The Geological Survey of India (GSI) was established in 1851 primarily with the objective of locating mineral resources including coal. In the 150 years since its inception, GSI has continued to grow and diversify into various geoscience activities, and has contributed immensely to Indian Geoscience. After independence, GSI’s activities in mineral exploration as well as baseline surveys have increased manifold in order to sustain the momentum of national economic development.

GSI’s activities may be grouped as ‘Geoscientific baseline data’ which includes geological surveys and mapping; ‘Mineral Resource Assessments’ which includes ferrous and nonferrous minerals, coal and lignite etc. ‘Special Studies’ which includes Natural hazards studies, Climatic studies, Geotechnical studies etc, and ‘Geoinformatics’ which include publication of Maps and Reports and generation of spatial information through GIS and related software for a variety of applications in developmental and regulatory situation as well in the commercial sphere.

Under the National Mineral Policy (NMP) 2008, Geological Survey of India remains the principal agency for geological mapping and regional mineral resources assessment of the country. The NMP seeks to ensure that GSI programmes are prioritized in line with the national policy goals and are chalked out after taking into account the exploration work undertaken by the private sector for which the existing arrangement of programme formulation through the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) would be revamped. 

NMP envisages strengthening the Geological Survey of India with manpower, equipment and upgraded skill sets.