UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination (CGSE) 2025 – Detailed Guide for Chemists
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination (CGSE) 2025. For candidates with a Chemistry background, this exam provides an excellent opportunity to work in reputed government organizations like the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). Here is a comprehensive analysis of the notification from a chemist’s perspective.
📌 Posts & Vacancies for Chemistry Stream
- Chemist, Group A (GSI, Ministry of Mines) – 02 posts
- Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical), Group A (CGWB, Ministry of Jal Shakti) – 01 post
- Assistant Chemist, Group B (CGWB) – 04 posts
👉 Total Chemistry-related vacancies = 07.
📌 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Chemist (GSI) / Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical, CGWB): M.Sc. in Chemistry / Applied Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry.
- Assistant Chemist (CGWB): M.Sc. or Integrated M.Sc. in Chemistry / Applied Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry / Physical Chemistry / Inorganic Chemistry / Organic Chemistry / Hydro-Chemistry / Industrial Chemistry.
Age Limit
- 21 to 32 years as of 1st January 2025 (Born between 02.01.1993 and 01.01.2004).
- Relaxations: SC/ST – 5 years, OBC – 3 years, PwBD – 10 years, Departmental (GSI/CGWB) – up to 7 years.
📌 Examination Pattern
The exam has three stages:
Stage I – Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
- Paper I: General Studies – 100 marks (2 hours)
- Paper II: Chemistry – 300 marks (2 hours)
➡️ Total = 400 marks
(Negative marking: 1/3rd deduction for wrong answers)
Stage II – Main Examination (Descriptive Type)
- Paper I: Chemistry – 200 marks (3 hours)
- Paper II: Chemistry – 200 marks (3 hours)
- Paper III: Chemistry – 200 marks (3 hours)
➡️ Total = 600 marks
Stage III – Personality Test / Interview
- 200 marks
👉 Final Merit = Prelims (400) + Mains (600) + Interview (200) = 1200 marks.
📌 Exam Dates
- Prelims: 9th February 2025
- Mains: 21st & 22nd June 2025
📌 Application Details
- Apply Online: upsconline.nic.in
- Last Date: 24th September 2024 (till 6 PM)
- Application Fee: ₹200 (Exempt for Female / SC / ST / PwBD candidates)
📌 Why Chemists Should Apply?
- Direct recruitment to prestigious Group A and Group B positions.
- Scope to work in areas like analytical chemistry, water chemistry, environmental chemistry, and geoscience-related chemical analysis.
- Career growth in scientific services under Central Government.
- Opportunities for field as well as laboratory-based research.
📌 Preparation Strategy for Chemists
- Prelims Focus: Strong command over core chemistry + General Studies (basic science, environment, current affairs).
- Mains Focus: In-depth knowledge of inorganic, organic, physical, and analytical chemistry. Writing skills are crucial for descriptive papers.
- Interview: Application-based understanding, especially in groundwater chemistry, environmental pollution, and analytical techniques.
📌 Final Thoughts
For chemists aspiring to build a career in government scientific services, CGSE 2025 is a golden opportunity. With limited seats (just 07 posts for chemistry), competition will be intense. Start preparation early, focus on both conceptual clarity and applied aspects of chemistry, and practice answer-writing for the mains.
🔗 Official Notification: Available at UPSC Website
✅ Stay consistent in your preparation.
✅ Cover the entire syllabus systematically.
✅ Revise and practice previous years’ papers.
This exam could be your gateway to a prestigious scientific career in India!