IIT Kharagpur
- Fees: ₹ 1027700
Applied Geology Course Details - Fees, Subjects, Syllabus, Duration, Eligibility, Career Scope
Degrees offered: M.Sc., Ph.D, B.Tech M.Tech, BS, M.E /M.Tech.
What is Applied Geology
Applied geology is a multi-disciplinary course in which principles of various fields related to geology are applied to the subjects such as economics, water science and technology, engineering, environmental science and so on. The applications of these theories are eventually aimed at improving human activities.
Energy resources are one of the biggest assets of a country. Not only are they important for the development of the country but they also make up an important sector of trade. Minerals and resources are generally found deposited under the surface of the earth. Proper extraction of these resources requires the expertise in applied geology. The mother subject, that is, geology covers the study of earth's solid surface. It deals with studying the earth's crust to estimate its past, present and probable future. Sub-branches of geology also deal with the study of celestial bodies that once impacted the earth’s surface. Geology is one of the most rapidly growing disciplines. The job sector for students with an M.Sc or M.Tech degree in applied geology looks very bright. Why M.Sc or M.Tech straight away? - Because applied geology can be studied only as a 2-year postgraduate course after the completion of a bachelor's degree in geology. However, applied geology can also be studied as a 5-year integrated course from some selected IITs. Read this article to know the applied geology courses in detail, the curricula, subjects taught, eligibility, the scope of the job, and so on.
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Applied Geology
To be eligible for pursuing M.Sc in applied geology, the candidates must successfully complete their bachelor's degree in geology with a minimum score of 50-60%. Candidates willing to pursue M.Tech in applied geology must complete B.Tech from a recognised university. They must maintain a minimum score of 50-60% throughout their bachelor’s programme to be eligible for applying. The eligibility criteria can vary from institute to institute and may also vary with the category of the students as per the reservation policies of the government.
Entrance Exams for Applied Geology PG Courses
The main entrance exams for M.Tech in applied geology courses are GATE and TANCET.
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) exam is an aptitude test for engineering students. The GATE exam allows admission into various master’s programmes including M.Tech and MBA. It takes place annually and is conducted in online mode.
TANCET is the Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test. It is organised majorly by Anna University. For admission in M.Sc applied geology, the colleges or universities arrange their own entrance examinations. The candidates must qualify these entrance tests with the requisite marks or percentile to secure a seat in the institute of their choice.
Scope of Applied Geology in India and Abroad
Applied geology is a very dynamic field of work. M.Sc and M.Tech applied geology students are trained to study the characteristics of the earth. Candidates with these qualifications gather adequate experience in conducting field investigations including the detailed studies of soil and rock types. We have not yet fully understood the insides of the earth that we live on. In India, there are places which have not yet been touched upon but are thought to have significant reserves of minerals and other resources. These resources if unearthed sustainably can contribute greatly towards the country’s economic development. This signifies that the scope of applied geology is quite huge in India.
In other countries across the globe, the need for fuel and minerals and other resources collected from underneath the earth’s crust is ever increasing as the population worldwide is booming. In first world countries like the USA, the UK, Canada and in Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, the need for qualified geologists is also increasing. These areas are full of potential resources that only geologists can identify and extract. At the same time, environmental protection is also a headache worldwide. Applied geology degree holders can take care of that too. Thus, the scope of applied geology abroad is also quite promising.
Course Fees Applied Geology
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| UG |
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Data not available
|
2.76 Lakhs
B.Tech M.Tech in Applied Geology at Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra
|
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Data not available
|
14.56 Lakhs
BS MS in Applied Geology at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
|
| PG |
1.10 Lakhs
M.Sc. in Applied Geology at Prananath College, Khordha
|
9.24 K
M.Sc. in Applied Geology at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur
|
3.64 Lakhs
M.Sc. in Applied Geology at School Of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun
|
2.53 Lakhs
M.E /M.Tech. in Applied Geology at National Institute of Technology Raipur
|
| DOCTORAL |
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Data not available
|
3.00 Lakhs
Ph.D in Applied Geology at Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Bellary
|
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Data not available
|
3.00 Lakhs
Ph.D in Applied Geology at Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Bellary
|
Course Subjects
As already stated applied geology is a multi-disciplinary subject. Most of the applied geology institutes teach the following subjects in the postgraduate courses offered by them:
Structural geology
Mineralogy
Palaeontology
Geochemistry and isotope geology
Hydrology
Igneous petrology
Mineralogical and geochemical techniques
Geodynamics
Sedimentology
Stratigraphy
Metamorphic processes and phase equilibria
Remote sensing and GIS
Environmental geology
Geotechnical engineering
Geomathematics
Geostatistics
Marine geosciences
Energy resources
Igneous petrogenesis and tectonics
Data analysis in geology
Some of the optional subjects are:
Earth system science
Ore geology and mineral deposits
palaeoclimatology
Exploration geophysics
Earth science colloquium
Mining and beneficiation
Sequence stratigraphy
The candidates must note that this list is just a suggestive one. There may be more or a variation of the subject depending on the course and institute chosen.
