The Union Public Service Commission has released the official cut-off marks for the Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist Examination 2018. Candidates who appeared for the exam, as well as those preparing for future UPSC Geo-Scientist exams, can now check and download the category-wise cut-off marks in PDF format from the official website. These cut-offs clearly show the minimum scores required to qualify at different stages of the selection process.
I am writing about this because cut-off marks are one of the most practical tools for serious aspirants. They help you understand where you stand and what level of performance UPSC expects. Many candidates prepare hard but still feel unsure about their chances because they do not benchmark their scores properly. Looking at the 2018 cut-off gives a realistic picture of competition, especially for disciplines like Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry and Hydrogeology. For first-time aspirants, this data is extremely useful to set targets. For repeat candidates, it helps in correcting mistakes and improving strategy rather than guessing blindly.
About the Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist Examination
The Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist Examination is conducted by UPSC to recruit officers for various Group A posts in government departments. These include roles like Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist and Junior Hydrogeologist in organisations such as the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board.
The selection process generally includes:
- Written examination
- Personality test or interview
- Final merit list based on combined performance
Cut-off marks are released separately for written exams and final selection.
Why 2018 Cut-off Marks Are Important
Even though the exam was held in 2018, the cut-off data is still very relevant today. UPSC follows a similar evaluation approach every year, and trends do not change drastically overnight.
By checking the 2018 cut-offs, aspirants can:
- Understand subject-wise competition
- Compare General, OBC, SC and ST cut-offs
- Judge how much margin is safe above the cut-off
- Plan answer-writing and revision strategy better
What the Cut-off PDF Includes
The official cut-off PDF usually mentions:
- Category-wise cut-off marks
- Discipline-wise scores
- Separate cut-offs for written exam and final stage
- Clear indication of qualifying standards
This makes it easier for candidates to analyse results without confusion.
How to Download Combined Geo-Scientist 2018 Cut-off PDF
Aspirants can easily download the official cut-off marks PDF by following these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website
- Go to the “Examination” section
- Click on “Cut-off Marks”
- Select “Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist Examination, 2018”
- Open the PDF link
- Download and save it for reference
Always rely on the UPSC website to avoid incorrect or unofficial data.


















