Hey Promod,

Placements

The statistics of placement isn't fixed. It varies from year to year. Earlier when there was an oil and gas sector boom then many MNCs were recruiting from IITs. But nowadays MNC placement have decreased significantly in geology and geophysics department. There was also a surge in PSUs also recruiting from IITs. These days some PSUs like CIL and ONGC are coming for campus drive every year. But most of the PSUs are recruiting through GATE rank which is why the placement has decreased. Also, PSUs directly recruit candidates with the top rank in GATE. On an average you can say there is a placement can be said to be 50% in IITs but then again it would depend on the rank of the IIT that you are studying in. The placements in a top tier IIT would be different from that of a lower tier IIT. The rest get employed through GATE and Combined Geo scientist exam, which are common platform for all.

Other prospects

You have many opportunities after completing Msc in geology other than placements. Specially since its an IIT the job opportunities would be ample.

Geological Survey of India and the Central Ground Water Board select geologists through an examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)Geologists work in the private sector as consultants. They are involved in exploration and surveyGeologists are recruited with companies such as Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC), Hindustan Zinc Ltd, Coal India, Mineral Exploration Ltd. Oil and Natural Gas CommissionONGC holds annually a written examination in two parts. The papers are in General Studies, English and Geology. This is followed by an interview. The selection is based on vacancies.Oil India Limited is involved in oil exploration.

The Mineral Oil Exploration Corporation Limited interviews academically bright candidates for placement. Hindustan Zinc Ltd. (HZL) and Coal India Ltd. offer jobs after a written examination of two papers followed by interview.

The Atomic Mineral Division at Hyderabad functions under the ministry of Atomic Energy. The recruitment examination is exclusively in Geology and has an objective paper and a test of practical knowledge. Selected candidates have to take an interview.

The National Geophysical Research Institute at Hyderabad and the National Institute of Oceanography in Goa select geologists with specialization with a doctorate qualification. Similar openings are in Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology in DehradunIn Research geologists work as research associates with institutions like the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the department of Science and Technology. These institutions also recruit geologists as scientific officers. Doctorates are preferred for these posts. Many students take up research studies and are aided financially in this by the examination conducted by CSIR.

You could also prepare for GATE. It opens up many opportunities. Also, you can go abroad and do an MS or Phd. IITs are recognized in almost all foreign universities and you will stand a good chance of getting selected.