Careers in Applied Geology
The jobs that a candidate can secure after completing an applied geology course vary with the subject he/she has specialised in. The jobs may also vary with the degree earned. People with M.Sc and M.Tech degree land different jobs. Some of these job roles are as follows:
The available jobs after completion of M.Sc applied geology are:
Project Assistant
Assistant Geologist
Assistant Chemist
ONGC Chair Professor
The available jobs after M.Tech applied geology are:
Geographer
Oceanographers
Geologists
Meteorologists
Seismologist
Completions Technologist
Processing Geophysicist
Researchers
Upcoming trends
Rapid and dynamic growth and developments in the geology field has ushered new global trends. One of the biggest trends in the geology field is to use 3D imaging technology to map out regions on the surface of Earth. Currently, a number of geologists are working mapping out every corner of the earth with these technologies. Geologists are also shifting to develop reliable 4D models to help make more reliable predictions about the geological events.
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
The jobs available to those who have done MSc in Applied Geology are:
Geologists: The job responsibilities of a geologist include studying the characteristics of the earth including the structure and composition. Geologists are also required to carry out research and analysis. Examinations of the fossils are also carried about by geologists. After studying the above-mentioned topics geologists are additionally required to create a report and establish a hypothesis.
Processing geophysicist: Processing geophysicists are required to plan, analyse and process information collected through various geophysics related procedures. The data collected is correlated to the property and geology of the region. The procedures required for the collection of such data includes using physical measurement tools. Processing Geophysicists are also required to generate reports summarizing their findings of the study.
Meteorologists: A meteorologist's work deals with predicting the weather conditions and climate characteristics, forecasting geological events. These tasks are performed using computerized and mathematical tools which are then used to generate models of patterns of the climate of a region.
Seismologist: As the name suggests seismologists are needed for conducting studies on underground activities that take place under the earth's crust. The seismologists are required to study these activities and predict natural calamities like earthquakes. Seismologists are also responsible for conducting research on the formation of rock and studying the patterns of seismic movements.
Completion technologists: Completion technologists are responsible for monitoring the work of their subordinates, compiling presentations, suggesting measures as well as reporting about the requirements.
Researchers: Researchers are required to constantly plan projects. Their responsibility involves gathering adequate data from the study or project, evaluating as well as generating hypothesis based on their findings.
Professors and Academicians: Professors and academicians are responsible for conducting lectures and entrusting projects or assignments or case studies for students. The end goal of the chair professor is to improve the student's understanding of the subject.
The job profiles for candidates with M. Tech in applied geology are listed below:
1. Instrumentation engineer: The job of an instrumentation engineer entails designing, developing, installing, managing and maintaining equipment. These pieces of equipment are used for monitoring and controlling several engineering systems, machinery as well as other processes. The instrumentation engineers are also called Control and Instrumentation engineers.
2. Technical director: One of the senior-most technical authorities within a television studio / theatrical organisation and entertainment industry-oriented organisations is the Technical Directors (TD) or Technical Producers (TP). As a part of their job, they are required to ensure that all the technical equipment used in the organisation are safe, clean and ready to use. Some of these duties can be shared with the house manager.
3. Field test engineer: Field test Engineers are required to test the safety of a new product. When a new product is produced for the first time the field test engineers are required to make sure that it is properly tested before its official launch in the market. The job is of a complex nature and needs to be carried out with great efficiency.
Here are the major companies where the geologists and specialists in applied geology get employed in India:
1) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation
2) Indian Oil Corporation
3) Bharat Petroleum
4) Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
5) National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad
6) National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
7) INCOIS
8) CSIR & DRDO Laboratories
9) Agricultural sectors
10) Educational institutions such as various colleges and universities.
