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How to Become a Geologist?

Explore the secrets of Earth's history and explore the exciting career of geology. Learn how to become a geologist and what it takes to succeed in this field

Published By Team SetMyCareer
Last Updated: 15 August 2024
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In this Career Outline


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Introduction to Geologist

"A geologist reads the past, understands the present, and foresees the future, all within the rocks." — John McPhee

Geologists study Earth’s phenomena like seismic events, floods, and volcanic activities. They research natural resources, including metals, petroleum, and freshwater, and find ways to extract them. Geologists analyze the Earth's history to predict future events and design safe structures. Their work involves studying elemental composition, petrography, geographical imaging, and geological mapping. Geologists may also research geological structures, core samples, and soil properties to understand Earth’s past and present geophysical activities.


Steps to Become a Geologist:

Step-1

Start by nurturing an interest in natural sciences, particularly geology. Read books, watch documentaries, and explore outdoor activities like hiking and fossil hunting.

Step-2

Focus on subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Geography in high school. Strong foundational knowledge in these areas is essential.

Step-3

Enroll in a B.Sc. or B.A. in Geology or Earth Sciences. This degree will provide you with fundamental knowledge about rocks, minerals, and the Earth's processes.

Step-4

A master's degree in geology or a related field, such as Environmental Geology, Hydrogeology, or Paleontology, can enhance your expertise and job prospects.

Step-5

Gain practical experience through internships and fieldwork. Hands-on experience is crucial for understanding geological processes and techniques.

Step-6

In India, exams like GATE (for M.Sc. programs) or university-specific entrance exams can help you secure admission to postgraduate courses.

Step-7

Consider certifications from recognized geological societies. In some countries, licensing is required to practice as a professional geologist.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria Description
Eligibility Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.)
Educational Background High school diploma or equivalent.
Undergraduate Degree One must earn a degree in B.Sc in Geology, B.Tech in Geological Engineering, or a related field. This is the basic qualification required to enter this field.
Postgraduate Degree An M.Tech in Geological Engineering or M.Sc in Geology can enhance career prospects and provide advanced learning opportunities.
Entrance Exams Should procure a valid score in entrance exams such as JEE-Advanced, GATE, IISER, JAM, BHU PET, CUCET, PU CET PG, etc. Different colleges may have their own entrance exams if you don't have a satisfactory score.

  • Minimum 50% aggregate in science subjects from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC).
  • Valid scores in Entrance exams after 12th like JEE-Advanced, GATE, IISER, JAM, or specific college exams.
  • B.Sc in Geology, B.Tech in Geological Engineering, or a related diploma.
  • M.Tech in Geological Engineering or M.Sc in Geology is advantageous.

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Not eligible to pursue this career?


Find out different career options based on your current academic accomplishments. Enquire with our career experts and build a roadmap to your career success!

Tasks to perform as a Geologist:

Create solutions for resource exploitation and recovery that are more ecologically acceptable.

Work with scientific or healthcare specialists to solve healthcare issues connected to geophysical
substances or phenomena.

Discover methods for capturing or using gasses that are emitted as wastes during the oil extraction operation.

Investigate geological and geotechnical methods for application in carbon separation initiatives.

Find and read academic publications, as well as ecological, cultural, and technological studies.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Geologists must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:

Knowledge Required
Study of minerals, their structure, and properties Study of rocks, their origin, and composition
Understanding of Earth's structural features Principles of physics applied to Earth sciences
Study of rock layers and layering processes Study of groundwater and its movement
Skills Required
Analytical Thinking Fieldwork Proficiency
Technical Writing GIS and Mapping Skills
Communication Problem-Solving

Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Geologist.

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The Knowlegde and Skills don't intrigue you?


The reason is that your interests don't align with this career. Identify your interests and match them with careers that require those skills. This alignment will help you grow and succeed in your career faster than you might expect!

Job roles offered for a Geologist:

Once you procure the required qualifications for becoming a Geologist, a myriad of options are open to you. There are multiple projects you can undertake throughout this line of work, and there are many other fields you can branch out to.

Meteorologist:

Meteorology is a sub-specialty of Environmental Research that focuses primarily on climate and methods of prediction. Meteorology covers both weather patterns and involves the material, biochemical and complex condition of the Earth's environment and the relationships with the Earth's system and the environment. The main priority of the meteorologist is to track and interpret the alterations.

Environmental Analyst:

Environmental analysis plays an important role in researching and analyzing human repercussions and potential impact on different facets of the earth, such as climate, water, soil, and nutrition, to protect and sustain their wellbeing. Most of these specialists dabble in diverse fields of specialization and work in areas such as biochemistry, geography, hydrogeology, and mineral science.

Hydrogeologists:

Hydrogeologists are specialists who engage in the investigation of groundwater reserves. These intelligent folk tracks and evaluate the flow, transmission, and condition of water underneath the earth's surface to preserve, preserve and control these extremely useful tools. Hydrogeologists devote a good portion of their time in the industry collecting information on all sorts of hydrogeological processes.

Soil Engineer:

Soil Engineering is a branch of geophysical engineering that is primarily concerned with the analysis of soil textures and dynamics. Soil engineering aims to understand the composition and soil characteristics of the suggested worksite, thereby helping to assess if the land of the project site or facility is worth taking advantage of.

Geochemist:

Geochemists are researchers who study, evaluate and examine dirt, surface material, rare earth elements, and other natural soil samples. They also track the structure of the Earth in terms of developing knowledge on the age, condition, and function of particular geological sites. Depending on the data they collect, they can generate papers using sophisticated software to create desktop versions.

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Not sure where you fit in?


With the wide variety of careers and job roles available, pinpointing the best option for you can be challenging. Thorough analysis and dedicated sessions can provide clarity on what to study, which industry and role to pursue, and the most suitable career path to follow.

Career Opportunities for a Geologist:

Geologists can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:

OM Solutions Larsen & Toubro Techbooks
Oil India Limited Statkraft Techpro Engineers
SK Cengrs Geotechnica WAPCOS Limited Official
LEA Consulting Ltd. Taurus Contractors Decon Jobs

Colleges offering courses for Geologist:

Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:

Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore DM College of Science, Manipur
National Institute of Technology, Raipur Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Fergusson College, Pune Hansraj College, University of Delhi
Andhra University, Visakhapatnam Amity University, Noida
Delhi University, Delhi Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara

End Note

A career as a geologist offers the chance to explore the Earth’s wonders while contributing to important industries and research. If you're ready to dig deep into the world of geology, SetMyCareer is here to guide you with Career counselling after graduation at every step of the way. Connect with our experts and let us help you achieve your career goals!