UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Preliminary Admit Card 2026 (OUT) – Download Now

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the e-Admit Card for the Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination 2026. This prestigious national-level recruitment drive aims to fill various Group A and Group B posts in prestigious organizations such as the Geological Survey of India (GSI) under the Ministry of Mines and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The admit card became available for download starting 30 January 2026, and the Preliminary exam is set to take place on 08 February 2026 in offline (pen-and-paper) mode across multiple examination centers in India.

Candidates who successfully submitted their applications between 03 September 2025 and 23 September 2025 can now access their hall tickets from the official UPSC portals. The e-Admit Card is an essential document that must be carried to the exam venue along with a valid government-issued photo ID proof (such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport, etc.). Entry will be strictly denied without these documents.

UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Preliminary Admit Card 2026 Overview

Important Note: The e-Admit Card is mandatory to carry on the exam day along with a valid photo ID proof. Without it, candidates will not be allowed to appear for the examination.

Detailed Vacancy Breakdown (As per Official Notification)

The total of 85 vacancies are distributed across various scientific and technical posts in two main categories:

Category-1: Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines

• Geologist, Group ‘A’ – 39 Posts
• Geophysicist, Group ‘A’ – 02 Posts
• Chemist, Group ‘A’ – 15 Posts

Category-2: Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Ministry of Jal Shakti

• Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology), Group ‘A’ – 05 Posts
• Scientist ‘B’ (Chemical), Group ‘A’ – 02 Posts
• Scientist ‘B’ (Geophysics), Group ‘A’ – 01 Post
• Assistant Hydrogeologist, Group ‘B’ – 18 Posts
• Assistant Chemist, Group ‘B’ – 02 Posts
• Assistant Geophysicist, Group ‘B’ – 01 Post

These posts offer excellent career opportunities in geological exploration, groundwater management, mineral resource assessment, geophysical surveys, and related scientific research. Reservations apply as per Government of India norms (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD categories).

UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Preliminary Admit Card 2026 Important Dates & Timeline Summary

• Notification Publication: 03 September 2025
• Online Application Window: 03 September 2025 to 23 September 2025
• Last Date for Fee Payment: As per application portal (usually same as closing date)
• e-Admit Card for Prelims: Released on 30 January 2026
• Preliminary Examination: 08 February 2026
  • Paper-I (General Studies): 09:30 AM – 11:30 AM
  • Paper-II (Subject-specific): 02:00 PM – 04:00 PM (duration may vary slightly as per subject)
• Mains Examination (Tentative): 20 & 21 June 2026
• Personality Test/Interview: To be notified later after Mains results

The Preliminary exam serves as a screening stage. Only those who qualify in Prelims will be eligible for the Mains, which consists of descriptive papers in respective subjects (Geology/Hydrogeology, Geophysics, Chemistry). Final selection is based on combined performance in Mains and Interview.

How to Download Your UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Prelims Admit Card 2026

1. Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in or the dedicated e-Admit Card portal https://upsconline.nic.in.
2. Navigate to the “Examinations” or “Admit Card” section on the homepage.
3. Look for the link titled “e-Admit Card: Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2026”.
4. Click on the link and select the appropriate option (RID or Registration ID / Roll Number).
5. Enter your Registration ID / Roll Number, Date of Birth, and the captcha code displayed.
6. Submit the details – your e-Admit Card will be displayed on the screen in PDF format.
7. Download and save the file. Take multiple printouts (color preferred) for exam day use.
8. Verify all details printed on the admit card: Name, Photograph, Signature, Exam Center, Reporting Time, etc. In case of any discrepancy, contact UPSC helpline immediately.

Important Instructions for Exam Day

• Reach the exam center at least 30-45 minutes before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.
• Carry printed e-Admit Card + original photo ID proof (no photocopies allowed).
• Prohibited items: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators (unless specified), any electronic gadgets, study material, etc.
• Follow all COVID-19 or other health protocols if applicable at the time.
• The exam is conducted in English and Hindi mediums (as opted during application).
• No request for change in exam center will be entertained after admit card issuance.

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