GATE Geology and Geophysics Syllabus 2026: Complete GG Exam Pattern and Subject-wise Topics
The GATE Geology and Geophysics (GG) Syllabus 2026 plays a crucial role for candidates aiming to secure admission to top postgraduate programs or land prestigious PSU jobs. Conducted by IIT Guwahati, the GATE 2026 examination follows a structured and specialised format that allows candidates to choose between Geology and Geophysics while sharing a strong common foundation.
Understanding the syllabus in detail helps aspirants plan smartly, focus on high-weightage areas, and avoid unnecessary topics. This article explains the complete GATE GG Syllabus 2026, including exam pattern, marking scheme, Part A common syllabus, and Part B subject-wise topics.
Why GATE GG Syllabus 2026 Matters
The GATE GG paper opens doors to M.Tech, M.E, and Ph.D programs at IITs, IISc, and other top institutes. It also acts as a gateway to PSU recruitment in organizations such as ONGC, GAIL, and OIL India.
The syllabus defines what to study and, more importantly, what to skip. Candidates who align their preparation with the official GATE syllabus often score higher because they avoid guesswork and stay focused.
GATE Geology and Geophysics Exam Structure 2026
The GATE GG Syllabus 2026 is divided into three clear sections:
- General Aptitude (GA)
- Part A – Common Section (Earth Science Fundamentals)
- Part B – Selectable Section (Geology or Geophysics)
Part A remains compulsory for all candidates, while Part B allows specialisation based on academic background.
GATE GG Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2026
| Section | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 10 | 15 |
| Part A (Common Section) | 25 | 25 |
| Part B (Geology / Geophysics) | 30 | 60 |
| Total | 65 | 100 |
Negative Marking: One-third marks are deducted for incorrect 1-mark MCQs, while two-thirds marks are deducted for incorrect 2-mark MCQs.
No Negative Marking: MSQs and NAT questions carry no penalty.
GATE GG Part A Common Syllabus 2026
The Part A section tests fundamental understanding of Earth Sciences and applies to all candidates.
- Earth and Planetary System: Earth’s size, shape, internal structure, isostasy, and seismology including body and surface waves.
- Geomorphology: Weathering, soil formation, and landforms such as fluvial, aeolian, glacial, and volcanic.
- Structural Geology: Stress, strain, folds, faults, and brittle and ductile deformation.
- Mineralogy & Crystallography: Silicate structures and common rock-forming minerals.
- Petrology: Basics of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
- Stratigraphy & Geochronology: Geological time scale and stratigraphic divisions of India.
- Economic Geology: Mineral, coal, and petroleum resources of India.
- Applied Geology: Remote sensing basics, hydrogeology, and engineering properties of rocks.
GATE GG Part B (Geology) Syllabus 2026
Candidates opting for Geology must prepare advanced topics related to mapping, petrology, geochemistry, and paleontology.
Geomorphology and Remote Sensing
- Geomorphic processes and tectonic geomorphology
- Evolution of landforms
- Digital image processing and multispectral remote sensing
Petrology and Geochemistry
- Igneous petrology: magmatic differentiation and phase diagrams
- Sedimentary petrology: textures, facies, and basin analysis
- Metamorphic petrology: facies, grade, and thermobarometry
- Geochemistry: cosmic abundance, meteorites, isotope studies
Paleobiology and Stratigraphy
- Invertebrate morphology and microfossils
- Vertebrate paleontology including Equus and human evolution
- Sequence stratigraphy and Indian stratigraphic divisions
GATE GG Part B (Geophysics) Syllabus 2026
The Geophysics section focuses on physical properties of the Earth and exploration techniques.
Solid Earth Geophysics and Geodesy
- Earth as a planet and gravity field concepts
- Clairaut’s theorem and paleomagnetism
- Seismology and Earth’s interior structure
Seismic and Magnetic Methods
- Reflection and refraction seismic surveys
- Elastic wave propagation and CDP surveys
- IGRF, magnetometers, and magnetic susceptibility
Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods
- D.C. resistivity and depth investigation
- Maxwell’s equations and EM exploration methods
Geophysical Signal Processing
- Sampling theorem and Nyquist frequency
- Fourier and Hilbert transforms
- Digital filters
Final Preparation Tip
Success in the GATE Geology and Geophysics Exam 2026 depends on syllabus clarity and disciplined preparation. Candidates should download the official syllabus PDF, align study plans with Part A and Part B requirements, and focus on conceptual understanding rather than memorisation.
With IIT Guwahati setting the paper, analytical thinking and application-based questions are expected. A syllabus-driven approach remains the smartest strategy.
DOWNLAOD THE SYLLABUS : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T9teuMHAvYJ8QwyIUbZI3h3xQyI9CNFf/view?usp=sharing
Author: Aswin Anil