Description
Geology is the study of the earth and its processes. This discipline includes geophysics, atmospheric science, oceanography, hydrogeology (concerned with distribution and movement of groundwater in the earth’s crust), palaeontology (study of fossils, origin of life), physics of the earth, crystallography, geoexploration, geostatistics, geomaths, geochemistry, economic geology, environmental geology, remote sensing and GIS, among others.
Requirements
Take science (with maths) at the plus-two level. Go for a bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s degree. A doctorate is required for (university) research positions.
Job Prospects
Earth scientists work in the Geological Survey of India, Central Ground Water Board, Indian Bureau of Mines, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, government mining departments (directorates of mines and geology), mining companies, oil exploration companies such as ONGC, Schlumberger, Oil India, gas exploration companies like Reliance, Hindustan Zinc Ltd, Goa-based National Institute of Oceanography, Central Road Research Institute and other research organisations. Teaching and research in universities and colleges is an option for the academically inclined.
Pros & Cons
There are work and research opportunities abound both in India and abroad. There is good scope for new discoveries. One gets a chance to visit unusual places and stay in camps. Most jobs are available only after MSc programme.