11) Geological Survey of India.
12) Central Ground Water Board
13) Coal India
14) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
15) Mineral Exploration Authority
16) Hindustan Zinc
17) Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
18) Minerals and Metals Trading Corporation (MMTC)
19) Mineral Exploration Ltd.
20) Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)
21) Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
Applied geology course has a wide range of applications and its demand in the industry is growing every day. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in academics and research as well.
Average Salary
The expected salary depends on the course taken up by the candidate and the job role that he/she secures. The expected salary for a freshly passed out postgraduate in applied geology (M.Tech) ranges from Rs.2 lakhs - Rs.20 lakhs per annum. The average salary for freshers with an M.Sc degree may range from Rs.2 lakhs - Rs.13 lakhs per annum.
Required Skillset for Applied Geology
The skills required for becoming a successful geologist are:
Communication Skill: Like in any profession, communication skill is important to facilitate an efficient flow of information in the team and the organisation. Communication skill is important for directing workers, exchanging information, discussing problems and building rapport.
Teamwork: A majority of projects in the field require teams to work together. This is why individuals must work towards developing team skills so that they can work effectively in a team. Having proper team skills help achieve a faster solution to problems, improve the work environment and improve synergy and so on.
Perceptual skills: Perceptual skills are very important for Geologists as they are required to pay attention to minor details. They have to note down the details of the readings and interpret the readings to reach an appropriate conclusion.
Problem-solving skills: Geologists have to solve a number of problems in their field. They must anticipate the consequences of an action. They should also identify the problems that can accompany the action in question. They have to formulate solutions to complex problems and finalize the course of action.
Analytical skills: One of the biggest assets of a candidate is his or her intrinsic analytical skills. This helps the candidate to understand complex problems, identify the root cause of the problem and estimate the severity of the problem and decide on the proper course of action.
Observation: Geologists must have a very sharp observation skill. They are required to observe minute changes in the earth's surface and analyse the characteristics of the region from it.
Course Curriculum for Applied Geology
The courses of applied geology are designed in such a way that the aspirants who qualify this course have adequate skills including evaluation, innovation, analysis and use of solving complex numerical and theoretical problems using techniques involving various IT and non-IT related methods.
As a part of the course curriculum, students acquire both vocational and research training. This is beneficial as it helps the students in seeking employment in industries and conducting research in various disciplines of applied geology.
Once a candidate qualifies post-graduation in applied geology, he/she can either go for higher education in course like PhD or M. Phil or opt for working in various organisations. This course offers a number of job opportunities in a number of high demand industries. The programme mainly helps to prepare the candidates with enough knowledge to apply it in practical situations and/or pursue higher education.
A standard M.Sc applied geology curriculum is as follows:
Semester 1
Geochemistry
Structural geology
Palaeontology
Mineralogy, crystal optics and x-ray crystallography
Geochemical thermodynamics
Lab practicals
Semester 2
Sedimentary petrology
Metamorphic petrology
Igneous petrology
Geomorphology, Remote sensing and GIS
Mining geology
Lab practical
Semester 3
Solid Earth and exploration geophysics
Engineering and groundwater Geology
Statistical methods in geology
Ore petrology
Semester 4
Stratigraphy and Indian geology
Economic geology
Geological and geochemical prospecting
Elective for project
Mineral fuel resource
The standard curriculum for an M.Tech applied geology course looks something like this:
Semester I
Soil engineering
Geotechnical behaviour of earth materials
Mining operations and methods
Structural geology for site engineering
Applied rock mechanics
Geotechnical behaviour of earth materials (practical)
Soil engineering (practical)
Structural geology for site engineering (practical)
Applied rock mechanics (practical)
Semester II
