GATE Geology and Geophysics 2027
IIT Madras (organising institute for GATE 2027) · Online (CBT) · Annual (February)
Key Dates
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GATE GG 2027 — Quick Answer
GATE Geology and Geophysics (GATE GG) 2027 is conducted by IIT Madras (organising institute for GATE 2027) in online (cbt) mode. The next GATE GG exam is scheduled for 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21 Feb 2027, with registration 2 Sep - 5 Oct 2026 (late fee until 12 Oct 2026). The paper has 65 questions for 100 marks in 180 minutes (Part A (Common): Earth & Planetary System, Part B Option 1: Geology, Part B Option 2: Geophysics, General Aptitude), with +1/-0.33 (1m); +2/-0.66 (2m); +1/+2/0 (nat). In 2026, the qualifying cutoff for the top category was 39.3. HenceProve offers free GATE GG mock tests, previous year papers, syllabus and cutoff analysis on this page.
Facts on this page last reviewed October 2026 against the sources cited below.
GATE GG Next Exam Date & Registration
| Next Exam Date | 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21 Feb 2027 |
| Registration Window | 2 Sep - 5 Oct 2026 (late fee until 12 Oct 2026) |
| Conducting Body | IIT Madras (organising institute for GATE 2027) |
Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Part A (Common): Earth & Planetary System | 16 | 25 |
| Part B Option 1: Geology | 16 | 25 |
| Part B Option 2: Geophysics | 16 | 25 |
| General Aptitude | 16 | 25 |
| Total | 65 | 100 |
Syllabus Highlights
2026 Cutoff Snapshot
| Category | Marks | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| General — Geology option (GG1) | 39.3 | — |
| General — Geophysics option (GG2) | 37.1 | — |
Table of Contents
About GATE Geology and Geophysics (GATE GG) 2027
The GATE Geology and Geophysics (GATE GG) is one of the most competitive entrance exams, conducted by the IIT Madras (organising institute for GATE 2027). Preparing for the GATE GG requires systematic practice, conceptual clarity, and regular self-evaluation. Our platform offers dynamic mock tests, previous years' resolved papers, and AI-enabled analysis to help you secure a top rank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the structure of GATE GG?
GATE GG has a compulsory Part A (about 25 marks) on Earth and planetary systems common to all candidates, then you choose Part B: Geology (B1, about 60 marks) or Geophysics (B2, about 60 marks) — selected at application time. General Aptitude adds 15 marks.
What is the GATE GG qualifying cutoff?
For 2026 the General cutoff was 39.3 (Geology option) and 37.1 (Geophysics option); in 2025 it was 38.4/40; in 2024, 42/49. GG cutoffs run higher than most engineering papers because the applicant pool is smaller and specialised.
Who recruits through GATE GG?
ONGC, Oil India, GSI (Geological Survey of India), Coal India subsidiaries, NMDC, HCL and Nuclear Power Corporation recruit geologists/geophysicists via GATE GG; ONGC's GT (Geosciences) stream is the largest recruiter.
Can physics or maths graduates take GATE GG?
Yes — the eligibility list includes MSc/BSc in physics, chemistry and mathematics for the Geophysics option in particular. Check the current brochure for your exact degree stream.
GATE GG vs CSIR-NET Earth Sciences — which is better?
GATE GG is the gateway to PSU jobs and IIT MTech/PhD admission; CSIR-NET Earth Sciences funds JRF research. Many geoscience aspirants write both — the core syllabus overlaps heavily, so GATE GG preparation covers most of NET.
How to Prepare for GATE GG
Part A decides your baseline — master planetary science, earth interior and plate tectonics cold
For Geology option: practise stratigraphic tables of India and structural-geology map problems weekly
For Geophysics option: potential-field theory (gravity/magnetic) and seismic refraction numericals are the core calculators
Solve 15 years of GATE GG papers — mineral identification and geophysical method comparisons repeat
Keep an atlas of Indian mineral belts and oil fields — applied questions often reference Indian provinces