Demand for technical workers is therefore very dependent on mining developments taking place in the area. Employment in the mining industry is sensitive to business and world commodity price cycles, and therefore has periods of demand and downtime. Selected candidates are initially put on probation for a period of two years. Geological Survey of India puts freshly recruited candidates through training and an internal examination before posting them to any part of the country. They should be between 21 to 30 years in age.
Geologists work in the private sector as consultants or are involved in exploration and survey.
Several government organisations employ geologists where survey or exploration work has to be done. The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation holds a written examination annually in the areas of General Studies, English and Geology, which is followed by an interview. The selection is based on vacancies. Oil India Limited is involved in oil exploration. The Mineral Oil Exploration Corporation Limited interviews candidates placements.