Dhanbad: The Geological Museum of the Department of Applied Geology at IIT-ISM Dhanbad has achieved national recognition by being featured in the “Directory of Science Museums and Science Centres in India,” recently published by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM)—an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
This directory, a comprehensive compilation of science museums, centres, and planetariums across the country, highlights the museum’s pivotal role in earth science education and public engagement.
Founded in 1926, the Geological Museum is among the oldest and most prestigious of its kind in India. Housing over 1,200 exhibits, it showcases an extensive and diverse collection of rocks, minerals, fossils, crystal models, and interactive educational displays that vividly explain geological processes and the history of life on Earth.
A major draw for students, researchers, and the public alike, the museum features rare geological specimens from India and abroad, including ores, hydrocarbons, meteorites, and a fascinating array of gemstones in both raw and polished forms. Its fossil gallery spans multiple geological periods, offering a rich visual journey through Earth’s evolutionary timeline.
The inclusion of this legacy museum in the NCSM directory is a testament to its scientific value, educational outreach, and contribution to spreading geoscientific awareness.
As part of IIT-ISM Dhanbad’s commitment to promoting STEM learning, the museum regularly hosts academic tours, school visits, and curated exhibitions that ignite curiosity and inspire young minds.
This recognition reinforces the Geological Museum’s status as a national asset and underscores the critical role of geology in shaping India’s scientific and educational landscape.
