Precise analytical database generated through intensive laboratory studies is the backbone of all modern research. In recent years, research investigations in Earth Sciences are also becoming increasingly dependant on such rigorously generated database. Development and progress in the field of instrumentation techniques and its abundant potential in the application domain led to the generation of the desired database. To keep pace with this emerging global trend, research and development in the fields of Petrology, Analytical Chemistry, Geochronology and Isotope Geology, Palaeontology, SEM-EDX, Geophysics, Mineral Physics, Photogeology and Remote Sensing, Geodata, Geotechnical and Curatorial etc, continued to remain important activities of the Geological Survey of India. Research-oriented activities are taken up in the department to supplement various field investigations and other activity domains.

Concerted efforts have been initiated in the Geological Survey of India to upgrade and modernize the various laboratories with a view to provide international-standard laboratory back-up and support to various ongoing field investigations. A well-conceived modernization plan of various laboratories is gradually being implemented during the 10th Plan period. The effort has already resulted in the procurement / installation of several additional sophisticated state-of-the-art instrument set ups (e.g. EPMA, ICP-MS etc) and induction of new methodologies (e.g. Stable isotope, TL dating etc.) for various laboratory investigations of the Survey.

The laboratories of the Geological Survey of India in addition to developing and supporting in house research projects, provide services to other user agencies on a regular basis and are also engaged in collaborative research work.