a wide range of career options, unlike other subjects.

Q. Can I get job after BSc geology?

Ans:- Yes, graduating with B.Sc. in Geology can get you geology in both private and government sectors. Geology has a broad scope in oil exploration, environmental protection, and resource management

Q. What is BSc geology course?

Ans:- B.Sc. Geology or Bachelor of Science in Geology is an undergraduate course in natural science that spans three years and spreads over six semesters of study. The program comprises subjects related to solid surfaces such as solid earth, the rocks it is composed of, minerals, and other natural solid substances.

Q. What is the salary of BSc geology?

Ans:- The average initial salary offered to the B.Sc. Geology Graduates in India stand around INR 2 to 6 Lakh Per Annum, depending on their job profiles, job locations, recruiters, etc. However, obtaining higher education or work experience brings them higher salary packages.

Q. Does geology have scope?

Ans:- Graduating with B.Sc. in Geology opens up a number of opportunities and career options for candidates in various public and private sectors. They can work in capacities such as Geologist, Seismologist, Hydrogeologist, Petroleum Geologist, Paleontologist, Mines Supervisor, Geology Teacher, etc., and expect quite a decent pay package which goes higher with higher experience.

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