Explore MSc Geology through IIT JAM with details on expected cutoffs, seat intake, top IITs, and placement opportunities. Learn about JAM rank requirements, counselling process, average salary packages, and career scope after MSc Geology. This guide helps you understand admission trends and make informed choices for MSc Geology admission through IIT JAM.
For students seeking strong learning opportunities, exposure to research, and job possibilities in the geosciences, pursuing an MSc in Geology at IIT JAM is the recommended option. IIT JAM Geology (GG) scores are used to determine admission to MSc Geology programs at prestigious IITs, IISc, and NITs. Centralized counseling is then conducted. The postgraduate admission to top colleges like IISC, IITs, and other prestigious institutes will be done through the IIT JAM scorecard. The Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test, or IIT JAM 2026, is scheduled on 15th February 2026.
Pursuing a postgraduate degree from IIT colleges in India is itself an opportunity for students. There are 5-6 top IIT institutes that offer MSc in Geology programs. The admission is completely merit-based and is done through the IIT JAM score. The course-wise cutoff marks vary for admission into IIT colleges in India. With an MSc in Geology, students will get opportunities for research and a PhD through IITs. In this article, we have covered the detailed cutoff marks, total seats, and placement for the MSc Geology program across IIT colleges in India.
Overview of MSc Geology Through IIT JAM
MSc Geology through IIT JAM is a two-year postgraduate programme offered by top IITs, IISc Bengaluru, and select NITs in India. Admission is based on performance in the IIT JAM Geology (GG) paper, followed by centralized counselling through the JOAPS portal. You can check the table given below to understand the overview of MSc Geology Through IIT JAM.
| Particulars | Details |
| Course Name | MSc Geology / MSc Applied Geology / MSc Earth Sciences |
| Conducting Body | IIT Bombay |
| Course Duration | 2 Years (4 Semesters) |
| Admission Process | JAM Score - JOAPS Counselling - Institute Allotment |
| Offering Institutes | IITs, IISc Bengaluru, Select NITs |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Exam Date | Feb 15, 2026 |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Paper Pattern |
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Institutes Offering MSc Geology After IIT JAM 2026
You can check the key institutes in the table given below, out of the top IIT JAM participating colleges offering MSc Geology through IIT JAM 2026.
| Name of Institute | Courses offered | Total Seats |
| IIT Bombay | MSc Applied Geology | 38 |
| IIT Roorkee | MSc Applied Geology | 19 |
| IIT (ISM) Dhanbad | M.Sc.(Tech.) Applied Geology | 66 |
| IIT Bhubaneswar | Joint M.Sc.–Ph.D. in Geology / Atmosphere & Ocean Sci. | 37 (25 in Joint MSc-Ph.D. Geology + 12 in Joint MSc-Ph.D. Atmosphere & Ocean Sci.) |
| IIT Kharagpur | Joint MSc-PhD in Geophysics (GG) / Joint MSc-PhD in Geology | 53 (38 in Joint MSc-Ph.D. Geology + 15 in Joint MSc-Ph.D. Geophysics) |
Related MSc Geology Through IIT JAM Article Links
Why Choose MSc Geology via IIT JAM?
- Prestigious IIT brand and world-class faculty.
- Strong focus on fieldwork, lab work, and interdisciplinary research.
- Opportunities for PhD and research careers.
- Good placement in core sectors like ONGC and consulting firms.
IIT JAM Geology Qualifying Cutoff
The marks required to take admission in IIT colleges in India are called the IIT JAM qualifying marks. For admission into MSc Geology, students must secure the qualifying marks set by the conducting body. The total number of questions asked in the IIT JAM is 60, and the total marks are 120. Based on past trends, category-wise qualifying marks for MSc Geology vary between 21 and 35 marks. Thus, with minimum effort, students can ensure their place in the MSc Geology program at IIT institutes.
| Year | General (GEN) | OBC-NCL/EWS | SC/ST/PwD |
| 2025 | 21.06 | 18.95 | 10.53 |
| 2024 | 33.09 | 29.78 | 16.54 |
| 2023 | 31.04 | 28.58 | 22.45 |
| 2022 | 53.01 | 47.71 | - 25-26 |
- According to the data given in the above table, the IIT JAM cutoff for MSc Geology dropped significantly across all categories in 2025.
- For the general category, the MSc Geology cutoff was recorded at 33 out of a total of 120 marks.
