

Established in 1954, the Department of Geology, Utkal University, is one of the oldest and most distinguished centres for geoscience education and research in eastern India. Since the commencement of postgraduate teaching in 1956, the Department has nurtured generations of geoscientists, academicians, researchers, administrators, and industry professionals who have made significant contributions to Earth sciences in India and abroad.
The Department began its academic journey at the historic Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, before relocating to the Vani Vihar Campus, Bhubaneswar, in 1977. Its present academic building, inaugurated in 1983, was established with generous support from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC). The Department’s Museum and auditorium have subsequently been modernized through the valuable contributions of its Alumni Association and Tata Steel, enriching the academic and learning environment.
With a proud legacy spanning over seven decades, the Department has evolved into a vibrant centre of excellence in geosciences, integrating high-quality teaching, cutting-edge research, field-based learning, and societal engagement. Its academic and research activities encompass mineral and energy resources, groundwater and environmental studies, palaeontology, tectonics, geospatial technologies, climate change, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable Earth-system management. Through innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to scientific excellence, the Department continues to address emerging geoscientific challenges while contributing to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and national capacity building.
To emerge as a nationally recognized Centre of Excellence in Geoscience Education, Research, Innovation and Societal Outreach with focus on sustainable resource management, disaster resilience, environmental stewardship and cutting-edge geospatial technologies.
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| Sl.No. | Programme | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | M.Sc. | 28 |
| 2 | Ph.D. |
Physical Facilities
| Facility | Number(s) |
| State-of-the Art Museum | 01 |
| Rock Garden | 01 |
| ICT enabled Class Room | 01 |
| Projector | 02 |
| Library | 01 |
| Seminar Library | 01 |
| Internet/WIFI |
Major Instrumental facilities