Geotechniques of dams, tunnels and underground space
Rock slope engineering
Environmental geo-technology
Geotechniques of dams, tunnels
Engineering geophysics
Underground space practical
Geohazard analysis
Composite viva-voce
Rock slope engineering practical
Contaminant hydrogeology
Engineering Geophysics Practical
Geostatistical methods
Remote sensing and GIS
Electives
Semester III
Composite viva-voce
Industrial training/minor project
Seminar/ viva-voce on Industrial training/minor project
Seminar and viva-voce on dissertation
Teaching assignment evaluation/lab development work
Interim dissertation (Lab Work/Field Work)
Semester IV
Dissertation
Seminar on dissertation
Viva-voce on dissertation
Evaluation of teaching assignment/ lab development work
The standard curriculum for a dual degree in applied geology is as follows:
Semester 1 and 2
Physics (theory and lab)
Chemistry (theory and lab)
Mathematics I and II
English for communication
Electrical technology
Extra academic activity-I
Extra academic activity-II
Programming and data structures
Introduction to manufacturing processes
Programming and data structures tutorial and laboratory
Engineering drawing and computer graphics
Mechanics
Electrical technology
Semester 3
Introduction to earth science (theory and lab)
Mineralogy
Physics of solid earth
Palaeontology (theory and lab)
Extra academic activity-II
Semester 4
Basic electronics (theory and lab)
Science of living system
Determinative mineralogy laboratory
Structural geology (theory and lab)
Environmental science
Thermodynamics of geological systems
Economics
Extra academic activity-IV
Fieldwork
Semester 5
Engineering geology (theory and lab)
Geochemistry (theory and lab)
Mineral resources (theory and lab)
Metamorphic petrology (theory and lab)
Semester 6
Igneous petrology (theory and lab)
Sedimentology (theory and lab)
Fieldwork (3 weeks)
Stratigraphy (theory and lab)
Semester 7
Ore geology (theory and lab)
Geophysical prospecting (theory and lab)
Advanced structural geology (theory and lab)
Semester 8
Groundwater geology (theory and lab)
Applied micropaleontology (theory and lab)
Sequence stratigraphy
Fieldwork (6 weeks)
Semester 9
Remote sensing
Modelling and simulation of geological processes
Summer training/ project/ internships
Semester 10
Project
Seminar
Comprehensive viva voce
Popular Applied Geology Entrance Exams in India
JEE Advanced
Application Process: 23 Apr, 2025 - 02 May, 2025
GATE
Exam Date: 01 Feb, 2025 - 02 Feb, 2025
CUET PG
Exam Date: 11 Mar, 2025 - 28 Mar, 2025 (Tentative)
JAM
Exam Date: 02 Feb, 2025
Popular Applied Geology Colleges in India VIEW ALL
Graphic Era University, Dehradun
- Fees: ₹ 241250
Madras University
- Fees: ₹ 98987
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Which colleges offer M.Tech degree in applied geology in India?
Answer :
The top institutes offering M. Tech in applied geology in India are:
Sagar University, Sagar
Question: Where is applied geology course offered in West Bengal?
Answer :
There are three institutes in West Bengal that offer courses in applied geology. These institutes are:
Question: Which are the colleges offering applied geology courses in India?
Answer :
A number of universities offer M.Sc applied geology course. These are:
Kurukshetra University, Haryana
North Maharashtra University
Question: What are the salary ranges for some of the job positions available after applied geology course completion?
Answer :
The annual salaries vary with the job positions one acquires. The following table gives a brief idea about the salaries offered with various job positions after one completes the applied geology course.
Job position | Average salary (per annum) |
Researcher | Rs.6 - Rs.7 lakhs |
Completions Technologists | Rs.12- Rs.13 lakhs |
Seismologists | Rs.7- Rs.8 lakhs |
ONGC Chair Professor | Rs.5 - Rs.6 lakhs |
Meteorologist | Rs.2 - Rs.5 lakhs |
Processing Geophysicist | Rs.5 - Rs.6 lakhs |
Geologist | Rs.5 - Rs.6 lakhs |
Assistant chemist | Rs.2 - Rs.3 lakhs |
Electronics and Communication consultant | Rs.3,12,408 lakhs |
Customer Support Engineer | Rs.2,00,000 lakhs |
Network planning Engineer | Rs.3,00,000 lakhs |
Senior sales manager | Rs.9,97,000 lakhs |
Field Test Engineer | Rs.3,68,000 lakhs |
Rs.2,50,000 lakhs | |
Instrumentation engineer | Rs.3,68,000 lakhs |
Question: What are the most rewarding areas of applied geology as a career?
Answer :
Though the applied geology course is full of scopes, some particular areas are more rewarding than others. A few such areas are meteorology, resource management, mining geology and natural disaster management. Surveys and explorations are also two such areas of applied geology. These can be conducted both indoors (in laboratories or offices) and outdoors.
