PhD in Geology Admission

Doctor of Philosophy or PhD (Geology) is a 3-5 years doctorate program that prepares students for various Geoscience 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 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 to provide admission.

The average tuition fee charged for the course in India ranges between INR 10,000 to 2 lacs. However, successful doctorates can expect anything between INR 2.5 lacs to 9.5 lacs as the average starting salary which increases with their experience and expertise.

PhD in Geology Course Highlights

The following table comprises some major highlights of the course:

Course Level

Doctorate

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

PhD in Geology What is it about?

Geology is the study of the Earth in which students study Earth materials, how materials are made of, and processes that affect them over time. Students who are engaged in the study of geology are known as Geologists.

After getting a doctorate degree from reputed institutes or universities students can work both in domestic as well as international areas.

Students enrolled in the course are taught to:

Work in deserts, ocean floors, mountains etc.

Identifying rock, minerals and fossils

Measure Earth’s gravity and magnetic field

Research for natural gas and minerals

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Geology

All interested students are required to fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria in order to apply for the course which is as below:

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

PhD in Geology Admission Process

Admission to the course is strictly done on the basis of marks obtained by candidates in a master’s degree. However, different universities or colleges have different admission rules.

Some of the universities conduct an entrance examination followed by a round of personal interviews for admission to the particular course on the basis of which students are shortlisted.

PhD in Geology Syllabus and Course Description

The following table shows the detailed syllabus of the program:

Review of Literature

Need and process of a systematic review of Literature to understand Regional and local geology, Geomorphology, Stratigraphy, Structural and Tectonic Setting, Mineral Deposit and Hydrogeology etc.

Geological Surveying

Nature and scope, Important Field Equipment, Toposheets, Geological Mapping Methods, Base Map, Collection of Geological and Structural Data

Remote Sensing

Application of Remote Sensing Techniques in Geological Studies

trampling

Purposes and Types of Samples, Techniques of Sampling, Sampling Patterns, Preparation of Samples for further studies

Microscopy

Preparation and Studies of Thin sections and Polished sections, Types of Microscopes and their Applications in Geology.

Geochemical Analysis

Geochemical Techniques and Instruments for Analyses of Rocks, Soils and Water Samples.

Geo-Scientific Writing

Pre-Writing Stage: Scientific Paper, Technical Report, Illustrations (Maps, Line Diagrams, Graphs, Photographs) Writing Stage: Qualities of Scientific Paper, Aids to Writing, Writing Practices. Post Writing Stage: Oral and Poster Presentation, Modes of Preparation and use of various kinds of Oral Aids, Poster Presentation

PhD Geology Career Prospects

Geologists can start working in industries related to Mining, Oil and Gas, Minerals and Water Resources. Students can also work in a college and university as a teacher. There are some other areas where students can work like Mineralogy, Volcanology, Hydrology or Oceanography

• Petroleum Geologists
• Environmental Geologists
• Earth Science Teacher
• Hydro geologists

Top Recruiting Areas

• Research & Educational Institutes 
• Mining 
• Oil and Gas 
• Minerals and Water Resources 
• Mineralogy 
• Volcanology 
• Hydrology or Oceanography