- The maximum cutoff range for the MSc Geology program was recorded in the year 2022 across all categories, including General (53), OBC (48), and SC/ST (25).
Category-wise IIT JAM Cutoff for MSc Geology (Expected)
As the exam is yet to be conducted in February 2026, the IIT JAM cutoff will be released after the results are announced. You can check expecetd category-wise IIT JAM cutoff for MSc in the table given below.
| Category | Expected Opening Rank | Expecetd Closing Rank |
| General (GEN) | 1 | 19-41 |
| OBC-NCL | 16 | 84-170 |
| SC | 19 | 105230 |
| ST | 188 | 338-470 |
| EWS | 23 | 49-110 |
Admission Process for MSc Geology After IIT JAM
The coordinating body IIT manages a centralized counseling process for admission to the MSc Geology through IIT JAM. Candidates must take part in the online admission processes and pass the IIT JAM Geology (GG) paper.
- Appear for IIT JAM Geology Paper (GG)
- Check IIT JAM result and rank
- Register on JOAPS portal
- Fill programme preference
- Seat Allotment Rounds
- Accept and freeze seat
- Document verification
- Final admission at the institute
Fees and Scholarships for MSc Geology After IIT JAM 2026
The table given below will give you an overview of the college-wise approximate fee and scholarships for MSc geology after IIT JAM 2026.
| College | Approximate Tution Fees | Scholarships |
| IIT Bombay | INR 84,500 | SC/ST fee concession; institute & government scholarship schemes may apply |
| IIT Kharagpur | INR 82, 600 | SC/ST hostel & fee waivers for low-income; merit scholarships available per institute norms |
| IIT Roorkee | INR 57,200 | Category-based fee concessions and institute scholarships as per rules |
| IIT (ISM) Dhanbad | INR 1.42 Lac | Category-based fee structures; additional external scholarships possible |
| IIT Bhubneshwar | INR 80,280 | Scholarships/fee waivers for reserved categories; institute-level support |
Career Option After MSc Geology Through IIT JAM
With job roles like exploration geologist and petroleum geologist, there are a few more career options after IIT JAM that you can check in the table given below with career, job role, and average salary information.
| Career Path | Job Role | Skills Required | Average Starting Salary |
| Exploration & Mining | Exploration Geologist | Field mapping, GIS, mineral analysis | INR 4 - 8 LPA |
| Oil & Gas Sector | Petroleum Geologist | Basin analysis, seismic interpretation | INR 5 - 9 LPA |
| Environmental & Hydrogeology | Environmental Consultant / Hydrogeologist | Water resource management, pollution monitoring | INR 3.5 - 7 LPA |
| Research & Academia | Research Scholar / Lecturer | Research methodology, data interpretation, and teaching | INR 4 -8 LPA |
| Geotechnical & Civil | Geotechnical Engineer | Soil testing, site investigation, rock mechanics | INR 3 - 6 LPA |
MSc Geology Through IIT JAM Placement Record
IITs are known for their strong placement records and lavish campus life. The IIT placements for B.Tech and M.Tech courses are incomparable to those in India.
- IIT Bombay: The placement in IIT Bombay is nearly 70-80, depending on the course you have opted for. The salary package offered across different courses lies between INR 17 LPA and INR 18 LPA.
- IIT Kharagpur/IIT (ISM) Dhanbad: The important recruiting companies that participate in the IIT Kharagpur and IIT Dhanbad include ONGC, OIL India, Coal India, and the mining sectors. The average salary package lies between 10 and 15 LPA, depending on the course.
- IIT Roorkee: The placement rate at IIT Roorkee is around 70%. Every year, the average salary package offered to students is between INR 7 LPA and INR 10 LPA, depending on their performance and stream.
Conclusion
Numerous job options in exploration, mining, oil and gas, environmental consultancy, research, and government services are made possible by an MSc in geology through IIT JAM. Graduates can pursue fulfilling employment in the public and private sectors due to the increasing need for qualified geoscientists in infrastructure, resource management, and climate studies.
Gaining proficiency in data analysis, domain-specific knowledge, and good field abilities can greatly improve one's employment and pay prospects. The secret to long-term success following an MSc in Geology is selecting the appropriate specialization and obtaining real-world experience.
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Course Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters). -
Admission: IIT JAM score, JOAPS counselling. -
Exam Date: February 15, 2026. -
Offered by: IITs, IISc, & select NITs.
