Two students of the Department of Geology at Aligarh Muslim University have been selected for Group A posts in the Government of India after clearing the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2026. Zillur Rehman secured All India Rank 15 for the post of Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology), and Mohammad Usaymah secured All India Rank 19 for the post of Geologist.
The news was shared by the AMU Public Relations Office on 12 November 2026. Both students cleared every stage of the examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission: the preliminary exam, the main exam and the personality test.
Who got selected, and for which post
| Student | All India Rank | Post |
|---|---|---|
| Zillur Rehman | AIR 15 | Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology), Group A |
| Mohammad Usaymah | AIR 19 | Geologist, Group A |
Why this result matters for Aligs
The Combined Geo-Scientist Examination is a small, highly specialised UPSC exam. It recruits geologists, geophysicists, chemists and hydrogeologists for central government science services, and the number of seats each year is limited. Two Group A selections from a single department in one year is a strong result for AMU’s geology students.
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Prof. Rashid Umar, Chairperson of the Department of Geology, congratulated the two students. He said their success came from their hard work and dedication, and from the guidance of the department’s faculty members.
For students thinking about this exam
If you are an M.Sc. Geology or Applied Geology student at AMU, this result is a useful reminder that a government science career is a real option alongside industry jobs and research. The exam has three stages, so preparation usually starts well before the final year. Talk to your seniors and faculty in the department, who have now seen two candidates through every stage.
AMU geology students are also doing well in campus placements. Read about six AMU students who were placed at WSP India, TAB Group and a UNHCR project, and the earlier placement drive with MI Industries.
Official source: AMU Public Relations Office news release.
Frequently asked questions
Which AMU students cleared the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Exam 2026?
Zillur Rehman (AIR 15) and Mohammad Usaymah (AIR 19), both students of the Department of Geology, AMU.
Which posts did they get?
Zillur Rehman qualified for Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology), Group A, and Mohammad Usaymah was selected for the post of Geologist, Group A.
What are the stages of the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination?
There are three stages: a preliminary exam, a main exam and a personality test (interview). Both AMU students cleared all three.
Who heads the AMU Department of Geology?
Prof. Rashid Umar is the Chairperson of the Department of Geology, AMU.
