Doctor of Philosophy or PhD. (Geology) is a 3-5 years doctorate program that prepares students for various Geo science careers. Geology comprises the study of Mineralogy, Palaeontology, Structural Geology, and Geomorphology. The basic eligibility criteria for pursuing the course is a Master’s degree in the areas such as Geology/ Applied Geology/ Earth Science/ Marine Geology from any recognized university with 55% aggregate marks. Admission to the course is based on merit obtained by candidates at the master’s level. Some government institutes also conduct entrance exams for providing admission. Graduates of a Ph.D. in Geosciences program are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, and industry, as well as government agencies and non-profit organizations. Some possible career paths for geoscientists include working as professors, researchers, consultants, geologists, geophysicists, oceanographers, environmental scientists, and more.
Course Level | Doctorate Degree |
Duration | 3-5 years |
Examination Type | Semester system/ Year wise |
Eligibility | Master’s degree from a recognized university with at least 55% marks. |
Admission Process | Merit Based/ Entrance Test |
Top Recruiting Companies | Geological Survey of India, Central Ground Water Board, Oil and Natural Gas Commission, Hindustan Zinc Limited, Minerals and Metals Trading Corporation, Coal India, Mineral Exploration Ltd., Indian Bureau of Mines, Indian Space Research Organization, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited. |
Top Recruiting Areas | Research & Educational Institutes, Mining, Oil and Gas, Minerals and Water Resources, Mineralogy, Volcanology, Hydrology or Oceanography. |
Most Ph.D. programs in Geosciences require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), although some programs may also require subject-specific tests such as the GRE Subject Test in Geology or Physics. Additionally, international students may need to demonstrate proficiency in English by taking the TOEFL or IELTS exams.
Postgraduate degree in a relevant area such as Geology/ Applied Geology/ Earth Science/ Marine Geology from any recognized university. |
Minimum 55% marks for the general category in master’s degree |
Minimum 50% marks for SC/ ST/ OBC category candidates |
Ph.D. programs in Geosciences typically take four to six years to complete, although the actual duration may vary depending on the student's research project and progress.
Admission decisions for Ph.D. programs in Geo sciences are based on a variety of factors, including academic record, research experience, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and research proposal. Additionally, some programs may consider factors such as diversity and outreach activities when making admission decisions.
To apply for a Ph.D. program in Geo sciences, applicants should first research programs of interest and review their specific application requirements and deadlines. |
Most programs require an online application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and a personal statement or research proposal. |
International students may also need to provide proof of English language proficiency. |
After submitting an application, applicants may be invited for an interview or asked to provide additional materials. |
To apply for a PhD. in Geo sciences program, interested students can typically apply online through the college or university's admissions website. The application process will involve submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, a personal statement, and a research proposal. International students may need to provide proof of English proficiency as well.
The application fee for PhD. programs in Geo sciences varies depending on the institution, but typically ranges from Updated Soon.
Semester I
| Semester II
|
Semester III
| Semester IV
|
Semester V
| Semester VI
|
Job Position | Job Description |
Petroleum Geologists | The duty of Petroleum Geologists is to discover the location and amount of useful fuel such as Oil and Natural Gas in sediments or reservoirs |
Environmental Geologists | They study the Physical characteristics and composition of the earth and its natural resources |
Earth Science Teacher | Earth Science Teacher teaches the course in Physical Sciences except Physics and Chemistry |
Hydro geologists | They help in the study the location, movement, and quality of water formations below the surface of earth |
Geo science careers can be highly rewarding, as they often involve working to address important environmental and societal issues. Some possible career paths for graduates of Ph.D. programs in Geo sciences include working as professors, researchers, consultants, geologists, geophysicists, oceanographers, environmental scientists, and more.
There are many excellent colleges and universities that offer PhD programs in Geo sciences. Some of the top-ranked programs according to U.S. News & World Report's 2022 rankings include
However, the best program for each student will depend on their specific research interests and career goals.
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.