GATE Geology & Geophysics (GG) is the test paper that covers both the Geology and Geophysics branches. A strong score in GG helps in gaining admission to MTech/PhD programs, securing fellowships, or getting roles in research institutes, geological surveys, or resource companies.
Table of Contents
GATE Geology & Geophysics (GG) is the test paper that covers both the Geology and Geophysics branches. A strong score in GG helps in gaining admission to MTech/PhD programs, securing fellowships, or getting roles in research institutes, geological surveys, or resource companies. The GATE exam GG paper is divided into three sections:
• General Aptitude (GA) – common for all papers
• Part A (Common Section) – compulsory for all candidates in GG
• Part B, which is optional between Geology (Section-1 / B1) and Geophysics (Section-2 / B2)
GATE Geology Exam Pattern 2026
Here’s the exam structure for GATE GG (Geology & Geophysics) as of the latest updates:
|
Part / Section |
Number of Questions |
Marks per Question |
Total Marks |
Remarks |
|
General Aptitude (GA) |
10 (5 of 1-mark + 5 of 2-marks) |
1 or 2 |
15 |
Compulsory for all GATE papers |
|
Part A (Common Section) |
25 |
1 |
25 |
MCQ & NAT types |
|
Part B (Your choice) |
30 |
2 |
60 |
If you choose Geology (Section-1) or Geophysics (Section-2) |
|
Total |
65 questions |
— |
100 marks |
Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours) |
|
Negative Marking (for MCQ) |
— |
–⅓ for 1-mark MCQ, –⅔ for 2-mark MCQ |
— |
No negative marking in NAT questions |
GATE Geology Detailed Syllabus 2026: Topics & Subtopics
Below is a breakdown of the major topics and subtopics in the GATE GG syllabus. Use it as your roadmap.
Part A (Common Section)
|
Topic |
Key Subtopics |
|
Earth & Planetary System |
Terrestrial planets & moons; size, shape, internal structure; isostasy |
|
Seismology |
Body waves, surface waves; propagation in Earth interior; heat flow |
|
Gravitation & Geomagnetism |
Gravity field, paleomagnetism, Earth’s magnetic field |
|
Plate Tectonics & Global Geodynamics |
Continental drift; volcanism; mountain building; crust structure |
|
Weathering & Soil Formation |
Processes, classification, profiles |
|
Geomorphic Processes & Landforms |
Fluvial, glacial, eolian, coastal, tectonic landforms |
|
Basic Structural Geology |
Stress, strain, deformation; folds, faults, unconformities |
|
Crystallography & Mineralogy |
Crystal symmetry, twinning, classification, optical & physical properties |
|
Petrology |
Igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic rock types, genesis, texture & structure |
|
Geological Time & Stratigraphy |
Geochronology, absolute & relative dating, Indian stratigraphy |
|
Resources & Economic Geology |
Minerals, coal, and petroleum locations; resource distribution in India |
|
Engineering Geology & Geotechnics |
Properties of rocks & soils, slope stability, rock mechanics |
|
Hydrogeology |
Groundwater flow, wells, aquifers, recharge |
|
Remote Sensing & GIS |
Electromagnetic radiation, multispectral imaging, GIS basics |
Part B – Geology (Section-1 / B1)
|
Topic |
Key Subtopics |
|
Structural Geology & Tectonics |
Mechanics of deformation, folds, faults, stereographic projection, and map interpretation |
|
Geochemistry |
Cosmic abundance, element cycles, isotopic systems, water-rock interaction |
|
Sedimentology & Stratigraphy |
Sedimentary structures, facies, cyclicity, sequence stratigraphy |
|
Metamorphic Petrology |
Metamorphic facies, textures, bulk composition, P-T paths |
|
Paleontology & Paleobiology |
Fossils, paleoecology, biostratigraphy, mass extinctions |
|
Economic Geology |
Ore deposits, mineralization processes, nuclear/mineral resources |
|
Applied Geology / Engineering Geology |
Rock behavior, slope stability, subsidence, natural hazards |
Part B – Geophysics (Section-2 / B2) (Optional)
|
Topic |
Key Subtopics |
|
Solid-Earth Geophysics |
Earth’s interior, heat flow, geomagnetic field, density/velocity variations |
|
Potential & Time-varying Fields |
Laplace’s & Poisson’s equations, Maxwell’s equations, boundary value approaches |
|
Seismology & Elastic Waves |
Reflection/refraction, ray theory, tomography, source mechanisms |
|
Gravitation Methods |
Gravity measurement, anomaly analysis, Bouguer/Free-air separations |
|
Magnetic Methods |
Magnetic surveys, anomalies, reduction, interpretation |
|
Electrical & Electromagnetic Methods |
Resistivity, induced polarization, EM methods |
|
Well Logging & Remote Methods |
Borehole logging, radiometric & geophysical prospecting |
|
Geodesy & Positioning |
Geoid, ellipsoid, GPS, reference systems |
GATE Geology Topic-Wise Weightage & Strategy 2026
Here is a table summarizing approximate weightage and recommended strategy for the GG paper:
|
Topic Area |
Estimated Weightage |
Key Focus / Strategy |
|
Common Section (Part A) |
~25% |
Strong coverage ensures base score; many short questions here |
|
Structural & Tectonics |
~8-10% |
Practice map-based problems and stereonets |
|
Petrology & Mineralogy |
~7-9% |
Memorize mineral properties and classification; link textures-genesis |
|
Geochemistry |
~5-7% |
Focus on element cycles, isotopes, and water-rock interaction |
|
Sedimentology & Stratigraphy |
~6-8% |
Understand depositional environments + cyclicity |
|
Metamorphic Petrology |
~5-7% |
Learn facies, textures, P-T paths, and reaction equilibria |
|
Paleontology & Biostratigraphy |
~4-6% |
Know major fossil groups and their stratigraphic significance |
|
Economic / Resource Geology |
~6-8% |
Focus on deposit types, mineralization, and distribution in India |
|
Engineering & Hydrogeology |
~5-7% |
Practice engineering problems and groundwater modeling |
|
Remote Sensing & GIS |
~4-6% |
Work on interpretation + basics of spatial data |
|
Geophysics Section (for B2) |
~25-30% (if chosen) |
Emphasize methods and interpretation techniques |
The GATE Geology & Geophysics (GG) exam offers candidates a chance to specialize in Earth sciences, whether in Geology or Geophysics. With a syllabus split between a common core (Part A) and a chosen specialization (Part B), strategic preparation is important. Try focusing on the preparation plan by optimising the GATE Geology syllabus.
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